Millions of visitors escape to Charleston to experience everything from its Low Country cuisine and lively nightlife to architecture and history — not to mention the beach! We sorted through
Kiawah Island Oceanfront Villa$1,516/nightly avg
Located on Kiawah Island’s quiet West Beach, this oceanfront vacation villa is about half an hour from downtown Charleston. With four bedrooms and three bathrooms, it can accommodate up to six adults and two children. On the main floor, the master suite features a king-size bed, electric fireplace, and private bath. Another bedroom has a queen-size bed and private access to the hall bath. Yet another bedroom has two twin beds and a private bath. A loft overlooks the living spaces below with two twin beds and its own bath.
A bright oceanfront reading nook has floor-to-ceiling windows. Sit by the tacked-stone fireplace in the living room. Listen to the surf, smell the saltwater, and let the oceanviews hypnotize you from the huge oceanfront deck. This non-smoking property does not allow pets and comes with two parking spaces. Tennis courts, a golf course, local shops, and restaurants are all just a short walk away.
Folly Beach Home With Ocean Views
Take in views of the Atlantic from the inside or the spacious upper and lower decks of this four-bedroom beach house. Up to eight guests can stay here in two rooms with king-size beds, one room with a queen-size bed, and another with two twin beds. Do keep in mind that there are only two bathrooms to share. This beachfront vacation rental is less than 2 miles from Folly Beach’s main drag and less than 20 minutes away from downtown Charleston. Parking is provided.
Folly Beach Oceanfront Home
Enjoy beautiful ocean views at this gorgeous vacation home on Folly Beach. This beach house is great for groups. Its four bedrooms and three and a half baths can accommodate 10 adults. Three of the bedrooms have a queen-size bed, while the other bedroom has two double beds.
Rinse off with the outdoor shower after a day of fishing, surfing, biking, kayaking, boating, or swimming. Grill dinner then dine on the deck.
Shopping, restaurants, and bars can be found just a couple of miles away on Center Street. Downtown Charleston is about 12 miles away. Parking for four vehicles is included.
James Island Bungalow$208/nightly avg
Right in the center of James Island, this one-bedroom, one-bath cottage offers the best of both worlds. It is 10 minutes from the beach and 15 minutes from downtown. Surrounded by lovely landscaping, the screened-in patio offers a dining table for four and two comfortable chairs. There’s also a grill, outdoor shower, and fire pit. The home also has a washer and dryer for your convenience.
Two beach chairs, boogie boards, and beach towels are provided, as is a County Park Pass. This pass provides access to local parks, including one a couple of miles away, which features great walking paths and bike, paddleboard, and kayak rentals. Tons of restaurants are close by so you don’t have to cook while on vacation.
Fully Renovated 1850’s Antebellum Mansion
How cute is this vacation rental? The Charlestonian, an 1850’s antebellum mansion, has been fully renovated. Salvaged materials were used when possible, including the heart pine which dates back to the 1600s. Modern amenities include rain showerheads and a sound machine in each bedroom.
Relax in a rocking chair on the private porch and watch the happenings on Cannon Street, or head to the rear porch and patio to cook on the Big Green Egg. Just a few blocks from King Street, this property is close to good places to have drinks and many nice restaurants — from fine dining to alfresco spots.
Downtown Honeydew Condo
Just around the corner from Rainbow Row and the heart of the Historic District, this Broad Street condo can be found in the popular, laidback South of Broad neighborhood. Accessed by a shared entrance, this second-floor condo has two bedrooms and one bath to accommodate four guests. The main bedroom has a king-size bed and beautiful tall windows that overlook Broad Street. The cozy second bedroom has a queen-size bed. An air mattress is available upon request to accommodate any additional guests.
This is not a great rental for those who plan to cook, as the partial kitchenette only has a mini-fridge, microwave, and toaster oven. The fireplace has beautiful original masonry, but it is inoperable. A pass is provided for one parking spot on the street. One dog is allowed for a non-refundable pet fee of $100.
Stay Duvet offers room service, including breakfast, lunch, pantry staples, bottled wine, cocktails, and beer via an app. Smoking is only permitted outside of the property.
This nice property is within walking distance of several city sites, including the Charleston City Market, Charleston’s Waterfront Park, the Old Slave Mart Museum, St. Philip’s Church, and Washington Square Park. Dotted with boutiques, King Street is just a few blocks away.
