South Carolina's 'Holy City' Is A Historic Gem Full Of Amazing Food, Art, And Scenery

While the American South boasts some amazing cities, Charleston leads the pack in so many ways. Sure, Savannah has lush gardens and picturesque streets, while New Orleans lays claim to the country's oldest family-owned restaurant, but Charleston, South Carolina, truly blends this all — architectural wonder, deep culture, and amazing cuisine — into one intoxicating urban cocktail.

Overlooking the harbor that shares its name, Charleston is home to just over 150,000 people and oozes genteel, old Southern charm. With cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, peaceful parks, antebellum mansions, and a restaurant scene that's considered one of the best in the country, this legendary town draws visitors from far and wide, and for good reason: There are few places in the U.S. that combine beauty, history, and absolute deliciousness as well as Charleston.

After all, they don't call it the "Holy City" for no reason. While the term may describe the number of churches (and synagogues) you'll find there, Charleston is hard not to love. It's a unique, utterly enthralling place — and a single visit may have you convinced that it has indeed been touched by the divine.

Modern Charleston hasn't forgotten its past, embracing its history through zoning laws that allow no buildings to surpass the height of its tallest church. This active preservation means that the city we see today remains as enticing as always, and it's also one of the factors that have helped establish Charleston as one of the best tourist attractions in the South.

For a dose of heritage, start with Rainbow Row, a series of 13 pastel-colored townhouses in the heart of the city's old town. Built in the 1700s, these homes eventually fell into disrepair until designated a historic landmark by the National Park Service in 1931. Follow this with a visit to Fort Sumter National Monument. Situated in the middle of Charleston Harbor, this fortification saw the first shots fired in the American Civil War, and remains a reminder of both the bloody conflict and the resilience of the nation. Lastly, no trip to the city is complete without browsing Charleston City Market. This bustling exchange has been in operation for over 200 years, making it one of the oldest public markets in the country.

While history is always on display in Charleston, it's also a destination for art lovers. Leading the charge is the Gibbes Museum of Art. Established in 1858, this institution  boasts over 10,000 objects in its permanent collection with up to eight special exhibitions each year. Other art spaces include the Robert Lange Studios, which focuses on emerging and mid-career modern painters, as well as the International African American Museum. Situated on the site of the former shipping wharf where roughly 40% of all enslaved people arrived in the U.S., this museum houses art pieces and artifacts that help tell the story of the African diaspora.

It goes without saying that Charleston's classic architecture is easy on the eyes, but its idyllic location only serves to amplify the effect. Most of the city sits on a peninsula surrounded by the Ashley River on one side, the Cooper River on the other, and the Charleston Harbor acting as a shimmering backdrop. To experience the natural ambiance firsthand, head to the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, a 600-acre expanse of woodland, flowers, Spanish moss, that's the oldest public garden in the U.S. Also make sure to stop by the Angel Oak Tree while you're in town. Located in a park on Johns Island, this massive Southern live oak is a city treasure estimated to be 400 years old.

These days, Charleston is perhaps better known for its food than anything else. The city is home to hundreds of restaurants (at least) featuring Lowcountry fare, a unique cuisine that combines flavors from Europe, West Africa, and the West Indies. Being a coastal city, seafood is king — with a particular emphasis on fresh local oysters. The volume of eateries in Charleston is dizzying; luckily, there are so many quality establishments that it's hard to go wrong. Just know that some essential dishes include shrimp and grits, Frogmore stew (made with sausage, shrimp, potatoes and corn — not frogs), she crab soup (a creamy bisque featuring crab roe), and fried green tomatoes.

Charleston International Airport is located 12 miles outside of downtown, and a taxi or rideshare should take about 15-20 minutes. That said, many big hotels will also offer free shuttle service. For even more of South Carolina's indisputable charms, head further south to Bluffton, an underrated foodie town in the "Heart of the Low Country."