10 Reasons To Add Charleston To Your Travel List Immediately

Charleston has a reputation for culinary excellence, a rich history, and welcoming locals. It's an affordable getaway with plenty of sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment options. Whether you choose to travel there for the weekend or spend an entire week, you will never run out of things to do and explore.

Pick any month and you will find a festival or special event to attend. Visit the beautiful parks and gardens, relax on the incredible beaches, and eat some of the most delicious food in the country. Admire the historic homes, specifically Rainbow Row — 14 colorful, unique, and historic houses painted in the colors of the rainbow, and make sure you visit the beautiful beachfront town, Sullivan's Island.

Still not convinced? Here are more reasons you should add Charleston to your travel list immediately.

You can't visit Charleston without going shopping on the historic King Street. From antiques to jewelry, cosmetics, and art galleries, there is so much to see and explore. The street is separated into three distinctive areas: the Upper King Street Design and Dining District, the King Street Fashion District, and the Lower King Street Antiques District.

This is known as "America's Most Photographed Plantation." It is one of our country's oldest working, living plantations. Crops have been continuously growing here for more than three centuries. Embark on an educational and entertaining tour for a low admission price. Click here for more information.

If there is any time to plan your trip, it's during the time of a festival. Charleston is home to some of the best festivals in the country. Watch performances at the Spoleto Festival USA and the MOJA Arts Festival. Head to Marion Square for Charleston Fashion Week in March, eat some delicious sea food at the Lowcounty Oyster Festival, and sip on some tasty wine at the BB&T Charleston Wine and Food Festival.

This is a 12-acre park recognized for its architecture and design. It follows a half mile along the Cooper River and serves as a playground for children. While you are there, don't forget to visit Pineapple Fountain. A review on Yelp said: "I loved walking down the palm tree-lined path toward the Pineapple Fountain and obviously took a photo there."

This charming destination is one of the world's most romantic cities. It's perfect for a stateside honeymoon. Enjoy Southern culture, history, and delicious world-class cuisine. Go on a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through the streets, gaze at the harbor for incredible scenery, and view tons of historical homes, plantations, and gorgeous churches.

The charm of the South is on full display in Hampton Park. Far-reaching lawns, baseball fields, gazebos, and running and cycling trails are yours to explore. The 63-acre area is the largest park in the Charleston peninsula. This park was also originally a plantation. According to the city, Hampton Park boasts the most extensive floral displays of any park in the city; it's an arboretum of sorts with many interesting species of trees and shrubs that grow in the Lowcountry.

This is the name the 14 colorful, unique, and historic houses that are painted in the colors of the rainbow. It is an iconic site and is a frequently visited tourist destination.

Anyone who has been to Charleston will tell you that you can't leave without visiting the beautiful beaches. Head to Kiawah Island, a 10,000-acre barrier island with 10 miles of beaches; take your family to Isle of Palms for some fun in the sun; and don't forget to visit Folly Beach, Seabrook Island, and Sullivan's Island.

Go for a bike ride at almost 800 feet over Charleston Harbor on the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. It is the longest cable stay span in North America. It opened in 2005, and since then walkers, runners and cyclists have taken a liking to it. Get in a good workout and enjoy spectacular views.

Charleston restaurants are constantly ranked amongst the best in the country, and for good reason. Their fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, Southern sweet tea, pecan pie, and seafood is all to die for. According to TripAdvisor, some of the best restaurants in Charleston include the Halls Chophouse, R Kitchen, Charleston Grill, Cru Café, and Circa 1888 Restaurant.