Charleston Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
- BagValet
- Jan 14
- 4 min read
Discover essential Charleston travel tips for first-time visitors, including where to eat, what to do, how to get around, and the best local businesses to visit—all while exploring the city hands-free with BagValet.
Visiting Charleston for the first time is exciting—historic streets, world-famous restaurants, beautiful beaches, and unbeatable Southern hospitality. But dragging luggage around the city or waiting for short-term rental check-ins can easily derail a great trip. That’s why hands-free travel with BagValet has become a must for travelers who want to make the most of their time in Charleston.
Here are the top Charleston travel tips every first-time visitor should know, complete with local business recommendations to help you plan the perfect trip.
Traveling hands-free makes exploring Charleston a breeze. Book your luggage-free experience with BagValet today!
Tip #1 - Getting Around Charleston
Best Transportation Options
Charleston offers several easy ways to get around, depending on where you're staying and what you plan to do.
Rideshare + Local Transportation
Uber & Lyft – Reliable throughout downtown and beach areas.
Charleston Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) – FREE trolley system with stops around major attractions.
Lowcountry Loop Trolley – A narrated hop-on, hop-off experience perfect for sightseeing.
Local Transportation Recommendation:
➡ Holy Spokes Bike Share An affordable bike rental network with hubs throughout downtown Charleston—great for exploring The Battery, Rainbow Row, or Waterfront Park.
Walking & Bike-Friendly Areas
Charleston is one of the most walkable cities in the South. Most major attractions in the Historic District are accessibly grouped, making it perfect for strolling.
Where to Walk:
King Street – Shopping, restaurants, boutique stores
The Battery & White Point Garden – Historic mansions + harbor views
Rainbow Row – A must-stop for first-time visitors
Bike-Friendly Local Business Recommendation:
➡ Revelry Brewery Rooftop (bike-friendly stop) Ride your bike and enjoy one of Charleston’s most popular rooftop craft breweries located in the NoMo district near the bike-friendly Ravenel Bridge.
Tip #2 - Must-See Attractions
Historic District Highlights
Charleston’s historic center is filled with charm, architecture, and history.
Top Spots:
The Nathaniel Russell House
Charleston City Market
St. Philip’s Church
Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
Local Tour Recommendation:
➡ Bulldog Tours (Walking Tours) Offers historically rich walking tours, ghost tours, culinary tours, and exclusive access tours inside historic buildings.
Tip: Do this hands-free. Store luggage with BagValet and enjoy miles of walking without hauling bags over cobblestone streets.
"We had 4 hours to kill after checking out of Airbnb and thanks to BagValet storing our luggage, we were able to do a walking tour before meeting bags at the airport." -Mary S. Chicago, IL
Beaches and Waterfront Spots
Folly Beach
The closest beach to downtown Charleston, perfect for surfing, sunbathing, and exploring.
Local Recommendations on Folly Beach:
➡ Folly Beach Chair Company – Rent chairs & umbrellas for a stress-free beach day.
➡ The Washout – Best surf spot on the island.
➡ Taco Boy Folly Beach – Great for tacos, margaritas, and beach-casual vibes.
Waterfront Areas in Charleston:
➡ Shem Creek (Mount Pleasant) – Dolphin sightings + waterfront dining
➡ Waterfront Park – Pineapple fountain + iconic pier swings
➡ Patriots Point – USS Yorktown aircraft carrier
Tip #3 - Travel Hacks & Hands-Free Tips
Luggage Storage Solutions
Waiting hours for Airbnb check-ins or hotel rooms? Don’t waste your first day.
➡ BagValet Charleston’s premier luggage storage and delivery service. They pick up your bags at the airport or accommodations and deliver them wherever you need—so you’re free to explore immediately.
Other Beneficial Tips:
Store bags before heading to brunch, tours, or the beach.
Use BagValet when switching between accommodations.
Avoid dragging luggage down King Street’s crowded sidewalks.
BagValet Services for Stress-Free Travel
BagValet allows you to:
Drop bags right at the airport
Have them delivered to your hotel or Airbnb
Enjoy Charleston luggage-free until your room is ready
Pick up or drop off golf clubs, strollers, and other bulky items
Perfect for:
Families
Early arrivals
Late departures
Beach day transitions
Wedding groups
Festival weekends
Tip #4 - Where to Eat & Drink
Iconic Charleston Restaurants
Charleston is consistently ranked one of the best food cities in America.
Must-Try Spots:
➡ Husk – Upscale Southern cuisine in a historic home
➡ Fleet Landing – Waterfront dining with harbor views
➡ 82 Queen – Charleston classics (gumbo, she-crab soup)
➡ Poogan’s Porch – Famous for biscuits & fried chicken
➡ Leon’s Oyster Shop – Fried chicken & oysters
Pro Tip: Do NOT show up with luggage as these restaurants have limited space—store your bags with BagValet beforehand.
Cafés and Local Favorites
Best Coffee Shops for Travelers:
➡ Clerks Coffee Company – Inside Emeline Hotel, modern + cozy
➡ The Daily – Great coffee, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches
➡ Second State Coffee – Minimalist café with artisanal brews
Grab-and-Go Options:
➡ Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit – A Charleston staple
These stops are perfect between sightseeing—but they get crowded and tight. Go hands-free for a smoother experience.
We can't wait to see you in Charleston!
Exploring Charleston for the first time is easier, more enjoyable, and far more relaxing when you’re not burdened with luggage. With BagValet, you can store your bags safely and focus on making the most of every minute—from Folly Beach to the Historic District and everywhere in between.
Ready to explore Charleston stress-free? Book BagValet now and enjoy the city hands-free!
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