“America’s oldest gardens, expertly preserved antebellum mansions, the Civil War’s opening battleground, nationally celebrated chefs, more than 90 miles of coastline and 340 years of deep-rooted history—these are some of the reasons four million annual visitors call the Charleston area ‘that place we love to visit year after year.’”
The port city of Charleston, founded in 1670, is a thriving metropolis defined by its charm and hospitality, unparalleled recreation and tourism, leading business, technology and academic atmosphere, and as the birthplace of the U.S. Civil War.
It’s said that people first visit Charleston, S.C., to experience its rich heritage. No question, this Grand Dame deserves the motto “where history lives.” Spanning more than three centuries, the city’s history lives in the swaying palmettos and towering mansions along Battery Row. It lives in the grand antebellum plantations and the circa-1800 City Market, one of the nation’s oldest. But history alone is not why 4 million visitors flock to the Charleston area year after year. The city is an artists’ enclave, boasting around 70 galleries. It’s a family destination, bursting with beaches and kid-friendly attractions. And it’s a foodie fascinator, attracting gastronomes to sample farm-to-fork Lowcountry cuisine. As the Southern saying goes, Charleston is a “pat of butter in a sea of grits”—but these are special heirloom grits, topped with succulent Carolina shrimp. And we guarantee you can’t get enough!
The city is the perfect backdrop to draw strongly on local and regional to international issues of marine interest.
Learn more about all that Charleston, SC has to offer:
See where our conference is being held – North Charleston highlight video
Experience Charleston, SC – OCEANS Recommended Activities
Charleston Area Visitor’s Bureau website
Travel + Leisure Magazine – “How Charleston Has Become a World-class Culinary Capital“
Thank you to our Patrons
