Columbia

Charleston is South Carolina's oldest and largest city, set on a peninsula between the Ashley and Cooper rivers. Known for its well-preserved historic district, cobblestone streets, pastel antebellum houses and harbor views, it blends Southern charm with a lively contemporary food and arts scene.

Founded in 1670 as Charles Town, the city played a central role in colonial and early American history, and the first shots of the Civil War were fired at nearby Fort Sumter in 1861. Landmarks such as Rainbow Row, The Battery, the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, and many historic churches and mansions reflect this layered past.

The French Quarter and South of Broad hold some of the oldest and grandest architecture, while King Street anchors shopping, dining and nightlife. Nearby, the Charleston City Market, Waterfront Park and the South Carolina Aquarium are popular stops, and waterfront communities such as Mount Pleasant, Sullivan's Island, Isle of Palms and Folly Beach add beaches and outdoor recreation.

Charleston is known for Lowcountry cuisine, including shrimp and grits, she-crab soup and fresh seafood, supported by a strong restaurant scene and events such as Spoleto Festival USA. Its port, aerospace and manufacturing sectors, colleges and medical institutions also make it an important regional business center.

For leisure and business travellers alike, Charleston offers historic sightseeing, coastal getaways, festivals and meetings in one compact, walkable destination with warm hospitality.