The Ultimate Charleston Travel Guide

Charleston, SC is a charming and historic city with a vibrant restaurant scene and beautiful architecture. You can take a walking tour of the city’s historic district, explore the King Street shopping district, and enjoy the city’s restaurants and bars, from Southern comfort food to international cuisine, and from classic cocktails to breweries. Charleston is also known for its nearby beaches, plantations, and parks. Charleston is a must-visit destination and our travel guide will help you plan your trip.

This is a special blog post for me because my husband and I got married in Charleston, SC and we celebrated the day after on Folly Beach. I’m excited to share my recommendations for one of my favorite places with you.

Eat

Charleston is a haven for food enthusiasts, offering a vibrant culinary scene that reflects the city’s rich history and diverse culture. From renowned restaurants to charming local eateries, Charleston offers a large range of dining options. Here are a few of my favorite restaurants:

• Millers All Day: A cute bistro to start your morning with delicious coffee and specialty drinks and one of the best biscuits I’ve ever had!
• Frannie & The Fox: Located inside Hotel Emeline, they offer breakfast, brunch, and dinner. I highly recommend sharing the punch bowl with a few of your closest friends, and be sure to check out the coffee shop, Clerks Coffee Company on your way out.
• Poogan’s Porch: One of my favorite spots for brunch in Charleston, this charming restaurant is rich with history and we love the story of Poogan, the neighborhood dog.
• Husk: If you’re a fan of cooking shows you have likely heard of Husk before. Centrally located in Charleston, Husk offers upscale Southern cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients in an old Victorian home.
• The Charleston Grill: An a upscale dining experience at an award-winning restaurant with a menu that combines classic Southern flavors with contemporary twists.
• Peninsula Grill: Known for its award-winning desserts and classic American cuisine. Kasey highly recommends the coconut cake!
• Church and Union: Offering a great vibe in a former church, this is a fun spot for dinner with friends or a date night.
• 167 Raw Oyster Bar: I have never seen this restaurant not completely packed! A seafood lover’s paradise with an impressive selection of fresh oysters and delectable seafood dishes.
• High Cotton: The service here is fantastic, but the shrimp and grits are exceptional and you really can’t go wrong with anything else on the menu!
• Lowland: Kasey visited on her recent trip and could not recommend it enough. Incredible food, service, and ambiance, and you must get the biscuits!
• Sorelle: Southern Italian food with “Lowcountry ingredients,” in a stunning 3-story restaurant, this restaurant is a lovely option, and would be perfect for a date night!

Additional recommendations include:

• Slightly North of Broad (SNOB)
• Rodney Scott’s BBQ
• Leon’s Oyster Shop
• Halls Chophouse
• The Ordinary
• FIG

And finally, if you have a sweet tooth after dinner, I recommend visiting Off Track Ice Cream enough. In lieu of cake at our wedding we served Off Track Ice Cream to our guests and it was DELICIOUS!

Drink

With a wide variety of drinking establishments for beer, wine, and cocktails, Charleston is the perfect destination for those looking to enjoy a good drink. Here are a few of my favorite places for a glass of wine, cocktail, and craft beer:

• The Gin Joint: A great spot to grab a drink before or after dinner with delicious cocktails made by their mixologists.
• The Cocktail Club: Offers a rooftop terrace with a great view and creative cocktails in a speakeasy-style bar.
• The Belmont: They are known for their craft cocktails and for good reason. The cocktails and ambiance make this worth the visit.
• The Bar at Husk: Located in a smaller building next to Husk, The Bar at Husk offers a more casual atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating for drinks.
• Uncork Wine Bar: A great places for a girls night or date night with a pour your own wine experience from a refrigerated wall. They also serve cocktails and food.
• Vintage Lounge: Named “The Most Beautifully Designed Bar in South Carolina” by Architectural Digest, this upscale spot is great for a date night or celebration.
• Camellias: Located in Hotel Bennett in downtown Charleston, this champagne bar is the perfect place to visit on a girls weekend or a bachelorette trip.  
• Little Palm: Little Palm and The Backyard, both located at the Ryder Hotel, offer the cutest southern coastal vibe with beautiful colors, decor, and great cocktails and food. If you’re visiting for a girls weekend or bachelorette trip, this should definitely be on your list.
• Breweries: From established breweries with a wide range of beer styles to smaller craft breweries, there is something for every taste. Some of my favorite breweries in Charleston include Westbrook Brewing Company, Edmund’s Oast, Revelry Brewing Co., and Holy City Brewing.

Here are a few places I am planning to check out during our next visit:

• Proof
• Doar Bros.
• The Commodore
• Graft Wine Shop
• The Living Room at The Dewberry

Do

With its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Charleston offers a wealth of activities for a family, couples, or trip with friends.

• Folly Beach: Just a short drive from downtown Charleston, Folly Beach offers a refreshing escape from the city, especially on the hot summer days. Folly Beach is for you if you are looking to relax on the beach, explore the local shops, or indulge in fresh seafood.
• Tour of Charleston: Led by knowledgeable guides, you can find walking, biking, or carriage tours to explore the cobblestone streets, historic neighborhoods, and significant landmarks that showcase Charleston’s storied past. Check out your options online!
• Charleston City Market: An open-air market located in the heart of downtown Charleston, South Carolina. Spanning four city blocks, it is one of the oldest public markets in the United States, dating back to 1804.
• King Street Shopping District: Add this to your itinerary if you are looking to do some shopping during your weekend trip! This vibrant and historic street stretches for several blocks, offering a blend of upscale boutiques, renowned brands, local shops, and charming galleries.
• Magnolia Plantation and Gardens: Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is a historic site with lush gardens and rich Southern heritage. With a history dating back over three centuries, the plantation offers a glimpse into the region’s past.
• Fort Sumter National Monument: Situated on a small island in Charleston Harbor, you can explore the fort grounds and learn about its role in shaping the nation’s history.
• Candlefish Candle Making Workshop: Book a candle making workshop at Candlefish Candle to craft your own candle, from blending scents, melting wax, to pouring your own candle.
• Pineapple Fountain: This iconic fountain is a symbol of hospitality, welcoming visitors to enjoy its refreshing waters and picturesque surroundings, and this landmark is a great location for pictures.
• Rainbow Row: Located on East Bay Street, this picturesque row of pastel-colored homes is a visual delight and a must-see attraction for those exploring the city.

Stay

Here are some hotel options for your stay. For me, I love all of these hotels, but I am most excited to stay at The Ryder Hotel during our next visit and take advantage of the beautiful rooftop pool.

• The Dewberry Charleston
• Mills House Charleston
• Hotel Emeline
• The Ryder Hotel

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– Karen