Charleston, South Carolina has grown in popularity as a tourist and convention destination over the last two decades. A port city founded in 1670, Charleston offers both historic aspects and modern luxuries that appeals to a wide range of travelers. Beaches, walking tours, incredible restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife and some of the popular things that await travelers to The Holy City. Here are my recommendations for a solo trip to Charleston, South Carolina.
Where To Stay
68 Wentworth St
Charleston, SC 29401
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Conveniently located in the Historic District in downtown Charleston half a block off popular King St, The Renaissance offers a great location with luxurious accommodations and modern touches.
Rooms
While located right in the Historic District in downtown Charleston, The Renaissance features rooms with modern appointments and comfortable accommodations. I always opt for a King room, and feel there is plenty of space and find the beds comfortable and the bathroom a nice size for a downtown hotel.
Eating & Drinking
Lenoir is the on-site restaurant and was launched in 2021. Featuring dishes with a Southern flair, is it a tasty and convenient option if you want a meal without leaving the hotel. The bar is also a fun place to grab a drink, and is usually my last stop before heading up to the room.
Nearby 
Being only half a block off King St, restaurants, bars, and shopping are mere steps away. Places like Cocktail Club and Proof are great stops for a drink, and there are plenty of good restaurants with a variety of cuisines to choose from. If you want to take in the Charleston skyline, then take the short walk to Henry’s On The Market and make your way up to the rooftop bar for a memorable view of the city.
1 Maiden Ln
Charleston, SC 29401
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Not to be confused with the Hotel Indigo that is part of the IHG brand of hotels, Indigo Inn is a local boutique hotel located in the Historic District and features an open courtyard and on-site parking at a reasonable fee. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the location is central to many downtown attractions and restaurants.
Rooms
Clean and comfortable, the rooms at Indigo Inn make for a good place to lay your head after a day exploring this great city. While not the most modern, they do feature the modem amenities and are perfectly serviceable. The bathrooms tend to run on the smaller side.
Eating & Drinking 
Daily happy hour with complimentary wine and beer is a nice touch from this local hotel. This is a perfect opportunity to enjoy the courtyard and sip on a beverage. While there is no restaurant on-site, nearby King St. and Market St. offer numerous restaurants for dinning.
Nearby
A short walk from The Indigo Inn are some great places to solo dinning. Be sure and have a look at Tempest, Hyman’s Seafood, and Port of Call Food + Beer Hall.
Charleston has numerous homes and apartments that make great places to stay via online rental platforms like airbnb and VRBO. If you are traveling solo to Charleston, this can be an economical option as you probably aren’t looking for a multi-bedroom house. With locations just outside or even right in downtown, it can also be very convenient to stay in a place from these platforms. Be sure to check out any parking limitations if you are driving a car. If close to downtown, there are usually parking garages around where you can park if a spot on location isn’t available.
Other Mentionable Hotels
Where To Eat
Charleston is definitely a foodie town, with culinary delights at almost every turn. Seafood options are numerous, as are Southern cuisine and fine dining restaurants, and you won’t be disappointed with more casual spots to eat as well. Bring your appetite when you visit Charleston, and check out some of these places that I highly recommend.
Prohibition
Historic Downtown
547 King St
Charleston, SC 29403
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Right on King St., Prohibition offers a cozy and vintage atmosphere with a diverse menu and excellent drink offerings. For oyster lovers there is a Raw Bar menu, if you need a lighter snack the appetizers are excellent, and I am a big fan of the Burger entree. Cocktail enthusiasts will appreciate their speakeasy style bar and drink menu. Be sure and check their website for live music if you want a little entertainment with your meal. Like many restaurants I visit when traveling solo, I recommend eating at the bar if there is room.
Holy City Brewing
North Charleston
1021 Aragon Ave
North Charleston, SC 29405
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North of the downtown area in North Charleston, Holy City Brewing features beers, a full bar, restaurant, table service, and plenty of outdoor space to enjoy on a nice day. There is parking on-site and I’ve found the staff to be very friendly and knowledgeable. Don’t underestimate the food here – it is delicious! And if you are into craft beer, this could be the perfect spot for a meal and a pint (or two). They also offer plenty of canned beers to go if you want to take home a souvenir of your trip to Charleston.
