Named for the river it overlooks, The Cooper offers a front-row seat to Charleston’s historic waterfront, where centuries-old architecture, church steeples, and the rhythms of the harbor define daily life.  

Charleston is a city that evokes some of the country’s most recognizable imagery. Cobblestone streets, pastel Rainbow Row homes, boutiques lining King Street, and some of the best dining on the East Coast have long beckoned travelers. And with the long-awaited arrival of The Cooper, the city becomes even more alluring. A stay here means you’ll be within easy walking distance to many of Charleston’s most significant historic landmarks, plus benefit from the vantage point of direct access to Joe Riley Waterfront Park.  

When to Visit Charleston 

One of Charleston’s greatest draws is its year-round appeal. Mild winters, warm sea breezes, and a long stretch of sunny days make it an inviting destination in every season, whether you’re wandering beneath moss-draped live oaks in spring, cruising the harbor on a summer afternoon, or lingering over al fresco dinners during the city’s temperate autumn evenings. Its distinctive blend of Lowcountry landscapes, preserved architecture, a vibrant arts community, and celebrated culinary scene continues to attract travelers looking to experience one of the country’s most storied coastal cities. 

As the seasons change, festivals bring renewed energy to the streets. Each spring, Spoleto Festival USA transforms Charleston into a destination for world-class performing arts. Over more than two weeks, opera, theater, dance, jazz, chamber music, and visual arts performances take place throughout historic theaters, churches, and outdoor venues across the city. Held each fall, the Food & Wine Classic in Charleston brings together acclaimed chefs, winemakers, and culinary personalities for a weekend of tastings, demonstrations, and intimate dining experiences. Set within one of the country’s most celebrated culinary destinations, the event offers a deeper look into the flavors and talent shaping the city’s food scene. Your SmartFlyer travel advisor can match you with the festival that best matches your interest. 

Where to Stay in Charleston 

From The Cooper, it’s convenient to explore well beyond the waterfront. Spend the morning browsing independent shops and antiques along King Street, tour grand antebellum homes tucked behind wrought-iron gates, or visit the galleries and studios that line the French Quarter. The harbor also serves as a gateway to the region’s maritime history, offering opportunities to sail past Fort Sumter, watch dolphins in the estuary, or venture farther afield to nearby barrier islands and quiet stretches of Atlantic shoreline. Long walks through Charleston’s historic neighborhoods, afternoons on the harbor, and evenings spent beneath palm-lined streets make the city as rewarding to revisit as it is to discover for the first time. 

Opened in March 2026, The Cooper has raised the already high bar for Southern hospitality. The welcoming lobby is anchored by a sculptural white oak-and-stone staircase, patterned stone flooring, and hand-painted mural elements that reference local craftsmanship. Its 191 guest rooms, including twenty-five suites, pair a residential sense of ease with interiors that draw directly from the city’s coastal character. Designed by Champalimaud Design in collaboration with Atelier Kim, the hotel’s aesthetic layers wide-plank oak floors, shiplap paneling, and woven rattan details. Each component is inspired by the region’s sweetgrass basket tradition, marine-toned artwork, and blue French herringbone tile that echoes the colors of Charleston Harbor. 

Guest rooms and suites continue the residential feel with custom furnishings, bespoke millwork, generous layouts, and expansive windows that flood the interiors with natural light. Many accommodations feature Juliet balconies, private terraces, or patios overlooking the harbor or city skyline, while thoughtful touches—including Matouk linens, Roman blackout shades, and spacious walk-in showers—create a stay that’s both polished and comfortable. The Presidential Suite is a culmination of the best that The Cooper has to offer, with direct access to the rooftop pool, a private pool, and sweeping views of the Charleston Harbor.  

 A stay here means your days revolve around the water. From the private marina, you can board a fleet of luxury vessels for curated cruises and sunset charters. The Cooper’s Hinckley Yacht offers private tours of the Charleston Harbor from the water. As the sun sets, cruise past waterfront landmarks, historic residences, and the Ravenel Bridge. Back on shore, the rooftop infinity pool overlooks Charleston Harbor, while the 7,000-square-foot spa offers a quiet retreat after a day spent exploring the city.  

The property hosts four distinct dining venues. The Crossing highlights Mediterranean-inspired cuisine rooted in seasonal ingredients; rooftop Bar Marti pairs handcrafted cocktails with sweeping harbor views; Cooper Coffee & Wine transitions from artisan coffee and house-made pastries to thoughtfully selected wines throughout the day; and Currentburger serves elevated burgers, sandwiches, and frozen cocktails in a relaxed open-air waterfront setting. Complimentary transportation via the BMW House Car adds another thoughtful touch, making it easy to move between the hotel and downtown. 

