7 Best-Selling Charleston Travel Guide Books Readers Can’t Put Down

Expert picks from Jim Morekis, Lee Davis Perry, and Gary Jones highlight the best-selling Charleston Travel Guide books to help you explore with confidence.

Updated on June 24, 2025
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There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love — and Charleston travel guides are no exception. These seven best-selling books have helped countless visitors navigate the historic charm, rich culture, and vibrant culinary scene of Charleston, South Carolina. Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning to uncover more local secrets, these guides offer proven frameworks to plan a memorable trip.

Experts like Jim Morekis, editor-in-chief of Connect Savannah, bring deep local knowledge and storytelling that elevates Moon Charleston & Savannah. Lee Davis Perry, a Charleston native and author of Insiders' Guide® to Charleston, offers an insider’s perspective that goes beyond typical tourist paths. Gary Jones specializes in short-stay itineraries, making his Charleston guide perfect for travelers with limited time.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific Charleston travel needs might consider creating a personalized Charleston Travel Guide book that combines these validated approaches, helping you craft your ideal experience with precision and ease.

Best for local cultural insights
Jim Morekis, a University of Georgia graduate and longtime editor-in-chief of Connect Savannah, brings his extensive knowledge of Savannah's culture and history to this travel guide. Inspired by his mother’s connection to travel and literary figures like John Berendt, Morekis blends personal insight with practical advice, offering readers a unique perspective on Charleston and Savannah. His expertise ensures you experience these cities beyond the typical tourist path, making your visit both informed and memorable.
Moon Charleston & Savannah (Travel Guide) book cover

by Jim Morekis··You?

2022·400 pages·Savannah Travel Guide, Charleston Travel Guide, Travel, Local Culture, Itineraries

Jim Morekis draws on his deep roots in Savannah and his years editing Connect Savannah to craft this guide that feels like a conversation with a knowledgeable local friend. You get detailed neighborhood maps, cultural insights, and curated itineraries that cover everything from historic sites like the First African Baptist Church to the best James Beard Award-winning eateries. The chapters dedicated to family-friendly outings, beach escapes, and African American history provide a well-rounded view that helps you tailor your trip precisely. If you want a guide that balances practical tips with rich storytelling and local flavor, this book is a solid companion for exploring Charleston and Savannah.

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Best for practical itinerary planning
This travel guide offers a focused lens on Savannah and Charleston, providing a trusted framework to explore these historic Southern cities. It combines Fodor's expertise with selective recommendations that cater to diverse tastes and budgets, ensuring you get the most from your visit without overwhelm. The guide's thoughtful curation addresses common traveler dilemmas, helping you prioritize standout sights and experiences. Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning to deepen your appreciation, this book supports a well-informed and enjoyable trip.

Fodor's collective expertise shines through in this travel guide, designed to help you navigate Savannah and Charleston with confidence. The book lays out a curated selection of attractions, restaurants, and accommodations tailored for various budgets and interests, empowering you to craft your ideal itinerary. Notably, the Fodor’s Choice designations highlight standout experiences, sparing you from sifting through less remarkable options. Whether you're planning a historic tour or a culinary adventure, you gain practical insights to make informed decisions. This guide is best suited for travelers seeking a trusted companion to streamline their trip planning in these iconic Southern cities.

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Best for custom exploration plans
This AI-created book on Charleston culture is crafted based on your specific interests and background. You share which lesser-known attractions and cultural aspects you want to focus on, along with your travel goals. The book is then written to match exactly what you want to explore, making your Charleston visit uniquely tailored to your tastes and curiosity. Instead of a generic guide, you get a custom collection of insights that helps you experience the city’s authentic charm on your own terms.
2025·50-300 pages·Charleston Travel Guide, Charleston History, Local Culture, Hidden Attractions, Neighborhood Guides

This tailored book explores Charleston's lesser-known attractions and cultural highlights with a personalized focus that matches your interests and background. It reveals hidden gems beyond the usual tourist paths, offering a curated journey through the city's rich history, architecture, local arts, and unique neighborhoods. By combining popular knowledge with insights drawn from millions of readers' experiences, it crafts a custom exploration of Charleston's authentic charm that suits your specific travel goals. The book invites you to uncover stories, sites, and cultural nuances that make Charleston distinct, providing a learning experience that goes deeper than standard guides and encourages meaningful discovery tailored to you.

