Charleston, South Carolina, is a city where centuries of history meet modern coastal charm. Founded in 1670, it played a pivotal role in early American history and the Civil War, and today it’s known for its well-preserved architecture, vibrant culinary scene, and Southern hospitality. Stroll the cobblestone streets of the historic district, dine on world-class seafood by the harbor, or unwind on the sandy shores of Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island. The surrounding areas — like Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, and Folly Beach — add even more layers to the experience, from waterfront parks and plantations to lively neighborhoods full of character. In this blog, we’re sharing two takes on the Holy City and beyond — whether you’re craving historic tours, scenic Lowcountry drives, or just a laid-back beach day, Charleston delivers a little something for everyone.

• Downtown Charleston: Walk cobblestone streets lined with historic homes, churches, and world-class restaurants.
• Mount Pleasant: Enjoy waterfront dining and dolphin spotting along lively Shem Creek.
• James Island: Explore the scenic James Island County Park with trails, splash pads, and festivals.
• Johns Island: Visit the awe-inspiring Angel Oak Tree and enjoy farm-to-table dining in a rural setting.
• West Ashley: Step back in time at Charles Towne Landing, the site of South Carolina’s first settlement.
• North Charleston: Catch a concert or event at the North Charleston Coliseum and shop at nearby outlets.
• Folly Beach: Embrace the laid-back surf-town vibe at “The Edge of America.”
• Isle of Palms: Relax on wide, family-friendly beaches or tee off at Wild Dunes Resort.
• Sullivan’s Island: Stroll peaceful beaches and dine at beloved local spots like Poe’s Tavern.

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The Same

The Family headed down to South Carolina to meet up with the DINKs in Charleston. Despite it being winter, the weather was beautiful, making it a perfect weekend to explore. They spent their time wandering through historic downtown, admiring festive holiday decorations, and soaking up the charm of the Lowcountry coast.

Welcome Center

The Charleston Visitor Center, located at 375 Meeting Street, is a fantastic starting point for any trip to Charleston. Housed in a historic former railroad depot, the welcome center offers maps, brochures, and expert advice from friendly staff who can help you plan your visit. You’ll find information on tours, historic sites, dining, and local events, as well as a small gift shop with Charleston-themed souvenirs. The center also serves as a hub for many trolley tours, making it a convenient spot to kick off your exploration of the city.

Explore Historic Downtown Charleston

Wander the cobblestone streets and take in the colorful historic homes along Rainbow Row. Don’t miss the Battery waterfront promenade, where you’ll get stunning views of the harbor and some of the city’s oldest antebellum mansions.

• King Street for Shopping and Nightlife: King Street is the heart of Charleston’s shopping and entertainment scene, offering everything from boutiques and antiques to craft cocktail bars and rooftop lounges. Whether you want to shop or sip, this street delivers.
• Charleston City Market: This historic market, operating since the 1800s, is a great spot to shop for local crafts, sweetgrass baskets, and Lowcountry cuisine. It’s a lively spot to soak up local culture and chat with artisans.
• Marion Square is a historic park in the heart of downtown Charleston, covering 6.5 acres. Originally the site of a military parade ground in the 18th century, today it serves as a vibrant gathering place for locals and visitors alike. The square is home to monuments, fountains, and open green space, and often hosts farmers markets, festivals, and special events.
• The Battery & White Point Garden: The Battery, a waterfront promenade lined with grand antebellum mansions. White Point Garden, located at the southern tip, features Civil War cannons and shaded paths beneath live oaks.
• Waterfront Park & Pineapple Fountain: This peaceful park along the harbor, known for its iconic pineapple fountain, a symbol of Southern hospitality. It’s a great spot to relax, take photos, and soak up views of the Cooper River.
• Joe Riley Waterfront Park is one of Charleston’s most beloved green spaces, offering stunning views of Charleston Harbor. With picturesque gardens, shaded swings, and wide open lawns, it’s an ideal place to unwind after exploring the historic district.
• The Walled City Plaque in Charleston marks the spot where the original walled fortifications once stood, dating back to the late 1600s when Charleston was a fortified colonial settlement. This plaque, located near East Bay Street, helps visitors understand the city’s early history as one of the only walled cities in North America. It offers a glimpse into how Charleston defended itself against pirates, Native American attacks, and European rivals.
• Rainbow Row: Just a short stroll away, Rainbow Row is a collection of 13 pastel-colored historic homes along East Bay Street. This is one of Charleston’s most photographed streets and a must-see for anyone exploring the city.
• French Quarter & St. Philip’s Church: Wander into the French Quarter, home to art galleries, historic buildings, and St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, which boasts a distinctive steeple used by ships as a navigational aid.