Where to Dine in Charleston

Charleston is famous for its Lowcountry boil, the one-pot dish that pairs shrimp, smoked sausage, potatoes, and corn with a heap of spices. The real pleasure of a trip to Charleston comes in rounding out the classics with some of the lesser-expected gems hiding in plain sight amidst this thriving culinary scene. So, plan to get your fill.   

Casual Spots and Fun Bars 

• Welton’s Tiny Bakeshop: A James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Bakery, Welton’s Tiny Bakeshop is celebrated for naturally leavened breads, laminated pastries, and seasonal breakfast offerings. Its intimate neighborhood setting and limited daily production make early mornings the ideal time to visit. 

• Leon’s Oyster Shop: Housed in a former auto body shop, Leon’s Oyster Shop has become a local favorite for oysters, crispy fried chicken, frozen cocktails, and soft-serve ice cream. The lively patio and relaxed atmosphere make it an easy stop for a casual meal. 

• Bin 152: Just off King Street, Bin 152 specializes in thoughtfully selected French wines, artisanal cheeses, and charcuterie served in a cozy, brick-lined space. It’s an inviting place to settle in with a glass of wine and a light bite before dinner or as an evening stop downtown. 

• 167 Raw: Originally a seafood market in Nantucket, 167 Raw has become a downtown Charleston institution known for its buttery lobster rolls, pristine oysters, and daily seafood specials. Seating is limited, and they don’t take reservations, so arriving early is well worth it. 

• Bar Marti: Set atop The Cooper, Bar Marti pairs panoramic views with Mediterranean-inspired small plates and a cocktail program rooted in fresh, seasonal ingredients. Arrive before sunset for an aperitivo, then linger over cocktails, wine, and shared plates as the skyline gives way to twinkling lights across the water. 

Exemplary Fine Dining 

• Chez Nous: With just a handful of tables and a menu rewritten daily, Chez Nous offers one of the city’s most intimate dining experiences in town. Inspired by the home cooking of Southern France, Northern Italy, and Northern Spain, each day’s offerings reflect what’s fresh and seasonal. It’s a perfect pick for a romantic evening awash in candlelight. 

• Merci: Tucked along a quiet downtown street, Merci channels the charm of a neighborhood Parisian wine bar. Seasonal small plates, an exceptional natural wine list, and an intimate candlelit dining room create a memorable evening centered around thoughtful food and conversation. 

• Chubby Fish: With a nightly menu that shifts according to the day’s catch, Chubby Fish has become one of Charleston’s most sought-after reservations. Expect inventive seafood, bold flavors, and a lively dining room where locals happily line up before the doors open. 

• FIG: Since opening in 2003, FIG (Food Is Good) has been a go-to, helping shape Charleston’s now-nationally recognized dining scene. Led by Chef Mike Latta and deeply seasonal, the menu highlights the best of the Lowcountry through thoughtful, ingredient-focused dishes that change with local harvests. 

• The Crossing: The signature restaurant at The Cooper, The Crossing draws inspiration from the coastal cuisines of the Mediterranean, with wood-fired cooking, seasonal produce, and seafood at the center of the menu. The waterfront dining room and polished setting make it well suited for a refined breakfast, lunch, or dinner experience. 

• Sorelle: Created by the team at The Indigo Road Hospitality Group, Sorelle brings Southern Italian cooking to a beautifully restored historic building in downtown Charleston. Handmade pastas, wood-fired meats and seafood, and an extensive Italian wine list are complemented by a lively bar and European-style mercantile stocked with imported pantry staples. 

• Vern’s: Awarded a Michelin Star in the inaugural Michelin Guide American South, Vern’s offers an intimate dining experience centered on exceptional ingredients and refined technique. The frequently changing menu reflects the season’s best produce, seafood, and meats, creating one of Charleston’s most elevated culinary experiences. 

Where to Shop in Charleston

When you think of picturesque boutique shopping, Charleston’s King Street is the quintessential image. The colorful downtown streets are filled with shops specializing in curated treasures that require leaving room in your luggage to accommodate your finds. Whether you’re in the market for jewelry that will last generations or a pair of shoes to elevate your dinner plans, the shops of this southern city will deliver in spades.  

• Hampden: A Charleston fashion institution, Hampden brings together an expertly edited multibrand collection, including established fashion houses like Isabel Marant to emerging labels. The intimate boutique experience, personalized styling, and carefully selected pieces make it a favorite for discovering contemporary fashion with a distinctly polished point of view. 

• Croghan’s Jewel Box: Family-owned for more than a century, Croghan’s Jewel Box has become a destination for fine jewelry, estate pieces, and timeless craftsmanship. From heirloom-quality designs to collections by contemporary jewelers, the boutique offers pieces meant to be collected and passed down. 

• Billy Reid: Located along historic King Street, Billy Reid blends Southern heritage with modern craftsmanship through thoughtfully designed menswear and womenswear. The boutique is known for timeless wardrobe staples, quality materials, and a warm, personal approach to service. 

