On the way to Hilton Head we are thinking of staying over a Saturday Night in Charleston. We are traveling with two small well behaved children. We had heard it was better not to stay in Charleston because it is difficult to drive there? We have a Minivan!

We generally prefer nicer hotels. The Hilton Charleston Harbor looked interesting, mostly because you could take a boat into Charleston from there.

Does it make sense to skip Charleston and just do it as an afternoon trip from Hilton Head?

We only plan to spend the one day in Charleston so what should we see or should we just walk around?

Thanks so much for any suggestions

Liora

You should defin stay in Charleston. It isn't diff at all to drive there. Parking you may have to pay for but so what. If you stay at a hotel down town you can walk, take a horse and buggy, taxi, or ricchaw (spelling?) a litte guy on a bike that pulls a buggy. It is fun! Go to Market street and just walk around, the scenery is beautiful! the homes, the restaurants, the water.
The Westin has small rooms but nice, a little further to walk. Charleston Place is Extraordinary..but so is the price ususally, but you may get a fall discount. Stop on your way don't drive almost 4 hours round trip from Hilton Head. McCrady's, Charleston Grill, High Cotton, And Magnolias are great rests.

My sister & family just stayed at the new Rennaisance Hotel in charleston. Said it was wonderful, its a branch of Marriott. We favor the Harborview Inn, overlooks the waterfront park, serves wine & cheese in the afternoon and cookies and milk at night.

There are a couple of B&B's in Charleston that have sort of a 'suite' that would work with kids (make sure kids are allowed when booking) and I think they have a similiar thing at the Meeting Street Inn. Ask about parking when inquiring about lodging. This might sway your choice from one place to another... Since walking is a big part of Charleston, if your kids are small, bring lightweight strollers -- not a double wide. I've been travelling to Charleston for 25 years and now have a 3 year old; things are a little different now. Depending on the age of your kids, the Aquarium (terrific) might be a better choice than a historic house to tour. Discount tickets are available from Best of Charleston. We had great service through them. Carraige rides are a hit with kids as is the market. The waterfront park with the big fountain is also good for a stop/break during the day. Parking is not THAT big of a deal, but it's easier to park your car and leave it while there than to plan on driving from place to place.

Slightly North of Broad treats people with kids GREAT! Each time we've visited, they've brought out fruit plates for the kids to munch on while waiting for their food. They don't have a kids menu, but they have some kid-friendly regular items on their menu. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is kind of crazy, but the food was good and the atmosphere great for kids. Cypress has a jacket-required dining room, Magnolia's is my favorite but does not cater to kids at dinner. Lunch is OK, though. I wouldn't recommend Peninsula Grill for kids.

Just came back from Charleston with our two children and stayed at the Embassy Suites. Can't tell you how great it was and perfect for a family. All the rooms are 2 room suites, with a ref., microwave, 2 T.V.s and a great breakfast included. The lobby is beautiful as is the building. There is also a pool which is a plus with children. I looked at the Westin (not impressed) and Charleston Place. the only thing the latter has over E.S. is a better location, but we had no problem at all walking from the E.S. all the way down the battery and back with kids so it is doable. It's a breeze to drive in Charleston. It's the parking that is difficult. We left our car at the hotel garage and walked everywhere. I would highly recommend it and would stay there again when I go back.

Thanks everyone

Whatever you do, donn't say at the Hitlon. It does seems nice on papar, but once there it's not very good at all. The Lobby and public areas are terrible. It seems like a motel entrance. The rooms are deadly small and the baths even smaller with the bonus of also being ugly. I checked in saw my room and checked out!!

Also the drive over the bridge and under the freeway, twisting and turning passed the railroad tracks just to get back into downtown Charleston is a a drag and a nghtmare if you have to do it at night.

Charleston in beautiful. Stop and stay a couple of days, but not at the Hilton Harbor.

Charleston is a piece of cake for driving. We stayed across the river in Mt. Pleasant, and it took no time at all to drive over, park, and start sightseeing. If you need to drive to the historic area, you can park in the deck near the visitor center and take the trolley, or you can park at a deck near the old market area and just start walking. I like the latter option in case you need to return to the car during the day.