Charleston City Guide

Local dishes include shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and Lowcountry boil. The city offers Italian, Asian, Mexican, and French options. Vegetarian and vegan choices are common. Some late-night food is available especially on weekends.

The downtown area has a lively nightlife with bars, pubs, and live music venues.

Thriving coffee scene with local roasters and specialty shops. Focus on quality and relaxed spots with outdoor seating.

Tipping is expected for most services in the US. 15-20% is standard for restaurants, taxis, and personal services.

SIM cards are sold at carrier stores and electronics shops like Best Buy. AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile have good coverage. eSIMs are available without ID registration on prepaid plans.

Streets are generally clean with regular waste and recycling services. Few sanitation issues.

Some 24-hour pharmacies and convenience stores available. Limited 24-hour clinics. Emergency rooms always open.

Supermarkets like Publix, Harris Teeter, and Food Lion offer international products and local fresh markets. Most open 7 AM to 10 or 11 PM and stay open on Sundays and holidays with reduced hours.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most businesses. Cash is rarely needed.

ATMs are common at banks, grocery stores, and convenience stores. Banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Truist have many ATMs. Expect fees of $2.50 to $5.00 for out-of-network use.

Public schools run by Charleston County School District. Private schools include Porter-Gaud and Ashley Hall. Instruction is in English with no large international schools.

A small but growing remote worker community with occasional meetups and coworking spaces. Online groups are active.

Waterfront Park, Hampton Park, and James Island County Park offer good green space, shade, and running paths.

Scenic running spots include The Battery and Ravenel Bridge. Running clubs and races are common, and safety is generally good.

Several fitness centers and gym chains are available for training.

Public and private tennis courts available with memberships and coaching. Padel is less common but growing.

Padel courts exist but are less common.

Many yoga studios offer classes in Vinyasa, Hatha, and restorative styles with drop-in and membership options.

Schools offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Karate, Taekwondo, and more. English-speaking instructors and drop-in classes are common.

No ski resorts near Charleston.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are popular with many rentals and tours. Windsurfing is also possible.

Folly Beach is a popular surfing spot 20-30 minutes from downtown. Suitable for beginners and advanced surfers with rentals and schools available.

Wreck diving and artificial reefs are available offshore. Dive shops offer certification and equipment rental. Water visibility varies.

Hospitals like Roper and MUSC have English-speaking staff. Healthcare quality is high and mostly private. Pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens are common, with OTC meds widely available.

Tap water meets all federal and state safety standards and is safe to drink.

Many playgrounds, kid-friendly cafes, and baby supplies at Target and Walmart. Attractions like the Aquarium and Children's Museum offer family activities.

Generally accepting with LGBTQ+ bars, events, and groups. Some legal protections local but not statewide.

Many pet-friendly places with outdoor seating, dog parks, and vet clinics. Pet supplies are easy to find.