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Best Multi-Gen Travel Destinations: Charleston Edition

Discover why Charleston is a great destination for travelers of all ages

The Vacationeer
Peacock walking through a garden in Charleston, South Carolina.
Infographic map explaining things to do in Charleston, South Carolina.  
Click to expand.

Known for its rich history, great food and southern charm, Charleston has long been a savvy traveler's choice destination.

South Carolina's largest city welcomes more than seven million tourists in a typical year and is worthy of consideration for your next family getaway. 

That's especially true if you're considering a multigenerational family trip.

Charleston easily lends itself to this growing travel trend thanks to the long list of fun things to do for people of all ages.    

Start the planning process by finding a spacious, centrally located place to stay like Liberty Place Charleston by Hilton Club.This ultra-refined timeshare property situated in the heart of all the action is the newest offering for Hilton Grand Vacations Owners.    

Tastefully outfitted studios and suites with fireplaces, kitchens and roomy bedrooms are just what your family needs after a day spent discovering this Lowcountry city's hidden gems.

1-bedroom suite interior view, including living room and kitchen at Liberty Place Charleston by Hilton Club in South Carolina.  
Model room. Subject to change.

Liberty Place Charleston opens its doors this June, making now the perfect time to start planning your trip to one of the South's most visited cities.

Consider these top to-dos for every generation of your travel tribe.

Baby Boomers

Baby Boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) have long flocked to Charleston to experience its fascinating history and booming culinary scene. 

A top pick for history buffs includes the Fort Sumter National Monument. This is the site where the Union and Confederate soldiers first exchanged fire. A ferry takes you to the grounds — keep your eyes peeled during the short ride because you might spot dolphins and other sea life.

The past also comes alive at Battery & White Point Gardens, a public park, and Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, a building that once served as a Revolutionary-era prison and city hall. 

Walking tours are another way to immerse yourself in all things Charleston. And with everything from architecture tours to landmark tours and culinary tours, there's one to match any interest you have.

A day on your feet will undoubtedly work up your appetite; choose one of Charleston's top restaurants to kick back and refuel. Among the regional cuisines worth sampling are she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, and Frogmore stew, a mix of potatoes, corn, sausage and shrimp. Wash it all down with rum-based planter's punch or a tall glass of oh-so-southern sweet tea. 

Gen X and Millennials

The Charleston City Market is a great place for 20 to 50-somethings to start their trip. The most-visited attraction in Charleston is a shopping mecca encompassing four city blocks. Inside you'll find shops selling unique wares like handmade sweetgrass baskets and other artisan crafts. There's no need to leave the market when hunger hits because City Market is home to several eateries where you can sample Lowcountry favorites like lobster hushpuppies. 

Art aficionados will want to add the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art to their shortlist of activities. Located within the School of the Arts at the College of Charleston, the Halsey highlights work by both emerging and overlooked modern artists.  

Even after a packed day, you'll want to save some energy to enjoy Charleston's exciting nightlife. Some top-rated places to enjoy a libation include Prohibition, a Jazz Age restaurant and bar, and Cocktail Club, a lounge specializing in craft cocktails. 

Rather imbibe closer to home? Check out the Owners Lounge in the lobby of Liberty Place Charleston by Hilton Club. It's exclusively reserved for Hilton Club guests looking for a convenient bite or drink. 

Generations Y, Z and Alpha

Anyone traveling with kids in tow will enjoy the South Carolina Aquarium. Located on the historic Charleston Harbor, the aquarium is home to more than 4,500 mostly indigenous animals. Be sure to swing by the Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery™, a hospital where sea turtles receive rehabilitation before being released back into the ocean.

For a historical perspective, consider a visit to Middleton Place. The sprawling former plantation is home to the oldest landscaped gardens in the United States. Tour guides share stories and memorabilia from the Middleton family and the enslaved African Americans and freedmen who served them. 

Other attractions that help shed light on the South's complicated past include the Old Slave Mart Museum and the McLeod Plantation Historic Site. The latter is a carefully preserved Gullah/Geechee heritage site that pays homage to the generations of slaves who lived there.

If you and the kids need some rest and relaxation, head over to one of Charleston's five picturesque beaches. They all have a unique draw, but families generally favor the Isle of Palms to the north and Folly Beach to the south. Both have boardwalks and recreational activities like kayaking, paddle boarding and surfing.  

Discover the Many Benefits of Vacation Ownership with Hilton Grand Vacations

Exploring top travel destinations like Charleston is much easier and enjoyable when you have a great place to rest your head. With vacation ownership through Hilton Grand Vacations, you'll enjoy a sophisticated property, brimming with southern charm, in the heart of downtown Charleston. 

Learn more about the many benefits of vacation ownership with Hilton Grand Vacations. 

Vacationeer

The Vacationeer

The Vacationeer is a collective of Hilton Grand Vacations storytellers whose goal is to inspire travelers to go further. We're always on the lookout for new destinations to explore, useful travel tips, and unique ideas to help you plan the most memorable vacations possible.

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