Last reviewed: · Prices in US Dollars ($ USD) are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Charleston (Charleston County, South Carolina; pop. 132,609) sits at 6 m (20 ft) elevation near Confederate Museum, with regional transit access via Charleston Executive Airport (11.1 km). Visitors pair Charleston landmarks with signature South Carolina specialties including Charleston she-crab soup & Lowcountry shrimp and grits and Frogmore stew (Lowcountry boil with shrimp, corn & sausage).
Within South Carolina, Charleston (Charleston, SC) serves as a major hub city in south carolina. Travelers exploring South Carolina often combine a stop in Charleston with state highlights such as Charleston Historic District & Fort Sumter, Hilton Head Island, Beaufort Lowcountry, Congaree National Park & Greenville Falls Park.
| Fact | Details for Charleston (Charleston, SC) |
|---|---|
| City & State | Charleston, SC |
| County & Role | Major hub city in South Carolina |
| State & Major Hubs | South Carolina (Charleston, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach & Columbia) |
| Population | 132,609 residents |
| Elevation | 6 m (20 ft) above sea level |
| Nearest Airport / Transit Hub | Charleston Executive Airport (11.1 km) |
| Coordinates | 32.7763°N, 79.9327°W |
Getting to Charleston & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Charleston Executive Airport (11.1 km)): Charleston International Airport (CHS), Myrtle Beach (MYR), Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP), Amtrak Palmetto/Silver Service, and I-26/I-95.
- Public transit & contactless payment: Major US metro areas use tap-to-pay cards and mobile wallets (NYC OMNY, SF Clipper, Chicago Ventra, DC SmarTrip, LA TAP), while smaller towns and National Park gateways are best explored by rental car or intercity coach.
- Airlines & baggage rules: Flying domestically into CHS Charleston & GSP Greenville-Spartanburg Airports + Amtrak Palmetto / Silver Meteor? Check your 22×14×9 inch carry-on and $35 checked bag fees in our TSA & Airline Baggage Checker.
- Driving & National Parks: If your route from Charleston includes National Parks or Scenic Byways, use our $80 America the Beautiful Pass Calculator to see if the annual pass saves you money.
What Locals Eat in Charleston (South Carolina)
1. Signature Regional Dish
In Charleston (Charleston County, South Carolina), local tables feature: Signature South Carolina dishes—Charleston she-crab soup & Lowcountry shrimp and grits, Frogmore stew (Lowcountry boil with shrimp, corn & sausage), and Carolina gold mustard-sauce whole-hog BBQ.
2. Diner, Smokehouse & Market Staples ($14–$28)
Around Charleston and across South Carolina, local beverage lists highlight: Regional pours and beverages in South Carolina: Charleston sweet tea (home of America's oldest tea farm), alongside independent American craft breweries, local roasters, and regional vineyards.
3. Local Craft Beverages & Regional Produce
At farmers markets and specialty shops in Charleston (South Carolina), look for: Local specialties across South Carolina: Huguenot torte & benne wafer cookies, farmers-market seasonal produce, and regional smokehouse or bakery traditions.
4. American Dining & Tipping Rhythm (18%–22%)
Classic South Carolina dining—hearty diner or café breakfasts, casual lunch counters and food trucks ($12–$20), and evening neighborhood restaurants where 18%–20% table-service tipping and state/local sales tax apply at checkout. In Charleston (pop. 132,609), diverse neighborhood dining districts, food halls, James Beard-recognized kitchens, and late-night spots across Charleston County offer everything from $12–$18 counter lunches to chef-driven tasting menus.
GeoNames Local Data: Elevation, Nearest Hub & Neighboring US Cities
- Elevation: 6 m (20 ft) above sea level
- Nearest Airport / Rail Hub: Charleston Executive Airport (11.1 km)
- Nearby Landmarks & Points of Interest: Confederate Museum (0.5 km) · Charleston Historic District (0.8 km) · White Point Gardens (0.8 km) · Charleston Museum (1.3 km) · Ashley River Memorial Bridge (2.8 km)
- Local Districts & Neighborhoods: Anson Borough Homes, Wragg Borough Homes, Gadsden Green Homes, Wappo Heights, The Crescent
5 Nearest Neighboring US Cities & Towns
- James Island, SC (6.5 km)
- Mount Pleasant, SC (6.8 km)
- North Charleston, SC (9.6 km)
- Isle of Palms, SC (12.9 km)
- Folly Beach, SC (13.5 km)
Regional Specialties Across South Carolina
- Charleston she-crab soup & Lowcountry shrimp and grits — a signature specialty across South Carolina.
- Frogmore stew (Lowcountry boil with shrimp, corn & sausage) — a signature specialty across South Carolina.
- Carolina gold mustard-sauce whole-hog BBQ — a signature specialty across South Carolina.
- Huguenot torte & benne wafer cookies — a signature specialty across South Carolina.
- Charleston sweet tea (home of America's oldest tea farm) — a signature specialty across South Carolina.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our American English Idioms & Allergy Show-Cards.
Best Time to Visit & Practical Tips for Charleston
Best time to visit South Carolina: Mar–May, Sep–Nov.
- Sales Tax & Tipping: Menu and shelf prices in Charleston exclude state and local sales tax. At sit-down restaurants, plan on an 18%–22% pre-tax tip. Use our State Sales Tax & Tipping Calculator ($).
- Cards & Contactless: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are accepted almost everywhere in Charleston; keep $20–$40 in $1 and $5 bills for hotel bellhops, valet parking, and roadside farm stands.
- Emergency & Visitor Info: Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies anywhere in the US, and dial 511 for state highway and weather road conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Charleston (Charleston, SC) located in the United States?
Charleston (Charleston, SC) is a us city in South Carolina, United States (coordinates: 32.7763°N, 79.9327°W, elevation: 6 m (20 ft)). It has a population of approximately 132,609.
How do I get to Charleston by plane, Amtrak, or car?
Most visitors reach Charleston via Charleston Executive Airport (11.1 km). Charleston International Airport (CHS), Myrtle Beach (MYR), Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP), Amtrak Palmetto/Silver Service, and I-26/I-95. You can compare Amtrak fares and passes using our Amtrak & USA Rail Pass Calculator ($).
What local food is Charleston and South Carolina known for?
In Charleston and across South Carolina, signature regional dishes include Charleston she-crab soup & Lowcountry shrimp and grits, Frogmore stew (Lowcountry boil with shrimp, corn & sausage), Carolina gold mustard-sauce whole-hog BBQ, as well as Huguenot torte & benne wafer cookies and Charleston sweet tea (home of America's oldest tea farm). Remember that menu prices exclude state sales tax and 18–22% tipping—check our State Sales Tax & Tipping Calculator ($).
When is the best time of year to visit Charleston?
Best time to visit South Carolina: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Check our US Seasonal Travel Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and National Park crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: