Westside Travel Guide
Charleston
Visit Westside
Popular places to visit
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.
Charleston City Market
Purchase food, jewelry and handicrafts in the market and learn about local tradition, the Civil War and slavery at its museum.
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.
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.
Things to do
Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry
Charleston: Haunted Carriage Evening Tour
Gray Line Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour
Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour
Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston
Old Town Trolley Tour of Charleston
Top hotels in Westside
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charleston DWTN - Medical CTR by IHG
"Made an RSVP for my elderly mother who was driving there from TX with her partner. She arrived late (10P) and was told that they couldn’t accommodate her because the cleaning staff didn’t show up that day. I spoke to the front desk and they said that they couldn’t do anything to accommodate her nor ..."
Reviewed on 23 Jun 2026
Charleston Marriott
"The wifi wasn't good and you couldn't stream nextflix and other apps due to this...went to front desk and he said engineering would come check it out...they never came this was very disappointing...due to the expense of the say there"
Reviewed on 22 Jun 2026
The Francis Marion Hotel
"A little dated but clean and comfortable. Staff is excellent!"
Reviewed on 24 Jun 2026
Emeline
"Definitely use the Valet because parking is a nightmare in downtown Charleston. Make sure when you book your stay to call the restaurant to make reservations as they get filled up quite quickly. Minutes away from the open air market. Beds are very comfortable."
Reviewed on 23 Jun 2026
The Ryder Hotel
"Strange and confusing layout. Shower didn’t work well, pool was not super clean and overall found it to be overpriced for what you get."
Reviewed on 23 Jun 2026
Tru by Hilton Charleston Ashley Phosphate
"Breakfast was mediocre the meats should have been cooked a little longer and the grits need to be consistent some days they were very watery."
Reviewed on 23 Jun 2026
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.
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.
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.
