Exploring Charleston, SC: A Travel Guide

As someone born and raised in South Carolina, I always tell people that Charleston is the best city in the state. The city perfectly captures the state’s charm, history, and coastal beauty. It’s also the kind of place that feels designed. Pastel-colored houses, cobblestone streets, and waterfront views. Charleston knows all about southern charm, creating a unique experience and unforgettable experience.

Getting There

Flying into Charleston International Airport is a breeze. It’s small, modern, and easy to navigate compared to major airports. Within minutes, you’re out the door and already soaking up Lowcountry air.

How Many Days Do You Need?

If you want to check off all the highlights, five days is more than enough. But if your dream trip includes a little sand, surf, and relaxation, add a couple more days for the beaches.

Downtown Charleston

The heart of Charleston is best explored on foot, starting at The Charleston City Market, a historic landmark full of local vendors, sweetgrass baskets, and souvenirs. From there,

Walking the infamous "Rainbow Row"

stroll down to Waterfront Park, where you’ll find the iconic Pineapple Fountain - a symbol of Southern hospitality and one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in the city.

Continue your walk to Rainbow Row, a colorful stretch of historic homes that’s beautiful for both the eyes and the camera lens. White Point Garden, where massive oak trees and antebellum mansions end the loop at The Battery and line the waterfront.

History lovers should stop by The Old Exchange and Provost Museum for a sobering but essential perspective on Charleston’s past. It's a city literally built on bodies, so there are also some really cool ghost tours at night.  For shopping and people-watching, King Street and Meeting Street are lined with boutiques, niche stores, and plenty of coffee and ice cream shops for breaks in between.

History on the Water

Pineapple Fountain

I recommend squeezing in a trip to Fort Sumter if you can. Accessible by boat from downtown or Mount Pleasant, it’s a powerful place to learn about Civil War history while taking in gorgeous harbor views.

Cross the Ravenel Bridge, a cool architectural feature in itself, and you’ll find yourself in Mount Pleasant. Here you can tour the USS Yorktown, an aircraft carrier turned museum, or spend an evening at Shem Creek, known for its lively waterfront restaurants, cocktails, and dancing.

Food Scene

Charleston is as much a foodie city as it is a historic one, and while the dishes here might not always be the healthiest, they’re absolutely worth indulging in. For brunch, Daps is a

BBQ from Hometeam

personal favorite with creative plates and refreshing mimosas. Over in West Ashley, Wildflour Pastry is home to the best little tomato pie (and plenty of irresistible treats). If you’re a coffee lover, Second State Coffee pours one of the best espressos in town. For a taste of Southern tradition, 82 Queen—one of the oldest restaurants in downtown—serves up Lowcountry classics. Dessert lovers can’t miss Carmella’s or Kaminsky’s, both known for decadent cakes and sweets. For a rooftop drink with a view, head to the Vendue, one of the few spots in town with skyline scenery. And of course, I have to plug Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit, not just because we share a name, but because biscuits are a true Southern staple, but also there are a couple of biscuit places so just make sure to try one. Oh, and BBQ and fried chicken! That's all.

Beach Vibes

Callie and Mateo on the "Morris Island Lighthouse" trail.

When you’re ready to trade history for hammock time, head to Folly Beach. This laid-back beach town has a hippie vibe, perfect for travelers who like things a little quirky. At the north end of the beach, you can take a hike to the lighthouse on this very colorful graffiti trail, for the cutest photo. It’s a hot walk so be sure to bring water.

Afterwards, grab a casual drink at Chico Feo, known for its outdoor bar and open mic nights, or dig into globally inspired comfort food at Jack of Cups Saloon. One of Folly’s hidden gems. There’s one bar/hotel, Tides, right on the ocean that frequently has music or bands. 

Plantations

Callie, Mateo and Mom at Angel Oak

I’m just going to include this here because it feels like it fits but Angel Oak is one of the oldest trees in the area, located in Johns Island about 20-30 minutes away depending on

where you are. It's gorgeous. 

The plantations are gorgeous but a bit controversial in my opinion and, also, typically a good ways out of town. The historic plantations around Charleston: Magnolia, Drayton Hall, Middleton Place, Boone Hall, McLeod, are deeply connected to enslaved labor. Many of them now emphasize inclusive interpretation, especially McLeod and Middleton, which focus attention on the lives and legacies of those who were enslaved. 

If you are looking for a “plantation” with no ties to slavery, every. You could try the Charleston Tea Garden. It’s agriculturally historic, visually compelling, and completely free of antebellum ties to slavery.

Why Charleston Feels “Designed”

What makes Charleston special isn’t just the food, history, beaches, or hospitality. It's the way all the pieces come together. Downtown feels like a mood board: pastel houses, wrought-iron gates, tree-lined streets. The neighborhoods each bring their own personality. And the balance between historic preservation and modern creativity makes the city timeless yet fresh.

Check out all of our adventures over on Instagram. Let me know if there are any areas you want me to cover!