Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!

E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!

Discover

Must-Dos for Traveling to Charleston SC

21 items

Alyssa Barber

This past August I traveled to Charleston, SC for 1 week and it quickly become one of my favorite cities of all time! I couldn't have picked a better itinerary and location for an affordable end of summer trip.

Map

Sections

The Stay

The Coffee

The Food

The Drinks

The Dessert

The Activities

The Stay

We had an incredible stay with CHC Vacation Rentals! We chose to stay in a small one-bedroom unit, but we didn't expect the adorable welcome basket, comfortable amenities, and stellar location. It was within a 5-15 minute walk from most things we wan...

They know how to make a small space feel like a little luxury!

CHC Vacation Rentals

The Coffee

St. Louis has one of the fabulous coffee scenes, so I am always skeptical of what coffee I will find in other cities. Charleston did not disappoint and has been the best (aside from STL of course) I have ever traveled to! Here are a few of my favorit...

Stellar latte art and amazing atmosphere. It felt like a little slice of NYC in Charleston. You must try their cinnamon latte!

babas on cannon

Adorable spot to also grab a bottle of wine for your room. The coffee was incredible and their avocado toast was fantastic as well. No bad things to say!

Island Provisions | Coffee, Sandwiches, Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch ...

This was one we had to drive to, but it was completely worth it for their atmosphere and drinks! It's a nice spot to sit and chat for awhile. Great brunch as well.

Vintage Coffee Cafe

The Food

Charleston will forever be known in my mind as the city where I fell in love with seafood! One tip I recommend knowing that we didn't find out until the very end of our trip is that the aquarium has a Good Catch Partners program to help people find s...

Use this link to discover more sustainable options!

Discover South Carolina Aquarium Good Catch Partners

This place likely has a wait since they don't accept reservations, but there are great bars nearby to hang out at as you wait. This primarily features shareable menu items, so keep that in mind as you order!

Chubby Fish

We did not make a reservation, so we got sat at the bar, but that turned out to be the ideal location! You get to watch them prepare the oysters. Amazing staff and food.

The Darling Oyster Bar

I will simply never stop thinking about how good this sandwich was…

The Co-Op Gourmet Sandwiches

Such a fun atmosphere and the salads are incredible.

Fuel Charleston

This is the best crunchy roll I've ever had!

Fuji Sushi Upper King

The Drinks

I was completely in love with the drink options in Charleston. You are surrounded by beautiful views, and as an espresso martini girl, you can count on a good coffee-focused drink due to the amazing coffee served everywhere!

We almost skipped this, and I'm so glad we didn't. It ended up being my favorite spot! You must try the Night Owl cockatiel.

Citrus Club

Known for their frozen drinks and they absolutely do not disappoint!

Saltwater Cowboys

Making an apperance on the list again for the Aperol spritz!

babas on cannon

The Dessert

There may only be two on this list, but that's because I'm only giving you the best of the best! These you definitely do not want to miss on your visit.

Do yourself a favor and pick up some of these cupcakes!

Sugar Bakeshop

In the last photo you'll see the canolli cake. It was one of the best desserts I've ever tried! It is easily shareable amungst 3-4 people or 2 with leftovers.

Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar

The Activities

The views of Charleston are what made the trip. I would do some of these 1000Xs over again.

Everyone raved about the fountain, but I think the most special part is the peir. Go as the sun sets for the most beautiful view. It's also near Carmella's for dessert after!

Waterfront Park

Shopping on King Street was a wonderful experience, just be sure to seek out some of the locally-owned businesses!

King Street Profile | Charleston, SC - Official Website

A self-guided boat rental comes free with the garden admission. You get to live out your Notebook moment and take in one of the most unique and stunning ecosystems in Charleston. I was very afraid of the gators, but it ended up not being a big deal a...

Cypress Gardens

I wish I only bought general admission and didn't pay for the house tour. There are two free tours that come with general admission tickets that were much better.

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens in Charleston, SC

I very much wish I just opted for this instead of this + a harbor tour. Charleston is a very flat city and doesn't have the best view by boat unless you want to see Fort Sumter close-up.

South Carolina Aquarium

See It All

This list is all of my must-dos! If you want to see evrything I did and my ratings of each location, check out my Lemon 8 where I've posted it all.

Follow me here!

Alyssa Barber on Lemon8