City: Charleston, SC

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (843) 853-8000, (800) 868-8118

Address: 375 Meeting St.

Description: Because parking in the old historic district is nearly always a problem, visitors are encouraged to make their first destination the Charleston Visitor Reception and Transportation Center. Its location on upper (meaning the northern end of) Meeting Street offers visitors a welcome opportunity to leave their cars behind and see Charleston’s large historic district (mostly on the southern end of the Peninsula) by any of several alternative transportation options. This is the major, general information resource site in Charleston proper, and when we make a general reference to “the visitor center” in our guide, the Visitor Reception and Transportation Center is the place to which we refer. Once you’ve taken in the city’s overview of itself, it’s time to go out and see the real thing. It’s always best to start with a professional tour of some kind. If you’re new to Charleston, this will be your only first impression, so why not make it an informed one with a guided tour? Guided walking tours usually begin in the morning and last from 1 to 2 hours. They start from various central locations in the historic district—at most of the large hotels and bed-and-breakfast inns. The cost is about $20 per person. You may also choose to ride in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus. These guided, motorized tours take about an hour, and prices range from $20 to $25. Or you might want to take one of Charleston’s famous carriage tours and see the city at a clip-clop pace. Inexpensive and convenient motorized shuttle buses called DASH (Downtown Area Shuttle System) cost $1.75 per ride, leave the old depot behind the center at 15- or 20-minute intervals, and carry passengers to the old City Market in the heart of downtown. Some routes are even free. So, it’s very possible to “do” the city and leave your car at the visitor center lot or garage. The visitor center is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.