Port Guide | United States | Dive Deep
Charleston
Isabella Moreno | Editor
Published on 2025-11-20
Congratulations on stepping ashore in Charleston, South Carolina-the southeastern coast's elegantly rebellious grande dame. You've docked in a city devoted equally to preserving its storied past and perfecting its shrimp and grits. Sure, the Charleston brochures gush about cobblestone streets, antebellum mansions, and horse-drawn carriages, but let's not forget: there's also quirky history woven into these genteel facades. (Did you know locals once arrested pirates in one breath and bought their rum in the next?) First things first: shake off that sea leg wobble with a stroll along the Battery to take in the ocean breeze and eccentric street names (Meeting Street meets Queen Street meets King Street-clearly city planning by monarchy and martini). Once stable again, dive in to savor refined southern decadence at a local eatery-trust me, Charleston is no place for calorie counting, and both Bill and Tony would forgive you.
United States has 6 Travel Advisories
Stay up to day with regional travel advisories.
Notes from the Editor
Charleston is known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Visitors can enjoy historic tours, local cuisine, and waterfront views.
Where do cruise ships dock in Charleston?
Port Name Charleston
Country United States
Region Southeastern United States
Ship Terminal Port of Charleston
Port Type Dedicated port
Accessibility The terminal is located approximately 1 mile from the historic city center, easily accessible by taxi or rideshare services.
What's the weather like in Charleston?
Best Season to Visit Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November)
Climate Humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters.
Weather Notes Spring is generally pleasant with low chances of hurricanes, while fall can experience some residual hurricane activity.
Temperature Range 60F to 80F (15C to 27C) during peak seasons.
High Temp 95F
Low Temp 30F
Average Temp 66F
What do I need to know about Charleston?
Language English
Currency United States Dollar (USD)
Card Widely Accepted 1
Population Approximately 150,000
Timezone Eastern Standard Time (EST)
How do I get around Charleston?
Taxicabs, rideshares (Uber/Lyft), buses, and shuttles available.
What are The Best Things to do in Charleston?
Discover what you should do while you're in Charleston.
Historical and cultural landmarks
Historic Charleston City Market
188 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401
Explore one of the nation's oldest public markets, offering crafts, foods, and local goods.
Distance from Terminal: 0.8 miles
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
3550 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29414
Explore America's oldest gardens and experience Southern plantation history.
Distance from Terminal: 13 miles
Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor
N/A
Learn about the unique culture and history of the African American Gullah Geechee community.
Distance from Terminal: 2 miles
Boone Hall Plantation
1235 Long Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
Visit one of America's oldest working plantations with exhibitions and gardens.
Distance from Terminal: 9 miles
Drayton Hall
3380 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29414
Visit an unrestored, preserved 18th-century plantation home and learn its history.
Distance from Terminal: 12 miles
Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Morris Island Lighthouse Tour
N/A
Take a boat tour to see the iconic, yet inaccessible, Morris Island Lighthouse.
Distance from Terminal: 10 miles
Folly Beach
N/A
Enjoy a laid-back beach day at Folly Beach, known for its surf and eclectic vibe.
Distance from Terminal: 11.5 miles
Shem Creek Kayaking
N/A
Kayak through picturesque Shem Creek, home to dolphins and lavish landscapes.
Distance from Terminal: 4 miles
Francis Marion National Forest
N/A
Explore outdoor activities like hiking, bird watching, and camping in this expansive forest.
Distance from Terminal: 32 miles
Experiences you can't replicate elsewhere
Charleston Ghost Tour
N/A
An eerie stroll through Charleston's haunted historic district, experiencing ghostly tales.
Distance from Terminal: 1 miles
Shrimp and Grits Festival
N/A
Taste traditional Southern dish variations at this festival held in Spring or Fall.
Distance from Terminal: 1 miles
Charleston Harbor Tour
10 Wharfside St, Charleston, SC 29401
Cruise Charleston Harbor for views of Fort Sumter, USS Yorktown, and picturesque waterfronts.
Distance from Terminal: 0.5 miles
Overnight Trips
Charleston to Savannah Scenic Drive
N/A
Experience a scenic drive to the historic city of Savannah, full of Southern charm.
Distance from Terminal: 108 miles
A Little Extra
Charleston Tea Garden
6617 Maybank Hwy, Wadmalaw Island, SC 29487
Tour the only tea plantation in North America and enjoy fresh tea samples.
Distance from Terminal: 20 miles
Charleston Riverdogs Game
360 Fishburne St, Charleston, SC 29403
Enjoy a lively minor league baseball game with food and local beer.
Distance from Terminal: 1 miles
Charleston Classic Car Show
N/A
Explore vintage and classic cars displayed in the beautiful Charleston setting.
Distance from Terminal: 1 miles
Firefly Distillery Tour
4201 Spruill Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405
Taste the original Sweet Tea Vodka and other spirits made locally.
Distance from Terminal: 6 miles
United States Regional Tip
Food Allergies Notify servers of allergies explicitly with phrases like 'I have a severe allergy to peanuts/tree nuts/shellfish,' and confirm restaurant is equipped to minimize cross-contamination.