A bustling port city established in 1670, Charleston is home to impressive French architecture, important historical sites, and sandy beaches.
For those familiar with the charm of Charleston, the mention of South Carolina’s largest city tends to bring to mind images of rolling plantations, cobblestone streets, and great oaks strung with Spanish moss. This southern travel destination has seen a lot of American history and was once home to British colonists and then later saw the first shots of the American Civil War.
Today, modern Charleston boasts hip and trendy neighborhoods filled with culinary delights, lovely boutique shopping, and incredible beaches. During your visit, touring historical sights is a must and sampling classic dishes famous to the American south. Try local favorites such as She-crab soup, shrimp and grits, cornbread, and other southern comforts.
If you’re dying to experience The Holy City like a local, check out this list of the best airbnbs in Charleston, South Carolina.
Looking for a place to stay with your pup? Check out the best pet-friendly hotels in Charleston.
1. Historic Apartment
Why you should stay: Indulge in a Charleston Airbnb Plus situated in the walkable and cool neighborhood of Cannonborough.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $199/night
This two-bedroom historic apartment was built in 1886 and renovated with modern conveniences while maintaining its original vintage charm. Dark hardwood floors run throughout this upper-level suite where bright walls, a brick fireplace, and mid-century modern furniture pair perfectly together.
The kitchen is a cozy space complete with a dining bar and retro cooking supplies. In the living room, pretty French doors open to a balcony with plush seating and a hammock that overlooks the surrounding neighborhood streets.
Check Availability2. Garden Folly Guest House
Why you should stay: An old garage turned charming guest house with quaint furnishings in a lovely garden setting.
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $143/night
Situated a short walk from Wappoo Creek, the Garden Folly Guest House is a charming private room apart of the hosts’ primary residence. Inside, guests enjoy unique rustic accents, the balcony, and the cozy window nook that looks over the home’s garden.
This Charleston Airbnb has a small kitchenette with a microwave, a fridge, and a coffee machine. For each booking, the hosts lay out fresh coffee, tea, fruit, and pastries. When the weather’s nice, venture down to the yard where fountains, lush plants, and artfully placed benches offer peaceful relaxation. Downtown Charleston is about a six-minute taxi ride away.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: Top 10 East Coast Vacation Spots You Never Considered (But Should!)
3. Captain’s Quarters
Why you should stay: A spacious two-bedroom, 2.5 bath home located on Johns Island, 20 minutes from Charleston Airport.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $214/night
The Captain’s Quarters is a family-friendly home situated on an idyllic property dotted with grand oaks, magnolias, and palm trees. The front porch inspires southern nostalgia and is furnished with wooden rockers and a table for al fresco dining. Inside, vaulted ceilings make the home feel spacious, and large windows bathe everything in sunlight.
For those who appreciate home-cooked meals, the kitchen is stocked with stainless steel appliances, cooking essentials, as well as a coffee station. This vacation home offers guests a quiet escape just outside of Charleston’s city center but is still within a 25-minute drive to top local attractions.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 8 Epic Glamping Destinations In South Carolina
4. The Cedar Nest
Why you should stay: An impeccably designed romantic bungalow with a stellar outdoor area in the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood of Charleston.
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 3 nights
- Rates from: $227/night
Tucked away in the Old Village area about three miles from the beach and seven from downtown, The Cedar Nest, is a glamorous Charleston Airbnb designed with couples in mind. One step inside reveals gleaming hardwood floors, thoughtfully curated art and decor, and luxurious linens. The master bedroom features an indoor fireplace and an elegant bathroom with marble tiles and a walk-in shower.
