Overview
North Charleston is in the Greater Charleston area. It is the third largest city in South Carolina with a lot of muscle in terms of commerce and consumerism.
2 sights · 3 things to do · 2 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about North Charleston
North Charleston Fire Museum
Covers the profession and history of firefighting in the area, with simulators and restored fire trucks on display.
Friends of the Hunley
Museum about the historic 19th-century submarine HL Hunley that is being restored, and about submarine warfare.
North Charleston Wannamaker County Park
Expansive park of wetlands and woodlands where you can rent boats or hike various trails, plus a community water park called Whirlin' Waters Adventure Waterpark
Riverfront Park
A picturesque park with an esplanade and boardwalk along the Cooper River, with container ships and the Greater Charleston Naval Base Memorial to capture your attention.
Frankies Fun Park
Energetic entertainment center with amusement rides and water rides, batting cages, go-karts, bumper boats, mini golf, and an arcade.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Oct–May. Summer highs reach about 91°F; winter lows dip to about 39°F. Very hot (Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Aug and Jul. (climate data from nearby Greater Charleston)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- CHS Charleston International Airport, Charleston — 1 mi away (major hub). Directions
- HHH Hilton Head Airport, Hilton Head Island — 60 mi away. Directions
With its location just to the north of Charleston, it can be readily reached by all the means used in reaching the latter; in fact, most of these are in North Charleston:
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning North Charleston Fire Museum, Riverfront Park, Friends of the Hunley
- Lunch Istanbul Shish Kabob restaurant
- Afternoon North Charleston Wannamaker County Park, Frankies Fun Park
- Dinner The CODfather, Proper Fish & Chips
- Evening Holy City Brewing
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Born of strife over representation and a fair shake at civic and property rights within the hegemony of the city of Charleston, North Charleston broke off and became its own municipality in 1972, and took some military bases with it, and some rice and indigo plantations.
Get in
With its location just to the north of Charleston, it can be readily reached by all the means used in reaching the latter; in fact, most of these are in North Charleston:
- Charleston International Airport, 5500 International Blvd and the Interstate 26 connection to Columbia.
- Amtrak, at 4565 Gaynor Avenue (North Charleston Transit Center)
- Greyhound, likewise at 4565 Gaynor Ave (North Charleston Transit Center)
Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority or CARTA provides public transportation between such areas as the Charleston International Airport, North Charleston Transit Center, and Charleston proper.
Lastly, Interstate 26 provides a direct link to Columbia for personal drivers, with US Route 17 connecting other communities along the coastline.
Get around
Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority or CARTA provides connections to different points within North Charleston.
The greater metro area of Charleston/North Charleston is circumscribed by I-526 for rapid ease in commuting to different areas along with the I-26.
See
Do
Do North Charleston Wannamaker County Park
Expansive park of wetlands and woodlands where you can rent boats or hike various trails, plus a community water park called Whirlin' Waters Adventure Waterpark
Buy
Eat
Eat Istanbul Shish Kabob restaurant
Turkish/Middle Eastern buffet.
Eat The CODfather, Proper Fish & Chips
Some nice breaded fish filets and brews here.
Drink
Drink Holy City Brewing
Everyone seems to be in a pretty jovial mood here by the time they've finished the tour.
Sleep
Stay Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Airport Hotel & Convention Center
Renovated all-suites hotel next to the Charleston Area Convention Center and North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center. Free shuttle to Charleston Airport, less than two miles away. Indoor pool, free made-to-order breakfast and evening reception, and fitness center featuring a Peloton Bike with toe cages.
Stay safe
Watch your coin purse just a little, as North Charleston isn't a city without crime.
Nearby
Charleston
City / town · 82 listings · 9 mi away
Mount Pleasant
City / town · 11 listings · 11 mi away
Sullivan's Island
City / town · 3 listings · 13 mi away
Isle of Palms
City / town · 14 listings · 15 mi away
Folly Beach
City / town · 7 listings · 16 mi away
Kiawah Island
City / town · 7 listings · 19 mi away
Moncks Corner
City / town · 7 listings · 21 mi away
Seabrook Island
City / town · 23 mi away
My experience
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