Welcome to Charleston
Immerse Yourself in the South
There’s a reason that Charleston was voted the best city in the U.S. Known for its beauty, visitors are mesmerized by cobblestone streets and historic pastel homes that overlook Charleston Harbor, the site of seminal moments in American history. Charleston is pioneering the modern South by elevating tradition while honoring its complex past. Hotel Bennett embodies this spirit — built by native Charlestonians, the lavish hotel opens upon King Street, the gateway to a prestigious culinary and cultural scene. Explore renowned restaurants, historic landmarks, shopping, arts, theater, outdoor activities, and endless escapes in and around the city.
Activities
Rooftop Pool & Exclusive Cabanas
This is the most luxurious rooftop pool in Charleston. Private cabanas can be rented exclusively for in-house guests both for full days and half days. They are the perfect way to experience a day at the pool overlooking the Holy City.
HOURS
Daily 7:00 am to 8:00 pm
Food and Beverage Service available from Fiat Lux 11:00 am to 6:30 pm
Private Shopping Experience at Gwynn's
Reserved exclusively for guests of Hotel Bennett, enjoy a personalized shopping experience at Gwynn’s. Allow our team to arrange roundtrip transportation, a private suite, a dedicated stylist, and light bites with bubbly. Please contact our concierge team to schedule.
Located in Mount Pleasant, just minutes from downtown, Gwynn’s is the Lowcountry’s only full luxury department store and a true Charleston shopping destination. Our carefully edited assortment includes designer dresses, tailored menswear, fine jewelry, statement accessories, home décor, and premium beauty products, all under one inspired roof.
Marsh & Magnolia
Marsh & Magnolia is a custom hat bar located just steps from your guest room. This personalized hat-making experience pairs guests one-on-one with a skilled hat stylist to create a felt or straw hat that is one of a kind.
International African American Museum
Discover the International African American Museum at Gadsden's Wharf, the disembarkation point of up to 40% of all American enslaved persons once stood. IAAM tells the unvarnished stories of the African American experience across generations, the trauma and triumph that gave rise to a resilient people.
Patriots Point Links
This harborside course is a favorite for local and visiting golfers. Located at the foot of the acclaimed Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, the 18-hole course has remarkable views of the historic city and Charleston Harbor. And it’s five-minutes from downtown making it the most accessible and memorable part of any golf trip to the historic city of Charleston.
Beaches
Charleston’s prominent location is nearby multiple beaches with pristine sands and waters perfect for surfing, swimming and sunbathing. Some towns worth exploring include Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, Kiawah Island and Edisto Beach. Each has its individual flare with restaurants, bars, shops and more for when you need a beach break.
Charleston Farmers Market
Upon the footsteps of the hotel’s entrance in Marion Square find a vibrant, thriving Farmers Market every Saturday morning. Shop among 100+ local vendors. In addition to farmers & growers, visitors can explore various food vendors and artisans showcasing art, clothing, jewelry and more.
Charleston Gaillard Center
The Gaillard Municipal Auditorium and Exhibition Hall opened in July of 1968. The Gaillard became home to the Charleston Symphony Orchestra in the early 1980s, and with the founding of Spoleto Festival USA in 1977, it helped propel Charleston onto the world stage. Construction of the new Charleston Gaillard Center began in August of 2012 and was finished in October of 2015. The new Gaillard Center features the 1,800-seat Martha and John M. Rivers Performance Hall, a 15,000-square foot Exhibition Hall, and three floors of City offices.
Charleston Museum
Said to be the oldest museum in America, the Charleston Museum is a comprehensive, moving curation of the Antebellum period in South Carolina. Learn about the acclaimed Lowcountry through various 18th century homes, exhibitions and historic artifacts from apparel and furniture to the natural sciences.
Charles Towne Landing
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site sits on a marshy point, located off of the Ashley River, where a group of English settlers landed in 1670 and established what would become the birthplace of the Carolina colony. Charles Towne Landing introduces visitors to the earliest colonial history of Charleston. Interact with hands-on exhibits in the Visitor Center, talk to knowledgeable staff members, and take an audio tour on the self-guided history trail.
Children's Museum of the Lowcountry
Said to be the oldest museum in America, the Charleston Museum is a comprehensive, moving curation of the Antebellum period in South Carolina. Learn about the acclaimed Lowcountry through various 18th century homes, exhibitions and historic artifacts from apparel and furniture to the natural sciences.
