History Loves Company
For over 300 years, our historic, seaport city has been making visitors feel welcome. From the cobblestone streets of the historic district to the shores of our resort beaches, Charleston offers a unique blend of history and culture. With world-class hotels, upscale inns and state-of-the-art meeting facilities, Charleston embraces the past and the present with Southern charm, grace and beauty.
Charleston is honored to have been named “#1 City in the U.S.” by the Travel + Leisure 2019 World’s Best Awards. The sentiment was also echoed in the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards when we were voted "Top City in the United States" for the eighth consecutive year.
Getting to Charleston is a breeze! When traveling by air, visitors arrive at Charleston International Airport. Centrally located for easy access to all parts of the South Carolina Lowcountry, Charleston International offers 175+ daily flights to over 30 non-stop cities. Your attendees will find it easy to get here, but hard to leave.
Come explore the sights, sounds and flavors only found in one place: Charleston, South Carolina! Start planning your meeting at meetcharleston.com.
Venue Details
Hotels150
Convention center138,000 sq. ft.
Guest Rooms18,000
Guest rooms at 1 hotel435
Special event venues40
Average room rate$190
Occupancy rate69%
Restaurants175
Daily food cost$71
Tax rate13.5%
Venue typeCVB
Awards
Cvent awards
Discover Charleston
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Seasonal Availability
Do you want to know if your event is during the high or low season? Check the season availability for this hotel.Jan
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Apr
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Jun
Jul
Aug
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Oct
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Dec
High season
Oct 01 - Oct 31Mar 01 - Jun 30
Shoulder season
Nov 01 - Nov 30Feb 01 - Feb 29Jul 01 - Jul 31
Low season
Jan 01 - Jan 31Aug 01 - Sep 30Dec 01 - Dec 31
Getting Here
Charleston is easily accessible by air, rail or use of major interstates and highways.
Air: Charleston International Airport (CHS)
Rail: Charleston Intermodal Transportation Center - Amtrak
Car: Interstates 95 North/South and 26 East/West
Distance from airport
10 mi from Charleston International Airport
Distance from Charleston International Airport airport 10 mi
105 mi from Myrtle Beach International (MYR)
Distance from Myrtle Beach International (MYR) airport 105 mi
110 mi from Savannah-Hilton Head International (SAV)
Distance from Savannah-Hilton Head International (SAV) airport 110 mi
Location
Local Attractions
Angel Oak Tree
Historical landmark
Open daily 9am - 5pm. Owned and operated by the City of Charleston Department of Parks. The Angel Oak is a Live Oak tree, estimated to be 1,400 years old. Live oaks are not particularly tall, but have wide spreading canopies. Only in the very oldest of specimens do you find massive limbs resting on the ground, as do the limbs of the Angel Oak. It stands 65ft. high and provides a 17,000 square foot area of shade. No admission charge.
3688 Angel Oak Road
Johns Island, SC, US 29455
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Boone Hall Plantation
Historical landmark
Boone Hall reflects Southern heritage spanning 300 years of history, beauty and grace. House tours, gardens, slave cabins, plantation coach tours, live performances in season, cafe, plus one of the world’s longest oak-lined avenues. Group discounts available.
1235 Long Point Road
Mount Pleasant, SC, US 29464
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Center for Birds of Prey
Park
Discover the life of raptors through guided walking tours, educational conservation programs and captivating flight demonstrations. See first hand bald eagles, great horned owls, golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, peregrine falcons and more! Public programs: Thursday to Saturday, 10:30am and 2pm.
4872 Seewee Road
Awendaw, SC, US 29429
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Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
Historical landmark
Begin your Charleston experience where English settlers established the first permanent European colony in Carolina. This 664-acre historic treasure boasts a replica 17th-century tall ship, functional cannons, a zoo, and an award-winning museum! An exceptional experience at an affordable price.
1500 Old Towne Road
Charleston, SC, US 29407
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Charleston Area Convention Center Campus
Convention center
9 mi
The Charleston Area Convention Center Campus is the perfect setting for high-energy tradeshows, intimate corporate meetings or special events. Located minutes from the Charleston International Airport (CHS) and a short shuttle ride to our famed Historic District, this "campus-style" complex – the largest of its class in the Southeast – offers everything you need to make your event both memorable and successful.
5001 Coliseum Drive
North Charleston, SC, US 29418
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Charleston City Market
Shopping
Open Monday-Sunday. Built in 1841 to sell produce and meats, Charleston City Market features small shops, restaurants and flea market with everything from produce to antiques. Watch the craftsmanship and artistry as the ladies weave and sell handmade sweetgrass baskets.
Market St between Meeting & East Bay St
Charleston, SC, US 29401
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Charleston Distilling Co.
