How to Find and Use Go Charleston Deals
Go Charleston is a discount program run by the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau that offers reduced prices at restaurants, attractions, and hotels across the city
Go Charleston Deals works like a coupon book—except it lives on your phone or computer. The program publishes offers from participating businesses, and you show the deal at checkout to get the discount. Most offers run for a set period, usually a few months, and new deals rotate in regularly. You do not pay to join; the program is free to browse and use.
The deals themselves vary widely. You might find 20 percent off dinner at a restaurant, a free appetizer with an entree, discounted admission to a museum or historic site, or a reduced rate on a hotel room. Some offers apply to specific days or times—a weekday lunch special, for example, rather than any meal. Others are good any time during the promotion window.
Key Takeaways
- Go Charleston Deals is a free program run by the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau with rotating discounts at restaurants, hotels, and attractions.
- You can view and use deals through the Go Charleston website or mobile app without paying a membership fee.
- Most deals require you to show the offer on your phone or print it out at the point of sale.
- Deals change seasonally, so checking back regularly ensures you see current offers before they expire.
- Participating businesses range from casual dining and coffee shops to upscale restaurants and major attractions like museums and historic homes.
How to Find and View Current Deals
Start at the Go Charleston website (gocharlestonsc.com) and look for the Deals section. You can browse by category—Dining, Attractions, Hotels, Shopping—or search by neighborhood. Each deal shows the discount amount, what it covers, the expiration date, and any restrictions (like "valid Monday through Thursday" or "not valid on holidays").
If you prefer mobile browsing, download the Go Charleston app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. The app lets you save deals to a favorites list, search by location, and pull up the offer quickly when you are ready to use it. You can also filter by distance if you want to see what is nearby.
The website and app are updated regularly as new deals launch and old ones expire. Seasonal promotions—like summer dining deals or holiday shopping offers—appear during their relevant times of year. Checking back every few weeks ensures you do not miss offers that match what you are already planning to do.
How to Redeem a Deal at a Business
When you are ready to use a deal, you have two options: show the offer on your phone screen, or print it out beforehand. Most restaurants and attractions now accept the digital version, but calling ahead to confirm is a good habit, especially at smaller businesses.
At checkout, tell the staff you have a Go Charleston deal and show them the offer on your phone or hand them the printed coupon. They will apply the discount to your bill. Some deals require you to mention them before ordering (particularly if they involve a free item or specific menu restriction), so read the fine print to see if timing matters.
Deals typically cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts, though the offer itself will specify if there are exceptions. If a deal has expired or you are unsure whether it is still valid, the business can check the current Go Charleston listings or you can verify on the website before you go.
Types of Businesses Offering Deals
Restaurants make up a large portion of Go Charleston Deals—everything from casual lunch spots and coffee shops to fine dining establishments. You will find offers at seafood restaurants, steakhouses, ethnic cuisine, and casual chains. Hotel deals typically include discounted room rates and sometimes package offers that bundle lodging with dining or attraction tickets.
Attractions and cultural venues participate too, including historic house museums, art galleries, walking tours, and entertainment venues. Shopping deals appear seasonally and may cover retail stores, spas, or activity centers. The mix of participating businesses changes, so a business that offered a deal last year may not have one this season, and new businesses join regularly.
Seasonal Timing and Deal Rotation
Go Charleston typically organizes deals into seasonal windows. Summer deals often emphasize outdoor dining and attractions; fall and winter bring holiday shopping offers and indoor entertainment discounts. Spring often features special events and dining promotions tied to the season.
Each deal has a clear expiration date listed on the offer. Some run for a month, others for several months. Once a deal expires, it disappears from the active listings, though the business may offer a different deal in a future season. Signing up for Go Charleston email notifications will alert you when new deals launch, so you do not have to check manually.
What to Know Before You Go
Read the fine print on every deal before you head out. Some offers exclude certain menu items, apply only to dine-in (not takeout), or require a minimum purchase. Others may not be valid during special events or peak dining times. Knowing these details beforehand prevents disappointment at the register.
If a business is closed, has changed ownership, or no longer honors Go Charleston deals, the website may not reflect that immediately. Calling ahead—especially for restaurants or smaller attractions—is a smart step if you are traveling specifically for a deal. For hotels, confirm the rate and any blackout dates before booking.
Go Charleston Deals are intended for visitors and locals alike, so there is no residency requirement. You do not need to be a tourist to use them; anyone in Charleston can browse and redeem offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay to join Go Charleston Deals?
No. The program is completely free. You do not pay a membership fee, subscription, or any other cost to view or use the deals. The Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau funds the program.
Can I use a deal more than once?
That depends on the specific offer. Some deals can be used multiple times during the promotion window; others are one-time only. The fine print on each deal will state whether it is reusable or single-use.
What if a business says they do not honor Go Charleston Deals?
Participation is voluntary, and businesses can opt out at any time. If a business no longer honors the deals, report it to the Go Charleston website so they can update their listings. You can also contact the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau directly with feedback.
Can I combine a Go Charleston deal with a coupon or discount code?
Most deals cannot be stacked with other promotions. The offer will note if exceptions apply. When in doubt, ask the business before you order or check out.
How often do new deals get added?
New deals rotate in regularly, typically aligned with seasons or special events. Checking the website or app every few weeks ensures you see current offers. Email notifications from Go Charleston will alert you when fresh deals launch.