This American Southern antebellum hamlet has long enchanted tourists from all over the globe, surprising even seasoned travelers with its labyrinthine passageways and secret gardens teeming with wisteria and jasmine.

Waterfront Park in Charleston is home to this famous fountain. The Holy City is known for its tropical design, which is intended to symbolize the region's renowned friendliness. Each visitor to this opulent hotel with a 1920s vibe is paired with a personal butler. Scoop up a room overlooking the French Quarter and have a drink in the cocktail bar off the lobby, which is filled with books and clubs.

Brittlebank, with its paved jogging phrazle and cycling trails, twin fishing piers, and off-leash dog park, is a well-liked outdoor leisure location. Relais Châteaux properties are like staying at the elegant homes of well-to-do friends. The apartments have Italian marble baths and four-poster beds in the plantation style.

Finding a favorite beach was a key concern when I came to Charleston a few years ago, especially when the summer heat started to creep in. Even though I had spent my childhood vacations on the neighboring island of Kiawah, I knew I would need a closer coastal getaway with a distinctly younger, more relaxed vibe. This urge led me to take a lounge chair, sunscreen, and a few page-turning novels along on my first visit to Folly Beach, one of Charleston's principal beaches. Folly quickly established itself as my first choice when visitors from out of town came to visit during the next years. It's a place that has everything you need for a fantastic beach weekend, including shops, seafood eateries, laid-back pubs, and South Carolina's famous long, sandy shoreline.

Although it is officially a city on Folly Island, Folly Beach has more of a traditional Southern beach town feel to it. Jenny Brown, the creator and owner of Shaka Surf School, tells Travel + Leisure that Folly is a quirky, hippy, surfy, little barrier island with stunning views and a welcoming feel. Even though it has a wide range of stores and tourist attractions, both residents and visitors are drawn to the place by its consistent distinctiveness. Executive director of Warrior Surf Foundation Stephanie Dasher said, "Folly Beach has always been a local gem, welcoming people from all walks of life to experience the true essence of South Carolina and the genuine spirit of Charleston." "Folly Beach stands out as a beach with character and a story to tell because of its authenticity, which contributes to its eclectic charm."