One full day in Charleston

OK, we will arrive in Charleston late in the evening, staying 2 nights, so we will have one full day. Are there any full day tours that take you to the different historical sites? Or is the only option to be on your own, to go to each home/plantation or site, to tour individually? And which area would be the best to stay without breaking the bank?

I%26#39;m just not familiar with Charleston %26amp; we do not have a set date, yet. Is there a better time to come when it isn%26#39;t too crowded but weather good? I just hoping there won%26#39;t be lines to stand in, to enter the homes. Is that common?

Thanks.

One full day in Charleston

We have found the best dates are mid May or late September. The weather is usally great then not to hot or to cool. Contact the Visitors Center about tours they have any info and discout coupons you may need.I think they have a toll free number if not drop them a email. Most hotels are are high in the downtown area Mt Pleasent has some fair hotels-motels. We usally rent a beach house which are fairly reasonable at the times I mentioned. But that does involve a little driving if you wish to see the historic areas. As for the crowds we have never had to wait for a tour or plantation visit but the eateries downtown are a different story.

One full day in Charleston

First, click on ';Map'; to the left since you said you%26#39;re not familiar with Charleston - that%26#39;ll help you get a perspective.

Places to stay - downtown is always going to be higher than Mt. Pleasant, but you almost have to have a car if you stay in Mt. P.

Sure, there are tours that take you to historical sites - they will include transportation and admission and many people are happy to do that. Look under ';Things to Do'; and check out some of those pages.

As far as crowds, I have yet to attend an event in Charleston where I%26#39;ve said ';Boy, too bad we went to that, it was too crazy';. I%26#39;ve never been on a line that has been too long. In fact, I have to say the contrary - we went to see a big show at the Convention Center and were shocked that we could park only 2 rows from the front door even though we arrived close to the start time of the show.

Sure, Charleston gets millions of visitors and it%26#39;s a very small city, but there is so much to do at all times of year that people pick what they like to do and come visit when it%26#39;s best to do that. (ie: Spoleto, beaches, home and garden tours, Christmas events, whatever). Although the summertime is hot and humid, people who come and visit then get our best beach weather and enjoy delightfully warm water for swimming. I guess if you decide what you most want to do , tell us and we%26#39;ll let you know when it%26#39;s best to do that.

If you want to avoid crowds then you might want to avoid The Spoleto Festival (May 23rd - June 8th). Although it%26#39;s a great time of the year to visit and the Spoleto festival is lots of fun it can get rather crowded downtown.

Another suggestion if you visit in the summer is to maybe rent a house/ villa near the beach. Wild Dunes, Isle of Palms, Sullian%26#39;s Island and Folly beaches are only a 15-20 minute easy drive into downtown Charleston.