Stop by Babas on Cannon for European-inspired dishes, an espresso, and maybe an aperitif or two.

Oyster season begins in early October; and historic house tours return after a long, hot summer.

Winters in the Southeast are typically mild and occasionally rainy; temperatures rarely drop low enough for snow flurries.

Kids playing in Charleston’s Pineapple fountain

Credit:Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

That said, December is a magical time in Charleston.

Namely, the citys access to sand and salt water.

Add Kiawah Island to your summer beach bucket list if you’re prepared to drive a little further.

Mossy trees in front of colorful buildings in Charleston

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Its rooftop restaurant and bar, Citrus Club, offers unparalleled views of Charleston and equally-as-photogenic tropical drinks.

Chez Nous

Reservations and outdoor dining options?

Twenty minutes from downtown is Angel Oak, a several-hundred-year-old live oak that shades over 17,200 square feet.

The Dewberry

Courtesy of The Dewberry

you’ve got the option to leave your wallet at home; it’s free for all guests.

Cannonborough/Elliotborough is alight with creativity and delicious treats; pick up a cupcake fromSugar Bakeshopwhile walking along Cannon Street.

Mount Pleasant: Crossing the Ravenel Bridge leads you to Mount Pleasant.

Large hotel room with bed, hat, and leather duffel bag

Hotel Emeline/Lindsey Shorter

Sullivan’s Island: A two-and-a-half-mile-long barrier island, Sullivan’s Island is more than just a beach town.

Here you’ll find the famous Angel Oak tree and several golf courses, both private and public.

Restaurants likeJackrabbit FillyandEVO Pizzaare worth the trek when the peninsula becomes overcrowded by the influx of summer tourists.

Zero George

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Cozy robes, breezy dressers, and even options for kids are available inside the two-story shop.

One of the best parts?

Unlike King Street, parking at the Cigar Factory is painless and free.

Dining at Rodney Scott’s BBQ in Charleston, a table full of food

Angie Mosier

Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) offers three routes on the peninsula (free).

Breathable fabrics, like linen and cotton, help make the heat and humidity a bit more tolerable.

No matter the season, youll want sunscreen, bug spray, and an umbrella.

Folly beach at sunset

Chris Marinaccio/Travel + Leisure

Read More: The Ultimate Charleston Packing List

Angel Oak Tree On Johns Island, South Carolina

Martina Birnbaum/EyeEm/Getty Images

Canons From Fort Moultrie Near Charleston, South Carolina

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Shelves at Charleston Artists Collective

Charlotte Elizabeth/Courtesy of Charleston Artists Collective

Gold lockets from Croghan’s Jewel Box in Charleston

Courtesy of Croghan’s Jewel Box

Crowd enjoying the last days of summer, Folly Beach, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina

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Hotel Bennett, Charleston South Carolina