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South Carolina is a place that's synonymous with good beaches and even better food. The best Airbnbs in Charleston, SC offer proximity to The Holy City’s old-world charms, plus the chance to experience all the Southern comforts first-hand. Whether you’re flying in for a quick weekend sojourn complete with soul food, historic sites, and brewery-hopping, or staying put for a seaside escape from your 9-to-5, Charleston has it all.
Lull yourself into a food stupor with all the fried fare and crab you can eat, lace your boots up for a night out downtown, or take a sunset stroll beneath the Spanish moss of the local oak trees in Battery Park. If you mostly just came to work on your tan (relatable), the sands are pristine and the bungalows breezy at Mount Pleasant, Folly Beach, or Sullivan’s Island.
Here, some of the best Airbnbs in Charleston, SC to give you a small slice of Southern living, from historic Southern gothic homes to quaint beach getaways.
This newly renovated four-bedroom apartment might be located in a historic neighborhood, but brings you squarely into the 21st century thanks to its sleek kitchen appliances and ‘gram-worthy decor (from powder pink velvet beds to wraparound leather sectionals). Housing up to nine guests for only $260 a night, you can really save money on your lodgings while reaping all the benefits of a spacious, well-designed home. There's even a free carport for one vehicle on the premises, which will make navigating around the bustling downtown area a lot easier. But the best part is, you're smack dab in the middle of the downtown Elliotborough/Cannonborough district, so for nights out, you could also just take a stroll instead.
Three words: private rooftop deck. Sure, you’ll find lots of amenities inside this three-bedroom condo right on King Street (an indoor fireplace, washer and dryer, and a fully stocked kitchen, to name a few). But skip the dining area and walk whatever delicious dinner you’ve put together right up to the roof for some alfresco dining. This rental is right on King Street, the liveliest section of the downtown neighborhood, so it’s a great place to relax with a drink in hand while taking in the sounds of the city settling into a nightlife groove.
If you’ve been considering a splash of wallpaper, some playful kitchen tile, or maybe an accent wall in your own space, get thee to this two-bedroom apartment in downtown Charleston for a masterclass in color play and thoughtful decorating. Thanks to a recent renovation, the whole place has gotten a facelift with a smart TV, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private patio rounding out the amenities. A set of bunk beds in the second bedroom will even make it possible to round up the whole family (kids and all) for a spring break away.
If the four-poster bed in the primary bedroom doesn’t give it away, The Whilden House is romantic. The charm comes from the home’s original details—it was built around 1887 and still features chandeliers, plaster crown molding, and stained glass that were restored in December 2020. Another of the house's biggest aces is its floor-to-ceiling windows that bathe the tall, spacious rooms in light, reminding you that you're far, far away from the tiny apartment you flew in from. When you’re ready to peel yourself away from this two-bedroom time capsule, several bars restaurants, and beyond await on Upper King Street.
The off-street parking included in this two-bedroom rental downtown is just scratching the surface of what will surely be a dreamy southern vacation. Another historic listing (this one was built around 1885), the restoration spared no expense in preserving details like stained glass windows, fireplaces, wooden floors, and moldings while fleshing out every room with comfy, modern furnishings. Watch the sunset on the expansive porch, which is surrounded by greenery, then retreat to the cool interiors of the serene dollhouse-like bedrooms to get some shut-eye. Our favorite design easter egg? The set of bunk beds tucked into a reworked closet.
We didn’t pick this place solely for the clawfoot tub, though it definitely adds to the Southern charm of this cozy, sun-drenched studio. It's not a sprawling living space by any means, but it is serene, well-designed, and equipped with a TV and kitchenette—so, ideal for a solo traveler or couple. It's also conveniently located in the hip Park Circle neighborhood of north Charleston, where the area's bustling shops, restaurants, and breweries are all within walking distance.
