Charleston, South Carolina has a way of sweeping visitors off their feet. This charming coastal city has been voted the No. 1 destination in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure readers for 12 years running – and it’s easy to see why.
A stroll through Charleston reveals a living museum of historic architecture, cobblestone streets, and gas-lit alleyways blended with a vibrant modern culture. From its rich history and Southern hospitality to its award-winning food scene and scenic waterfront, Charleston offers an experience unlike any other city.
If you’re wondering why visit Charleston, read on for the top reasons this city earns its #1 spot – and how The Iris Hotel puts you at the center of it all.
Historic Charm and a Storied Past
History comes alive in Charleston. Founded in 1670, the city brims with well-preserved antebellum homes, centuries-old churches (earning it the nickname “The Holy City”), and landmarks from pivotal moments in American history. Walking the downtown historic district feels like stepping back in time – you’ll find pastel-colored townhouses with wrought-iron balconies and even visible hurricane bolts holding their old walls together.
Cobblestone streets and leafy courtyards invite you to slow down and soak up Charleston’s timeless Southern charm. Major Charleston tourism highlights revolve around this rich past, giving visitors countless ways to experience history first-hand.
In fact, Charleston itself is a living history lesson. Some must-visit historic attractions include:
Fort Sumter National Monument – The site where the Civil War began in 1861, reachable by a scenic ferry ride across the harbor. Standing on this island fort, you can almost feel the echoes of history.
The Battery & White Point Garden – A waterfront promenade lined with grand antebellum mansions and historic cannons. This park at the tip of the peninsula offers breezy harbor views and a glimpse into Charleston’s prosperous 19th-century era.
Old Slave Mart Museum – Housed in an actual former slave auction gallery, this museum provides a sobering, important look at Charleston’s role in American history. It’s a powerful site that ensures the city remembers all aspects of its past.
Rainbow Row – A series of thirteen iconic colorful houses on East Bay Street, originally built in the 1700s and restored in pastel hues in the 1930s. It’s one of Charleston’s most photographed landmarks and a symbol of the city’s dedication to preservation.
The Charleston Museum – Founded in 1773 and often called “America’s First Museum,” it showcases Charleston’s cultural and natural history. From colonial-era artifacts to decorative arts, this museum (just up the road from The Iris Hotel) is a treat for history buffs.
The best part? From The Iris Hotel’s central location, you can explore all these historic sites with ease. The Iris sits just a block off King Street in downtown, meaning Charleston’s history is literally at your doorstep. You can spend the day touring house museums or forts, then be back relaxing at The Iris’s modern suites in minutes. It’s the perfect home base to dive into Charleston’s past without any hassle.
World-Class Food & Lowcountry Cuisine
One of the top reasons to visit Charleston is the food – trust us, your taste buds will thank you. Charleston has an unbeatable culinary scene. In this city, food isn’t just a meal, it’s a way of life. You’ll encounter everything from down-home Southern cooking to innovative five-star cuisine, often on the same block.
Here’s what makes Charleston a food lover’s paradise:
Lowcountry Classics: Don’t leave town without sampling Charleston’s signature dishes. Think creamy she-crab soup, smoky shrimp and grits, flaky biscuits, fried green tomatoes, and hearty okra stew – recipes born from Southern and Gullah Geechee traditions. These comforting flavors are the soul of Charleston’s cuisine.
Fresh Seafood Galore: Sitting right on the Atlantic, Charleston offers ocean-to-table freshness. Oyster roasts are a beloved local pastime (in season, the city practically celebrates oysters), and you’ll find crab, shrimp, and fish featured in many dishes. Whether you enjoy a casual dockside seafood shack or a refined raw bar, the bounty of the sea is ever-present.
Award-Winning Restaurants: Charleston’s dining scene has gained national renown, with multiple James Beard Award-winning chefs and restaurants. Spots like Husk and FIG have reinvented Southern cuisine with a modern twist – using farm-to-table ingredients but keeping the Southern soul in each bite. Upscale establishments coexist with hidden gems and neighborhood eateries, so every meal can be an adventure.
Cafes, Breweries & Cocktail Bars: The city also embraces its casual side with excellent indie coffee shops, craft breweries, and cocktail bars. Start your morning with a locally roasted coffee and a praline pastry, and end your evening with a creative cocktail. For example, The Ordinary (set in a former bank on King Street) is a popular spot for craft cocktails and towering seafood platters during the golden hour – an experience not to miss.
