Gay Charleston – Ultimate Travel Guide, Hotels, Restaurants, Bars & Activities (Updated 2024)
Gay Friendly Travel Guides 19th May, 2023
Gay Charleston – the largest city in the United States state of South Carolina, as well as the county seat of Charleston County and the centre of the Charleston-North Charleston metropolitan area.
It is located south of the geographical centre of South Carolina’s coastline on Gay Charleston Harbour, an estuary of the Atlantic Ocean formed by the convergence of the Ashley, Cooper, and Wando rivers.
The city has been referred to as one of the most courteous cities in the United States. This is, after all, the essence of Southern hospitality.
The home exudes all of the elegant refinement you’d expect and more. The city achieves the ideal balance of old and new.
It has North America’s second-largest historical district, behind Savannah. Many of the houses seem the same as they did in the early 1800s, but this is an alive city.
The dollhouse-like homes with huge verandas that capture the breeze off the harbor are still maintained and were occupied up until today. Gay Charleston is also one of the oldest and most picturesque cities in the United States.
It has a lot of gorgeous architecture and is very gay-friendly. Charleston’s colourful antebellum mansions, winding lanes, and lively French Quarter will enchant any gay traveler.
It’s also a historically significant city, as it was here that the Civil War’s opening combat was fought.
Gay Charleston has more to offer no matter where you go in the city!
If you are thinking about going somewhere else you can try other Gay Travel Guides.
Remember to always check out the latest rules and restrictions before you leave.
Gay Scene in Gay Charleston
Gay Charleston, as previously said, is one of the oldest and most attractive cities in South Carolina. This seaside town radiates southern charm.
It is known for being an artsy, pleasant, diverse seaside town with plenty to do and see. It also has a vibrant and accepting LGBTQ+ community.
Gay Charleston is well-known for radiating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere to both locals and LGBTQ+ visitors.
The city has several policies in place that prohibit discrimination and harassment based on any protected status, including age, colour, disability, national origin, sex, ethnicity, religion, and a variety of other factors.
It also aims to develop and maintain an environment free of any discomfort or pressure based on personal characteristics such as looks or sexual orientation.
The genuine or perceived heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, or gender identity and expression of a person are referred to as sexual orientation.
The city has also established an LGBTQ+ liaison as part of its commitment to tolerance and equal treatment for all.
It only goes to show that visiting this lovely city as a member of the LGBTQ+ community is no problem at all, and you’ll find plenty of comfort during your stay.
You may also want to check out the Charleston Pride which has evolved from a small one-day event to a thriving week-long celebration. A comedy show, a walking tour emphasising Charleston’s gay history, art exhibitions, panel talks, and more are among the many LGBTQ+ events planned for the week.
The parade and festival, which take place throughout the weekend and feature performances by national LGBTQ+ superstars, bring these activities to an end.
Is Charleston Safe?
Right now, you’re probably wondering how safe Gay Charleston is, especially since you’ll be visiting as a gay traveler or a gay couple?
At any time of day or night, there are no specific areas in the city that should be avoided.
In general, provided you take certain precautions, Charleston may be a safe place to visit. It is not advisable to walk alone at night.
There is still a risk of petty crime in this area, just as there is in any other part of the world, so precautions should be taken to avoid unpleasant situations.
In this city, traveling as a member of the LGBTQ+ community or as a homosexual couple is not a problem. As aforementioned, the city has various anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies in effect.
Furthermore, the inhabitants are welcoming and accepting of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation.
With the ongoing global pandemic, you may also want to check Gay Charleston travel guidelines and restrictions before the visit. You can click here for more details.
Best Time to Visit Gay Charleston
You’re probably wondering when the best time to go to Gay Charleston is? Charleston is best visited between March and May or September and November.
Spring vacations in Charleston are ideal from March to May, when the weather is mild and the trees and flowers are in bloom, making it one of the best seasons to visit.
High hotel costs and crowds of travelers competing for accommodation space are to be expected, particularly during the Easter holidays. From September to November, warm, Eden-like weather is possible, which may make the journey worthwhile.
Aside from the pleasant weather, autumn is also highlighted by several popular gourmet events like Charleston Restaurant Week and the Taste of Charleston.
If you want to keep your travel costs low, visit between December and February; you may be able to discover some deals if you travel during the offseason. Temperatures hardly dip below 40 degrees, staying in the 50s and 60s, so you won’t need to cover up.
In addition, the Holiday Festival of Lights runs through the end of December.
