Bicycle

As long as you stay off the busier roads, the historic district is ideal for bicycling. Many of the city's green spaces, including Palmetto Islands County Park, have bike trails. If you want to rent a bike, expect to pay about $25 a day if renting from a bike shop. Another option is borrowing a bike from Holy Spokes, Charleston's resident bike share program. There are dozens of docks across the peninsula, and $20 buys a 24-hour pass with unlimited ride time.

Cycling at your own pace is one of the best ways to see Charleston. Those staying at the nearby island resorts, particularly families with children, almost always rent bikes, especially if they are there for a week.