You don’t necessarily have to go far, far away to have a memorable vacation: There are plenty of U.S. cities worth exploring. One option is Charleston, a top travel destination in the American South. The oldest and largest city in South Carolina, Charleston is known for its history, architecture, food culture and hospitality. The city sits on a harbor at the nexus of three rivers, and it boasts a vibrant music and arts scene, along with numerous museums and family-friendly attractions.
Thankfully, there are plenty of relatively inexpensive flights between Philadelphia and Charleston. We pulled from travel site Skyscanner to provide you with a short list of flights and hotels handpicked with the trendy adventurer in mind. (Prices and availability are current as of publication and subject to change.)
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Flight deals to Charleston
The cheapest flights between Philadelphia and Charleston are if you leave on July 9 and return from South Carolina on July 11. Frontier Airlines currently has roundtrip tickets for $57.
Frontier Airlines also has tickets at that price point in August. If you fly out of Philadelphia on Aug. 13 and return from Charleston on Aug. 15, Frontier Airlines can get you there and back for $57 roundtrip.
Top Charleston hotels
Regarding where to stay, here are some of Charleston’s top-rated hotels, that we selected from Skyscanner's listings based on price and customer satisfaction.
The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel (115 Meeting St.)
If you're looking for an inexpensive place to stay, consider The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel. The hotel has a 4.6-star rating on Skyscanner, and rooms are currently available for $123.
Set in the heart of Charleston, this reconstruction of an 1853 hotel is close to Gibbes Museum of Art and Charleston County Courthouse and all that Meeting and King streets have to offer. Dining options include a restaurant and a bar/lounge flanked by an outdoor courtyard with patio tables.
The Market Pavilion Hotel (225 E. Bay St.)
Another alternative is The Market Pavilion Hotel, which has rooms for $199/night.
This hotel is located right beside the open-air market, close to Waterfront Park, bars, restaurants and shops.
Belmond Charleston Place (205 Meeting St.)
A pricier alternative is Belmond Charleston Place. The 4.6-star hotel has rooms for $249/night.
"The staff was friendly and the rooms clean and comfortable. The seventh and eighth floors are club level and you can upgrade for a nightly fee," wrote visitor Joleen.
Top picks for dining and drinking
If you're looking to snag a bite at one of Charleston's many quality eateries, here are a few popular culinary destinations from Skyscanner's listings that will help keep you satiated.
The FIG (232 Meeting St.)
If you're looking for a local favorite, head to The FIG, which has an average of 4.9 stars out of 40 reviews on Skyscanner. The restaurant works with local farmers, growers and purveyors to source food items for the menu.
"Fig is a great place to eat if you can get a reservation ahead of time," wrote visitor Wythe. "It is not a place to just walk in to get a quick bite. Menu changes daily, which makes it interesting."
Halls Chophouse (434 King St.)
Another popular dining destination is Halls Chophouse, with 4.9 stars from 31 reviews.
According to Skyscanner, Halls Chophouse offers superior dishes, service and an atmosphere that will entice guests to stay, enjoy and come back time and again.
"Absolutely delicious," wrote reviewer Maria. "Went there for a bachelorette trip and our entire group was not only happy with their choices, we were all stuffed! Everything tasted fresh. Staff was so friendly, they truly made it an unforgettable experience."
Hominy Grill (207 Rutledge Ave.)
Also worth considering is Hominy Grill.
Nationally acclaimed and locally beloved, Hominy Grill is a Charleston institution serving classic Southern specialties.
"Very popular for brunch and known for their Southern cuisine," wrote Lois. "Their grits and shrimp are fantastic. They also have excellent Bloody Marys. Recommend for breakfast or brunch. Try to go early because a line generally forms on Saturday and Sunday morning."
Slightly North of Broad (192 E. Bay St.)
Finally, there's Slightly North of Broad.
Skyscanner describes Slightly North of Broad as an eclectic low country bistro that brings together an abundance of local ingredients and thoughtful, expert presentation with a friendly, contagious energy.
"I had the sweet potato tamale and my friend had beef carpaccio," wrote Joleen. "They were recommended by the bartender as her favorites and both very good."
Featured Charleston attractions
To round out your trip, Charleston offers plenty of popular attractions worth visiting. Here are some top recommendations, based on Skyscanner's descriptions and reviews.
Downtown Charleston (King Street)
First up is Downtown Charleston.
The historic area of Downtown Charleston, South Carolina is an experience not soon forgotten by the thousands of tourists who visit there each year. The main feature is the historic row homes, many of which have been renovated and restored to their original Revolutionary War appearances and feature amazing antique furniture and decor. When you are done seeing the sights, downtown Charleston also features many wonderful restaurants and nightlife spots sure to please even the most picky travelers.
The Battery (East Battery at Murray Boulevard)
Then, there's The Battery.
This iconic landmark was built as a defensive seawall and promenade.
"This is a waterfront park consisting of park benches under the oaks," wrote visitor Tracy. "Great for locals walking their dogs and for the walkers and joggers. As a tourist, the draw is walking through the beautiful 'South of Broad' homes."
Charleston Waterfront Park (1 Vendue Range)
Finally, spend some time at Charleston Waterfront Park.
Stroll along the pier of Charleston Waterfront Park and behold the beauty of the Charleston Harbor. Bring your entire family to view the calming dance of the water fountains as you enjoy a picnic in the park.
This story was created automatically using flight, hotel, and local attractions data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