If you're going in with a large group of friends, this bright and airy Mount Pleasant house accommodates eight guests with four bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, plus an outdoor fire pit for maximum coziness. There's plenty of character to contrast the stark white walls inside: a leopard print cushion there, a pink orchid here, and a vibrant checkered tile floor in the sun room that's practically made for photo ops. It's also central to all the major spots in the area. Snack and shop at Shem Creek, or take a quick drive to downtown Charleston. Best part? The fence in the backyard means that your pup’s free to roam.
There's a certain industrial, cabin-like feel to this downtown Charleston home that's decked out in reclaimed heart pine, right down to the window shutters. Other quirks (and there are many) include barn doors to the bathrooms and kitchen stools resembling corkscrews. A group of four can share the two minimal bedrooms, with large living and dining areas for congregating and eating in. Speaking of food, the stylish La Cornue CornuFé oven is the cherry on top for avid cooks, who can take their meals al fresco on the front porch veranda.
Off the beaten path of downtown apartments and beachy bungalows, consider this space-y airstream situated in the Riverland Terrace neighborhood adjacent to the owner’s property. It's small, but thoughtfully designed for the ‘gram and beyond, with essentials (like running water, heating, AC, a full bathroom, and a comfy full-size bed) plus a groovy ‘70s-style dining area. The kitchenette is pretty barebones with its small induction burner and coffee maker, but the local grub is really not something you'll want to skip on a trip to Charleston, anyways.
Historic meets ultra-modern in this 1800s-era kitchen house that melds exposed wood and brick walls with tasteful furnishings, like Noguchi tables and chrome bar stools. Optimally located and eclectically-designed, this downtown spot is just a short walk from upper King Street, so you’ll be within a stone's throw of all of the best shops, bars, cafes, and restaurants (don’t miss the biscuits at Xiao Bao). There's ample space and two floors for a pair of couples, or a family, to sprawl out, like the quintessentially Southern back porch for catching a breeze.
Location is everything with this cottage that's situated in the heart of the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood: It's home to local favorites like Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit, Chez Nous, and Fuel. You might feel tempted to just escape the humidity in the AC-cooled interiors of this modern, high-ceilinged space, though. There are small Southern touches woven throughout, like French doors and bamboo window shades, plus a host of modern amenities (WiFi, Roku, the works) to keep you entertained. After sundown, head out to patio for a dip in the heated pool.
Staying at Folly Beach is non-negotiable for beach lovers. Situated just 15 minutes from downtown Charleston, this beloved surf town is brimming with great restaurants and bars like LowLife and Jack of Cups. And that's not to mention miles of white sandy beach, good surf, and even better sunsets. Getting around here is easy, too, as bikes and golf carts are the preferred mode of local transport. This Folly Beach house is designed for laid-back coastal living–featuring three nautical bedrooms that look like something out of a Southern Living spread, plus other outdoor spaces for lounging. Dining in? Pick up a fresh catch at Bert’s Market and fire up the grill.
After you’ve devoured some chicken and waffles at 5 Loaves nearby, check in to this soulful property in the popular Elliotborough-Cannonborough neighborhood in downtown Charleston. This unit is located in an upstairs two-bedroom with a porch that'll have you living like a local. The recently-renovated 1855 home is complete with mid-century furniture and features a rotating assortment of art made by local artists, an impressive collection of vinyl records, as well all the modern amenities you could ask for.
Just four blocks from the bustling King Street, this clean, bright one-bedroom keeps it simple and clean with exposed wood beams, jute rugs, and white linen upholstery. It’s designed with an open floor plan, drawing in an abundance of natural light to accent the airy decor. You'll also find a queen bed and fully-stocked kitchen (plus free parking on the premises) to dial up the value on this place. And if you're not down to cook, relish in the room service provided by your host that will give you that sweet five-star hotel feel.
There's a 30-day minimum on this spacious one-bedroom walk-up, though it comes fully-equipped with all the creature comforts that you'll need to settle down for a writing sabbatical or long-term stay: a central kitchen with a wrap-around bar, a den with high ceilings and a TV, along with washers and dryers that mean zero schlepping with your dirty laundry. The cozy window nook overlooking King Street is a good indication of how primo your lodgings in historic downtown Charleston are.