There’s a reason Charleston has been received such accolades as #1 city in the world, #1 city in the U.S., and friendliest city in the world. Once a best kept secret of a sleepy little town nestled on the coast of South Carolina, Charleston now boasts over 7 million visitors a year! It’s no wonder with its historical charm, expansive and beautiful beaches, amazing food scene, and quintessential southern hospitality.
Things to Do and See
Beaches
There’s no shortage of amazing and pristine beaches in the Lowcountry. The main beaches within the Charleston vicinity are Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, and Folly Beach.
Isle of Palms: 6 miles of beautiful beach, shops, and restaurants. Front Beach on Isle of Palms is where the action is at! Don’t miss out on The Windjammer during the day for a refreshing libation or catching a competitive sand volleyball game. The Windjammer is also open for a “jam good time” at night with regular live music. Sunsets are incredible from the rooftop bar of Coconut Joe’s with your Red Headed Parrot Colada and they also serve up some delicious seafood!
Sullivan’s Island: a local favorite beach that still maintains a small island town charm. Get your burger in Paradise at Poe’s Tavern where the drinks are cold and the famed poet Edgar Allen Poe’s spirit abounds. Don’t forget to grab a Game Changer at Home Team and perhaps nibble on the good old southern macaroni and cheese. Mex 1 does not disappoint for amazing tacos and queso and a knock your socks off pineapple habenero margarita.
Folly Beach: hang 10 at this surfer’s paradise on the “Edge of America” where the waves are tubular and the vibes are good. Watch the avid surfers at The Washout or head on over to the Folly Beach County Park that has restrooms, showers, and a snack bar. Taco Boy has a good island feel and serves up some delectable fish tacos and strong magaritas. Sunsets are made for seaside dinner at Blu.
Nature, History, and Culture
You can’t go visit Charleston without a carriage ride tour through this beautiful town. See and learn about such beautiful sites as Rainbow Row, The Battery, Waterfront Park Charleston’s own antebellum mansions, and lovely gardens by a horse-drawn carriage.
If plantations are your thing, you won’t want to miss tours of Magnolia Plantation and Gardens or Boone Hall Plantation. Plantations are deeply woven into Charleston’s culture and charm. Just a short drive outside of Charleston lies what is thought to be one of the oldest living things (and one of the most beautiful) in America, the Angel Oak Tree.
Shopping
No doubt, to find all shopping quintessential Charleston style you will need to visit the Charleston City Market. From clothing and jewelry to local artist paintings to the famed sweet grass baskets, you will find it all here. King Street and Charleston Place also offer boutique shopping and beautiful town scenery.
Dining
Delicious food abounds everywhere in Charleston. There are too many places to name! However, some hot spots you don’t want to miss include the following:
39 Rue de Jean -French inspired, amazing atmosphere. Amazing nibbles include escargot and truffle pommes frites.
82 queen a Lowcountry Cuisine staple. Grab a seat in the beautiful courtyard and have their award winning She Crab Soup
Poogan’s Porch – Southern Cuisine. Open for dinner but also has a killer brunch and drink specials.
Hall’s Chophouse Charleston’s notoriously fantastic restaurants for mouth watering steaks cooked to perfection
Where to stay
If you really want to capture all the charm Charleston has to offer and be centrally located to the beaches, downtown Charleston is where it’s at. You can’t be more centrally located for all of the action than Belmond Charleston Place. This hotel really has it all. The first floor is compromised of shopping and dining, and up the picturesque winding spiral staircase lies the immaculate hotel rooms. Amenities include a spa, hair salon, and rooftop pool. It is centrally located right across from the Charleston City Market and King Street shopping and is roughly equidistant at about 20-25 minutes from Charleston’s best beaches and a hop over to neighboring areas of Mount Pleasant and West Ashley.
