Harleston Village Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Walking down random alleyways, I found a graveyard with people that are buried from over 200 years ago.
Private courtyard fountain and garden on King Street in Charleston is just one of many examples of the charm in this historic city.

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Unitarian church graveyard. One of the oldest Unitarian churches in the U.S. It is VERY overgrown.
Down every street in the French Quarter is something beautiful and interesting
The Old City Jail stands as a haunting reminder of the city's darkest past. The jail, which was operational from 1802 until 1939, housed Charleston's most infamous criminals, 19th-century pirates and Civil War prisoners. The Old Jail building served as the Charleston County Jail from its construction in 1802 until 1939. In 1680, as the city of Charleston was being laid out, a four-acre square of land was set aside at this location for public use. In time a hospital, poor house, workhouse for runaway slaves, and this jail were built on the square. When the Jail was constructed in 1802 it consisted of four stories, topped with a two-story octagonal tower. 

Charleston architects Barbot & Seyle were responsible for 1855 alterations to the building, including a rear octagonal wing, expansions to the main building and the Romanesque Revival details. This octagonal wing replaced a fireproof wing with individual cells, designed by Robert Mills in 1822, five years earlier than his notable Fireproof Building. The 1886 earthquake badly damaged the tower and top story of the main building, and these were subsequently removed. The Old Jail housed a great variety of inmates. John and Lavinia Fisher, and other members of their gang, convicted of robbery and murder in the Charleston Neck region were imprisoned here in 1819 to 1820. 

Some of the last 19th-century high-sea pirates were jailed here in 1822 while they awaited hanging. The jail was active after the discovery of Denmark Vesey's planned slave revolt. In addition to several hundreds of free blacks and slaves jailed for their involvement, four white men convicted of supporting the 1822 plot were imprisoned here. Vesey spent his last days in the tower before being hanged. Increased restrictions were placed on slaves and free blacks in Charleston as a result of the Vesey plot, and law required that all black seaman be kept here while they were in port. During the Civil War, Confederate and Federal prisoners of war were incarcerated here.

Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Harleston Village Hotel Deals

The Restoration

The Restoration

4 out of 5
75 Wentworth Street Charleston SC
The price is AU$620 per night from 18 Mar to 19 Mar
AU$620
18 Mar - 19 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Charleston. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,006 reviews)
Valet

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2026

The Restoration
Casa Zoë | Historic Garden Carriage House CHS

Casa Zoë | Historic Garden Carriage House CHS

Charleston SC
Stay at this holiday home in Charleston. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and balconies. Popular attractions Charleston City Market and Waterfront Park are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (152 reviews)
Great neighborhood, charming home. Beautiful double doors that open onto a small garden. Host had suggestions for dining and entertainment. The host was available but it was still very private. We loved our stay in Charleston!!

Reviewed on 24 Feb 2026

Casa Zoë | Historic Garden Carriage House CHS
The Quarters on King

The Quarters on King

3 out of 5
288 King Street Charleston SC
Stay at this aparthotel in Charleston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping and concierge services. Popular attractions Charleston City Market and Port of Charleston ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (196 reviews)
The hotel room itself was in good condition, but the decorations were completely inappropriate. The French colonial maps on display are offensive and disrespectful to many guests. They should be removed immediately.

Reviewed on 12 Nov 2025

The Quarters on King
Hotel Indigo Mount Pleasant by IHG

Hotel Indigo Mount Pleasant by IHG

3.5 out of 5
250 Johnnie Dodds Boulevard Mount Pleasant SC
The price is AU$258 per night from 12 Apr to 13 Apr
AU$258
12 Apr - 13 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Mount Pleasant. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
This hotel was super pet friendly but also very clean. The pool was gorgeous and relaxing and the entire staff was very helpful and friendly. Would definitely stay here again!

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2026

Hotel Indigo Mount Pleasant by IHG
Emeline

Emeline

4 out of 5
181 Church St Charleston SC
The price is AU$512 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
AU$512
5 Apr - 6 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Charleston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,696 reviews)
Perfect location in historic downtown. Beautifully renovated facility. Friendly staff, clean room and spaces. Loved it!

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2026

Emeline
The Ryder Hotel

The Ryder Hotel

3.5 out of 5
237 Meeting Street Charleston SC
Stay at this hotel in Charleston. Enjoy 2 bars/lounges, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
Excellent location and such a fun, and cool hotel! We loved our stay there

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2026

The Ryder Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

The Annual Holiday Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.

Other neighbourhoods around Harleston Village

Edmonston-Alston House featuring a house

Downtown Charleston

4.5/5(7 area reviews)

Travellers to Downtown Charleston praise its fantastic nightlife. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Charleston Music Hall and Music Farm.

Downtown Charleston
College of Charleston showing a house and heritage elements

Radcliffeborough

While Radcliffeborough may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Music Farm and Charleston Music Hall.

Radcliffeborough
Cityscape of the historic downtown French Quarter district in Charleston, South Carolina

King Street

If you're spending some time in King Street, Marion Square and Charleston Music Hall are top sights worth seeing.

King Street
Charleston Historic District showing heritage architecture

Charleston Historic District

4.5/5(9 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Charleston City Market to Shops at Charleston Place – discover Charleston Historic District, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Charleston Historic District
This bridge spans part of a swamp that bordered the plantation we were visiting. #OnTheRoad

South of Broad

If you're spending some time in South of Broad, Rainbow Row and Nathaniel Russell House are top sights worth seeing.

South of Broad
Waterfront Park showing a park, modern architecture and a marina

French Quarter

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Dock Street Theater to Pink House Gallery – discover French Quarter, a destination also famous for its shopping.

French Quarter


Harleston Village Travel Guide

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