Things To Do
Folly Beach
(~20 minutes from downtown) The most laid-back of the bunch - funky, casual, and full of local charm. Great for surfing, fishing off the Folly Beach Fishing Pier, or just stretching out on the sand. Come early on weekends to snag a good parking spot.
Isle of Palms
(~30 minutes from downtown) A more resort-style beach with a wide shoreline, lifeguards on duty, and beach rentals available at Isle of Palms County Park. Perfect for a relaxing day in the sun with all the amenities you need.
Sullivan's Island
(~30 minutes from downtown) The quietest and most charming of the three - ideal for a peaceful afternoon stroll, a beautiful sunset, and a bite at one of the local restaurants. Worth a visit if you want something off the beaten path.
Charleston City Market
(Right next to Hotel Emeline) One of the oldest public markets in the country, spanning four city blocks right next to the hotel. Browse local crafts, sweetgrass baskets, food, and souvenirs. A great spot to wander any time of day.
Waterfront Park
(~10-minute walk from Hotel Emeline) One of Charleston's most beloved spots. Stroll along the harbor, snap a photo at the iconic Pineapple Fountain, and settle into one of the pier swings overlooking the water - you might even spot dolphins in the afternoon. Beautiful day or night.
Rainbow Row
(~10-minute walk from Hotel Emeline) The most photographed street in Charleston - a stretch of 13 pastel-colored Georgian row houses along East Bay Street dating back to the 1700s. A must-see and a perfect photo op.
The Battery
(~15-minute walk from Hotel Emeline) A beautiful promenade at the tip of the Charleston peninsula overlooking the harbor. Stroll past antebellum mansions, century-old cannons, and oak trees dripping with Spanish moss. One of the most iconic walks in the city.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
(~20 minutes from downtown) One of America's oldest and most beautiful gardens, open to the public since 1870. Walk through stunning azalea gardens, take a narrated tram ride through the Audubon Swamp Garden, spot alligators, herons, and turtles, and tour the historic plantation house. Plan for at least a half day - there's a lot to explore.
Fort Sumter National Monument
(~10-minute walk from Hotel Emeline) Where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Only accessible by ferry from Liberty Square on the harbor, it makes for a fascinating half-day trip for history buffs. Book tickets in advance as tours fill up quickly.
Palmetto Carriage Works
(Right across from Hotel Emeline) The oldest carriage tour company in Charleston, conveniently located steps from the hotel. Hop on a horse-drawn carriage for a one-hour narrated tour through the historic district - a wonderful way to get your bearings and hear the stories behind the city's stunning architecture.
Bulldog Tours
(~5-minute walk from Hotel Emeline) One of the most highly rated walking tour companies in the city. Their guides bring Charleston's layered history to life with stories of pirates, patriots, and everything in between.
Ghost City Tours
(~8-minute walk from Hotel Emeline) Charleston is considered one of America's most haunted cities, and a ghost tour after dark is an unforgettable experience. Ghost City Tours is one of the highest-rated tour companies in the city, offering both family-friendly and adults-only walking tours through Charleston's most haunted streets and landmarks. For something more immersive, Bulldog Tours offers exclusive access to the historic Old City Jail - the only company in the city that can take you inside the actual jail cells and dungeon. Book in advance - October tours sell out fast!
Clerks Coffee Company
(In Hotel Emeline) The perfect way to start your morning - a cozy coffee shop right in the hotel serving pastries, sandwiches, and locally roasted coffee. No need to venture far before your first cup.
Frannie & The Fox
(In Hotel Emeline) The hotel's own restaurant and bar, serving wood-fired pizzas and small plates in a beautiful setting. A great spot for a nightcap or a casual dinner without leaving the hotel.
Harken Cafe
(~5-minute walk from Hotel Emeline) A charming little cafe and bakery tucked on quiet Queen Street in the French Quarter - practically in your backyard. Known for handmade pastries, breakfast sandwiches, craft coffee, and fresh lunch options made from scratch daily. A local favorite with a cozy, country-chic vibe. Be prepared for a line - it's worth the wait!
Poogan's Porch
(~10-minute walk from Hotel Emeline) A Charleston institution since 1976, set in a charming Victorian house. Known for its classic Southern brunch - shrimp and grits, biscuits, and pimento cheese fritters. A must-visit. Reservations recommended.
Church and Union Charleston
(~5-minute walk from Hotel Emeline) A stunning modern American restaurant set inside a historic building on Market Street. Great for brunch or dinner - known for its beautiful atmosphere, creative cocktails, and dishes like the pork chop and ahi tuna. Reservations recommended.
