I was born and raised in Charleston. Here are the 10 biggest mistakes I see tourists make when they visit.

Tory LysikNov 9, 2024, 00:42 IST

I was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina. In recent years, I've watched my hometown turn into one of the country's most-visited cities.Peter Unger/Getty Images

I've seen tourists repeat the same mistakes during visits to my hometown, Charleston.
Most people stay in the downtown area, but there are nearby islands worth exploring, too.

Charleston will always be home to me. I was born and raised in the Southern city. Even though I left for college, I still go back regularly to visit my friends and family.

Over the last several years, I've watched it become one of the fastest-growing cities in the country and a staple on lists of must-visit US destinations. I love that so many people are flocking to Charleston, both to visit the city and to live in it.

However, I've found that a lot of the newcomers' itineraries skip what I consider to be the most important parts of the city. These are the 10 biggest mistakes I see tourists make when they visit Charleston.

Be respectful and thoughtful when you explore the city's complex history.

If tourists visit plantations in Charleston, they should take a tour to learn about the land's history.Shutterstock

Make sure to try the cuisine at a local restaurant for the full experience.

The food in Charleston is one of my favorite parts of the city.Tory Lysik

Charleston has so much more to offer beyond the downtown area.

Most tourists spend their entire trip in the downtown area.Shutterstock

Be mindful of the ecological footprint you leave on the port city.

In recent years, sea levels in Charleston have risen.Tory Lysik

You don't have to visit during peak times to get the most out of Charleston.

Visitors tend to come between September and November, which is also when hurricanes are most likely to hit the region.Tory Lysik

When it comes to footwear, prioritize comfort over fashion.

Charleston is a walkable, pedestrian-friendly city.Tetra Images/Getty Images

Unless you have a specific need for a car, stick to walking.

The Charleston streets are narrow and cobblestone, so they aren't ideal for heavy traffic.Sean Xu/Shutterstock

Be alert for alligator sightings. If you do spot one, keep a safe distance.

People should keep a safe distance from alligators.Tory Lysik

You can spot dolphins right from the city — you don't always need a fancy tour to do it.

Tourists should keep an eye out for dolphins in Charleston.Tory Lysik

The sunsets in Charleston are tough to beat, so make sure to carve out time for them.

The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is one of my favorite places to watch the sun go down.Tory Lysik

My friends and I sailed around Belize for 3 days on an all-inclusive private yacht. The price per person felt like an incredible value.

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