Allyson & Jeremy
Things To Do
Rainbow Row
Rainbow Row is a famous series of 13 houses along Charleston’s East Bay Street. With its captivating, eponymous bright colors, Rainbow Row is one of the most photo-worthy locations in the city. Each pastel home has its own fascinating history and architecture. Theories as to why the houses are so brightly colored range from the colors helping drunk sailors find their way home more easily, to their allowing merchants to indicate what wares they sold, to their ability to keep the buildings cooler during hot summers. Whatever the truth, Rainbow Row is a must-see part of Charleston.
Charleston City Market
One of the nation’s oldest public markets, Charleston City Market, is both a cultural and a culinary hub. Open during the day year-round, with weekly Night Markets, Charleston City Market is constantly bustling. Over 300 entrepreneurs sell their wares at the market, offering everything from Christmas collectibles to handcrafted jewelry to gourmet jellies. Visitors can spend a whole day at the market talking to locals, trying Charleston cuisine, and shopping for souvenirs, making it one of the best activities for getting to know the city.
Shem Creek Boardwalk
Shem Creek, Mount Pleasant's popular waterfront dining and drinking district, has a park and boardwalk offering panoramic views of the marsh and Charleston Harbor. A total of 2,200 feet long, the boardwalk runs from Coleman Boulevard to near the mouth of the creek. Standing at the harbor end of the walkway, you can see all the way from Fort Sumter to Castle Pinckney.
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
A gorgeous, 8-lane suspension bridge, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge stretches from Charleston to Mount Pleasant over the Cooper River. It offers sweeping views of Charleston, and it is one of the best places to watch the sunset in the city. The bridge has a 12-foot path for pedestrians and bikers, named Wonders’ Way. The path is named after Garrett Wonders, who died in a vehicle accident on the bridge before the path was constructed. The 2.5 mile long bridge is the perfect place to admire Charleston’s picturesque skyline and harbor during a sunset stroll.
Joe Riley Waterfront Park
Riley Waterfront Park is one of Charleston's most popular places to unwind. This ten-acre park overlooks both Charleston Harbor and Cooper River and offers waterfront and off-the-water paths to tread upon. In the park is the beautiful Pineapple fountain, which is gorgeously lit up at night. This park has been beloved by Charleston locals and tourists alike since it was established in 1990. Relax with a drink or some iconic Charlestonian dishes on one of the benches along Riley Waterfront Park’s iconic esplanade, for the perfect end to a day in the city.
The Battery
Many travelers say you can't leave Charleston without strolling this historic seawall along the city's southern tip, which they call both beautiful and what makes Charleston special. Across the street from the waterfront promenade is Rainbow Row. This clutch of Georgian-style row houses overlooking Charleston Harbor was formerly the heart and soul of the city's merchant and maritime activity. Today, the 13 brightly colored homes attract camera-toting tourists from all over the country. As you explore this picturesque neighborhood, save time for a break beneath the old live oaks in nearby White Point Garden where several Civil War relics and memorials commemorate the city's role in the battle. Start your tour of the Battery at the 8-acre Waterfront Park (home to the giant pineapple fountain featured on many Charleston postcards), then follow the walking paths on East Battery Street for the nearly mile-long stroll to White Point Garden.
Sullivan's Island
Located at the mouth of Charleston Harbor, right by the Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island Beach is the perfect respite from city life. Guests can surf, swim, and catch some rays at this scenic stretch of coastline. The beach is public, and it offers one of the most natural environments in the area. On the beachfront, visitors can find many bars and restaurants for a perfect way to wrap up a day in the sand.