Tailored Content
Reader-Validated Insights
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for detailed Charleston exploration
For over 80 years, Fodor's Travel has been a trusted resource offering expert travel advice for every stage of a traveler's trip. Their approach of hiring local writers ensures that the recommendations in this guide to Charleston, Hilton Head, and the Lowcountry come from those who know the area best. This extensive experience and dedication to quality make their guide a dependable companion for anyone planning a visit to this iconic Southern city.

Drawing from over 80 years of travel expertise, Fodor's Travel Guides delivers a finely tuned look at Charleston, South Carolina, and its surroundings. This guide offers you insider tips from local experts, detailed maps, and thoughtfully curated itineraries, including highlights like King Street and Fort Sumter National Monument. You learn where to find the best Southern cuisine, new hotels, and vibrant nightlife, all packaged in a compact format that's easy to carry. If you want a reliable, up-to-date companion to navigate Charleston's rich history and culture, this book fits the bill, though those seeking deep academic history might look elsewhere.

Trusted resource for over 80 years
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Best for insider local perspectives
Lee Davis Perry was raised in Charleston and returned there in 1987 to pursue a career in marketing and advertising. She is also author of More Than Petticoats: Remarkable South Carolina Women, bringing her deep local knowledge and storytelling skills to this guide. Her long-standing connection to Charleston makes this book a trusted source for anyone wanting to explore or relocate to the area with insider insight and practical advice.

Drawing from her deep roots in Charleston and experience in marketing and advertising, Lee Davis Perry offers a richly detailed portrait of Charleston and its neighboring areas. You’ll find practical insights into local culture, dining, historic sites, and island escapes like Kiawah, all grounded in Perry’s personal knowledge as a longtime resident. The guide breaks down neighborhoods and regional highlights with clarity, making it easy to plan your visit or relocation with confidence. If you want an insider’s perspective that goes beyond typical tourist checklists, this book delivers a grounded and approachable resource tailored for travelers and newcomers alike.

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Rachael Chastain brings a unique perspective as a mental health and domestic violence advocate with extensive experience supporting military service members and veterans. Her passion for human behavior and criminology, combined with creative pursuits like podcasting and voice acting, enriches her writing. This deep understanding of people and culture informs her travel guide, offering you a chance to experience Charleston through the eyes of someone who values connection and authenticity.

What started as a desire to offer more than typical tourist advice became Rachael Chastain's guide to Charleston's authentic local life. Instead of listing addresses or schedules, this book shares 50 nuanced travel tips that immerse you in Lowcountry culture, cuisine, and community, emphasizing slowing down and connecting with people. You'll gain insights like how to approach local dining, appreciate cultural events, and find hidden attractions beyond the usual spots. This approach suits travelers eager to experience Charleston as locals do, rather than just ticking off landmarks, making it less useful if you're after quick, surface-level sightseeing facts.

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Best for personal itinerary planning
This AI-created book on Charleston travel is designed based on your interests, experience, and goals for visiting this unique city. You share what parts of Charleston excite you most and your travel style, and the book is tailored to match your personal preferences and timeline. It makes sense to have a customized guide here because Charleston offers so many layers—from historic sites to culinary highlights—that a one-size-fits-all book can’t cover efficiently. This way, you get exactly what you want to explore without sifting through unrelated information.
2025·50-300 pages·Charleston Travel Guide, Charleston Overview, Historic Landmarks, Local Cuisine, Neighborhood Guides

This tailored book offers a richly detailed guide to planning a one-month visit to Charleston, crafted specifically to match your interests, background, and travel goals. It explores Charleston’s historic sites, vibrant neighborhoods, and culinary delights with a focus that aligns precisely with what you want to experience. By combining widely appreciated local knowledge with your personal priorities, this book reveals a step-by-step itinerary designed to immerse you deeply into Charleston’s culture, history, and charm. With this personalized approach, you efficiently gain the insights needed to confidently navigate the city and make the most of your trip, crafting a truly unique travel journey tailored just for you.

