College of Charleston Tours

College of Charleston which includes heritage architecture and street scenes
College of Charleston
College of Charleston showing a house and heritage elements
College of Charleston which includes a garden
College of Charleston featuring a house and heritage elements


Named by Travel + Leisure as “America's Most Beautiful College Campus” in 2017, this South Carolina institution is engaging for visitors and beloved by students.

Be sure to look both ways before crossing the street during your visit to the College of Charleston. You may have to make way for a horse-drawn carriage. This stunning public liberal arts college is postcard-pretty and has a storied history, dating back to 1770.

No matter where you’re from, you’ll find much to appreciate on the College of Charleston grounds, once named “America’s Most Beautiful College Campus” by Travel + Leisure. It is the oldest U.S. higher education institution south of Virginia and the 13th oldest such institution in the United States. Three future signers of the Declaration of Independence and three future framers of the United States Constitution were among the college’s founders. Today, the college plays an integral role in the cultural landscape of Charleston, providing arts and music entertainment, historic sights and an exciting sports scene.

Set in the Historic District of Charleston, the downtown campus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Check out the Avery Institute of Afro-American History and Culture, as well as the William Blacklock House.

Among the tree-shaded paths and colonnaded, brick buildings, you’ll find symbols of the future, including the School of Business at the modern Beatty Center. View the fountains in front of the striking, three-story Marlene and Nathan Addlestone Library, the region’s top research library. Have a picnic with students on Rivers Green, a huge lawn and patio behind the library.

Before or after your campus visit, enjoy dining and shopping at the Charleston City Market, built in the 1800s across four city blocks and still operating today as a public market. Peruse over 300 boutiques, restaurants and artisan studios. Purchase a locally crafted sweetgrass basket and regional foods, such as homemade biscuits and fried okra.

Explore the College of Charleston campus on a self-guided walking tour, following a map from the Office of Admissions on George Street. Alternatively, download a map to your smartphone and start at the iconic Cistern Yard.

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Reviews of College of Charleston

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
397
5 - Excellent 51%
4 - Good
303
4 - Good 39%
3 - Okay
77
3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
7
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

This is LOVELY campus nestled right in the middle of downtown Charleston. We were in town to attend her orientation there and really enjoyed walking and touring the beautiful historic campus.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Beautiful walk-able campus

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

nice zone 4 horse carriage ride

5/5 - Excellent

Karen

Beautiful campus in middle of historic district (used to go for used  j] lb

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

NA

5/5 - Excellent

Scott

Hydrate in the warm months... Heat can be opressive

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.