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.

Whether you’re trying to get away ASAP or you’re looking to plan your trip around the future’s cheapest fares, take a look at these forthcoming flights between Indianapolis and Charleston, which we pulled from travel site Skyscanner.

We've also included popular hotels, restaurants and attractions in Charleston to get you excited about your next excursion. (Prices and availability are current as of publication and subject to change.)

Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in the articles may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions.

Cheapest Charleston flights

The cheapest flights between Indianapolis and Charleston are if you leave on Aug. 5 and return from South Carolina on Aug. 9. Allegiant Air currently has tickets for $89, roundtrip.

There are also deals to be had later in August. If you fly out of Indianapolis on Aug. 29 and return from Charleston on Sept. 1, American Airlines can get you there and back for $292 roundtrip.

Top Charleston hotels

To plan your 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.

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.)

A pricier alternative is The Market Pavilion Hotel. Rooms are currently set at $199/night. It has 4.7 stars.

Set in the heart of Charleston, this hotel is located right beside the open-air market, close to the Waterfront Park, bars, restaurants and shops.

Belmond Charleston Place (205 Meeting St.)

If you're looking to splurge on top quality, there's the Belmond Charleston Place. With a 4.6-star rating on Skyscanner, the hotel is one of the most luxurious in the city. Rooms are currently listed 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.

Featured Charleston restaurants

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 products and incorporate seasonal offerings into the menus nightly.

"This is a great place to eat if you can get a reservation ahead of time," wrote visitor Wythe. 

Halls Chophouse (434 King St.)

Another popular dining destination is Halls Chophouse, with 4.9 stars from 31 reviews.

"Absolutely delicious," wrote reviewer Maria. "Everything tasted fresh. Staff was so friendly. They truly made it an unforgettable experience."

Hominy Grill (207 Rutledge Ave.)

Also worth considering is the Hominy Grill, with 4.6 stars from 47 reviews.

Hominy Grill serves classic Southern specialties all prepared from scratch with locally raised ingredients.

"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."

What to see and do in Charleston

Charleston is also full of sites to visit and explore. Here are two popular attractions to round out your trip, again from Skyscanner's listings.

Downtown Charleston (King Street)

First up is Downtown Charleston. It has 4.8 stars from 133 reviews.

The historic area of Downtown Charleston 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.

"Downtown offers many options: great shopping, eating and sightseeing," wrote visitor Sarah.  

The Battery 

Then, there's The Battery, with 4.8 stars from 104 reviews.

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."

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.