Recreation
A small batch distillery making handcrafted spirits for people who care about how things are made. Using local grains, we mill, distill and bottle, creating quality SC certified spirits. Located downtown on King St. Tours and tastings: Monday - Saturday, 11am to 7pm. Reservations Recommended.
501 King Street
Charleston, SC, US 29403
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Charleston Tea Garden
Historical landmark
Experience the beauty and charm of America’s only tea garden! With acres of breathtaking tea plants, learn how tea is made during an informative factory tour, take a trolley ride through the tea fields and drink American Classic Tea as you browse the unique Shoppe.
6617 Maybank Highway
Wadmalaw Island, SC, US 29487
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Coastal Expeditions
Recreation
8 mi
Do more than just see the beauty of Charleston, be a part of it. Here at Coastal Expeditions we offer tours for groups of all sizes. Some of our most popular tours include:
- Sunset Harbor Cruises
- Team Building Experiences
- Board Retreats
- Nature & Birding Expeditions
- Kayaking & Paddleboarding Tours
- Guided Bulls Island Hikes
- Camping Trips
514 Mill Street
Mt. Pleasant, SC, US 29464
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Cypress Gardens
Park
Stroll 4 miles of beautiful garden trails, paddle through cypress swamp, relax in a greenhouse with butterflies and flowers or discover native and exotic reptile exhibits and the freshwater aquarium. It’s a great site for field trips, receptions and meetings.
3030 Cypress Gardens Road
Moncks Corner, SC, US 29461
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Fort Moultrie
Historical landmark
15 mi
The original Palmetto log fort was begun in 1776 and only partially completed when attacked by a squadron of British warships. The current structure was completed in 1809. Union soldiers abandoned the fort in December 1860 for the stronger Fort Sumter. Following the surrender of Fort Sumter, Confederate forces fortified Moultrie as one of a string of batteries and forts protecting Charleston's harbor. In February 1865, Confederates evacuated the city leaving the fort behind, hidden under a band of sand that protected its walls from federal shells. The interior of the fort has been restored to reflect the story of American seacoast defense through World War II, and a visitor center is located near the fort. The National Park Service administers the fort.
1214 Middle Street
Sullivan's Island, SC, US 29482
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Fort Sumter National Monument
Historical landmark
Situated on an island at the entrance to Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter is where the American Civil War started on April 12, 1861. The fort is accessible only by boat.
1214 Middle Street
Sullivan's Island, SC, US 29482
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Gibbes Museum of Art
Museum
Experience Charleston's history through art! Come face-to-face with stories of the South Carolina Lowcountry as seen through painting, miniature portraiture, sculpture, photography, and more at Charleston's signature art museum. Complimentary cell phone tour is offered with admission.
135 Meeting Street
Charleston, SC, US 29401
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Halls Chophouse
Halls Chophouse is a family-owned restaurant. We value hospitality and a dining experience that guests revere. Call for private parties or functions - Breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. Dinner open to the public 7 nights a week and a Gospel Brunch on Sunday.
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Historic Charleston Battery
Park
No trip to Charleston is complete without a stop at White Point Gardens, known popularly as Battery Park. This peaceful park offers unprecedented views of Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter, while a look back across the street promises fantastic images of beautiful Charleston mansions.
Murray Blvd and East Battery
Charleston, SC, US 29401
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Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
Historical landmark
15 mi
Founded in 1676 by the Drayton family, Magnolia Plantation has survived the centuries and witnessed the history of our nation unfold before it from the American Revolution through the Civil War and beyond. It is the oldest public tourist site in the Lowcountry, and the oldest public gardens in America, opening its doors to visitors in 1870 to view the thousands of beautiful flowers and plants in its famous gardens. So join us here at Magnolia Plantation to experience the beauty of its gardens and its rich history today.
3550 Ashley River Road
Charleston, SC, US 29414
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Middleton Place
Historical landmark
15 mi
A place where the past greets the present on garden paths more than a quarter millennium old. Visit America’s Oldest Landscaped Gardens and learn about the people who lived and labored at Middleton Place.
4300 Ashley River Road
Charleston, SC, US 29414
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North Charleston Performing Arts Center
Theater
9 mi
Bringing the largest and most popular concerts, comedy, family shows and broadway performances to the greater Charleston area, the Performing Arts Center contains 2,300 seats in a state-of-the-art facility located within close proximity of 2,000+ hotel rooms with numerous dining and shopping venues within walking distance.
5001 Coliseum Drive
North Charleston, SC, US 29418
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Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum
Museum
Walk in the steps of heroes at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. See three vessels, the Medal of Honor Museum, 28 historic aircraft, and the 3-acre Vietnam Experience.
40 Patriots Point Road
Mount Pleasant, SC, US 29464
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SC Aquarium
Recreation
5 blks
Located on the historic peninsula, the SC Aquarium has more than 60 exhibits located throughout the facility that focus on five major regions of the Appalachian Watershed: the Mountains, the Piedmont, the Coastal Plain, the Coast and the Ocean. Our changing exhibit space currently features Camp Carolina, an interactive, immersion exhibit preparing and exciting visitors for exploring the outdoors of the upstate region of South Carolina.