Fleet Landing Restaurant & Raw Bar
(~10-minute walk from Hotel Emeline) A waterfront seafood restaurant right on Charleston Harbor. The views alone are worth the trip - grab a seat on the dock and order the she-crab soup. A quintessential Charleston experience.
Sorelle
(~12-minute walk from Hotel Emeline) Southern Italy meets Southern hospitality on historic Broad Street. Fresh pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and an impressive wine and cocktail program. One of Charleston's most beautiful dining rooms - make a reservation.
Chubby Fish
(~15-minute walk from Hotel Emeline) One of the most celebrated restaurants in Charleston and recently named to both the New York Times and North America's 50 Best Restaurants lists. Chef James London's menu changes daily based on what's fresh from local fishermen - think oyster hour, creative crudo, blue crab tagliatelle, and whole fish preparations. Only 40 seats and no reservations - arrive early or expect a wait. Closed Sundays and Mondays. Worth every minute of the wait!
The Ordinary
(~15-minute walk from Hotel Emeline) A James Beard Award-winning seafood hall and oyster bar housed in a stunning 1920s bank building on King Street - the soaring ceilings, grand windows, and original bank vault door make it one of the most spectacular dining rooms in Charleston. Order the shellfish towers, oyster sliders, and the legendary lobster roll. Reservations highly recommended. Closed Tuesdays.
Halls Chophouse
(~15-minute walk from Hotel Emeline) One of the best steakhouses in the country and a true Charleston institution. Prime cuts, a stellar raw bar, exceptional service, and live music make this the ultimate special occasion dinner. Reservations highly recommended.
FIG
(~5-minute walk from Hotel Emeline) One of the most celebrated restaurants in the South and a true Charleston institution since 2003. Helmed by two James Beard Award-winning chefs, FIG is a neighborhood bistro driven by seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and honest Lowcountry cooking. The menu changes nightly based on what's fresh - expect beautifully simple dishes executed with precision. Reservations are essential and book up well in advance. Closed Mondays and Sundays.
Melfi's
(~15-minute walk from Hotel Emeline) A Michelin-starred Italian restaurant on Upper King Street with a long wooden bar, linen-draped tables, and two wood-burning ovens. Known for Roman-style thin crust pizza, fresh pasta, and classics like osso bucco. Sophisticated but not stuffy - perfect for an intimate dinner or a proper evening out. Reservations strongly recommended; very limited walk-in space.
Leon's
(~15-minute walk from Hotel Emeline) A Michelin Bib Gourmand award winner set in a converted filling station on Upper King Street - think garage doors wide open, a breezy patio, and some of the best fried chicken and oysters in the city. Known for their shrimp roll, grilled oysters, hush puppies, and legendary fried chicken. Casual, fun, and wildly popular. Reservations accepted for larger groups; walk-ins welcome for smaller parties.
167 Raw Oyster Bar
(~10-minute walk from Hotel Emeline) One of Charleston's most iconic spots - a New England-style oyster bar on King Street serving the freshest seafood on the East Coast. Known for their lobster rolls, fish tacos, tuna burger, and rotating raw bar. No reservations - first come, first served - so go early or expect a wait. Worth it every time. Note: closed Sundays.
Pavilion Bar at Market Pavilion Hotel
(~5-minute walk from Hotel Emeline) One of the best rooftop bars in Charleston with sweeping views of the city skyline and harbor. A great spot for sunset cocktails.
Dusk at The Vendue
(~8-minute walk from Hotel Emeline) A rooftop bar with some of the best panoramic views in Charleston - overlooking the harbor and the city's iconic historic rooftops. A beautiful spot for sunset cocktails or a nightcap after dinner. No reservations needed, but arrive early for the best seats.
Tommy Condon's Irish Pub & Restaurant
(~2-minute walk from Hotel Emeline) Charleston's oldest Irish pub, open since 1984 and right around the corner from the hotel. Live music every night, a full food menu with Irish classics and Lowcountry twists, and a warm, lively atmosphere. A perfect spot for a casual drink or a fun night out without going far. Happy hour daily from 3–6 PM.
Blind Tiger Pub
(~8-minute walk from Hotel Emeline) One of Charleston's oldest and most beloved bars, tucked into a historic building on Broad Street. A true local institution with a laid-back, neighborhood feel - perfect for a cold beer and good company.
Prohibition
(~15-minute walk from Hotel Emeline) A lively jazz-age cocktail bar and restaurant on Upper King Street inspired by the Roaring Twenties. Known for well-crafted cocktails, live music and DJs, and Southern-inspired food. A fun and energetic spot for a night out on King Street.