We've finally decided where we're going for our honeymoon in August (yes, I know it's going to be very hot). Do we need a car to get around in Charleston? We'll be touring the city some (not sure where we'll be going exactly) and I'd like to spend one or two days at one of the islands nearby (isle of palms or sullivans). What do you guys think? Is it feasible to get around without renting a car? Or will it be too much of a hassle not to?

Charleston is one of my favorite places to visit and I think it will be a lovely honeymoon destination. I'm sure you will have a great time, even with the heat (My husband and I went to New Orleans in August one year...people thought we were nuts, but we had a wonderful trip, in spite of the temps.) The historic downtown area is pretty compact and very walkable, so you won't need a car to see most of the sights in that area. Parking is not horrible, but it's not great, either, and it would be sort of pointless to be paying for a car and parking when you don't need it. That being said, you will want a car if you are going out to IOP or SI, or if you want to go out and visit the plantations. If it were me, I would rent a car just for the days you plan to actually go out of downtown.

Hello zimma, I was in Charleston with a good friend three years ago. We had the hotel park our car and didn't need it at all while enjoying the historical center. But in that you want to explore more than the historical center I agree with BetsyinKY suggestion.

And congratultions on your upcoming wedding and honeymoon. May you two enjoy a long and beautiful life together.

Thanks so much guys! Can anyone reccomend any hotel in the historic area?

On another post you mention that your budget is rather tight for this trip. So getting a hotel outside Historic District and having a car is another option to factor into finances. Certainly Historic District is more beautiful and convenient, but street parking at meters should not be impossible in August - just make sure you get lots of quarters. Depends on if you want to drive around looking at rest of low country while you are there or just concentrate on immediate historic area which is very walkable.

You definitely don't need a car to see the historic district, especially if you're walkers by nature. We drove in from the airport, parked at our hotel (the Renaissance) and didn't move the car until we left for Hilton Head. We walked seemingly every inch of the historic area. BTW, it was July and it was d***ed hot, but we managed. Just stopped every now and then for a break - italian ices, iced tea at a lovely coffee house on King Street, in a map store (fabulous, can't remember where), the great kitchen shop on King Street, that kind of thing. We also went to Ft. Sumter, and walked from our hotel to the boat launch. However, we didn't go "out of town".

Your only chance of a rental on one of the islands would probably be at Wild Dunes and even they may have 3-5 night minimum stays depending on what time of the month you are going.

What is your hotel budget?

For a honeymoon:

Wentworth Mansion
Market Pavillion
Charleston Place
Planters Inn

Those would be my first choice and no, don't rent a car.

Definitely take the ferry to Fort Sumter. Great boat trip but plan on a lot of kids.

Lots of great shopping in Charleston in August and you'll really find some great sales.

Search "GoTravel Charleston" and my trip report should pop up. I've done some extensive hotel reviews.

Restaurants:

Rue du Jean
Hanks
SNOB
Peninsula Grill
High Cotton
Poogan's Porch (Sat/Sun brunch only)
Jestine's Kitchen.

Last trip to Charleston we rented a car for one day to drive out and see one of the plantations - the rental spot was less than a mile from our hotel, they picked us up and dropped us off at days end -

I would say no car, and rent it for a day or two to see what else you want -

Congrats and have fun!
Make sure you tell everyone you are on your honeymoon when booking rooms and tables - you will likely get a fun table or special treat !

here's my trip reports from my two visits, with where we stayed, etc.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=35085382

in that report, is also a link to
GO Travels excellent Charleston report -

definitely visit the Visitors Center when you arrive - lots of good info - saved us $ getting a pass for historic homes that we started (date wise) on the day of the plantations and then also included some in downtown Charleston - the people in there are great at helping you plan !