100 Aquarium Wharf
Charleston, SC, US 29401
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Shopping
Shopping
9 mi
Whether meandering through the historic Market, perusing the antique district of King Street or taking in an afternoon of urban shopping at the Tanger Outlet shopping center - Charleston offers goods and wares to suite the most discerning shopper.
4840 Tanger Outlet Blvd
North Charleston, SC, US 29418
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Spiritline Dinner Cruise
Join us onboard the Spirit of Carolina for a fantastic evening of delicious food and breathtaking harbor views. The “Live & Local” Dinner Cruise features live music and a locally-sourced menu, all prepared to order onboard. Whether you are celebrating a romantic evening for two or a celebration for 100, the dinner cruise is an unforgettable experience.
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The Charleston Museum
Museum
Commonly regarded as America’s First Museum, The Charleston Museum was founded in 1773 while South Carolina was still a British colony. Now a nonprofit organization, the Museum is accredited by the American Association of Museums.
360 Meeting Street
Charleston, SC, US 29403
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Convention Centers
Charleston Area Convention Center an ASM Global Managed FacilityThe Charleston Area Convention Center is the perfect setting for high-energy trade shows. Centrally located within the greater Charleston area, it is two miles from the Charleston International Airport and a short shuttle ride from historic downtown.
Exhibit Space77,000 sq. ft.
Total meeting space77,000 sq. ft.
Guest rooms 1 mi. from convention center2,500
Charleston Gaillard CenterThe Charleston Gaillard Center is located in the heart of downtown Charleston, SC.
Exhibit Space13,000 sq. ft.
Total meeting space100,000 sq. ft.
Guest rooms 1 mi. from convention center1,500
Additional Information
Additional details
Explore Charleston provides information for planners and meeting professions on our dedicated website www.MeetCharleston.com.
Explore Charleston Frequently Asked Questions
Explore frequently asked questions from the Explore Charleston regarding Health and Safety, Sustainability, and Diversity and Inclusion.
Sustainable Practices
Please provide comments or a link to any publicly communicated Explore Charleston's sustainability or social impact goals/strategy.
No response.
Does Explore Charleston have a strategy that focuses on the elimination and diversion of waste (i.e. plastics, papers, cardboard, etc.)? If yes, please elaborate on your strategy of elimination and diversion of waste.
No response.
Diversity and Inclusion
For US hotels only, is Explore Charleston and/or parent company certified as a 51% diverse owned business enterprise (BE)? If yes, please indicate which one of the following you are certified as:
No response.
If applicable, could you please provide a link to Explore Charleston's public report on their commitments and initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion?
No response.
Health and Safety
Were practices at Explore Charleston developed based on health service recommendations from public governmental entities or private organizations? If Yes, please list which organizations were used to develop these practices.
No response.
Does Explore Charleston clean and sanitize public areas and publicly accessible facilities (i.e. meeting rooms, restaurants, elevator banks, etc.)? If yes, describe any new measures that are taken.
No response.
Please explain, if applicable, the carbon offsetting options you offer to corporations.
Please provide, if applicable, an e-mail address for a contact who can address any follow up questions relating to sustainability and social impact goals and initiatives.
Has your hotel taken steps to reduce single-use plastics, such as removing plastic straws (except upon request for guests with disabilities), stirrers and cotton buds? If yes, please provide detail as to the steps you have taken to reduce single use plastics?
Does your hotel generate (onsite) or purchase (offsite) renewable energy (beyond your utility's standard offerings)? If yes, please describe your practices for generating or purchasing renewable energy.
Does your hotel engage in activities to protect & restore the natural environment in which it is located (i.e. trees planted, coral reef restored, etc.)?
What measures are in place to allow for social distancing in fitness centers (e.g. equipment configuration, staggered usage times)? If no fitness center, please put N/A.
Has the fitness room cleaning routine been adjusted/increased? If yes, what new measures are included? If no fitness center, please put N/A.
Will your hotel be imposing any additional fees for cleaning services? If yes, please specify those fees.
Are specific cleaning/disinfection routines in place for pillows, duvets and their covers, headboard, bathrobe etc.? If yes, please describe.
Does the property limit number of guests in restaurant, bar, or dining areas due to COVID19 or other pandemics? If yes, please provide details of how restaurant, bar, or dining areas limits capacity? If no restaurant or bar, please put N/A.
Has the public bathroom cleaning routine been adjusted/increased? If yes, what new measures are included?
Please include a link to your public report on community impact if applicable.
Please provide any other comments you wish to make regarding your efforts/initiatives to obtain certification in these programs.
Please provide, if applicable, an e-mail address for a contact who can address any follow up questions relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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