If you’re planning Valentine’s getaway to Charleston, be prepared for high costs and a minor crowd. Charleston is regarded as one of the best romantic destinations in the United States.
Best Gay-Friendly Hotels in Charleston
Here are some Gay-Friendly Hotels to try during your visit to Gay Charleston:
The Loutrel
Nestled within Charleston’s historic district, The Loutrel seamlessly harmonizes with the charming Georgian facades that define the neighborhood. This luxury hotel embodies a refined sense of comfort and fosters meaningful connections, prioritizing authentic experiences over opulence.
Drawing inspiration from Charleston’s iconic gardens, The Loutrel pays homage to the city’s captivating past while embracing its progressive future. Guests are invited to savor the present moment as they immerse themselves in a carefully curated environment that showcases the essence of Charleston.
Whether seeking tranquility or seeking inspiration, The Loutrel offers a sanctuary where the allure of Charleston unfolds in its truest form.
| Activities | Fitness Studio Rooftop Terrace Clubroom |
| Price | $$$ |
| Location | The Loutrel 61 State St Charleston, SC 29401 |
| Contact | Call 1 843-872-9600 info@theloutrel.com |
| Website | The Loutrel Hotel | Official Site | The Loutrel |
The Charleston Place
Discover The Charleston Place, an iconic landmark in Charleston’s historic district. With sumptuous accommodations, exquisite dining, and rejuvenating wellness services, it offers unforgettable experiences.
Whether for corporate events, weddings, or leisure, its spaces, amenities, and warm hospitality create an enduring impact. Unwind in plush accommodations and savor delicious culinary adventures.
| Activities | Fitness Center Biking Spa Dining |
| Price | $$$ |
| Location | The Charleston Place 205 Meeting Street Charleston, SC 29401 |
| Contact | Call 1+800.611.5545 Info@CharlestonPlace.com |
| Website | The Charleston Place | An Independent Luxury Hotel |
Hotel Bennett
Immerse yourself in the spirit of Charleston’s rich heritage at Hotel Bennett. With vibrant architecture and breathtaking scenery, this lavish hotel on King Street captures the charm of the Holy City.
Built by native Charlestonians, it offers an ideal location for adventure-seekers, epicureans, historians, and cultural explorers. From its grand entrance to the inviting terrace, Hotel Bennett invites visitors and locals to experience the essence of Charleston’s culture and class.
| Activities | Spa Restaurant Pool Fitness Center Club |
| Price | $$$ |
| Location | Hotel Bennett 404 KING ST CHARLESTON, SC 29403 |
| Contact | Call 843.203.0922 No Email |
| Website | Charleston Luxury Hotels | Hotel Bennett Charleston | Hotels in Charleston, SC |
Recommended:
Gay Massage in Charleston
Gay-Friendly Dining in Charleston
You’ll have worked up an appetite after strolling around Charleston’s picturesque streets or visiting one of the city’s historic plantations.
Fear no more – Charleston has long been a gastronomic hotspot in South Carolina.
Gay Charleston has a plethora of stylish restaurants that serve delicious dishes if you’re looking for a trendy place to fill up your tummy before, between, or after cocktails.
Throughout the week, many casual restaurants host performances, live music, or other events.
Here are a few gay-friendly restaurants in Charleston that you might want to visit during your stay:
1. El Jefe Texican Cantina
El Jefe is located at 468 King Street and has been named Charleston’s Best Margarita, as well as having the largest LED wall for watch parties and being home to “Luna,” the Mechanical Bull.
It’s everyone’s favorite dish, with signature products like the seven-day marinated ribeye tacos and the Texican Pho.
The restaurant opens every day at 11 a.m. for lunch, supper, and late-night dining.
| Types of Food | Marinated Rib Eye Tacos, Texican Pho |
| Price | $$ |
| Location | 468 King St, Charleston, SC 29403 |
| More Information | El Jefe Texican Cantina | Charleston Texmex Restaurant (eljefechs.com) |
2. Charleston Grill
This restaurant boasts an impressive southern soul with a modern twist.
The restaurant has also received the Forbes Four-Star Award for Food Excellence and the AAA Four Diamond Award for Food Excellence, and its elegant interior provides a welcoming backdrop for a memorable culinary experience.
You’ll enjoy a series of daring dishes, with their menu changing several times throughout the season depending on the freshest ingredients available.
| Types of Food | Seafood, Vegetables, Pork |
| Price | $$-$$$ |
| Location | 224 King St, Charleston, SC 29401 |
| More Information | Charleston-Grill-Menu-10.pdf (charlestonplace.com) |
3. Gaulart & Maliclet | Fast and French
Gaulart & Maliclet is a French-style restaurant that provides fresh, affordable, healthy, and global cuisine with a French flair in a social environment that encourages community and the arts.
