Virgin Voyages' guide to Charleston, South Carolina
Dripping in Southern charm and cool coastal vibes, Charleston’s rainbow-hued row houses, Lowcountry cuisine and cobblestone streets drip with eclectic history, breezy seaside soirees, verdant gardens & big city conveniences.
The Pinnacle of Lowcountry Luxury
Toting over 350 years of history, palatial pastel homes, historic harborfront mansions, hidden country gardens, stunning steeples and a culinary scene hotter than an August day in South Carolina, Charleston proves that beauty and brains are not mutually exclusive. As the birthplace of the Civil War, Charleston feels almost like an outdoor museum that’s been spread over the entire city.
A notoriously walkable city, here you can lose yourself in labyrinths of Spanish moss-lined alleyways, stumble upon incredible street musicians on King Street, or spend an afternoon hunting down the perfect Southern belle outfit in countless local boutiques and vintage shops. Head to the water to dip your toes in the great Atlantic at Folly Beach or Sullivan’s Island or sip a beachside beer or creative cocktail while spotting dolphins nearby. In short? Charleston is a masterclass in contradictions — in the best possible way.
Shore Excursions
Charming Charleston
Fabulous food, swampy sojourns & astounding architecture.
Charleston Culinary Adventure
Explore Charleston's rich history and culinary scene on a 2.5-hour walking tour. Discover how the city's wealth from rice cultivation in the 1700s and 1800s influenced its cuisine. Learn about the contributions of enslaved Africans and various ethnic groups to Southern food. Visit downtown culinary gems for tastings, featuring local ingredients and farm-to-table dishes. Experience why Charleston is a top culinary destination with award-winning chefs and diverse flavors.
Hiking in the Francis Marion National Forest
Travel by motor coach to the Sewee Environmental Education Center to see endangered Red Wolves and meet your guides. Continue to the I'ON Swamp Trail for a hike through shaded blackwater areas, spotting alligators, wood ducks, otters, and more. Learn about the rice culture and visit Wythewood Plantation, the first freed slave plantation in South Carolina. Discover plantation artifacts and edible plants.
Historic Charleston African American History Tour
Explore Charleston's historic district with a visit to the Aiken-Rhett House. Discover the rich culture and history of early Charleston, highlighting the contributions of African Americans. As you tour, admire stunning homes, public buildings, and churches from the 18th and 19th centuries, all made possible by the labor of enslaved Africans and African Americans. This tour offers a deep dive into Charleston's past and its architectural beauty.
More Shore Things for your wishlist...
We have even more in our curated catalog.
America’s #1 City – ten years running!
According to Travel & Leisure magazine Charleston’s the “best U.S. city.”
One of the most eclectic cities in the United States, Charleston’s high vibes, Southern charm and salty sea breezes sneak into your heart effortlessly. Blending old-world architecture and modern-day amenities, shrimp and grits with creative cocktails, stunning ocean sunsets with lush Spanish moss, and 400 various steepled-churches with countless bars and lounges – the holy city truly has something for everyone.
From its Gullah culture heritage, thriving arts scene, cutting-edge restaurants, and spirited festivals that light up the calendar year-round. Whether you’re chasing ghost stories under moonlit skies, dancing barefoot in the sand or enjoying a spread of buttery biscuits, sweet tea and succulent seafood you’re bound to want to return to Charleston again and again.
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