Charleston, SC ???

[Brad C.]

Thinking about taking the Family to Charleston, SC, I ammarried with little ones. What are your insights to the Charleston Station, safe or unsafe neighborhood? Hotels near by? How easy to get to Downtown area? Any feasible, clean public transit?

Thanks

Brad

 

[jphjaxfl]

The Amtrak Station for Charleston is in North Charleston about 8 miles from historic downtown Charlestion. You would want to stay in Charleston. There are lots of hotels/motels in every price range. CARTA the local bus system runs about every hour on weekdays and Saturdays and every two hours on Sunday. The web site is www.ridecarta.com. There is a lot to do in Charleston. I live in Jacksonville, FL and go to Charleston for long weekends. Its a 4 hour drive for us. We took the train once, but the local bus system is such that you really need a car or have to do cabs.

 

[Greg]

The Amtrak Station for Charleston is in North Charleston about 8 miles from historic downtown Charlestion. You would want to stay in Charleston. There are lots of hotels/motels in every price range. CARTA the local bus system runs about every hour on weekdays and Saturdays and every two hours on Sunday. The web site is www.ridecarta.com. There is a lot to do in Charleston. I live in Jacksonville, FL and go to Charleston for long weekends. Its a 4 hour drive for us. We took the train once, but the local bus system is such that you really need a car or have to do cabs.

I felt just fine traveling in and out of the station. Neighborhood didn't seem to be too bad to me.

 

[AmtrakWPK]

Last time my wife and I went up there, (from the Orlando area, on train 98, Silver Meteor), we took a short taxi ride to the CHS Int'l airport and picked up a Hertz rental car. Renting it through their deal with Amtrak, (check and verify that's still a valid deal) they reimbursed us for the cab fare from the Amtrak station. About three weeks later, after a trip into the Asheville NC area and then visiting with CHS relatives, we turned the car back in and took 97 back to home.

 

[Palmland]

The station is in North Charleston, an industrial - marginal area of the city. With a family, just grab a cab. You won't really need a car if you are going to see all the sights in the historic area - which should keep you busy for a long weekend. You might want to get one if you plan to go out of town to see some of the plantations/gardens. Although I suspect tour operators would be glad to do that for you. Charleston is not an inexpensive city but the food is fabulous - be sure to splurge on the many good restaurants - please, no chains.

Not renting a car lets you use that money for lodging in the historic district. Well worth it to be able to easily get to all the sights and take evening strolls on the gas lit streets of that charming city. Lodging is also pricey, but for the budget minded, the Days Inn downtown (which is often an iffy chain) is decent and in a great location. If your budget allows, check out some of the B&B's or Inns. Best time to go is any month other than July/August. April is the nicest with everything in bloom and pleasant temps.