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What to Do in Charleston SC (Real Local Picks, Not Tourist Traps) 👀

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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.
Map
 
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So much history and such a beautiful city!
Charleston, SC | Official Site for Charleston Vacations & Charleston ...
 
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Beautiful views & wonderful restaurants
Shem Creek Waterfront
 
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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 
 
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Y'all - this is so much fun for an afternoon on the river.
Edisto River Adventures | Tubing Near Charleston SC
 
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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
 
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Cocktails and skylines
What is your favorite rooftop bar in Charleston? Thanks!
 
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Love the Moonlight Mixers - shaggin' on the pier.
Moonlight Mixer Folly Beach Pier - Folly Current
 
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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
 
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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)
 
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Best small town in low country!
Summerville, SC
 
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Beautiful & so much history!  Tons of events to attend here.
Magnolia Plantation
 
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Halloween night - oh what a fright!
Best Haunted Ghost Walking Tours in Charleston, SC
 
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Charleston is rich in gullah and geechee history.  And the food . . . what?
Gullah Tours
 
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So much to do here in Charleston
Tours & Attractions in Charleston, SC | Things to Do & See
 
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Super spooky on Halloween night!
The Haunted Unitarian Graveyard
 
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Marion Square - Farm Fresh - Crafters - Food Vendors - Lots of Fun on Saturdays April thru November.
Charleston Farmers Market – Charleston, South Carolina ...
 
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Love the nightlife in Charleston!
THE 15 BEST Charleston Clubs & Bars (2026)
 
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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
 
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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
 
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Heyward's inspiration for “Porgy”
The history of Catfish Row in Charleston, SC - CHStoday
 
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Create a marker map to explore historical sites
Historic Markers - Preservation Society of Charleston
 
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Date night ideas
Date night ideas for every type of Charlestonian
 
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The first structure in America built specifically for theatrical performances in 1736
Dock Street Theatre
 
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Iconic & Historic Rainbow Row
Rainbow Row Charleston South Carolina - Rainbow Row Charleston South Carolina
 
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Vibrant historic music venue. Not a bad seat in the house and the accoustics is amazing! Hidden gem!
Charleston Music Hall
 
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Great entertainment!  Fun times
The Windjammer
 
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Recognize any?
Movies and TV shows filmed in and around Charleston
 
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Nice dive bar, food is good and lots of people.  Fun time for sure.
Recovery Room Tavern (@recoveryroomtavern) - Instagram
 
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This is such a cool venue!
The Refinery: Charleston Live Music and Special Events Venue
 
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You and the kiddos will always remeber climbing around the Yorktown
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
 
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The most peaceful place and it's like stepping into another world.  It is soooo beautiful out there!
Mepkin Abbey
 
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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
 
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Explore the history
10+ museums in Charleston
 
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A non-profit contemporary art space featuring rotating exhibitions, affordable artist studios, and community events.
Redux Contemporary Art Center: Home
 
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Wonderful restaurants all over the low country!
The 10 Best Restaurants in Downtown Charleston
 
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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
 
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Beautiful view and the food is sooo good!
Bowens Island Restaurant
 
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Love the brisket!
Lewis Barbecue
 
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Where the locals go for soulfood.
Workmen's Cafe
 
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Watch the dolphins in Shem Creek
Tavern & Table
 
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Want a burger when in Charleston?  Go to Heavy's!
Heavy's Barburger
 
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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
 
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Really good southern food!  And it might just be a haunted spirit hanging around.
Poogan's Porch
 
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Good seafood and great atmosphere
Hank's Seafood Restaurant
 
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One of my favorite bbq restaurants!  Be sure to get the corn pudding!
Swig & Swine BBQ: Home
 
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Try the chicken while there - hint hint
Edmund's Original (Formerly Edmund's Oast)
 
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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
 
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One of my favs for mexican cuisine
Rancho Lewis
 
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Casual hangout known for its dollar-bill-covered walls and affordable pub food.
The Griffon
 
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No Boat? No problem - take the water taxi
15+ restaurants in Charleston you can get to by boat
 
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The menu!! (Get the duck fat fries) live music, fantastic happy hours and a laid back hangout!
TATTOOED MOOSE
 
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Charleston's oldest family-owned & operated jewelry store. Check out the vintage and estage jewelry.
Croghan's Jewel Box: Charleston's Finest Jewelry Store
 
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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
 
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So much fun! Wonderful vendors & artisans +great local food vendors!
Flowertown Festival 2026 | Charleston Events & ...
 
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Runners & walkers from all over the world participate
Cooper River Bridge Run
 
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St Paddy's in the Holy City
What's - If you’re planning your Charleston metro St. Patrick’s week,...
 
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Best Aveda Hair Salon in Charleston
Piccolo Hair Salon - Aveda Salon