Tailored Guide
Itinerary Personalization
3,000+ Books Created
Best for short stay travelers
Gary Jones has been traveling the world and sharing his experiences for the past 5 years. He focuses on creating easy-to-use guides for short stay travelers, which led him to write this book to help visitors make the most of their brief time in Charleston. His hands-on knowledge and dedication to simplifying travel planning make this guide a practical companion for anyone wanting to experience the city's highlights without overwhelm.
2018·106 pages·Charleston Travel Guide, South Carolina Travel Guide, Travel, Local Guides, Charleston Travel

What started as Gary Jones' quest to simplify travel planning became a focused guide tailored for visitors with just a few days in Charleston. Drawing on his five years of global travel experience, Jones zeroes in on the city's highlights, from its top museums and galleries to the best restaurants and hotels, ensuring you make the most of a short stay without feeling rushed. You learn practical insights on timing your visit, navigating the city efficiently, and indulging in local shopping and dining scenes. This book suits travelers who want a curated experience rather than an exhaustive encyclopedia, perfect for maximizing a brief but rich visit.

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Best for quirky and unique experiences
Terrance Zepke is a renowned travel writer with extensive experience exploring Scotland. With numerous travel guides to his name, he specializes in uncovering the unique and quirky aspects of destinations, making him a trusted source for travelers seeking authentic experiences. His insight into Edinburgh’s hidden bars, unusual tours, and authentic cuisine offers you a fresh perspective that goes well beyond typical sightseeing.

Terrance Zepke's decades of travel writing experience led him to craft a guide that dives deep into Edinburgh's quirks rather than just its landmarks. You’ll discover hidden gems like a speakeasy-style bar and unconventional tours such as chauffeured trike rides and ghost expeditions, which bring a fresh angle to exploring the city. The book also offers vivid insights into Edinburgh’s food scene and unique accommodations, including castle stays and unusual hostels. If you’re drawn to offbeat travel experiences that reveal a city's personality, this book offers plenty of practical suggestions to enrich your visit.

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Proven Charleston Travel Guides Personalized

Get expert-backed Charleston travel plans without generic advice that misses your interests.

Tailored local insights
Efficient trip planning
Authentic experiences

Trusted by thousands of Charleston travel enthusiasts worldwide

Charleston Secrets Blueprint
30-Day Charleston Explorer
Charleston Heritage Mastery
Charleston Travel Success Code

Conclusion

These seven best-selling Charleston travel guides share a commitment to delivering trusted, practical advice validated by readers and experts alike. From detailed neighborhood insights in Moon Charleston & Savannah to authentic local tips in Greater Than a Tourist, the collection covers a range of traveler needs.

If you prefer proven methods for exploring Charleston’s highlights, start with Fodor's In Focus Charleston and Insiders' Guide® to Charleston for comprehensive coverage. For validated approaches that focus on cultural immersion and local flavors, combine Moon Charleston & Savannah with Greater Than a Tourist.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Charleston Travel Guide book to combine proven methods with your unique interests and travel style. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed in making their Charleston trips truly unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which Charleston travel guide should I start with?

Start with Moon Charleston & Savannah for a rich blend of local culture and practical tips. It offers a friendly, in-depth look that suits most travelers' needs.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Charleston travel planning?

Not at all. Books like Charleston by Gary Jones offer straightforward, easy-to-follow advice ideal for newcomers to the city and travel planning.

How long will it take to get through these Charleston travel guides?

Most guides, like Fodor's In Focus Charleston, are designed for quick reference, letting you absorb key info in hours or refer back during your trip.

Do these books focus more on history or practical travel tips?

They balance both. For example, Insiders' Guide® to Charleston provides rich historical context alongside practical dining and sightseeing recommendations.

Can I skip around or do I need to read these Charleston guides cover to cover?

You can definitely skip around. These guides are organized by neighborhoods, themes, or activities, so you can jump to what interests you most.

How can I get a Charleston travel guide tailored to my specific interests and schedule?

Great question! While these expert books cover a lot, a personalized Charleston Travel Guide book can combine popular insights with your unique goals. Learn more here.

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