![Patio chairs and table next to the outdoor pool at Ryder Hotel.]()
Discover
GOOD THINGS ARE WAITING FOR YOU AT THE RYDER
The Best of Charleston. At Your Doorstep.
A timeless city made for the modern explorer. The Ryder Hotel puts you at the heart of the best things to do in Charleston. Located downtown, you can roam to your heart’s content and never feel too far from home. We believe it’s best to wander on your own terms, but if you need a little inspiration, we’ve got you covered. See below for ways to explore The Ryder Hotel.
We invite you to explore our property and take advantage of the thoughtfully designed spaces and experiences when you view our Virtual Tour.
Around Charleston
Local Attractions
As one of the most historic and culturally diverse cities in America, there’s so much to discover in Charleston. Check out the iconic City Market, take a scenic carriage ride through the Historic District, explore the legendary Fort Sumter and more.
Itineraries
First time visiting? Coming back to your fave city? Planning a getaway with your crew? Our itineraries have the perfect blend of trip inspo and time to explore on your own time.
Dining in Charleston
Southern cuisine is celebrated here. Pack your appetite when you visit us and dig into everything from elevated fine dining to home-style comfort food that brings the bounty of the Lowcountry to your plate.
Nightlife
Rooftop drinks or honkytonk hangout? A few flights at a brewery or dancing until the sun comes up? Whatever you’re up for, Charleston delivers on everything from low-key to epic nights out.
Shopping
From boutiques to brands you love, downtown Charleston is South Carolina’s top shopping destination. You might think we’re bragging when we say King Street is the best shopping experience in the country, but when you visit, you’ll think so too.
Beaches
At The Ryder, you’re less than 30 minutes from South Carolina’s beautiful coastal beaches—each with their own unique personality. Folly Beach has the best waves in the state, Isle of Palms is full of adventure, and Sullivan’s Island is home to some of the best seafood around.
Ryder Culture Guide
For years, Charleston has ranked among the top-travel destinations in the U.S., thanks to its charming architecture, storied past, and vibrant attractions. The Holy City is home to a treasured cultural scene comprising museums, galleries, entertainment venues, historic monuments, and ongoing community events. In this cultural guide, we’ll highlight some of Charleston’s must-see attractions and events that will make your visit to the city an unforgettable one.
Charleston Sightseeing Tours & More
Channel your free spirit and pair it with Charleston’s stylish charm for an escape you’ll never forget. The Ryder is located at the center of Charleston’s bustling entertainment, attractions, and top-rated tours. There’s no better way to immerse yourself in the abundance of stories this lovely city has to tell, than with an excursion in the Holy City.
Charleston Events To Attend in 2025
There is always something going on in Charleston to enjoy! Whether your a foodie, fitness fanatic or simply want to appreciate the arts, the Holy City has something for every interest.
In-Room Wellness
Fitness on the go made easy. All guest rooms at The Ryder are equipped with complimentary yoga mats for guests to use during their stay. Practice on your own time, when it’s convenient for you.
The Ryder gives you access to a virtual collection of curated yoga practices so you can pick and choose based on your mood and your schedule. Two 50-minute yoga classes are available for guests on demand through their in-room tv, courtesy of Charleston Community Yoga.
A cozy American whiskey and beer bar offering an extensive American-driven spirits collection, plus a bocce court, shuffleboard, 80’s arcade games, and more.
Lose yourself among the shelves of this charming used book store. It houses a collection of military history books, and perhaps the world’s best collection of books written in or about Charleston.
Home to the Charleston Symphony.
Clerks Coffee Co. is a down-to-earth, inviting dining experience with a buzzing atmosphere. Pop in for a lite bite or a latte, or grab what you need before heading out onto the cobblestones.
Ornate playhouse with elegant woodwork & cobblestone courtyard presents dramas, comedies, & musicals.
Nestled amongst the cobblestone streets and brightly colored row houses in Charleston’s historic downtown district, Emeline is a clever and thoughtfully designed retreat crafted for the curious traveler in mind charting their own course.
A mix of circuit and HIIT style workouts geared towards everyday movement. See a front desk associate for your complimentary wellness passport during your stay.
An exciting beach in the midst of the beautiful Charleston area, with unique places to eat, play and stay.
