Things To Do
Rainbow Row
No trip to the Holy City is complete without a stroll past Rainbow Row, the longest cluster of Georgian row houses in the United States. These thirteen privately owned homes are famous for their iconic pastel hues—ranging from soft pinks to Caribbean blues. Legend has it the colors helped sailors find their way home, though today they simply serve as the most photographed backdrop in Charleston! To capture the perfect memory, visit in the early morning or late afternoon when the sunlight hits the facades just right. Since this is a popular residential street, please be mindful of the neighbors while snapping photos. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes for the historic (and often uneven) cobblestone streets nearby. If you’re driving, the East Bay Street parking garage is a great home base for exploring, as street parking is limited. Rainbow Row is just a short, breezy walk to the harbor views at The Battery.
Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park
Located within the eight-acre Joe Riley Waterfront Park, the Pineapple Fountain is one of Charleston’s most iconic landmarks. The pineapple has long been a symbol of hospitality in the Lowcountry, and this stunning tiered fountain serves as a grand welcome to all who visit. The park offers spectacular views of the Cooper River, the Ravenel Bridge, and the harbor, with plenty of family-sized swings perfectly positioned to catch the sea breeze. With November temperatures in the high 60s and low 70s, it’s a beautiful place to relax without the summer humidity. We recommend visiting in the early morning for a peaceful sunrise or at sunset to see the fountain illuminated. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, as the park features long, scenic piers and paved pathways that lead right to the water’s edge. If you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins playing in the harbor!
The Historic Charleston City Market
Established in the 1790s, the Historic Charleston City Market is one of the nation's oldest public markets and the cultural heart of downtown. Spanning four city blocks, the open-air sheds and Great Hall are home to over 300 vibrant local vendors. It’s the best place to find unique Lowcountry treasures, from hand-painted artwork to the world-famous Sweetgrass Baskets, which have been woven by local Gullah artisans for centuries. To avoid the heaviest crowds, we recommend visiting in the morning or exploring the Night Market on weekends for a more festive, local atmosphere. Because the market stretches for several blocks, comfortable walking shoes are essential for navigating the historic floors. While the Great Hall is climate-controlled, the open-air sections can get warm, so staying hydrated is key! For the easiest access, look for parking garages on Church or Hayne Street, as street parking in this busy area can be a challenge.
The Battery & White Point Garden
For the quintessential Charleston experience, head to The Battery, a landmark defensive seawall and promenade along the city's southern tip. This scenic walk offers sweeping views of the harbor and Fort Sumter, lined with some of the most spectacular antebellum mansions in the South. At the heart of it all is White Point Garden, a lush park filled with towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss and historic civil war cannons. It’s a beautiful spot for a late-afternoon stroll as the sea breeze picks up, but keep in mind that it can be several degrees cooler by the water—a light layer is always a good idea! Because the promenade is paved but the surrounding streets are historic, comfortable walking shoes are a must. While street parking is available along the seawall, it fills up fast, so we recommend walking over from Rainbow Row or using a nearby garage to truly soak in the "Holy City" charm at your own pace.
Tanger Outlet Center
For those looking to fit in some retail therapy during their stay, Tanger Outlets is the premier destination for brand-name bargains. This beautifully maintained, open-air shopping center features over 100 stores, ranging from high-end fashion to athletic wear and home goods. It’s a great way to spend a few hours finding incredible deals in a relaxed, walkable environment. Since the center is entirely outdoors, the mild November weather makes for a very pleasant experience. Even though the layout is easy to navigate, you’ll be covering a lot of ground, so comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended! Most importantly, this shopping hub is located just a few minutes from the Drury Plaza Hotel, making it an incredibly convenient stop for our out-of-town guests to explore right after checking in.
Isle of Palms Beach
Located in the heart of the Isle of Palms commercial district, Isle of Palms County Park offers easy access to wide sandy beaches, ocean breezes, and a lively coastal atmosphere. Boardwalks and accessible ramps lead visitors to a designated swimming area with seasonal lifeguards, while amenities like beach rentals, a playground, sand volleyball courts, picnic areas, and grills make it easy to spend the whole day by the sea. With restrooms, dressing areas, outdoor showers, and seasonal snacks and treats available, the park blends convenience with classic beach fun. Whether you’re building sandcastles, playing volleyball, or relaxing under an umbrella, Isle of Palms County Park is a favorite gathering place for families, locals, and visitors alike. Parking is $5. Isle of Palms County Park’s 445 parking spots often fill by 10:30 a.m. on weekends and holidays so we recommend morning visits to beat the crowd and get the good seashell treasures!
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Step back in time at America’s oldest public gardens, a breathtaking Lowcountry treasure that has been in the same family for 15 generations. Founded in 1676, Magnolia offers a "romantic-style" garden experience where nature is allowed to bloom in its wild, enchanting glory rather than in formal lines. To make the most of your visit, we recommend arriving in the morning to beat the afternoon heat. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, as many of the scenic paths are natural dirt or gravel. Beyond the flowers, you can explore the Audubon Swamp Garden’s raised boardwalks to spot alligators and egrets, take a guided tour of the historic plantation house, or learn about the site’s complex history through the award-winning "From Slavery to Freedom" tour. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or just looking for the perfect Charleston photo op, Magnolia provides a soulful and serene escape into the heart of the South.