Things To Do
Historic Charleston City Market
The Charleston City Market is a lively place that stretches for four city blocks and is filled with local artisan shoppers. The Market is open every day from 9:30am-5pm. It will also open back up for the Night Market 6:30pm-10:30pm Friday and Saturday night while you are here!
Rainbow Row
Rainbow Row is one of the most quintessential spots in downtown Charleston. This series of brightly colored homes is one of the most photographed places in the city, and when you visit, you’ll see why. Each of the 13 homes is a beautiful, pastel shade, and each has a story to tell!
Waterfront Park
If you’ve seen photos of Charleston, you have probably seen the famous Pineapple Fountain. Waterfront Park is an eight acre park along the Cooper River, so it’s a great place to take a stroll and enjoy the view!
The Battery
This is an iconic landmark at the tip of the Charleston peninsula. The Battery was the place where the battery of cannons were set to defend the city. It has now been converted into a peaceful park that displays the cannons. Walk along the water and take in the beautiful views!
King Street
King Street is for having fun! The street runs through the center of downtown and is typically divided into Upper and Lower King Street at the point where the street intersects Calhoun Street. Upper King is where you can find fantastic restaurants and cocktail bars. Lower King is where you can shop ‘til you drop!
Carriage Tour
There’s no better way to experience the city than by way of a horse-drawn carriage tour. See Downtown’s breathtaking sights on a 1-hour, fully-narrated tour with one of Charleston’s many carriage tour companies. There are walking tours as well if interested!
Beaches
Folly Beach: This funky beach town is just a 20 minute drive south of downtown Charleston! It’s home to Folly Beach Pier that stretches more that 1,000 feet into the Atlantic Ocean. Center Street is lined with surf shops and an enticing variety of restaurants, bars and live music. Folly Beach is also known for some of the best surfing on the East Coast! Sullivan’s Island: You will drive over the famous Ravenel Bridge, 20 minutes from downtown, you will find Sullivan’s Island nestled at the mouth of the Charleston Harbor! Only 3.3 miles long but this island has so much beauty and charm. There are a bunch of awesome restaurants along the main drag when you enter the island. We were lucky enough to have had a wonderful dinner at Obstinate Daughter this past March! Isle of Palms: This 7 mile island is just 30 minutes from downtown and neighbors Sullivan’s Island. IOP is known for its pristine beaches, which you will find less crowded and thousands of palm trees lining the streets!
Rooftop Bars
Pour Taproom: Pour-your-own rooftop tap room with soaring views & 70 craft beers, wine, cider and cocktails. Stars Rooftop: The only rooftop bar in Charleston with a 360 degree view, making it the perfect place to appreciate the beautiful city. The Watch Rooftop Bar at The Restoration Hotel: Another beautiful view of Charleston, and you can watch the sun set over the city. Pavilion Bar at Market Pavilion Hotel: The rooftop overlooks the famous Ravenel Bridge and the inlet. The Vendue: The rooftop offers sweeping views of the Charleston Harbor, Waterfront Park, The Ravenel Bridge and more.
Oyster Bars
Darling Oyster Bar: We have been here a hand full of times and have never been let down! We love going for their daily oyster happy hour and sitting at the raw bar that over looks King Street! Don’t forget to start off the meal with one of their famous oyster shooters! 167 Raw Oyster Bar: This first come, first serve restaurants is one of the most sought after in Charleston! You will definitely want to visit on an off hour to have a better chance at snagging a seat. We went around 9pm one evening and had fantastic oysters! NICO: A modern & lively French oyster bar that sits along Charleston’s iconic Shem Creek in Mt. Pleasant just over the Ravenel Bridge! We enjoyed their Monday evening oyster happy hour and it definitely was a great way to start the week! Pearlz Oyster Bar: You won’t want to miss happy hour 4-6pm daily at this cute oyster joint right in the heart of the French quarter! You might even see Darius Rucker eating here as this is one of his hometown favorites!
Some of Abby’s favorite restaurants
The Ordinary: Thomas and I visited The Ordinary on our very first trip to Charleston 3 years ago! We enjoyed oysters at the raw bar and Martini Service! Le Farfalle: This quaint Italian restaurant is just off the beaten path in Harleston Village. Thomas took me here in January when we were visiting and it was DELICIOUS! Poogan’s Porch: This restaurant was originally a commodious house that was built in 1891. The last owner of the house sold it in 1976, leaving behind the neighborhood dog. The dogs name was Poogan and he became the guardian of the fledgling restaurant. He greeted every guest warmly and everyone cherished him! This building is now his monument. Each time we visit Charleston, we make sure to bring our dog Dori here for a fantastic Southern brunch! Kudu Coffee: We love stopping here to have a coffee in their courtyard! The Cocktail Club: We love this stylish craft cocktail lounge and their rooftop terrace! We’ve had many great drinks here!
Some of Thomas’ favorite restaurants
Bitty & Beau’s: I got a ‘cino to go and had a great feeling when I left about being a patron of such a cool concept! Located right in the heart of the French quarter, you will be able wander down all the dreamy alleys toward the Battery! Fuel Charleston: We love hitting up happy hour at this funky spot, a repurposed 1950’s-era gas station with a big patio! Don’t forget to grab their specialty, a PBR and fireball shot! Sorghum & Salt: We stumbled upon this cute neighborhood restaurant a couple of years ago! We enjoyed a la carte and tasting menus of creative American cuisine with local ingredients. Husk: A true Southern gem! Tables need to be booked well in advance, but it’s a great place to go for a memorable dinner! The Rarebit: You won’t be disappointed when you try their famous Moscow Mule! Also known for their comfort food done right! Church & Union: Brunch it up in this gorgeous spot, then head South on Bay St. for some action in the French quarter!