Charleston, South Carolina

Frequently Asked Questions

• • What is there to do in Charleston?

  • What is Charleston known for?

  • Why is Charleston called the Holy City?

  • When was Charleston founded?

  • How big is Charleston?

  • Where is Charleston located?

  • How many people live in Charleston?

  • Is Charleston safe?

  • Is North Charleston safe?

  • Does Charleston have a beach?

  • Is there a beach in Charleston?

  • Does it snow in Charleston?

  • What should I wear in Charleston?

  • Where should I stay in Charleston?

  • Where should I eat in Charleston?

  • What are the must-see attractions in Charleston?

  • How far is Charleston from Myrtle Beach?

  • How far is Charleston from Hilton Head?

  • How far is Charleston from Savannah?

  • How far is Charleston from Columbia, SC?

  • How far is Charleston from Charlotte, NC?

  • How far is Charleston from Atlanta?

  • How far is Charleston from Greenville, SC?

  • How far is Charleston from Summerville, SC?

  • How far is Charleston from Beaufort, SC?

  • How far is Charleston from Kiawah Island?

  • How far is Charleston from Folly Beach?

  • Is there a train from Greenville to Charleston?

  • Is it safe to carry expensive camera gear around Charleston?

  • Is it safe to walk around Charleston alone at night?

  • Is the historic district safe to walk around at night?

  • What should I do if I get lost in Charleston?

  • Is it safe to take photos of strangers in Charleston?

  • How do I avoid pickpockets in busy tourist areas like the Market?

  • What's the French Quarter known for?

  • What's the Battery known for?

  • Is staying in the historic district worth it?

  • Is staying on Sullivan's Island a good option?

  • What's Folly Beach like?

  • Is Charleston walkable?

  • Do I need a car in Charleston?

  • Do I need a permit to take photos in Charleston?

  • Can I use a tripod in the historic district?

  • Is casual, non-commercial photography allowed without a permit?

  • What size shoot triggers the need for a city photography permit?

  • Do I need to notify residents before a shoot in a residential part of the historic district?

  • Is there an insurance requirement for permitted shoots in Charleston?

  • Do plantations allow tripods without a permit?

  • Does the Angel Oak allow tripods?

  • Do I need a permit to shoot at Boone Hall Plantation?

  • Do I need a permit to film at McLeod Plantation with more than a handheld camera?

  • Can I photograph private historic homes from the sidewalk?

  • Are churches in Charleston open to photography?

  • Should I ask before photographing someone's private residence in the historic district?

  • Can I photograph people in public in Charleston without asking?

  • Do I need a model release for editorial photos in Charleston?

  • Can I fly a drone in Charleston?

  • Where is drone use restricted in Charleston?

  • Is drone use restricted near Fort Sumter?

  • What are the best photo spots in Charleston?

  • Is Rainbow Row worth photographing?

  • What's the best spot to photograph the Pineapple Fountain?

  • Is Waterfront Park worth visiting for photos?

  • What's the best street for architectural photography in Charleston?

  • Where can I photograph the hidden alleys of the French Quarter?

  • Is the Battery and White Point Gardens worth photographing?

  • Where's a good spot to photograph Charleston's harbor?

  • Is Magnolia Plantation worth photographing?

  • Where can I photograph cobblestone streets in Charleston?

  • What's the best spot for sunrise photos in Charleston?

  • What's the best spot for sunset photos in Charleston?

  • What time is golden hour in Charleston?

  • What's the best time of day to shoot Chalmers Street?

  • Is there a good blue hour to shoot the Pineapple Fountain?

  • Is nighttime photography good in the historic district?

  • Is there a good camera store in Charleston?

  • Can I rent camera gear in Charleston?

  • Where can I get my camera repaired in Charleston?

  • Where can I buy memory cards or batteries if I forget mine?

  • How expensive is Charleston compared to other Southern cities?

  • Do I need to tip in Charleston?

  • How much should I tip in Charleston?

  • Is tap water safe to drink in Charleston?

  • Are credit cards accepted everywhere in Charleston?

  • How much cash should I carry in Charleston?

  • Are there events or festivals worth photographing in Charleston?

  • Is Spoleto Festival worth photographing?

  • When is Charleston's best spring bloom season?

  • Are there farmers markets worth photographing in Charleston?

  • How many days do I need to see Charleston?

  • What's the biggest mistake first-time visitors make in Charleston?

  • What's something most tourists miss in Charleston?

  • Is it better to explore Charleston alone or with a guide?

  • What's a good day trip from Charleston for photography?

  • Is Kiawah Island worth photographing?

  • Is Charleston good for street photography?

  • Is fog common in Charleston mornings?

  • Is the Charleston City Market worth photographing?

  • What's the best time to avoid crowds for photos in the historic district?

  • What airlines fly into Charleston?

  • What airlines fly out of Charleston?

  • How do I get from Charleston International Airport into downtown?