Charleston’s best Airbnbs offer more than a place to sleep—they let you live like a local. From restored carriage houses and colorful cottages to marshfront retreats and a floating houseboat, licensed short-term rentals in the city are curated, historic, and full of character. Below are selected favorites based on host ratings, design, amenities, location, and guest reviews—options for couples, families, foodies, and anyone chasing Lowcountry calm.
Top picks
– Best for families: Restored Victorian home on Spring Street — roomy, multiple porches, en suites.
– Best for couples: Storybook cottage for two — private piazzas and an intimate historic setting.
– Best for downtown access: Three-bedroom loft above Hank’s Seafood — lofted space with easy walkability.
The 21 best Airbnbs (short summaries)
1) Grand house with breezy double piazzas
Guests: 14 | Beds & baths: 7 BR, 5 BA
Why we love it: Classic Charleston scale and charm—double piazzas with privacy curtains, high ceilings, original brick fireplaces, updated kitchen. Steps from a booming restaurant scene.
Neighborhood: Cannonborough-Elliotborough; near Vern’s, The Ordinary, Xiao Bao Biscuit.
2) Designer home in Mount Pleasant’s Old Village
Guests: 10 | Beds & baths: 4 BR, 3.5 BA
Why we love it: Reclaimed heart-pine floors, chef’s kitchen, designer interiors, bunk nook for kids, shady live-oak backyard. Walk to Shem Creek for kayaking and waterfront dining.
Neighborhood: Old Village, Mount Pleasant.
3) Historic apartment in Cannonborough-Elliotborough
Guests: 8 | Beds & baths: 3 BR, 2 BA
Why we love it: Sophisticated designer interiors, hunter-green walls, private porch and reserved parking. Curated touches—from a Victrola to specialty teas—near King Street dining.
Neighborhood: Cannonborough-Elliotborough.
4) Storybook cottage for two
Guests: 2 | Beds & baths: 1 BR, 1 BA
Why we love it: Intimate and picture-perfect with double private piazzas, dedicated parking, and a peaceful Bogard Street setting. A short stroll to King Street’s restaurants and bars.
Neighborhood: Cannonborough-Elliotborough.
5) Stylish two-bedroom suite on trendy Spring Street
Guests: 5 | Beds & baths: 2 BR, 2 BA
Why we love it: Smart TV, private parking, fully stocked kitchen, washer/dryer. Close to coffee shops and neighborhood dining, with easy driving access to beaches.
Neighborhood: Cannonborough-Elliotborough.
6) King Street apartment with a private courtyard
Guests: 2 | Beds & baths: 1 BR, 1 BA
Why we love it: Secluded ground-floor retreat with a garden patio, brick fireplace, Carrera marble counters, and antique furnishings—right off King Street’s action when you want it.
Neighborhood: Radcliffeborough (near Rainbow Row and museums).
7) Cooper River houseboat with sun deck
Guests: 2 | Beds & baths: 1 BR, 1 BA
Why we love it: A unique over-water stay with retractable bubble skylights and private sun deck, great bridge and harbor views, and easy access to downtown breweries and waterfront dining.
Neighborhood: Downtown/NoMo waterfront.
8) Pet-friendly four-bedroom on Spring Street
Guests: 10 | Beds & baths: 4 BR, 4.5 BA
Why we love it: Restored, airy home with double porches, en suites, shared pool and dog-run, and the option to rent adjacent homes for very large groups.
Neighborhood: Spring Street cluster, close to beaches and day trips.
9) Modern coastal house on James Island
Guests: 5 | Beds & baths: 3 BR, 2 BA
Why we love it: Zen-like architecture on pilings with sweeping marsh views, wine cellar, yoga room, and easy access to the beach and local seafood shacks.
Neighborhood: James Island (equidistant to beach and downtown).
10) Oceanfront haven on Folly Beach
Guests: 8 | Beds & baths: 4 BR, 3 BA
Why we love it: Raised cottage on the dunes with a wide deck, large kitchen island, high-end appliances, and immediate beach access—great for surfers and families.
Neighborhood: Folly Beach.
11) Boho-chic house on Spring Street with a double porch
Guests: 14 | Beds & baths: 5 BR, 4 BA
Why we love it: Bright, preppy interiors with porch rockers top and bottom, backyard patio, and a festive, colorful vibe in a creative neighborhood close to King Street.
