
Vacation rentals in Charleston
Find and book unique accommodations on Airbnb
Top-rated vacation rentals in Charleston
Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.
Vacation rentals for every style
Get the amount of space that is right for you
Popular amenities for Charleston vacation rentals
Charleston house rentals

Charleston Charmed Cottage - 3 bd/2ba

Charming Home Located Close to Everything

Central Retreat | Walk to King Street & City Parks

Waterfront home w/ Deepwater dock on Stono River!

Waterfront Home Near Downtown!

Beautiful updated 50's bungalow in Avondale

Lenevar Lounge in Charleston

9 Min to Folly Beach | 12 Min to Downtown | Quiet
Charleston apartment rentals

Ground Floor Apartment with Exclusive Courtyard

Wagener Terrace Courtyard Apartment

Hawk’s Nest minutes to Charleston/Folly Huge Deck

Hideaway (Suite C) | 3 Blocks to King!

Steps from the beach - 1 bedroom - Folly Beach

New Quaint Coastal Escape/Bike to Beach&Shem Creek

Location! Hip Downtown KING at Cannon, Park 2 cars

Luxury Sea Cabin Guest Suite - Across from Beach
Other great vacation rentals in Charleston

Historic City Charm | Private Modern Luxe

Salt of the Island Retreat w/ Pool on the Lake

Little Oak Love | 5 Minutes to Folly | Marsh Views

James Island "La Casita" Nestled btw Beach & City

Dream Catcher Carriage House Daniel Island

The Violet Villa w/no cleaning fee

Four Oaks Cottage at Park Circle

Guesthouse Convenient to Charleston, Shem Creek, and Beaches
Quick stats about vacation rentals in Charleston
Total rentals
5.2K properties
Total number of reviews
352K reviews
Family-friendly rentals
3.3K properties are a good fit for families
Pet-friendly rentals
1.8K properties allow pets
Rentals with a pool
770 properties have a pool
Rentals with dedicated workspaces
2.8K properties have a dedicated workspace
Your guide to Charleston
Introduction
Charleston’s present is rooted in its past. In 1931, the city became the first to set an ordinance establishing a historic district. The result is an extremely well-preserved pre-Civil War downtown area, plus about 2,800 historic homes in the region showcasing eight architectural styles seen in the Lowcountry: Colonial, Georgian, Federal, Classical Revival, Gothic Revival, Italianate, Victorian, and Art Deco. The quintessentially charming Southern seaport city is also within easy reach of diverse communities, including South Carolina’s largest island, Johns Island, about 10 miles to the southwest; the fast-growing suburb of Mount Pleasant, 10 miles to the northeast; the barrier island of Sullivan’s Island, 10 miles to the east; Folly Beach, best known for its pier, 11.5 miles to the south; the oceanfront community of Seabrook Island 23.7 miles southwest, and the delightful small town of Summerville, about 25 miles to the northwest.
The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Charleston
Spring and fall are the most enjoyable times of year to stay in one of Charleston’s vacation rentals, when highs are in the mid-60s to 70s Fahrenheit and lows stay in the 50s and low 60s. March through May are especially popular because of all the blooming plants, especially the magnolia trees. Summers can get stifling, with humid highs in the 80s and lows only dropping into the 70s, plus rainfall is highest from June through September, hitting a peak in August. Winters can be a pleasant time in the city, as highs are in the upper 50s and lows tend not to dip below the mid-40s.
Top things to do in Charleston
Fort Sumter
The first shots of the Civil War rang out at this fort in 1861. It’s accessible only by ferry boat, departing from the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center in Charleston or Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant.
Historic District
The historic district sits on the peninsula where the Ashley and Cooper rivers meet, and mixes cobblestone streets and lowcountry architecture. Stop at the Charleston City Market, one of the country’s oldest public markets, established in 1804, and also explore King Street, which runs from uptown to the Charleston Harbor, passing through the Design, Fashion, and Antique districts.
The Battery
On the southern end is this picturesque waterfront stretch of historic mansions, as well as Joe Riley Waterfront Park, home of the Pineapple Fountain.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the weather in Charleston?
Charleston's climate is typically warm and humid, with summer temperatures reaching up to 90°F (32°C) and winter lows around 40°F (4°C). Spring and fall are often mild, making them ideal times to visit for outdoor activities.
What are some of the best things to do in Charleston?
Charleston has various activities for all types of travelers. From exploring historic downtown to visiting museums, strolling through beautiful gardens, and taking boat tours to spot dolphins, there's no shortage of experiences to choose from.
What is the best time of year to visit Charleston?
Spring is the most popular time to visit Charleston, with blooming flowers and mild temperatures. The Charleston Wine + Food Festival in March and the Spoleto Festival USA in late May are two large events attracting many visitors.
What are the best places to stay in Charleston?
