Things To Do and Restaurants
The Battery
A quintessential Charleston park, take a walk along the battery, waterfront park, and surrounding neighborhoods. Check out the view where the Ashley and Cooper Rivers meet, and see some of the most beautiful homes in the historic district.
King Street
The Main Street of downtown - tons of shopping, restaurants, and people watching.
First Friday Art Walk
If you have some time before the welcome party, the galleries in historic downtown Charleston host an “art walk” on Friday starting at 5pm. Dozens of galleries participate and serve wine/snacks. Great way to see some amazing local and international art in historic galleries! A favorite is the Reinert Fine Art and Sculpture Garden - from there you can walk to many others.
American Gardens Holiday Market
This garden off of King Street has vendors from local restaurants and artisans for the holidays
Blind Tiger Pub
If you’re exploring the southern end of the peninsula, grab a drink at Blind Tiger. It’s historic with a heated brick courtyard, and fully decorated for the holidays.
Waterfront Park
A beautiful, popular waterfront park downtown. This is right near Rainbow Row.
Walks of Charleston
Book a walking tour of historic Charleston
Bicycle ride downtown
If you’re staying at the Nickel Hotel, they offer complementary bikes to explore downtown. We recommend avoiding biking on King Street as it’s quite busy, but head down St Phillips Street and explore the city!
Sullivan's Island
Our favorite local beach - check out Sullivan’s Island! While you’re there, we recommend grabbing a bite to eat at Home Team BBQ, Poe’s, or Emily’s favorite Sullivan’s Fish Camp lobster roll
Shem Creek
A beautiful boardwalk and a number of fun restaurants line this creek in Mount Pleasant just over the bridge from downtown. We recommend dining at Tavern and Table or grabbing a drink at Saltwater Cowboys.
WELTONS TINY BAKESHOP
Best pastries I’ve ever had plus the pistachio latte - a must try!
167 Raw Oyster Bar
Our favorite restaurant downtown!
Leon's
Top notch seafood in a less formal setting
Home Team BBQ
If you don’t make it out to Sullivans, there’s a downtown location too!
The Darling Oyster Bar
Fresh seafood on upper King Street right by our hotel blocks
Brown Dog Deli
Great sandwich spot
Poogan’s Porch
Classic southern brunch
Xiao Bao Biscuit
Unique Szechuan restaurant in a laid back environment
babas on cannon
Wonderful local coffee shop/cafe a short walk from both the Nickel Hotel and Hyatt
Huriyali Gardens
Cafe with delicious healthy options - vegan/veg friendly, good coffee too!
Holey City Bagels
Bagel shop a short walk from the Nickel Hotel
KYN
Great new sashimi/handroll spot with wonderful cocktails, quick walk to the hotel blocks. Foodie friends - get a reservation!