Best area to stay in Charleston for young and active group

I visit Charleston every year so I would say that If you're looking to have great food and fun at your doorstep, stay in Downtown.  

It makes the trip so much more enjoyable. I've done both (stay in downtown & a little ways out in Mount Pleasant (South Carolina)) and I have to say you waste so much more time driving and looking for parking when you commute over.  

What's great about downtown is that all the historical spots, amazing restaurants, and beautiful ocean views are within walking distance of each other. You could very well entertain yourselves for days without driving in downtown.  

Also, I suggest visiting nearby Folly Beach for a great beach day!  

Hope this helps!

Isle of Palms is nice if u want the ocean/beach scene but you will need a car to get to the restaurants & nightlife in Chucktown.  A nice seafood place near Isle of Palms/Sullivan's Island is Boathouse On East Bay.  If you have the means, Renaissance Charleston Historic District Hotel on Wentworth is my favorite, right in the historic district and very close to the College of Charleston's beautiful campus. Restaurants and bars are all within walking distance.  Walk down King Street, Meeting Street, and East Bay St, Charleston City Market, all close by. 

I have no idea what your budget may be. But if you want a beach experience the Isle of Palms and Sullivan's Island are upscale family beaches. Fabulous, actually. If you want a more "funky" beach a little less expensive but fun little restaurants and bars is a little more tolerant of youthful fun. Should you want the historic district vibe: lots of fabulous restaurants and bars... Cannot miss on any of them, upper King Street is the place for you. We have Uber now, so suggest taking cabs if you are enjoying a glass or so. Town & Country Inn and Suites on Savannah Hwy S is a very good accommodation about 4 miles from historic distric. If price is no problem, you can do the high of Charleston Place Hotel, Indigo Inn or more in the nightlife but historic is the Hampton Inn Charleston-Historic District on Meeting Street. New hotels all around like a new holiday Inn you would never think one. Hope this helps. J

Isle of Palms's a pretty good spot.  There's a few local restaurants up and down the main drag and if you're looking to spend your days on the beach, you can't beat it.  But if you want to take in more of the sights and experience some of the history, then you'll want to stay downtown.  There's not really a whole lot in between the two since they're so close.  Mount Pleasant (South Carolina) is pretty close to both with plenty to do and may make for a slightly cheaper option.