Things To Do
Charleston City Market
Stretching a couple of blocks from Meeting St to E Bay St, the City Market is located in the heart of downtown Charleston with various vendors to shop from whether you're looking for a gift for someone or a treasure to take home with you or just an afternoon stroll downtown, there's something for everyone. We love to come here and look at the artwork, especially the paintings of the various Charleston sites!
Rainbow Row
A classic stop if you're in Charleston for just a few days. Rumor has it that these houses were painted different colors so that when the men came home after having one too many drinks that they would still know which house was theirs by the color and not end up in someone else's house!
Pineapple Fountain
Just a famous Charleston sightseeing stop! Located on the harbor right next to Waterfront Park.
Waterfront Park
A main stop along your sightseeing journey through Charleston! Located on the Charleston Harbor overlooking the Ravenel Bridge, Patriots Point, and Fort Sumter. There are some nice bench swings here to relax!
White Point Garden
White Point Garden, or more commonly known as the Battery, is park located at the tip of the Charleston peninsula overlooking the Charleston harbor. There are beautiful live oak trees throughout this park making it almost magical. Fun fact: we took some of our engagement pictures here!
Palmetto Carriage Works
One of the best ways to explore Charleston is with a carriage ride! This is just one of the main 3 companies that offer carriage rides. Each carriage ride is a guided 1-hour tour that takes you across the Charleston peninsula, providing a scenic view and history lesson all in one! This is a great way to get exposure to Charleston if you don't have a lot of time. We have done a couple carriage rides and learn something new each time!
South Carolina Aquarium
The South Carolina Aquarium offers a fun little break from the heat. Be sure to check out the sea turtle hospital while you're there!
Fort Sumter National Monument
This will take you back in time to the Civil War as you learn how the Battle at Fort Sumter was one of key events at the beginning of the Civil War. Take a nice ferry ride across the Charleston harbor and get a tour of Fort Sumter itself. Pro tip: be on the lookout for dolphins as you make your way out into the harbor--they love to chase the ferry boats!
Sullivan's Island Beach
One of Charleston's endless beaches, but definitely Rebecca's favorite! Located about 10-15 minutes from the heart of Mt. Pleasant. Be sure to check out Republic Ice Cream while you're out here! ALL flavors AND waffle cones are GLUTEN FREE *insert praise hands*
Isle of Palms Beach
One of Charleston's many beaches to explore while in town. Best part about Isle of Palms is there is a county park that makes parking easier and has areas to rent chairs and umbrellas. Also a 10-15 minute drive from the heart of Mt. Pleasant.
Folly Beach
This is definitely Ryan's favorite beach in Charleston! It gives the most "old timey" beach town vibes. If you're here, go grab a snack or meal at Taco Boy--the queso is amazing!
Morris Island Lighthouse
Morris Island Lighthouse is one of our favorite spots! It is located at the end of Folly Beach. Although you can't make it out to the lighthouse since it's in the ocean, you can enjoy sitting on the beach and exploring. This was one of our earlier dates in our relationship. We took a picnic out here to the beach and watched the sunset! 10/10 recommend! Just a fyi, don't swim here, the current is bad and is easy to get sucked out into the ocean. The rest of Folly Beach is great for swimming!
Pitt Street Bridge
Such a hidden gem in Charleston! There used to be a physical bridge that connected Mt. Pleasant to Sullivan's Island and this is what's left of it. Now it's a nice little park with some benches, perfect for a sunset picnic.
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
You're in for a treat if you love history! Come explore more about naval history along with a tour of the USS Yorktown, now decommissioned but previously active in the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
Charleston Tea Garden
If you don't mind a short scenic drive out of downtown Charleston to one of local islands, this is right for you! Go explore the Charleston Tea Gardens where you can learn about how tea is made, tour the grounds, and have endless tea tastings (hot and iced)! While you're out here, stop by the Angel Oak Tree which is only a short drive away.
Angel Oak Tree
The Angel Oak is a large oak tree that is estimated to be about 400-500 years old. It is absolutely massive! Pictures and paintings don't do it justice, check it out for yourself as a quick stop on your way to the Charleston Tea Garden.
Cypress Gardens
Definitely a drive out of downtown Charleston, about 45 minutes, but so worth it! Cypress Gardens is a local park on the swamp that offers plenty of walking trails where you can check out the blooming flowers or hop in a boat and canoe across the swamp. You can pay a little extra for a guided boat tour of the swamp and you should do that! Their guides are full of fun facts about the swamp and will also tell you about all the famous movies and tv shows that have filmed there.
Taco Boy Charleston
This is one of our FAVORITE Mexican restaurants in Charleston! There are a few locations in the area (downtown Charleston, Folly Beach, and Summerville). We recommend the downtown Charleston location, the vibes are fun and they have a parking lot which is hard to come by in Charleston lol. Pro tip: splurge on the trio appetizer, it is super yummy!
Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar
This is one of the only waterfront restaurants in downtown Charleston, located right next to Waterfront Park and the Pineapple Fountain. It is a hole in the wall type of place and their seafood is absolutely AMAZING! Highly recommend the shrimp and grits or the grilled shrimp, but you can't go wrong with anything on their menu. Sadly, too many people have caught on to our little hidden gem of a restaurant so we do recommend you make reservations online in advance if you plan on going. You don't have to have a reservation but the wait will probably be a hot minute if you don't.
Page's Okra Grill
Page's is another one of our favorite restaurants! It is a well-rounded restaurant with lots of different types of food to choose from even if you aren't a seafood lover. But we promise there's nothing like fresh seafood when you live on the coast! Also, be sure to put in an order for the fried green tomatoes appetizer (hey, don't knock it until you try it!). Make sure you save room for dessert because it is sooo good! We recommend the banana pudding or peanut butter pie :)
Five Loaves Cafe
This is a nice choice for weekend brunch or lunch! Very fresh ingredients and unique twists on your typical soups, salads, and sandwiches. Gluten free available here.
Tempest Charleston
One of Charleston's nicer restaurants located in the heart of downtown Charleston near the Market. We love going here for fancy occasions!
Kaminsky's Dessert Cafe
This is every sweet tooth's dream! It is a dessert only cafe/bar with constant cycling of desserts (cakes, pies, cheesecakes, etc) in their display case. They also have plenty of coffee drinks and milkshakes!
Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar
Ok truly probably our ALL TIME FAVORITE dessert place! The line is often out the door, but promise it moves fast and definitely worth the wait. Check out their "mini cake" options in the dessert display case. They are the perfect size to satisfy your sweet tooth and also split with a friend!
Lodi Coffee
This is a new found love for us! This local coffee shop has anything and everything a coffee lover and noncoffee lovers could ask for. Just an fyi, it is a drive-thru only coffee shop. Consider looking at the menu online ahead of time because it can be overwhelming!