Neighborhood: Cannonborough-Elliotborough.
12) Brick carriage house with ornate parterre garden
Guests: 4 | Beds & baths: 2 BR, 1.5 BA
Why we love it: Restored carriage house with vaulted dormer bedrooms, plush king beds, shiplap foyer, private garden, free parking, and an EV charger—history and comfort combined.
Neighborhood: Harleston Village.
13) Historic apartment above a bakery on Queen Street
Guests: 4 | Beds & baths: 2 BR, 2 BA
Why we love it: Wake to fresh baguette aromas; original brick fireplaces, private piazza, and a building steeped in local history. Walk to art galleries and downtown attractions.
Neighborhood: French Quarter.
14) Three-bedroom loft above Hank’s Seafood Restaurant
Guests: 6 | Beds & baths: 3 BR, 3.5 BA
Why we love it: Expansive, masculine loft with exposed beams, billiards room, Viking kitchen, and Hank’s downstairs—ideal for groups seeking downtown convenience and style.
Neighborhood: Charleston Historic District.
15) Restored Victorian home on Spring Street
Guests: 10 | Beds & baths: 4 BR, 4.5 BA
Why we love it: Three-story Victorian with high ceilings, double porches, large en suites, and a mix of antiques and modern touches. Great for families and groups within walking distance of King Street.
Neighborhood: Spring Street/Cannonborough.
16) Serene cottage near Upper King
Guests: 4 | Beds & baths: 1 BR, 1.5 BA
Why we love it: Hidden pool house with French doors onto a koi pond and shared heated lap pool. Quiet, private, yet a block from Upper King’s dining and nightlife.
Neighborhood: Cannonborough-Elliotborough.
17) Victorian home in a neighborhood dining hub
Guests: 11 | Beds & baths: 3 BR, 3 BA
Why we love it: Thoughtful interior design with bold Farrow & Ball colors, artisan tile, a back patio under live oaks, and easy access to numerous acclaimed restaurants.
Neighborhood: Spring Street dining corridor.
18) Fire Tower studio near Upper King Street
Guests: 2 | Beds & baths: 1 BR, 1 BA
Why we love it: Sleek contemporary studio in a new building with a private balcony, elevator access, shared rooftop terrace, and great city views—steps from King Street.
Neighborhood: Cannonborough-Elliotborough.
19) Retro-glam cottage on Cannon Street
Guests: 8 | Beds & baths: 4 BR, 5 BA
Why we love it: Playful Palm Beach–meets-Charleston aesthetic with Andy Warhol and Slim Aarons accents, bright colors, roomy sleeping options, pet-friendly and parking included.
Neighborhood: Cannonborough-Elliotborough.
20) Renovated three-bed on Morris Street
Guests: 8 | Beds & baths: 3 BR, 3 BA
Why we love it: An 1850s home stripped to studs then modernized—heart-pine floors and exposed beams meet white shiplap and on-trend tile. Cozy porches and private parking.
Neighborhood: Morris/Coming intersection, near King Street.
21) Spacious, modern trio of homes near King Street
Guests (per unit): 10 | Beds & baths: 3 BR, 2.5 BA (each)
Why we love it: Three identical, new-construction townhouses inspired by Charleston models—airy layouts, keyless entry, and the option to rent multiple units for large gatherings or events.
Neighborhood: Spring Street/St. Philip intersection.
Frequently asked questions
– Where to stay: Cannonborough-Elliotborough is the hub for vacation rentals and dining; King Street and the French Quarter are great for shopping and galleries; Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, and Folly Beach for beach or marsh stays.
– Best time to visit: Spring (March–April) for blooms, and October for warm days with lower humidity.
– Cost expectations: Small well-located apartments may start near $175/night; many central rentals average $250–350; larger luxury homes often start around $1,200/night and rise in peak seasons.
– How long to stay: A long weekend covers major sights; 4–5 days gives time for dining, museums, and a beach or marsh excursion; a week is best for exploring farther afield.
Use these descriptions as a starting point. Many of these homes are licensed and thoughtfully managed—read each listing closely for exact amenities, sleeping arrangements, and neighborhood vibe before booking.