Of course, staying at The Iris Hotel means you’re never far from a great meal. Read this foodie-centric blog to learn more about the eateries around the hotel.
If you’re inspired by the flavors of the city, The Iris’s apartment-style suites give you the option to cook your own feast. Each suite comes with a fully equipped kitchen and dining area, so you can stroll through the Saturday farmers’ market at Marion Square, pick up fresh local ingredients, and savor a home-cooked Lowcountry meal right in your room. It’s all about experiencing Charleston your way.
Vibrant Culture, Arts & Southern Hospitality
Beyond the food and history, Charleston’s cultural vibe is a huge draw. This city may be steeped in the past, but its culture is very much alive and evolving. Walk around and you’ll hear the lilting drawl of the Charleston accent and see sweetgrass basket artisans weaving their craft by the market – living testaments to the Gullah Geechee heritage that is an integral part of Charleston’s identity. Art, music, and theater thrive here as well, giving visitors a rich dose of local culture.
Charleston hosts world-class events like the Spoleto Festival USA every spring, a renowned 17-day arts festival featuring theater, opera, dance, and music performances from around the globe. There’s also a vibrant local arts scene year-round: stroll through the French Quarter downtown and you’ll discover numerous art galleries (especially along Broad Street) showcasing everything from traditional Lowcountry paintings to contemporary works. Museums such as the Gibbes Museum of Art celebrate regional art and history, while live music – jazz, blues, and beach music – drifts from bars on any given evening.
And then there’s that famous Southern hospitality – an inseparable part of Charleston’s culture. Locals are friendly, polite, and quick to share their love of their city. In fact, hospitality is such a point of pride that Charleston’s iconic fountain is a giant pineapple (a traditional symbol of welcome) in Waterfront Park.
Charleston’s welcoming atmosphere is immediately felt by visitors. Don’t be surprised if a passerby offers directions or a recommendation with a smile – that’s just the Charleston way. Travel + Leisure readers consistently praise the city’s warm, gracious spirit, calling it “a great example of a city that holds to their roots, but also strives to be current and welcoming to everyone”. In Charleston, tradition and trendiness live side by side, and visitors are made to feel at home in this creative, cultured community.
Scenic Beauty and Walkable Streets
Another reason Charleston tops travel lists is that it offers the best of both worlds: a lively city experience and a relaxing coastal escape. The downtown peninsula is compact and highly walkable – you can easily explore boutiques, historic sites, and restaurants on foot, soaking in the ambiance as you go. In fact, Charleston’s combination of historic architecture, pedestrian-friendly streets, and waterfront vistas is a big part of its charm. You can wander down King Street for shopping, detour along a cobbled lane, and end up at the harbor watching sailboats – all without needing a car. (No wonder Charleston scores top marks for walkability and atmosphere!)
At the same time, nature is never far away. The city is framed by waterways and blessed with nearby beaches and parks, offering a quick breather from urban sightseeing. In a single day, you could tour a museum in the morning, then be kayaking with dolphins by afternoon. Many visitors love to mix city and seaside activities, for example: explore Charleston’s historic streets by day and then catch a stunning sunset on the beach in the evening.
Here are a few favorite outdoor escapes in and around Charleston:
Folly Beach – Just a 20-minute drive from downtown, Folly Beach is a barrier island known for its laid-back surf vibe. It’s great for swimming, surfing, or grabbing a casual seafood basket at a beach bar. If you’re visiting in warmer months, a beach day at Folly is practically a Charleston must-do.
Sullivan’s Island – Another nearby island with a beautiful beach, Sullivan’s is quieter and perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Stroll along its sandy shores, explore historic Fort Moultrie, or enjoy fresh fish tacos at a local café. It’s a peaceful retreat beloved by locals (and easily reached via a short drive or rideshare).
Shem Creek – Located across the harbor in Mount Pleasant, Shem Creek is a scenic tidal creek lined with marsh grasses and dockside restaurants. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to glide past shrimp boats and possibly spot dolphins, then reward yourself with waterfront dining. It’s an idyllic spot to experience the Lowcountry’s natural beauty up close.