Historic South Battery Home
Stay in an authentic Charleston “single-house.” Built around 1795, this style of house is just one room deep, allowing the whole house to catch breezes coming from the ocean. Located in a quiet neighborhood, this four-bed, four-bath home is decorated with antiques.
On the south side of the house overlooking a spacious and charming garden and the Ashley River, two piazzas (aka verandas) provide the perfect place to have a cocktail while watching the sunset. An Italian fountain illuminates the private garden at night.
Prominent streets such as Church, Meeting, King, and Legare are all within a short walk, as are White Point Garden (a public park) and Charleston Harbor. Historic house museums, antique shops, art galleries, boutiques, and famous restaurants are all within walking distance as well.
Mount Pleasant Home
Located in Mount Pleasant, a beautiful neighborhood just across the bridge from downtown Charleston, this four-bedroom home is central to three great area beaches and just minutes from the airport. It isn’t on the beach, and it doesn’t have a pool, but it does have a fabulous outdoor area, complete with comfy seating, string lights, a smokeless fire pit, a propane heater, a small dining table, and a gas grill.
This vacation home can accommodate up to 10 guests. Two bedrooms have a king-size bed and en-suite bathroom, a third bedroom has two queen-size beds, and the fourth bedroom has another queen-size bed as well as a corner desk for those who may require a workspace. It also comes with a washer and dryer and parking for two cars.
The quiet neighborhood is within walking distance to scenic Shem Creek, a recreation area with a great selection of bars, restaurants, and cafes.
Sullivan’s Island Beachfront Retreat With Pool
Located on the best beach on Sullivan’s Island, this five-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath oceanfront home is perfect for groups. Not only does it have a private pool and hot tub, but each bedroom features spectacular ocean views.
On the first floor, an entire wall of windows faces the ocean. There are three bedrooms downstairs, one king, one queen, and two twin bunk beds. The spacious deck wraps around three sides of the house, creating porches off every bedroom, so each one has sliding glass doors that open to a deck or screened-in porch overlooking the beach, including the king and queen bedrooms upstairs. There is also a sofa bed in the small living area to accommodate a total of 10 to 12 guests.
Other features include a full-size pool table and gas grill. One of the owners lives down the street and has two teenage daughters to provide built-in babysitting for families traveling with children.
Sullivan’s Island Oceanfront Apartment
Experience life on the beach at this oceanfront island getaway on the Charleston Coast. Short-term rentals are rare on Sullivan’s Island, and this two-bedroom, one-bath apartment has a four-night minimum stay.
Part of the beautiful Blue Horizon home, “Sea Foam” is a separate apartment with its own private entrance. One bedroom has a queen-size bed while the other has two twins, so up to four folks can stay here.
Enjoy your morning coffee or evening cocktail on the ocean-facing porch. Did we mention there’s direct access to the beach? This vacation rental also has a washer and dryer. Take a quick drive into town for some delicious food and drink.
Isle of Palms Oceanfront Condo
Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean from this two-story oceanfront penthouse. Upstairs, both master suites have a king bed, private bath, and spacious private balconies. The downstairs bedroom has two twin beds and a private bath. A sleeper sofa in the living area allows the condo to comfortably sleep eight. Watch ships enter the Charleston Harbor from the shared balcony off the living room.
A wet bar with mini-fridge, washer and dryer, and parking for two cars is included. The vacation rental also comes with some beachside vacay swag, including a sand bucket, lip balm, stickers, and koozies. A short walk across the dunes will get you to the beach. Beach gear, such as chairs, umbrellas, bikes, and coolers, are available for rent.
This condo is in the Wild Dunes Resort. Take advantage of included amenities such as the swimming complex, beach gazebo with observation deck, and playground. The resort golf course is one of the best in South Carolina. Historic Charleston is just 12 miles away.
Isle of Palms Luxury Home
Located just steps from the sand, 34 Palm offers plenty of room for a family get-together. Six of its eight bedrooms have a king-sized bed, while one has a queen and another has four twin beds to sleep a total of 14 guests. The elevator makes it easy to take luggage upstairs.
Lounge by the pool or relax in the hot tub of this luxury designer home. Other amenities include a grill, outdoor showers, and an ice maker to fill your coolers. This professionally managed property also offers plenty of parking.
Enjoy breathtaking sunrises to the north and amazing evening strolls under a crimson sunset. Isle of Palms entertainment and fun is within walking distance of this lovely vacation rental.
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