• Shoes on King: Shoes on King offers a carefully curated selection of luxury footwear and accessories from sought-after designers. From statement pieces to everyday essentials, the boutique combines an elevated collection with personalized service in the heart of downtown. 

• Lady Bird Books: More than an independent bookstore, Lady Bird Books is a thoughtfully designed space celebrating literature, art, and community. Its shelves feature contemporary fiction, design-focused coffee table books, children’s titles, and distinctive gifts that invite lingering afternoons of browsing. 

• Nette: A contemporary women’s boutique, Nette is known for its refined selection of apparel that captures the spirit of Southern living. The collection balances modern silhouettes with effortless coastal style, making it a favorite for finding pieces that feel current yet enduring. 

• Grady Ervin & Co.: Rooted in classic Southern sporting traditions, Grady Ervin & Co. offers fine apparel, outdoor gear, and even fly-fishing equipment for those who appreciate heritage craftsmanship. Whether you’re preparing for time outdoors or looking for a refined everyday piece, the shop captures a distinctly Charleston approach to style and can supply the casual novice and the lifelong fisherman. 

• Tucker Payne Antiques: Tucker Payne Antiques showcases an exceptional collection of English and Continental antiques, fine art, lighting, and decorative objects. The beautifully curated showroom draws collectors and design enthusiasts searching for distinctive pieces with real history and distinctive character. 

• Reinert Fine Art Gallery: Set in the French Quarter, Reinert Fine Art Gallery features contemporary paintings and sculpture from both nationally recognized and new-to-the-scene artists. It’s an inspiring stop for collectors and travelers looking to bring home a meaningful piece of Charleston’s creative landscape. 

Where to Find Southern Charm in Charleston

Beyond its boutiques and dining options, Charleston is overflowing with chances to dig into adventure and exploration. With a rich history and thriving natural environment, the city and surrounds offer something for everyone, whether you want to experience something high-octane or laid-back.  

• Charleston’s Historic Parks & Gardens: Charleston’s green spaces offer a peaceful way to experience the city’s beauty, architecture, and slower pace. Wander through the formal gardens of White Point Garden, relax beside Colonial Lake, explore the pathways of Hampton Park, or take in the centuries-old live oaks that define the city’s outdoor spaces. 

• Sullivan’s Island: Just beyond downtown, Sullivan’s Island offers a relaxed coastal escape with wide sandy beaches, historic Fort Moultrie, and a collection of local restaurants worth lingering over. Spend the afternoon biking quiet streets, searching for shells along the shoreline, or enjoying the laid-back rhythm of this beloved seaside community. 

• Gibbes Museum of Art: Located in the heart of the Historic District, the Gibbes Museum of Art celebrates the artists, landscapes, and stories that have shaped the American South. Rotating exhibitions, an extensive permanent collection, and thoughtful programming make it a rewarding stop for art enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. 

• Historic Charleston Foundation House Museums: Step inside some of the city’s most carefully preserved historic residences for a closer look at Charleston’s architecture and layered history. Guided tours reveal the craftsmanship, design details, and personal stories behind these remarkable homes. 

• Private Sportfishing & Eco-Tours: Depart from Charleston City Marina aboard a privately captained vessel tailored to your interests, whether that means pursuing redfish, tarpon, cobia, and offshore game fish or exploring the region’s tidal creeks, salt marshes, and barrier islands on a naturalist-led eco-tour. Along the way, it’s common to encounter bottlenose dolphins, loggerhead sea turtles, pelicans, and migratory shorebirds while gaining a deeper understanding of the Lowcountry’s unique coastal ecosystem. 

 

How to Prepare for Your Trip to Charleston

Charleston is a city that rewards curiosity. Its cobblestone streets, waterfront promenades, and distinct neighborhoods are best explored without rushing. Pack for warm, often humid days and comfortable shoes—you’ll likely spend hours exploring on foot. Evenings can be as relaxed or refined as you like, from waterfront cocktails to elegant dinners tucked inside historic homes. It’s also worth saving room in your suitcase; as mentioned, King Street is known for its mix of independent boutiques, local artisans, antiques, and luxury retailers, making it one of the city’s most rewarding places to browse between sightseeing stops. 

Getting There

Charleston is easily accessible with nonstop flights daily from around the country into Charleston International Airport (CHS), located just twelve miles from the historic peninsula and approximately a twenty-minute drive from downtown. You can expect nonstop service from major cities across the United States, including New York, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Washington, D.C., and Miami, making the city a seamless escape for both weekend getaways and longer stays. 

Upon arrival, the transition from airport to city is effortless. Private transfers, rideshare services, and rental cars are readily available, though once you’re settled into the historic district, much of Charleston is best experienced on foot. With its compact neighborhoods, shaded streets, and walkable layout, the city invites you to slow down and begin exploring from the moment you arrive.