Church & Union
Historic Downtown
32B N Market St
Charleston, SC 29401 
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Built inside an old church on historic Market St., Church & Union is a unique dining experience with a memorable view and atmosphere. Reservations are recommended during busy times, and the bar is first come first serve so you can always try and snag a seat there. They offer brunch on Saturday and Sunday, with a delectable food and cocktail menu. Be sure and check out the the ceilings inside – great reading while you dine or sip on your drink!
Other Dining Options
- Leon’s – Casual Seafood
- Stars Rooftop & Grill Room – great rooftop bar
- Bowens Island Restaurant – casual waterfront dining
What To Do
Charleston offers activities for nearly every budget, timeline, and interest. From downtown to beaches to history, there are plenty of things to do when traveling alone in Charleston. Here are some ideas to kick-start your next solo trip to Charleston.
Historic Downtown Walking Tour (Self Guided)
Downtown Area 
Various Location
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There are some guided tours of Charleston, but if you are traveling solo it is just as fun, and I would argue more fun, to get out and explore on your own. Historic Downtown Charleston is an easy area to navigate and there are numerous sights to see. For history buffs, walk The Battery at the south end of town to learn about the defensive fortifications and military past of this port city. Not far from there is Rainbow Row, famous for its colorful homes. King St. is the restaurant, bar, and shopping district and a great place to entertain yourself day or night. You may have heard that Charleston is know as “The Holy City”, which us due to the over 400 churches that can found in the city. Downtown has more than its share of them, some of which offers tours or are open to visit.
Chartered Fishing
Multiple Locations & Companies
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If you have the time – and more importantly the budget – a guided fishing charter can be a great way to experience the outdoors of the Low Country. Fishing charters are an easy activity when you are traveling solo, as you just show up and go fishing! Local guides have excellent knowledge of where to go to try and find fish and various techniques on fishing. While you are out there, you’ll also get a great view of the city and surrounding area from the water.
Folly Beach
E Ashley Ave
Folly Beach, SC 29439
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Going to the beach alone may not be for everyone, but if you are looking to relax and look at the water and sand, Folly beach is a great choice when visiting Charleston. With plenty of activities along the beach, restaurants and bars, and fantastic views of the sunset, Folly Beach has it all while still maintaining its laid-back charm. And if you’re into surfing, Folly Beach is the popular spot to ride the waves.
Catch a Ballgame – The Charleston RiverDogs
360 Fishburne St
Charleston, SC 29403
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A Single-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, the RiverDogs are future MLB stars paying today. Conveniently located on the westside of downtown by the Ashley River, Riley Park is a beautiful place to take in a ballgame. The season typically runs between April and September, so check out their website and see if a game is playing while you’re in town.
Getting To And Around Charleston
Here are some tips on traveling to Charleston, and how to best get around the city once you’re there.
Flying In
Commercial air service to Charleston is offered by most major airlines, and will land and depart at Charleston International Airport (CHS). Only a 20-minute drive to the Historic Downtown district, CHS is the most convenient option if traveling by air. The closests hub airport would be Charlotte-Douglas, CLT, a major hub for American Airlines.
Public Transportation
There is bus service in Charleston, called CARTA and offers a number of routes and destinations. If you are in the Downtown area, check out the Downtown Area Shuttle, or DASH, for free rides along three different lines.
Ride-Share/Taxis
Like most major cities, Charleston offers app based ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft. It’s easy and convenient to use, and allows for flexible plans if your itinerary isn’t predetermined.
Driving Your Own/Rental Car
Navigating Charleston in your own vehicle or a rental is pretty straightforward. With a wide range of places to go and see in the greater Charleston area, having your own vehicle can be a convenient way to travel when visiting. Downtown features a number of parking decks at reasonable prices and convenient locations. Street parking is also available, but pay careful attention to the signs and regulations. Nothing worse than wracking up parking tickets on a trip!
