If you’re visiting Charleston (or live nearby), there’s no shortage of beautiful spots, great food, and things to do - but not all of them are worth your time. This list is a mix of local favorites, popular spots, and a few places I personally enjoy ... There's a lot to do and see here in the low country.
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So much history and such a beautiful city!
Charleston, SC | Official Site for Charleston Vacations & Charleston ...
Beautiful views & wonderful restaurants
Shem Creek Waterfront
Cooper Hotel - The Holy City’s first luxury waterfront hotel along the edge of the French Quarter - opened this spring (2026)
Inside Charleston’s New Cooper Hotel and Its Buzzy Restaurant, the Crossing
Y'all - this is so much fun for an afternoon on the river.
Edisto River Adventures | Tubing Near Charleston SC
I always like stopping here for a bit when I’m downtown. The swings on the pier are a great place to sit and catch the breeze off the water, and the tree-lined brick walkways make it nice just to wander without rushing. And if you go, don’t skip the ...
Charleston Waterfront Park
Cocktails and skylines
What is your favorite rooftop bar in Charleston? Thanks!
Love the Moonlight Mixers - shaggin' on the pier.
Moonlight Mixer Folly Beach Pier - Folly Current
1,400-Year-Old Angel Oak Tree A legendary Southern live oak in Charleston, with a canopy stretching 160 feet wide. A true survivor of centuries of storms and time. Weddings and photo shoots are beautiful there.
Angel Oak Tree
Charleston is such a beautiful city. Stroll along the streets south of Broad and peek into the gardens and gates.
The Best Streets to Stroll in Charleston (That Aren’t King Street)
Best small town in low country!
Summerville, SC
Beautiful & so much history! Tons of events to attend here.
Magnolia Plantation
Halloween night - oh what a fright!
Best Haunted Ghost Walking Tours in Charleston, SC
Charleston is rich in gullah and geechee history. And the food . . . what?
Gullah Tours
So much to do here in Charleston
Tours & Attractions in Charleston, SC | Things to Do & See
Super spooky on Halloween night!
The Haunted Unitarian Graveyard
Marion Square - Farm Fresh - Crafters - Food Vendors - Lots of Fun on Saturdays April thru November.
Charleston Farmers Market – Charleston, South Carolina ...
Love the nightlife in Charleston!
THE 15 BEST Charleston Clubs & Bars (2026)
I love walking downtown and looking at the various doors on the homes. And the ironwork!
44 The Doors of Charleston ideas to save today
3 of these date back to 1600's! Charleston is know as “The Holy City” with over 400 churches.
5 of the Oldest Church Congregations in Charleston, South Carolina - Charleston Daily
Heyward's inspiration for “Porgy”
The history of Catfish Row in Charleston, SC - CHStoday
Create a marker map to explore historical sites
Historic Markers - Preservation Society of Charleston
Date night ideas
Date night ideas for every type of Charlestonian
The first structure in America built specifically for theatrical performances in 1736
Dock Street Theatre
Iconic & Historic Rainbow Row
Rainbow Row Charleston South Carolina - Rainbow Row Charleston South Carolina
Vibrant historic music venue. Not a bad seat in the house and the accoustics is amazing! Hidden gem!
Charleston Music Hall
Great entertainment! Fun times
The Windjammer
Recognize any?
Movies and TV shows filmed in and around Charleston
Nice dive bar, food is good and lots of people. Fun time for sure.
The Refinery: Charleston Live Music and Special Events Venue
You and the kiddos will always remeber climbing around the Yorktown
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
The most peaceful place and it's like stepping into another world. It is soooo beautiful out there!
Mepkin Abbey
Peaceful, pedestrian-only stretch in Mt. Pleasant's Old Village. It offers beautiful, unobstructed marsh views and is a prime spot for local sunset picnics and fishing.
Pitt Street Bridge
Explore the history
10+ museums in Charleston
A non-profit contemporary art space featuring rotating exhibitions, affordable artist studios, and community events.
Redux Contemporary Art Center: Home
Wonderful restaurants all over the low country!
The 10 Best Restaurants in Downtown Charleston
Secret Garden?? Tucked behind The Charleston Place hotel is a beautiful little courtyard (like the secret gardens of some of the stately homes South of Broad street.) And this one is open to the public. You don’t have to be a guest at The Charleston Place to enjoy a...
The Charleston Place | Luxury Hotel in Charleston SC Historic District
Beautiful view and the food is sooo good!
Bowens Island Restaurant
Love the brisket!
Lewis Barbecue
Where the locals go for soulfood.
Workmen's Cafe
Watch the dolphins in Shem Creek
Tavern & Table
Want a burger when in Charleston? Go to Heavy's!
Heavy's Barburger
The Wreck is the definition of a hidden gem & local fav for years. Tucked away along Shem Creek, IYKYK
The Wreck of the Richard and Charlene
Really good southern food! And it might just be a haunted spirit hanging around.
Poogan's Porch
Good seafood and great atmosphere
Hank's Seafood Restaurant
One of my favorite bbq restaurants! Be sure to get the corn pudding!
Swig & Swine BBQ: Home
Try the chicken while there - hint hint
Edmund's Original (Formerly Edmund's Oast)
Excellent southern comfort food from local farms in this small hole in a wall restaurant. Great service! Be sure to get the collards and brussel sprouts and bread pudding!
The Glass Onion - Charleston
One of my favs for mexican cuisine
Rancho Lewis
Casual hangout known for its dollar-bill-covered walls and affordable pub food.
The Griffon
No Boat? No problem - take the water taxi
15+ restaurants in Charleston you can get to by boat
The menu!! (Get the duck fat fries) live music, fantastic happy hours and a laid back hangout!
TATTOOED MOOSE
Charleston's oldest family-owned & operated jewelry store. Check out the vintage and estage jewelry.
Croghan's Jewel Box: Charleston's Finest Jewelry Store
Buxton's is a neighborhood bookstore that has a well curated selection, signed copies from local authors, and a staff that actually knows their inventory. Worth a stop even if you’re not a big reader. Plus they have events, private tours, and book of...
Buxton Books
So much fun! Wonderful vendors & artisans +great local food vendors!
Flowertown Festival 2026 | Charleston Events & ...
Runners & walkers from all over the world participate
Cooper River Bridge Run
St Paddy's in the Holy City
What's - If you’re planning your Charleston metro St. Patrick’s week,...