Marion Square

Marion Square
Marion Square
Marion Square
Marion Square
Marion Square


More than just a pretty park, this popular green space between Meeting and King streets tells the tale of Charleston’s colonial-era history.

Visit Charleston’s seasonal farmers market or enjoy a picnic on the lawn of Marion Square, a picturesque spot for Charleston locals and visitors to this historic city. Surrounded by prestigious buildings, the park holds centuries of interesting history.

Delve into the park’s past. This city block was granted to the colony of South Carolina in 1758 and acted as a defensive wall against local Native Americans. In the late 1700s, the 10-acre (4-hectare) plot of land was given to the city of Charleston. Over decades, it served as a complex for tobacco inspection, a parade and muster ground for the state arsenal and the green of Citadel College. Named for Revolutionary War officer Francis Marion, the park ultimately came under the authority of the Washington Light Infantry and the Sumter Guards, which prevented it from being turned into a parking lot or shopping centre in the 20th century.

Today, join students from the College of Charleston studying and sunbathing on the expansive lawn, shop the farmers market from April through November, attend June’s Piccolo Spoleto Festival of arts and music, or savour delicacies during the annual wine and food celebration. Since the early 1900s, the city’s Christmas tree has been placed here stop to see it during the holiday season.

Admire the park’s various monuments, including the Holocaust memorial. A very tall statue of John C. Calhoun stood in the park until its removal in 2020. Calhoun was a vice president of the United States, but his staunch advocacy for slavery contributed to the South’s secession and the Civil War.

Stretching along the northern side of Marion Square, the Old Citadel was built in 1829 and was guarded by federal troops from Fort Moultrie. Today the citadel operates as an upscale hotel.

Marion Square is one of 1,400 historically significant sites within the Old and Historic Charleston District. Find this very pleasant green space between Meeting and King streets. Metered parking is available nearby or use a parking garage across Calhoun Street next to the hotel.

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Top Hotel Deals

The Francis Marion Hotel

The Francis Marion Hotel

4 out of 5
387 King St, Charleston, SC
The Francis Marion Hotel
Emeline

Emeline

4 out of 5
181 Church St, Charleston, SC
Emeline
The Charleston Place

The Charleston Place

5 out of 5
205 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC
The Charleston Place
Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District

Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District

3.5 out of 5
337 Meeting St, Charleston, SC
Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District
Hotel Bennett

Hotel Bennett

5 out of 5
404 King St, Charleston, SC
Hotel Bennett
The Ryder Hotel

The Ryder Hotel

3.5 out of 5
237 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC
The Ryder Hotel
The Dewberry Charleston

The Dewberry Charleston

5 out of 5
334 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC
The Dewberry Charleston
Hampton Inn Charleston-Historic District

Hampton Inn Charleston-Historic District

2.5 out of 5
345 Meeting St, Charleston, SC
Hampton Inn Charleston-Historic District
The Restoration

The Restoration

4 out of 5
75 Wentworth Street, Charleston, SC
The Restoration
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Marion Square

Marion Square, Charleston, offers a delightful array of activities including vibrant shopping experiences and guided tours of the area's rich history. Visitors can enjoy banquet dinners featuring local cuisine and explore amazing attractions that capture the charm of the city. Whether you're wandering through the park or indulging in the culinary scene, Marion Square promises an engaging day for all.

Shopping

Charleston City Market, a lively public market 966m from Marion Square, offers a vibrant shopping experience. Shops at Charleston Place, 644m away, combines shopping with entertainment for families. Rainbow Market Shopping Center, also 966m away, provides an engaging atmosphere for business and leisure shoppers.

Recreation

Charleston Music Hall offers vibrant musical experiences just 161m from Marion Square, perfect for unwinding. Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, located 1.6km away, is a dynamic sports venue ideal for active recreation. For a touch of luxury, the I'on Club, 6.4km distant, provides an exclusive retreat.

Adventure

Explore the West Ashley Greenway, a scenic hiking trail located 3.2km from Marion Square, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For water fun, head to Splash Zone Waterpark, 8.0km away, offering thrilling rides for the whole family. Alternatively, enjoy water sports at Tidal Trails, 4.8km distant.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at The Riviera Theater and Woolfe Street Playhouse, both situated 644m from Marion Square, offering captivating performances. For a more intimate setting, visit Threshold Repertory Theatre just 483m away, where you can enjoy culture and romance in a family-friendly atmosphere.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Marion Square

Marion Square in Charleston, South Carolina, offers a delightful mix of attractions for tourists. Visitors can explore historic colleges and universities, enjoy the lush urban park, and delve into the fascinating history at local museums. Whether you're seeking cultural enrichment, family-friendly activities, or outdoor experiences, this vibrant area caters to all interests, ensuring a memorable visit to this charming city.

  • College of Charleston: A historic gem, this university boasts stunning architecture and vibrant campus life, steeped in culture and tradition. Explore its beautiful grounds and enjoy the lively atmosphere that reflects Charleston's rich heritage.
  • Charleston Gaillard Center: This modern entertainment venue offers a variety of performances and events suitable for families. With its state-of-the-art facilities, it’s the perfect place to enjoy concerts, theatre, and community events, all within a welcoming environment.
  • International African American Museum: This poignant museum celebrates African American history and culture, offering insightful exhibits that honour the contributions of African Americans. Experience a profound journey through history in this beautifully designed space.

Best time to go to Marion Square

The best time to visit Marion Square can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Marion Square falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Marion Square falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
February54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
April65.8°F (18.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May72.9°F (22.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly High
June79.3°F (26.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly High
July82.0°F (27.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
August81.3°F (27.4°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September77.5°F (25.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October69.6°F (20.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November60.1°F (15.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
December55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Marion Square

To save money during your visit to Marion Square, consider travelling from December to February when accommodation prices are lower. Book your stay on a Tuesday for the best rates and use Expedia’s search tool to filter for budget-friendly options, including eco-certified hotels. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into one package could also lead to savings. Look out for advance booking deals to secure the best rates and always compare prices to ensure you’re getting the best value for your trip.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Marion Square are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to June, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Marion Square is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Marion Square is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your ideal location, and more. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, helping you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your options by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your Marion Square hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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