Downtown Charleston is often recommended for its proximity to landmarks and eateries. The French Quarter is known for its historical charm, and Mount Pleasant for stunning water views. West Ashley, located across the Ashley River, provides easy access to both downtown and outdoor activities.
What are the best places to visit in Charleston?
Popular sites include the historic Charleston City Market, the Battery promenade with its antebellum houses, and the iconic Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Don't miss out on visiting the South Carolina Aquarium and the historic Fort Sumter National Monument.
What are some hiking trails in Charleston?
For hiking enthusiasts, the Swamp Fox Passage, the longest segment of the Palmetto Trail, is often recommended. Other popular trails include the Caw Caw Interpretive Center trails, the West Ashley Greenway, and the I'on Swamp Interpretive Trail.
What are some family activities to do in Charleston?
Charleston has a number of family-friendly activities such as exploring the South Carolina Aquarium, visiting the Charleston Museum, or taking a carriage ride through the historic district. For a day of fun and learning, the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry is often suggested.
What are some of the best day trip ideas in Charleston?
Consider a day trip to the nearby Sullivan's Island for a relaxing beach day, or explore the natural beauty of Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. If history entices you, Fort Sumter and Middleton Place are frequently suggested. For wildlife enthusiasts, Capers Island and its untouched landscape is a treat.
Are there vacation rentals near Charleston's top attractions?
You're in luck! Stay at the heart of it all with our vacation rentals near Charleston's top attractions. We offer over 10,880 vacation rentals near Fort Sumter National Monument, over 6,850 vacation rentals near South Carolina Aquarium, and over 6,770 vacation rentals near The Battery, and so much more! Experience the best of Charleston right on your doorstep.
What types of vacation rentals are available in Charleston?
Uncover the perfect home-away-from-home with our diverse selection of vacation rentals in Charleston. From over 230 condo rentals, over 1,060 apartment rentals to over 2,690 house rentals, we've got you covered. For even more variety, explore our Airbnb Categories to find the ideal space for your getaway.
Destinations to explore
- Saint Johns River Vacation rentals
- Western North Carolina Vacation rentals
- Atlanta Vacation rentals
- Myrtle Beach Vacation rentals
- Gatlinburg Vacation rentals
- Charlotte Vacation rentals
- Hilton Head Island Vacation rentals
- Savannah Vacation rentals
- Jacksonville Vacation rentals
- Pigeon Forge Vacation rentals
- Cape Fear River Vacation rentals
- North Myrtle Beach Vacation rentals
- Waterfront rentals Charleston
- Hotel rentals Charleston
- Rentals with pools Charleston
- Rentals with lake access Charleston
- Rentals with a patio Charleston
- Rentals with beach access Charleston
- Fitness-friendly rentals Charleston
- Luxury rentals Charleston
- Rentals with an EV charger Charleston
- Bed and breakfasts Charleston
- Private suite rentals Charleston
- Townhouse rentals Charleston
- Rentals with a fireplace Charleston
- Rentals with breakfast Charleston
- Pet-friendly rentals Charleston
- Beach house rentals Charleston
- Rentals with outdoor seating Charleston
- Rentals with an accessible height bed Charleston
- Guesthouse rentals Charleston
- Tiny house rentals Charleston
- Condo rentals Charleston
- Rentals with a fire pit Charleston
- Villa rentals Charleston
- Rentals with a washer and dryer Charleston
- Lakehouse rentals Charleston
- Rentals with an accessible height toilet Charleston
- Family-friendly rentals Charleston
- Rentals with a kayak Charleston
- Beachfront rentals Charleston
- Rentals with a hot tub Charleston
- Mansion rentals Charleston
- Apartment rentals Charleston
- House rentals Charleston
- Park Circle
- Hunting Island State Park Beach
- Sullivan's Island Beach
- Bulls Island
- Middleton Place
- The Golf Club at Wescott Plantation
- Waterfront Park
- Shem Creek Park
- James Island County Park
- Harbor Island Beach
- Angel Oak Tree
- Hampton Park
- The Charleston Museum
- Secession Golf Club
- Driftwood Beach
- Morris Island Lighthouse
- Sandy Point Beach
- Isle of Palms Beach
- The Beach Club
- Seabrook Island Beach
- White Point Garden
- Edingsville Beach
- Hunting Island Beach
- Seabrook Beach
- Things to do Charleston
- Sports activities Charleston
- Food and drink Charleston
- Tours Charleston
- Sightseeing Charleston
- Nature and outdoors Charleston
- Art and culture Charleston
- Things to do Charleston County
- Sports activities Charleston County
- Food and drink Charleston County
- Sightseeing Charleston County
- Art and culture Charleston County
- Nature and outdoors Charleston County
- Tours Charleston County
- Things to do South Carolina
- Sports activities South Carolina
- Wellness South Carolina
- Art and culture South Carolina
- Tours South Carolina
- Food and drink South Carolina
- Entertainment South Carolina
- Sightseeing South Carolina
- Nature and outdoors South Carolina
- Things to do United States
- Entertainment United States
- Food and drink United States
- Art and culture United States
- Wellness United States
- Sports activities United States
- Sightseeing United States
- Tours United States
- Nature and outdoors United States