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Charleston, SC—What Locals Actually Do
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Lauren Nester
If you want the Charleston that locals love — not the one with long waits and inflated prices — this list is for you. These are the spots we returned to again and again when we actually lived here.
Sections
6
 
Coffee & Casual Food
 
Everyday Local Things
 
Beach Life…..The local way
 
Local bars
 
Shopping and Wandering
 
Things to avoid

Coffee & Casual Food

 
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Neighborhood regulars. Chill, no influencer nonsense
Brown Fox Coffee (West Ashley)
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Duck club. Dive bar. Beloved.
TATTOOED MOOSE— John’s Island Location
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Hungover locals. Late nights. Comfort food. No frills.
Early Bird Diner
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Everyday Local Things

 
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Quiet, gorgeous, never hyped enough. Locals walk dogs, push strollers, have mental health strolls here.
Hampton Park
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Year-round locals spot. Festivals, light displays, paddleboarding, and just vibing.
James Island County Park
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Locals walk the boardwalk at sunset and leave before dinner crowds hit.
Shem Creek (not the restaurants)
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Beach Life…..The local way

 
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Surfers, locals, real beach culture. Tourists don’t usually wander this far.
The Washout
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The further from Station 18, the more local it gets.
Sullivan's Island Beach Directory – I'On - Mount Pleasant
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Sit. Watch dolphins. Say nothing. Heal emotionally
Breach Inlet - AT SUNSET
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Local bars

 
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Real music. Real people. Outdoor stage magic.
The Charleston Pour House
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Divey. German beer. Locals-only energy.
Gene's Haufbrau
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Neighborhood bar. You’ll see the same faces weekly.
The Roost
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Dark, loud, zero pretension. Just vibes.
Recovery Room Tavern
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Shopping and Wandering

 
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Boutiques, thrift, bars, and food without downtown chaos
Avondale | West Ashley SC Dining and Nightlife | ExploreCharleston
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VERY local. Breweries, art nights, community feel.
Park Circle | North Charleston SC Dining and Nightlife | ExploreCharleston
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Free exhibits, local artists, quiet creativity.
Redux Contemporary Art Center
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Things to avoid

 
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Enjoy King St. (if you must) early.
King Street (after 8pm)
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Over saturated. Just walk them.
Historic Charleston Carriage Tours & Rides | Old South Carriage
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Everyone has a favorite. They’re all delicious
Best shrimp and Grits arguments
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Wall-to-wall tourists, heat, and repetition. Locals go early morning or never.
The Historic Charleston City Market at mid-day
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