Angel Oak Tree – A quick trip from downtown leads to Johns Island, home of the magnificent Angel Oak. This sprawling live oak tree is over 400 years old, with huge moss-draped limbs that create a mesmerizing canopy. It’s a humbling natural landmark and a fantastic photo op, showcasing the ancient side of Charleston’s environment.
After enjoying Charleston’s outdoors, you’ll love returning to the comfort of The Iris Hotel to refresh. The Iris strikes the perfect balance – close enough to the action that you can walk to dinner on King Street or take a short stroll to watch the sunset on the pier, but tucked just off the main bustle so you can truly relax. In the words of one traveler, accommodations at The Iris “balance clean modern design with a perfect location—close enough to walk to dinner, far enough to recharge”. That means you can have a full day of city adventures or beach fun, and then come “home” to unwind in peace.
The Iris Hotel: Your Perfect Charleston Home Base
With so much to see and do in Charleston, having a comfortable, central home base is key – and The Iris Hotel provides exactly that. This boutique luxury apartment hotel offers the amenities of a high-end hotel with the space and conveniences of a vacation rental. Located at 84 Line Street (one block off Charleston’s famous King Street), The Iris boasts an unbeatable downtown location for explorers. You’re steps away from top restaurants, shops, and galleries, and within minutes of historic landmarks and the waterfront.
Staying at The Iris means Charleston is at your fingertips. Easily access Marion Square, The Citadel, and museums – all within close proximity of this centrally located property. Whether you want to catch a carriage tour in the Historic District, attend a show at the Charleston Music Hall, or simply meander through the City Market, you can get there quickly from The Iris.
Top Attractions Near The Iris Hotel (Walkable or a Short Ride):
1. King Street District (1 block) – Charleston’s main artery of boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, and nightlife. King Street is the place for shopping by day and bar-hopping by night, and The Iris is literally around the corner from it all.
2. Marion Square (~0.5 miles) – A historic park and green space that hosts the city’s popular Saturday farmers market and seasonal festivals. Surrounded by landmark buildings (and the elegant St. Matthews church steeple), Marion Square is an easy 10-minute walk from The Iris – a perfect spot to relax or catch community events.
3. The Charleston Museum (~0.5 miles) – The oldest museum in America, founded in 1773, showcasing Charleston’s rich history and heritage. It anchors the Museum Mile district, which also includes historic homes like the Joseph Manigault House. From The Iris, you can walk here in about 10 minutes.
4. Aiken-Rhett House Museum (~0.4 miles) – A well-preserved 1820 antebellum house (with original slave quarters intact) that offers a fascinating tour into antebellum life. This historic house museum is practically in The Iris’s backyard – just a 5–10 minute walk.
5. City Market & French Quarter (~1 mile) – A bustling open-air market operating since the 1790s, where vendors sell sweetgrass baskets, local artwork, and souvenirs in four historic market halls. Just past the Market, you’ll find the French Quarter’s charming streets, Rainbow Row, and art galleries. It’s about a 15–20 minute walk or a quick pedicab ride from The Iris down Meeting or King Street.
6. Waterfront Park & Pineapple Fountain (~1.3 miles) – A beautifully landscaped park along the Cooper River, famous for its Pineapple Fountain (and plenty of bench swings to enjoy the harbor breeze). It’s a bit further from The Iris (around a 5-minute drive or rideshare), but still easily reachable for an evening waterside stroll.
Final Thoughts: Ready to Experience Charleston?
From its moss-draped oak trees to its rooftop taverns, Charleston offers a unique blend of history, culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty that few cities can match. It’s a place where every visitor finds something to love. History buffs can wander cobblestone lanes and Revolutionary War sites, foodies can indulge in world-class Lowcountry meals, art lovers can soak up galleries and live music, and sun-seekers can be on a beach in minutes. The city’s walkable charm and friendly vibe make it an inviting destination for all ages. No wonder Charleston has been crowned America’s top city year after year by travelers who can’t get enough.
If you’re planning a Charleston getaway, do yourself a favor and stay in the heart of it all. Book your stay at The Iris Hotel as your home base, you’ll be perfectly positioned to enjoy all the reasons Charleston is #1 – waking up in a plush bed steps from King Street, spending days discovering the city’s treasures, and resting easy each night in your own elegant suite.