Dock Street Theater
History and the arts collide to create an unforgettable experience at America’s first theater. Dock Street Theater is one of Charleston’s finest cultural institutions with Shakespeare to Broadway performances. The original building opened in 1736 — after a grand restoration in 2010, today it features state-of-the-art lighting and sound, enthralling theatergoers near and far.
Fort Sumter
History buffs can’t get enough of the island seaforts that played an integral role in our country's past. Located in the middle of Charleston Harbor, it’s only accessible by boat, making an ideal day of adventure. Learn about Fort Moultrie’s role in defeating the Royal Navy in 1776; and about the confederacy fired the Civil War’s first shots at Fort Sumter.
Historic Charleston City Market
This is one of Charleston’s most visited attractions with entrepreneurs and vendors selling goods throughout open-air buildings. Started in the 1790s, it remains a central hub for shopping today. Browse art, spices, apparel, and the Lowcountry’s famous hand-woven baskets. Shoppers explore the market daily from 9:30 am-5:30 pm; on the weekends it stays open well into the evening along with live music.
King Street Shopping
Whether you’re into antiquing, book shops, clothing or art galleries, get inspired by King Street shopping. This famous street is a hub for shopping and dining with miles of options — so be sure to plan your outgoing accordingly. It has three unique sections: Upper King is the art and design district; while the Middle King is all about fashion and Lower King is antique paradise.
Marion Square
Marion Square has been the heartbeat of the city for over 150 years. Hotel Bennett sits the location of the Charleston County Library — a storied history that’s represented in the hotels’ design and decor. Today, the famous square is home to weekly Saturday Farmers Markets, SEWE, among other signature events.
Patriots Point
One of Charleston's most popular destinations for children, Patriot’s Point is a naval and maritime history museum in the heart of Charleston Harbor. The USS Yorktown, a WWII aircraft, is the centerpiece of several exhibits that preserve military history and tell stories of bravery. Other sites and exhibits include the USS Laffey, USS Clamagore Vietnam Experience, Medal of Honor Museum. Enjoy it self-guided or a privately guided tour.
The Battery
One of Charleston’s most notable sites, this idyllic waterfront park and street will transport you to another time. Thought to be the must-see Charleston experience, plan to stroll along an elevated walkway on the bay while gazing at southern mansions until you reach the park which is full of cannons, oak trees, palmettos, statues, a gazebo, and incredible views.
Rainbow Row
Rainbow Row is the quintessential Charleston vista. This iconic row of pastel-colored historic homes are located along East Bay just steps from the famed Battery overlooking Charleston Harbor. The thirteen Georgia-style row houses in bold hues that date to the 18th century can be found north of Tradd St. and south of Elliott St.
Waterfront Park
Explore gardens, fountains and walking paths at this waterfront park conveniently located in historic downtown overlooking Charleston Harbor. Children cool off in the splash foundation during Lowcountry summers. Located off Concord Street, this is one of the peninsula's most visited parks.
The park is open daily.
Shem Creek
For the perfect low key excursion, venture through Mount Pleasant to Shem Creek, a parkside area nestled into the historic creek and wetlands. Explore the walking trails and boardwalks, go fishing — stop for a creek-side lunch or stay for make an evening out of dinner and drinks.
South Carolina Aquarium
The South Carolina Aquarium is a favorite among kids and parents. From the first moment, visitors are in awe of the Great Ocean Tank spanning the first to third floors with hundreds of different types of fish. The Touch Tank is not to be missed as youngsters touch live horseshoe crabs and other marine animals. The prime location is a 15 minute walk from Hotel Bennett.
Spa & Fitness
The Spa at Hotel Bennett creates an urban oasis for guests with treatments that incorporate the area’s maritime surroundings. It’s the city’s finest spa experience with unique offerings, as well as radiance and fortitude treatments focusing on heart health. The spa will even provide a true King Street shopping experience for those browsing the exclusive retail offerings.
Sports
Charleston Riverdogs
Join thousands of fans and cheer on the Riverdogs, Charleston’s Minor League baseball team. The family-friendly stadium overlooks the Ashley River and is a short 10 minute drive across downtown.
Sullivan's Center Street
Every one of Charleston’s five beaches has its own unique character. Nestled at the mouth of the Charleston Harbor and neighbor to the Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island is an idyllic beach town that offers a little something for everyone. While just over 3 miles in size, the island is home to an inviting mix of wide beaches and watersports, history and folklore, shops and restaurants—all wrapped up in one beloved barrier island. Come whenever you’d like. With temperate weather and so much to explore, there’s truly no off-season for this magical little year-round beach town.