They serve a wide range of cuisines. It offers ham and cheese croissants, as well as toasted Canadian rye slices of bread.
| Types of Food | Soup, Chicken, Seafood, Meat |
| Price | $$ |
| Location | 98 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29401 |
| More Information | Gaulart & Maliclet Fast and French Inc. – Charleston, SC (fastandfrenchcharleston.com) |
4. Tabbuli
Located in the heart of Gay Charleston, South Carolina, on picturesque King Street.
It’s a popular restaurant with a Mediterranean flavour on the southern coast.
This restaurant and hookah bar offers a variety of brunch, lunch, and dinner menus, making it a fantastic place for friends to unwind and enjoy conversation over a tasty meal.
| Types of Food | Pizzas, Salads and Soups, Mezze, Mezze Grande |
| Price | $$ |
| Location | 541 King St, Charleston, SC 29403 |
| More Information | Tabbuli | Charleston, SC |
5. Peninsula Grill
Peninsula Grill is a genuinely resplendent dining experience that pulls out all the stops.
A spectacular setting, fresh and delicious cuisine, fantastic service that anticipates a guest’s wants and needs, an award-winning wine list, a famous signature dessert, and one more ingredient, a touch of enchantment.
| Types of Food | Steaks, Salads, Seafood, Pork |
| Price | $$-$$$ |
| Location | 112 N Market St, Charleston, SC 29401 |
| More Information | Peninsula Grill – Fine Dining, Restaurant, Historic Market, Charleston, SC |
Gay-Friendly Bars and Clubs in Charleston
When the sun sets in Charleston, the party continues.
Every night here is certain to be exceptional, from music venues and dancing clubs to friendly, quiet bars and city-wide festivals.
Here are some gay-friendly bars and clubs to visit and enjoy a night out while you’re in town:
1. Dudley’s on Ann
Dudley’s is the city’s oldest gay bar. The bar brands itself as “Charleston’s Everybody’ Bar,” to serve the entire community.
Everyone flocks to Dudley’s on weekends for dancing and their creative original drinks, but there are plenty of reasons to visit during the week, too, including drag shows, karaoke, and everyday happy hour deals, to name a few.
It’s open from 4 p.m. seven days a week. until 7 p.m. Dudley’s thrived for nearly two decades on King Street, becoming a gathering place for both locals and tourists.
| Price | $-$$ |
| Food and Drinks | Drinks Only |
| Location | 42 Ann St, Charleston, SC 29403 |
| Contact | +1 843-577-6779 |
| Website | Dudleys On Ann | Charleston SC | Facebook |
2. The Griffon
The Griffon is a traditional pub with a laid-back atmosphere.
It is a restaurant and bar that offers fish and chips, burgers, crafted beer, and a lot more.
| Price | $-$$ |
| Food and Drinks | Both Offered |
| Location | 18 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401 |
| Contact | +1 843-723-1700 |
| Website | Charleston’s Best Pub (griffoncharleston.com) |
3. Bin 152
Bin 152 is the oldest and most prestigious wine bar in Charleston.
It’s in the French Quarter, right in the heart of downtown Charleston, and within walking distance of all the main hotels, inns, and bed & breakfasts.
The bar provides 40 different wines by the glass and over 200 wines by the bottle, as well as 40 different kinds of cheese and charcuterie, all of which are offered a la carte with freshly baked bread.
| Price | $-$$ |
| Food and Drinks | Both Offered |
| Location | 152 King Street Charleston, SC 29401 |
| Contact | +1 843-414-2337 |
| Website | The Rooftop at The Vendue | #1 Rooftop Bar in Charleston (rooftopcharleston.com) |
4. The Rooftop at Vendue
The Rooftop Bar in Charleston is a great place to meet for an al fresco lunch or an after-work drink while enjoying specialty cocktails, beer, and wine.
The Rooftop is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week and offers panoramic views of the Charleston Harbor, Waterfront Park, and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, plus a lot more.
| Price | $-$$ |
| Food and Drinks | Both Offered |
| Location | 19 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401 |
| Contact | +1 843-577-7359 |
| Website | Bin 152 Wine Bar |
Gay-Friendly Activities and Attractions in Charleston
A visit to Charleston, the world’s favourite city, ensures a terrific vacation with an unrivalled array of attractions including amazing cuisine, historic landmarks and museums, art galleries, weekly markets, yearly festivals, and plenty of fun.
