Laura’s guidebook
Beaches
There are multiple destinations for beaches in the Charleston area, and each has its own distinct flavor.
My favorite of the local beaches, in part because it's the closest, but it's also the only one with free, beachside parking. Multiple worthwhile eating spots.
7 locals recommend
Edisto Island
My favorite of the local beaches, in part because it's the closest, but it's also the only one with free, beachside parking. Multiple worthwhile eating spots.
A haul to get there, but the beach is wide and popular with families and partiers. Nearby Sullivans Island is also a good spot.
76 locals recommend
Isle of Palms Beach
A haul to get there, but the beach is wide and popular with families and partiers. Nearby Sullivans Island is also a good spot.
Think you can't go to the beach on Kiawah because you have no way in the front gates? This public part charges a small entry fee but gives you access to beautiful (less crowded) Kiawah beaches, restrooms, picnic tables, and more.
81 locals recommend
Kiawah Beachwalker Park
8 Beachwalker DrThink you can't go to the beach on Kiawah because you have no way in the front gates? This public part charges a small entry fee but gives you access to beautiful (less crowded) Kiawah beaches, restrooms, picnic tables, and more.
Ah, favorite beach of my youth. This island has a quirky, partying reputation. There are lots of great food options, a pier, surfing spots, and a wide beach.
581 locals recommend
Folly Beach
East Ashley AvenueAh, favorite beach of my youth. This island has a quirky, partying reputation. There are lots of great food options, a pier, surfing spots, and a wide beach.
Sightseeing
This spot is popular with tourists, but even the locals like to go for a stroll along the Battery every now and again. The bandstand in White Point Gardens is popular for destination weddings, and kids love climbing on the antique cannons.
White Point Garden
2 Murray BlvdA hidden gem and popular spot with locals. Gorgeous views of downtown and the Bridge.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g54354-d2027336-Reviews-Pitt_Street_Bridge-Mount_Pleasant_South_Carolina.html
66 locals recommend
Pitt Street Bridge
100 Pitt StA hidden gem and popular spot with locals. Gorgeous views of downtown and the Bridge.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g54354-d2027336-Reviews-Pitt_Street_Bridge-Mount_Pleasant_South_Carolina.html
Gorgeous gardens and plenty of paths of walking, running, biking, etc. Pets are welcome here. This park is located in one of the most popular downtown neighborhoods, Wagener Terrace.
165 locals recommend
Hampton Park
Gorgeous gardens and plenty of paths of walking, running, biking, etc. Pets are welcome here. This park is located in one of the most popular downtown neighborhoods, Wagener Terrace.
I wouldn't normally recommend a farmer's market for someone visiting Charleston (because where are you going to cook all that yummy produce?), but the Charleston Farmers Market in downtown CHS usually has live music, plenty of food options, and lots of interesting crafts to take home. Best when the weather is nice!
Charleston Farmers Market
329 Meeting StreetI wouldn't normally recommend a farmer's market for someone visiting Charleston (because where are you going to cook all that yummy produce?), but the Charleston Farmers Market in downtown CHS usually has live music, plenty of food options, and lots of interesting crafts to take home. Best when the weather is nice!
Best for history buffs and families with older kids. How often do you get to explore an old naval ship?
452 locals recommend
Patriots Point
40 Patriots Point RdBest for history buffs and families with older kids. How often do you get to explore an old naval ship?
The church itself is beautiful, but the grounds are also interesting to explore.
9 locals recommend
Unitarian Church in Charleston
4 Archdale StThe church itself is beautiful, but the grounds are also interesting to explore.
Food scene
Another favorite but notoriously difficult to snag a reservation, particularly at the last minute. Skip the reservation and arrive right at opening. You can grab a seat at the bar, first come first served.
FIG
232 Meeting St
The Ordinary
544 King StBoogie's Barbeque
6270 SC-162Harvest Moon Lowcountry Grille
6165 Savannah HwyAwesome breakfast! If you're looking for a diner experience, you can't go wrong here.
9 locals recommend
Fillin Station Diner
5261 SC-165Awesome breakfast! If you're looking for a diner experience, you can't go wrong here.
Possibly my favorite brunch spot (maybe because the Bloody Marys come in Mason jars). Most of the menu is nowhere close to healthy, but it is beyond good. Gets crowded, so try to snag a reservation if you can.
88 locals recommend
Fat Hen
3140 Maybank HwyPossibly my favorite brunch spot (maybe because the Bloody Marys come in Mason jars). Most of the menu is nowhere close to healthy, but it is beyond good. Gets crowded, so try to snag a reservation if you can.
Another favorite oyster spot, but the rest of their menu (modern seafood, lobster roll, hamburger) is worth the visit as well. I love the East Bay location but usually go to Magnolia Road because parking is WAY more accessible. But you can't beat sitting at the oyster bar on East Bay.
129 locals recommend
Pearlz Oyster Bar
9 Magnolia RdAnother favorite oyster spot, but the rest of their menu (modern seafood, lobster roll, hamburger) is worth the visit as well. I love the East Bay location but usually go to Magnolia Road because parking is WAY more accessible. But you can't beat sitting at the oyster bar on East Bay.
It's a haul from the farm, but it's one of my favorite restaurants in Charleston. Seafood meets Italian fine dining. Pair it with a visit to the beach at Isle of Palms so you can feel like you got your gas money's worth.
305 locals recommend
Coda Del Pesce
1130 Ocean BlvdIt's a haul from the farm, but it's one of my favorite restaurants in Charleston. Seafood meets Italian fine dining. Pair it with a visit to the beach at Isle of Palms so you can feel like you got your gas money's worth.