Big city sound meets Southern hospitality at the city’s best jazz lounge. Groove to the sounds of local legends, recording artists, notable touring acts, and Grammy winners.
Frannie & The Fox offers indoor or outdoor dining experience featuring wood-fired regional dishes with Italian sensibilities.
Charleston's 1st Ghost Walk Tour.
Portraits & landscapes dating back to the 1700s, housed in a century-old beaux arts-style building.
HIIT that combines kickboxing and strength training with your favorite DJs, the dynamic lights and visual effects, and the unified pulse of the studio unleashes your true potential. See a front desk associate for your complimentary wellness passport during your stay.
University arts center showcasing emerging & established modern artists, films, lectures & more.
A chic space selling top brands like Alexander Wang, Rag & Bone, Stella McCartney, Masscob, Carven, and Lacy Preen.
Our neighbor, Hank’s Seafood Restaurant recreates a classic Charleston fish house with an old fashioned saloon-style bar and an exhibition raw bar. Located in a turn-of-the-century warehouse, Hank’s overlooks the Charleston City Market.
Over 300 artisans and merchants make the City Market a must-see. Food, art, jewelry, and so much more from local Lowcountry makers.
An easy choice for authentic Italian that features local ingredients.
Across the inlet from Sullivan’s Island, “IOP” is full of adventure. Grab tacos from Papi’s Taqueria and ramble along the oceanfront, then pop in to the Windjammer for outdoor tunes at the Sunset Stage.
Five unique classes fuse aerobics, strength training, and flexibility to provide the variety women need to DO it all. All classes are 50-minute, total body workouts. See a front desk associate for your complimentary wellness passport during your stay.
Well-known park with water views plus a large lawn, walkways & 2 fountains.
A bit further outside of town, this peaceful beach park is actually on a river. Spend a bit of time here and you might just see bottlenose dolphins fishing along the water’s edge.
Founded in 1917 by Mendel Dumas, M. Dumas & Sons has evolved into an iconic men’s specialty retailer in historic downtown Charleston, S.C..
Mercantile and Mash is perfect for elevated bites for when you’re on the go, and for incredible drinks and cocktails to imbibe in the evening.
Authentic Asian cuisine with a southern approach with a menu that focuses on unique ingredients and sophisticated presentations.
Impeccable steak cuts sourced from the Lowcountry and an extensive wine list make Oak Steakhouse the place to go for a really special night out.
A tour with Palmetto Carriage Works takes you through the heart of the city’s historic district to uncover over 300 years of amazing architecture and interesting lore.
Peach Lab Charleston is a local woman-owned boutique fitness gym offering five unique class formats focused on lean muscle development. This studio features equipment such as smith machines, squat racks, hip thrusts, cable towers, stair climbers, free weights, and more- all located just steps away from The Ryder Hotel. See a front desk associate for your complimentary wellness passport during your stay.
Pure Barre features four group class formats that deliver an effective, total-body barre workout focused on low-impact, high-intensity movements that lift and tone muscles and improve strength, agility, and flexibility for everybody. See a front desk associate for your complimentary wellness passport during your stay.
The iconic pastel-colored homes which are incredibly Insta-worthy and have captivating stories.
Massive aquarium with interactive exhibits & hundreds of creatures, including many native species.
Tranquil tidepools and sandbars to spend some sunny downtime.
America's first museum, founded in 1773, exhibits relics from South Carolina & Confederate history.
This former cigar factory is now home to all kinds of high-end shops, unique restaurants, and event spaces.
The Cocktail Club is dedicated to the art of the craft cocktail with an extensive selection of house-made infusions, rare liquors, and farm-to-shaker beverages.
With sweeping scenes of the Charleston waterfront, this is the city’s original rooftop bar. Locals love it here, and we’re sure you will too.
Downtown Charleston's Newest Boutique Hotel. Modern look, laid-back vibes. Welcome to downtown Charleston!
The Wonderer’s health and wellness services are designed to keep you feeling balanced and renewed. Between physical fitness and nutrition, to mind/body workshops and various other education-based offerings, you’ll find a myriad of ways to maintain your own well-being at The Wonderer. Services include group fitness & personal training, lap swimming, spin classes, spa therapies, educational offerings, life & health coaching. See a front desk associate for your complimentary wellness passport during your stay.
This public garden beside the water offers paved paths, military statues, canons & picnic areas.