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Things To Do

Unique Charleston Experiences

As pretty as Charleston is, there’s more than great looks to this southern charmer. A foodie renaissance has exploded in kitchens throughout the city. Lowcountry is a natural wonderland with exotic birds, hiking trails and golden beaches. And for history buffs, we have more than 300 years of stories to relate. Here are some of our favorite ways to experience Charleston.

Seafood Dinner

Charleston for Foodies

Charleston is making culinary waves with its innovative takes on low country cooking. You could spend all week, or month, sampling all the exciting menus. Take a tour to be guided to the best, explore the market where Charleston chefs go— or learn to cook your own. Here are some options for the foodies among us.

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Charleston for Foodies

Charleston Culinary Tours

Get a pulse on Charleston’s foodie revolution by going straight to the source. With the expert guides at Charleston Culinary Tours, walk-taste your way through upcoming foodie neighborhoods, meet owners, chefs, and mixologists, and learn to shop at the Farmer’s Market like a true Charleston chef.

Charleston Farmer’s Market

Go early on Saturdays to this downtown market at Marion Square and shop beside local chefs for the first pick of seasonal produce. Herbs, plants, cut flowers, artisan handicrafts and live entertainment are on tap as well. The market runs April through late December.

Sunday Brunch Farmers Market

For the best of seasonal produce and a taste of local culture, join the artsy crowd on Sundays at the quaint little market under the oak trees in the Riverland Terrace neighborhood of James Island.

Mixology Class at The Spectator Hotel Bar

Emanating the nostalgic past time of the 1920s speakeasy and spirit of Charleston’s Historic District, cocktail artisan Allen Lancaster serves up hand-crafted libations packed with seasonal southern flair at the Spectator Bar. Lancaster’s cocktail program entails cleverly-named classic drinks with a modern flair, all reminiscent of the roaring decade.

Charleston Brews Cruise

Reserve a private or group tour with Brews Cruise owner Brent Horner and allow him to do all the driving between Charleston's best microbreweries to sample flights of craft saisons, triples, bocks, IPAs, stouts, porters, and whatever else happens to be fresh on tap that day.

Charleston townhomes

Charleston for History Buffs

Charleston has more than 300 years of history to share, with some pretty significant events taking here (including kick-starting the Civil War at Fort Sumter).  Here are some ways to get to know our historic side.

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Charleston for History Buffs

Charleston Strolls

Join a two-hour history walking tour through Charleston’s cobblestone streets and quaint alleys, past antebellum mansions and private gardens. You’ll hear all about the city’s colorful past, from its founding in 1670 to the Civil War to the present.

SpiritLine Cruises

Enjoy the fascinating tales of Charleston’s rich history narrated by a licensed tour guide as you motor around historic Charleston Harbor. You’ll see where the first settlers arrived in 1670, hear stories about the Revolutionary War, and get the inside scoop on those first Civil War shots fired at Fort Sumter.

Fort Sumter Tours

Learn exactly how the Civil War started on this tour through Fort Sumter. You’ll take a boat to Sullivan’s Island in the middle of Charleston Harbor, which stood as the first line of defense for the fledgling settlement at Charles Towne. Boats depart daily at Liberty Square downtown and Patriots Point.

beach pier

Charleston for Outdoor Explorers

Within minutes of Charleston’s historic heart, waterways, beaches and barrier islands provide fun pursuits for adventurers, including kayaking, surfing, bird-watching and swimming. Here are some of our favorite ways to explore Charleston’s wild side.

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Charleston for Outdoor Explorers

Adventure Harbor Tours

Some of Charleston’s most amazing natural wonders are unreachable by car or foot. Adventure Harbor Tours helps you discover the best places to bird-watch, swim in tidal creeks, shark teeth hunt, and shell collect. Choose among boat tours, private boat charters, sunset cocktail cruises, and eco-boat tours. Pack a cooler and make a day of it.

Nature Adventure Outfitters

Stand-up paddleboard down Shem Creek, or sign up for a guided kayak tour to a barrier island nesting ground for sea turtles. Whatever your waterborne desire, you’ll have lots of daily and overnight options at Nature Adventure Outfitters on Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant.

The Center for Birds of Prey at the Avian Conservation Center

Admire bald eagles, falcons, hawks, vultures and kites in their natural settings at this wilderness refuge for injured birds of prey, located 18 miles from Charleston up Highway 17. Be sure to catch a flight demonstration, with birds swooping through the air as you learn about their hunting and flying prowess

Sol Surfers Surf Camp

Brush off your surfing skills on a nearby Charleston beach with Sol Surfers, headed by nationally ranked surf guru Kai Dilling. He and his team of young instructors help kids and adults alike get up on their boards with confidence.

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Reasons to Stay

Five Reasons You'll never want to leave

1. It All Starts With Service

We pride ourselves on providing our guests with an experience that can only be described as true Southern hospitality. It’s just one of the reasons Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler consistently rank our historic Charleston inn among the country’s best hotels.

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a table with food and drink on it
Reasons to Stay

Five Reasons You'll never want to leave

2. Breakfast Is Our Treat

Begin a day of exploring with our complimentary European continental breakfast. Served in the lobby, outdoor terrace or delivered to your guest room, treat yourself to fresh berries & fruit, baked goods, gourmet quiches and more.

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Reasons to Stay

Five Reasons You'll never want to leave

3. Sound Sleep Program

We know that when you sleep well, you feel better. Your best nights’ sleep starts at French Quarter Inn with our Sound Sleep Program. Sleep better with a selection of seven extraordinary comfortable pillows, sleepy tea, a complimentary sleep assessment and more. Sweeter dreams start here!

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Couple smiling and riding bicycles on the street
Reasons to Stay

Five Reasons You'll never want to leave

4. Bikes For Borrowing

We can’t think of a better way to see Charleston than by beach cruiser. Borrow one of ours (complete with basket to stow sunscreen and souvenirs) and head to the bike-friendly Arthur Ravenel Jr Bridge for postcard harbor and city views. 

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a plate of food and wine
Reasons to Stay

Five Reasons You'll never want to leave

5. Sweet Tea, Snacks and More

You can't pass through the lobby without sampling a refreshing selection of flavored iced teas, infused waters and savory snacks, plus seriously good coffee! For just a little extra, indulge in a handcrafted cocktail from our cocktail corner.

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