Here are a few gay-friendly activities and attractions to check out during your visit to Gay Charleston:
1. Charleston Old House Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour
On a horse-drawn carriage trip, you can learn about the history of the South Carolina port city of Charleston, which stretches back over 300 years.
Save time by viewing the city’s major historical landmarks, including those from the Civil War era, from a comfortable vantage point as you drive through the 30 blocks historic district.
| Activities | Sightseeing, Learning History |
| Location | 14 Anson St. Charleston, SC 29401 |
| Price | $$ |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | Historic Charleston Carriage Tours & Rides | Old South Carriage Company |
2. Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise
This Charleston sunset cruise allows you to take in unobstructed coastal scenery that you wouldn’t see if you were only exploring by land.
While relaxing onboard a quality catamaran, you can see Fort Sumter, the Battery, and more – keep your camera ready for an incredible sunset view.
| Activities | Sightseeing, Cruising |
| Location | Charleston, SC |
| Price | $$ |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | Charleston Tours & Events : Harbor Cruises, City Tours, Charters & More (charlestonharbortours.com) |
3. Fort Sumter National Monument
You can learn more about the legendary site of the Civil War’s first battle between Union and Confederate armies when the Union forces eventually surrendered following a 34-hour bombardment by the Rebels.
| Activities | Sightseeing, Educational Tour |
| Location | Ft Sumter, Sullivans Island, SC 29482 |
| Price | $$ |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | Visit Fort Sumter, Charleston SC | Fort Sumpter Tours & Cruises (fortsumtertours.com) |
4. Walking Ghost Tour
Discover one of the Americas’ first cities, where spirits roamed the streets. Learn how to shoot a ghost in front of the most photographed ghost in America and the most looted tomb in Charleston.
| Activities | Sightseeing, Ghost Tour |
| Location | Charleston, SC |
| Price | $$ |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | Ghost Walk | Home | Charleston, SC |
5. Charleston Marsh Eco Boat Cruise with a stop at Morris Island Lighthouse
Morris Island – is an uninhabited island that provides a great contrast to the surrounding city of Charleston, but it’s not easy to get to because it’s only accessible by boat.
This cruise departs from Bowens Island and brings you to Morris Island, where you will have free time to explore at your leisure before returning. From the boat, keep an eye out for marine creatures like bottlenose dolphins and sea turtles.
| Activities | Sightseeing, Cruising |
| Location | 1871 Bowens Island Rd, Charleston, SC 29412 |
| Price | $$ |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | Morris Island Lighthouse Tour – Charleston Outdoor Adventures |
6. Waterfront Park
It is a popular gathering place located in the heart of the city.
It’s a terrific area to enjoy a lovely Charleston day, with views of the harbour, Charleston’s famed Pineapple Fountain, tons of beautiful flowers, and the nearby City Market for shopping and dining.
| Activities | Sightseeing, Shopping, Dining |
| Location | 1 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401 |
| Price | Free |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | Charleston Waterfront Park – Charleston-SC.com |
How to get to Charleston?
From Canada
If you’re from Canada and want to visit Charleston, AirCanada operates a 2-hour and 20-minute flight from Ottawa to Charleston. Porter Airlines has launched nonstop service between Canada and Charleston.
From February through May, a seasonal service runs from Toronto to Charleston. You can still fly to Charleston in the winter by connecting through Boston’s Logan Airport.
From the United Kingdom
There are currently no direct flights from the UK to Charleston, but you may connect to Charleston from most other major East Coast airports (Newark, Washington, Atlanta, Charlotte, and so on), where American Airlines and British Airways fly direct.
From the United States
Major airlines such as Delta, JetBlue, and Southwest offer direct flights from Charleston International Airport to/from Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, New York City, Philadelphia, Seattle, and other U.S. cities. It takes 20–30 minutes to get from the airport to downtown.
Rent a car, use Lyft or Uber, grab a taxi, or take the $15/passenger downtown shuttle, which leaves within 15 minutes depending on your request. Also, all taxis leaving the airport have a $15 minimum charge. Those going by train can stop in North Charleston, which is close to the airport.
From Italy
For Italian nationals who wish to visit Charleston, riding in a plane is the best choice to get there. United Airlines offers a one-stop flight from Rome to Charleston, this flight will take about 13 hours and 45 minutes from Fiumicino-Leonardo da Vinci International Airport to Charleston International Airport or any other nearby airport in the area.
