Charleston, South Carolina
Things To Do
We love this city and can't wait to share it with you. Here are our personal picks — the places, spots, and experiences that make Charleston worth exploring.
Ruby's Bagels
Freshly made bagels with creative, well-executed toppings in a bright, welcoming spot. One of the best morning stops in Charleston — get there early before they sell out.
Jeff's Bagel Run
A local favorite known for hand-rolled bagels and generous schmears. Casual, quick, and consistently great — a perfect start to a morning in Charleston.
Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer
A beloved Charleston institution in Cannonborough-Elliotborough. Excellent espresso, a relaxed neighborhood vibe, and a back patio that feels like a secret garden.
The Daily
A bright, airy café on King Street known for beautifully made coffee drinks and some of the best pastries in the city. Perfect for a slow morning.
Toast! All Day
A Charleston brunch staple. Inventive takes on breakfast classics with a menu that changes seasonally. Expect a wait on weekends — it's worth it.
Basic Kitchen
Clean, thoughtful food focused on local ingredients. A great spot for guests who want something wholesome and delicious without sacrificing the experience.
Miller's All Day
One of Charleston's most beloved all-day breakfast spots. Classic diner comfort food done really well — eggs, biscuits, and great coffee. Expect a wait on weekends and it's earned.
Callie's Hot Little Biscuit
A Charleston institution. Housemade biscuits stuffed with creative fillings — the line moves fast and the food is worth every minute of the wait. A perfect quick morning stop.
LoLa
A personal favorite — a great seafood-forward menu, warm atmosphere, and the kind of spot you keep coming back to. One of our go-to Mount Pleasant dinners.
Husk
Sean Brock's landmark restaurant in a gorgeous historic house. Southern-focused, ingredient-driven, and one of the most celebrated dining experiences in the city. Reserve well ahead.
Sullivan's Fish Camp
Casual waterfront seafood spot on Sullivan's Island. Great raw bar, cold drinks, and incredible water views. Very Charleston in the best way.
Charleston Crab House
Classic Lowcountry seafood done right — steamed crabs, shrimp, and all the fixings. A proper hands-on, bib-wearing seafood feast that's been a Charleston tradition for decades.
Leon's Oyster Shop
A laid-back, counter-service oyster bar on Upper King. Wood-fired oysters, cold beer, and a playful menu. Always packed, always fun — no reservations.
Home Team BBQ
Seriously good BBQ with a laid-back sports bar vibe. Smoked meats, housemade sides, and cold beer. Locations in downtown Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, and Sullivan's Island.
Long Island Cafe
A casual, reliable spot on Isle of Palms that's been a local staple for years. Good food, unpretentious vibe, and great for groups.
Hall's Chophouse
One of Charleston's premier steakhouses — exceptional cuts, an impressive wine list, and the kind of service that makes a night out feel like a real occasion. Reservations book up fast, but you can often find a seat at the bar.
Burton's
A dependable, well-loved spot in Mount Pleasant that hits the mark every time. Solid food, a comfortable atmosphere, and a great option for dinner while you're in the area.
Page's Okra Grill
Classic Lowcountry cooking in a relaxed, no-frills setting in Mount Pleasant. If you want shrimp and grits done right, this is the spot.
Shelter Kitchen & Bar
A Shem Creek-area favorite of ours — great cocktails, a lively patio atmosphere, and a full menu that holds its own. A go-to for happy hour or a full evening out.
Saltwater Cowboys
One of the classic Shem Creek spots — an elevated, over-the-water deck with cold drinks and great views of the creek and the marsh. Very Charleston, very fun.
Water's Edge
A relaxed Shem Creek bar with one of the best perches on the water. Go for sunset — the views over the marsh are hard to beat and the drinks are always cold.
Poe's Tavern
A casual beach bar on Sullivan's Island named for Edgar Allan Poe (who was once stationed there). Great burgers, cold drafts, and a laid-back outdoor feel.
Islander 71
A lively bar on Isle of Palms right near the marina. Live music, cold drinks, and a great outdoor vibe — a solid stop if you're spending the day on IOP.
The Gin Joint
A small, excellent craft cocktail bar in downtown Charleston. Serious about what's in the glass, relaxed about everything else. One of the best bars in the city.
Proof
Whiskey bar with an impressive selection of American spirits and a welcoming, non-intimidating atmosphere. Great for groups.
The Battery & White Point Garden
The iconic southern tip of the Charleston peninsula. Walk the seawall, admire the antebellum mansions, and take in the harbor views. One of the most beautiful spots in the city.
Rainbow Row
Charleston's most photographed stretch of pastel-painted Georgian row houses on East Bay Street. A must-see and a short walk from many downtown hotels.
Old South Carriage Co.
A classic horse-drawn carriage tour through the historic district. A charming, relaxed way to learn the city's history and see the architecture.
Sullivan's Island
A quiet, residential beach island just across the harbor. Less crowded than Folly, more laid-back than Isle of Palms, and genuinely beautiful. Our favorite for a low-key beach day.
Isle of Palms Beach
A wide, beautiful Atlantic beach with more amenities than Sullivan's Island — beach rentals, restaurants nearby, and parking. Great for a full beach day.
Folly Beach
Charleston's most popular beach — a lively, funky beach town with a pier, surf culture, and plenty of bars and restaurants nearby. Great energy, especially in the evening.
Fort Sumter National Monument
The site where the Civil War began. Accessible only by boat from Liberty Square, the ferry ride itself offers stunning harbor views. An unforgettable piece of American history.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
One of the oldest public gardens in the country, with stunning azaleas, a haunting plantation history, and nature boat tours through the cypress swamp. A true Lowcountry experience.
Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
One of the most historically significant colonial-era buildings in America, used as everything from a customs house to a prison to a ballroom. The guided tour of the dungeon is genuinely fascinating.
South Carolina Aquarium
A well-done aquarium on the Charleston waterfront featuring Lowcountry marine life, sea turtles, touch tanks, and a big ocean tank. A full morning or afternoon for kids.
Children's Museum of the Lowcountry
Hands-on, interactive exhibits designed for younger kids (under 10 or so). A great rainy-day option or morning activity if you're in downtown Charleston with little ones.
Waterfront Park & Pineapple Fountain
A beautiful park along the Charleston Harbor with a splash pad, swings, sweeping pier views, and the famous Pineapple Fountain. A favorite for families and completely free.