The home’s yard features a spacious lounge area decked out with modern seating, a stone water fountain, a fire pit, and a private outdoor shower. The hosts also provide a pair of bikes and helmets for leisurely rides around the neighborhood.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 9 Gorgeous South Carolina Treehouse Rentals
5. Vanilla Cloud
Why you should stay: A no-fuss one-bedroom condo in the heart of the city’s historic downtown with a foosball table and basketball hoop.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $120/night
At Vanilla Cloud, you’ll find a beautiful condo in a convenient location. Inside, there are wooden floors, exposed beams, as well as a queen sleeper sofa to accommodate extra guests. If you need to get some work done during your stay, there’s also a dedicated workspace and reliable WiFi.
The property is located one block from King Street and 20 minutes from the airport. Guest Megan shares that it’s “a very quaint place – extremely clean and modern. The location was prime for all of the time we spent both in the heart of Charleston and visiting nearby beaches.”
Check Availability6. The Tango
Why you should stay: Beautiful bohemian-vibes abound at this second-story condo in the trendy neighborhood of Cannonborough.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $106/night
The Tango is an Instagram-worthy studio condo that features a newly-renovated interior complete with vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, and a well-appointed kitchen. Reaching across the exterior wall are gleaming French doors that lead out onto a cute balcony with two rocking chairs.
This one-bedroom, one-bath condo has a single parking space and puts you within walking distance of Charleston’s fun downtown neighborhoods.
Check Availability7. Cozy Home
Why you should stay: Family-friendly home that welcomes pets and is located in a quiet neighborhood with a large private backyard.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $95/night
Sleep close to the beach in this cozy home that boasts two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The ground floor has an open layout where the kitchen and living room converge for a sense of togetherness.
Curl up next to the indoor brick fireplace on chilly days, or head out to the fenced-in backyard where a patio and grill welcome sunny cookouts. This home is well outside of the busy downtown center and is near the Charleston Tanger Outlets of North Charleston.
Check Availability8. Waterfront Guesthouse
Why you should stay: A well-appointed riverfront guesthouse in Hanahan, featuring a private dock, hot tub, and beautifully landscaped yard.
- Sleeps: 8
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $184/night
For those who prefer staying outside of the city, this waterfront guest house offers a peaceful retreat along the Cooper River. Enjoy having your own private dock with a hot tub, as well as a large yard furnished with a fire pit, hammock, and grill.
The bubbly interior features bright pops of color and pattern, botany murals, and six beds to accommodate a traveling group. This property is located about 20 minutes from downtown Charleston.
Check Availability9. Modern Coastal Cottage
Why you should stay: A rustic little cottage with an updated and modern interior between Park Circle and the Cooper River.
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $105/night
This modern coastal cottage is a studio vacation rental located about 15 minutes from downtown but within walking distance to the Riverfront Park and some of the best local eateries.
The minimalistic and classically designed interior and rustic facade pairs magically with the yard’s towering oaks strung with Spanish moss. There’s also a red brick fireplace and seating for nights spent under the stars.
Check Availability10. The Forest Nest
Why you should stay: A pleasant little studio cottage surrounded by a well-manicured, private yard away from the busy downtown streets.
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 3 nights
- Rates from: $226/night
The Forest Nest is a cute little cabin with a private garden that makes you feel as if you’re nestled outside of the city. The yard features a fire pit, a lovely front porch, and an outdoor shower.
The cabin’s stunning interior is bathed in natural light and is furnished with a high-end kitchen, onsite laundry, and stylish decor. The hosts provide thoughtful touches such as complimentary coffee, bikes for free use, and streaming services.
Check AvailabilityPlan Your Trip to Charleston, South Carolina
Before you embark on your exciting adventure to South Carolina, check out these top things to do in Charleston.
- Take a walking tour to see historic buildings such as Drayton Hall, The Nathaniel Russell Home, and the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens.
- For a bit of shopping, check out the Charleston City Market.
- Catch some rays at Folly Beach, Edisto Island, or the Isle of Palms.
- Make time for natural attractions like the massive Angel Oak, James Island County Park, and the Audubon Swamp Garden.
- Other worthwhile Charleston attractions include King Street, Fort Sumter National Monument, and Middleton Place.
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Seen in: South Carolina, Southeast, Where to Stay
