Westside Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Westside
Popular places to visit
College of Charleston
Named by Travel + Leisure as “America's Most Beautiful College Campus” in 2017, this South Carolina institution is engaging for visitors and beloved by students.
Charleston City Market
Purchase food, jewelry and handicrafts in the market and learn about local tradition, the Civil War and slavery at its museum.
Medical University of South Carolina
Take a campus tour or just explore the area of Medical University of South Carolina during your travels in Charleston. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.
Waterfront Park
Stroll the city’s waterfront esplanades at sunset, when the afternoon sun begins to dip and the harbor is lit with soft colors.
South Carolina Aquarium
See an array of aquatic creatures, including an albino alligator, in underwater habitats ranging from salt marshes to coastal plains.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Turtles, alligators and birds abound in this former plantation, now swampland, gardens, lakes and forest.
Activities
Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket
Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry
Old Town Trolley Tour of Charleston
Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston
Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage
Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour
Our pick of the best Westside Hotel Deals
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charleston DWTN - Medical CTR by IHG
"The room was terrible-nothing worked and there was no lighting"
Reviewed on 8 June 2026
Charleston Marriott
"Food in the bar/resturant was terrible. Ate at the bar for "Wing Wednesday"....that was a mistake. Dry, over cooked....could not eat them they were so dry. With sauce still dry!!! The room was dated but I expected that. Popcorn ceilings, old old furniture and carpet that made you wear something on ..."
Reviewed on 6 June 2026
Emeline
"Never had the room serviced, had to call house keeping to receive fresh towels. Also had a lamp missing its chandelier."
Reviewed on 9 June 2026
The Francis Marion Hotel
"Great hotel, terrific location. Bathrooms are small compared to modern hotels, but it's representative of the era when it was built."
Reviewed on 10 June 2026
The Ryder Hotel
"We loved our stay at The Ryder Hotel—it is a super cute and conveniently located hotel. The rooms are spacious, the amenities are great, and the staff is very helpful. My one piece of advice is to get to the pool early if you want a lounge chair as it is pretty small and fills up quickly!"
Reviewed on 8 June 2026
Harborside at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina
"This property and location are amazing! My family loved it, and we will definitely be back. For those who like all the details, the décor is a little dated, and some areas of the rooms show wear and tear from the years. Our bathroom pocket door did not close all the way, and the bathroom itself was ..."
Reviewed on 9 June 2026
Our guide on where to stay in Westside
Charleston Historic District
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.
Downtown Charleston
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.
West Ashley
West Ashley is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Citadel Mall or Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site.
Cannonborough Elliotborough
If you're spending some time in Cannonborough Elliotborough, Upper King Design District and Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum are top sights worth seeing.
King Street
If you're spending some time in King Street, Marion Square and Charleston Music Hall are top sights worth seeing.
