About Charleston
With its lush gardens, cobblestone streets and setting alongside the Atlantic, it's no wonder that Charleston often tops lists of the world's must-visit cities. Don't be surprised if you find yourself moving a little more slowly and feeling a little more friendly after a few hours in this South Carolina destination; this genteel city casts a spell.
Sunny Summers
Pack your SPF: Charleston sees about 230 days of sun per year. Its climate is temperate and humid. Blistering heat waves are possible in summer, but the city's seaside location means cool breezes keep the region's weather comfortable. Temperatures tend to hover around 80 degrees, give or take 10, in summer. Autumn temperatures typically average in the 70s, spring temperatures in the 60s and winter temperatures in the 40s and 50s. Winter tends to be dry, though occasional snow is possible, and summers can be wet.
Southern Charms
To get a feel for the charm and history of Charleston, make a beeline for the Charleston City Market. At this public market, which dates back to 1804, you can buy the works of area artisans—don't leave without picking up a sweetgrass basket—and snack on local delicacies. Explore Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired, or visit one of the many plantations. Visit the South Carolina Aquarium on the Charleston Harbor, or get more than your feet wet in the ocean. You can also try out parasailing, paddleboarding and even surfing off Charleston's coast.
In the Trenches
It's fitting that the city where the Civil War started still has a major military presence. Joint Base Charleston, a military facility, employs about 36,000 people. In contrast, the next largest employer—Medical University of South Carolina—has about 12,000 employees. The Boeing Corporation also has a large presence in Charleston. Like many cities of similar size, industries including education, healthcare and retail make up much of the work force.
Pedicabs and Planes
All the major airlines fly into and out of Charleston International Airport, and Greyhound and Amtrak will get you here too. But part of the charm of Charleston is its unexpected transportation options. Downtown, you can hail a pedicab and relax in the open air while your "driver" bikes the vehicle through town. Buy an all-day pass on the Charleston Water Ferry and cruise between attractions such as downtown and the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum.