Charleston

WHEN TO GO

Thanks to a relatively tropical climate, you can swim here April through October. Spring and fall are ideal times to visit. Summers are hot and humid, particularly in August (not ideal for walking tours); winters can be mild with highs in the 60s. Hurricanes are a threat from June through October; Hugo wreaked havoc on the city in 1989.

HOW TO GET THERE

AIRPORT

Charleston International Airport is 12 miles west of the city (5500 International Blvd, 843 767 1100; www.chs-airport.com). Taxis to downtown cost about $20 and take 20 minutes. Airport Ground Transportation (843 767 1100) shuttles passengers to downtown hotels for $10 per person. Amtrak (800 USA RAIL; www.amtrak.com) also provides service to the city.

TRAVEL TIPS

Charleston usually sells out during the internationally renowned Spoleto Festival of music, theater, and dance (843 579 3100, www.spoletousa.org) heldeach year in May and June. The annual Festival of Houses and Gardens (843 723 1623, www.historiccharleston.org) is another big draw, with tours of 150 homes and gardens in 10 antebellum neighborhoods during the spring bloom (usually April). The monthlong Fall Candlelight Tours of Homes and Gardens (843 722 4630, www.preservationsociety.org) also attracts scores of old-house buffs. For all three, expect to pay top-dollar room rates; advance reservations are a must. This is mosquito country. Don't let pesky insects ruin a trip. Bring lotions and sprays.

TOURIST INFO

The visitor center (375 Meeting St., 800 774 0006; www.charlestoncvb.com) is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Pick up the free Charleston map with helpful tips on attractions, shopping, and tours.

OTHER INFO

GETTING AROUND

Save the car for day trips to outlying areas. Downtown attractions and restaurants are easily accessible by foot. Taxi fares within the city average $3 to $4 a trip. City bus fares are $1.25 per ride, but DASH, the downtown area shuttle (843 724 7420, www.ridecarta.com) is the quickest and cheapest way to get around on wheels. A day pass costs $3; $7 for three days. The Charleston Rickshaw Company (21 George St., 843 723 5685) will "chauffeur" you anywhere in the historic district via pedicab for $6 to $12.