Charleston Water Taxi

The Charleston Water Taxi offers a scenic and convenient way to travel across the Charleston Harbor, connecting key points of interest for both visitors and locals. We have used it to get to downtown Charleston from Mount Pleasant and also as a cheap habor boat cruise. Stops include:

• Waterfront Park (Downtown Charleston): Access historic downtown, including Rainbow Row, the Charleston City Market, and the Battery.
• Patriots Point (Mount Pleasant): Home to the USS Yorktown, the Naval & Maritime Museum, and waterfront dining.
• Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina: A resort stop with access to bars, restaurants, and the beach area.
• Aquarium Wharf: Near the South Carolina Aquarium and Liberty Square, where Fort Sumter tours depart.

Local Food

Charleston’s food scene is legendary, so whether you’re looking for lowcountry classics, upscale dining, or casual waterfront vibes, the city delivers. We mainly stick to low countries classics and loca breweries. Here are some of our favorits.

• Hyman’s Seafood is a Charleston staple, known for serving up fresh, flavorful seafood in a charming, historic setting. Located in the heart of downtown, it’s famous for dishes like their lowcountry boil, shrimp & grits, and she-crab soup, offering a true taste of the coast in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.
• Bertha’s Kitchen: A Charleston institution, Bertha’s Kitchen serves up some of the best soul food in the city, with dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread that will make you feel right at home in this no-frills, family-run restaurant.

Where to Stay:

If you want to be in the heart of Charleston, staying near the historic City Market puts you within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and many of the city’s most famous sights. You’ll find a range of hotels here, from charming historic properties to familiar brands with modern comforts.

• Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District – While the rooms feel a bit dated, it’s hard to beat the free made-to-order breakfast, evening happy hour, and central location within walking distance to everything.
• Hampton Inn Charleston-Historic District – A reliable, comfortable stay with complimentary breakfast, friendly service, and easy access to the market and nearby attractions.

The DINKs

The DINKs lived just 2-3 hours from Charleston for over 20 years, making frequent visits to the area. Their trips often included beach days at Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island, as well as excursions into downtown to soak in Charleston’s rich history and renowned culinary scene.

Isle of Palms

Isle of Palms is a picturesque barrier island just 20 minutes from downtown Charleston, known for its wide sandy beaches, family-friendly atmosphere, and resort-style amenities. More commercialized than Sullivan’s Island with an area of restaurants and a pier.

• Paid Parking – Two Large Lots as well as some street parking
• Catch Sunset at Breach Inlet: Located between the two islands, Breach Inlet is a scenic spot for peaceful views and a romantic end to your beach day.
• Dine at Acme Lowcountry Kitchen: A beloved spot on Isle of Palms, Acme serves up fresh seafood and Southern classics like shrimp and grits in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

Sullivan’s Island

Known for its laid-back vibe and natural beauty, Sullivan’s Island Beach offers a quieter, more relaxed coastal escape with scenic dunes and lighthouse views. It’s super dog friendly and most times we have gone the mornings are filled with dogs. The tide was out on our most recent visit and ocean extremely calm. While there wasn’t life guards it felt safe for kids (and pets.)

• Free parking is available, but limited — there’s a small lot near the old Battery and some street parking.
• Large sand dunes add to the seclusion, but be prepared for a bit of a walk to reach the shoreline.
• Very dog-friendly — many dogs roam off-leash, happily enjoying the beach alongside their humans.
• Explore Fort Moultrie (Sullivan’s Island): This historic fort offers insight into over 200 years of coastal defense, plus stunning views of Charleston Harbor.
• Grab a Drink at Poe’s Tavern: Named after Edgar Allan Poe, this Sullivan’s Island staple offers gourmet burgers and a literary-themed ambiance just blocks from the beach.
• Dunleavy’s Pub – A beloved family-owned Irish pub known for its laid-back vibe, cold drinks, and beach-town charm — perfect for a casual bite after a day in the sun.

Movie Filming Locations

North Charleston and the surrounding Lowcountry have served as the backdrop for numerous films and TV shows, thanks to their coastal charm and historic architecture. Productions like The Notebook, The Patriot, and Army Wives have all filmed in the area. More recently, the hit Netflix series Outer Banks has chosen Charleston and North Charleston as key filming locations.

We were actually in town while they were filming Season 5 of Outer Banks and happened to catch a live shoot at Big John’s Tavern — a very cool behind-the-scenes moment!

• Big John’s Tavern (Charleston) Featured multiple times as a Kildare Island bar hangout. We watched them film a scene with JJ and Pope here — classic Outer Banks energy!
• The Gaillard Center (Downtown Charleston) Used as the exterior of a museum in Season 3 where key artifacts were shown. Beautiful architecture makes it a convincing upscale location.
• Morris Island Lighthouse (viewed from Folly Beach) Featured in scenic cutaways and emotional moments — a symbol of mystery and connection throughout the series.
• Lowndes Grove (Charleston) The stunning waterfront estate portrayed the Cameron family’s home. Used in multiple seasons for high-stakes conversations and family drama.
• Shem Creek (Mount Pleasant) Popular backdrop for boating scenes and waterfront hangouts. You might recognize the marshy views and dockside restaurants from various cutaways.
  • The Wreck of the Richard & Charlene – Used as Kiara’s parents’ restaurant is an actual restaurant by the same name
  • The restaurant owned by Pope’s father, Heyward, is called Heyward’s Seafood. It is Geechie Seafood, a real-life seafood market.
• Old Village / Old Town (Mount Pleasant) Filmed as part of the fictional town of Kildare, quiet streets and classic coastal homes used in bike-riding scenes and character meetups.

Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, is a scenic coastal town located just across the Cooper River from Charleston, known for its Southern charm, historic sites, and stunning waterfront views. With its blend of nature, history, shopping, and local cuisine, Mount Pleasant offers a laid-back yet engaging Lowcountry experience.

• Walk or Bike the Ravenel Bridge – This iconic cable-stayed bridge connects Mount Pleasant to downtown Charleston and offers sweeping views of the Cooper River and Charleston Harbor from its pedestrian path.
• Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum: Explore historic naval ships like the USS Yorktown, plus exhibits on military history. It’s a great stop for families, history buffs, or anyone interested in aviation and submarines.
• Page’s Okra Grill – Beloved for Southern comfort food and brunch, with hearty portions and local flavor.
• Locals Sushi & Sports Pub: They serve a variety of fresh sushi rolls, as well as traditional Japanese fare. They often run half-price sushi deals during happy hour, typically in the afternoon to early evening. They also have a great list of craft beers on tap.
• Westbrook Brewing Company (Mount Pleasant): Known for innovative craft beers and a laid-back taproom, Westbrook is a must-visit for beer lovers. Be sure to try Thai Wit, one of our favorite brews, a unique witbier infused with lemongrass, ginger, and spices for a refreshing Southeast Asian twist.

Shem’s Creek: If you want that perfect combo of waterfront views, local seafood, and laid-back Lowcountry vibes, Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant is the spot.

• Red’s Ice House – Classic, no-frills bar right on the water. Expect cold beers, fried seafood baskets, and lots of boat-watching. Super chill.
• Water’s Edge – A little more upscale, but still relaxed. Good for a nice dinner if you want something a little fancier without going over the top.
• The Wreck of the Richard & Charlene – A local gem (a bit hidden), with seriously fresh seafood and authentic Lowcountry vibes. Feels like a seafood shack your uncle would take you to — and that’s a good thing.

There’s a lot to do beyond just eating and drinking at the waterfront restaurants. If you want to really soak in the vibe (and maybe spot some dolphins while you’re at it.)

• Walk the Shem Creek Boardwalk: The boardwalk stretches out over the marsh and offers incredible views of the creek, shrimp boats, and even downtown Charleston in the distance.
• Kayak or Paddleboard on Shem Creek: There are several outfitters right along the creek where you can rent kayaks or paddleboards. Paddling out gives you a front-row seat to the wildlife (and yes, dolphins often swim alongside you if you’re lucky!). WARNING: Check the tide schedule. We made the mistake of going out during a king tide and struggled in our inflatable kayak. (Those in real ones didn’t seem to struggle as much.)
• Watch for Dolphins + Other Wildlife: Besides dolphins, you might spot Pelicans dive-bombing for fish or Egrets and herons hanging out in the marsh. Best dolphin times: Around sunset when the creek is quieter.

North Charleston

North Charleston, South Carolina sits just northwest of historic downtown Charleston and ranks as the third-largest city in the state. Founded in 1972 around former naval and military installations, the city has since blossomed into a vibrant cultural and economic hub. Today, it offers a diverse mix of attractions: history enthusiasts can explore the H.L. Hunley Submarine, a recovered Civil War vessel displayed on-site, while families and art lovers might enjoy the North Charleston Fire Museum, Riverfront Park, and the North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center.

• North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center: Caught Nate Bargatze live at the North Charleston Coliseum — just as hilarious in person. Easily one of the best nights of comedy we’ve had in a while.
• Holy City Brewery: Known for its craft beers and welcoming vibe, Holy City Brewery offers a variety of unique brews and a relaxed atmosphere with a spacious taproom and outdoor seating perfect for enjoying a cold one with friends.
• Stone’s Throw Brewing: Super laid-back and welcoming, with a strong focus on being a neighborhood spot. It’s very community-driven, think family-friendly, dog-friendly, and all about supporting local.
• Firefly Distillery: A relaxed, outdoor-friendly space with a cozy tasting room and plenty of room to roam. It’s set on a picturesque property with a large lawn, making it a great spot for hanging out with friends, enjoying live music, and sampling local spirits.
• STAY: We often stay at Hyatt hotels using points. There are actually two in North Charleston, and we have stayed at both. Both are pet-friendly.
  • Hyatt Place Charleston Airport/Convention Center: Conveniently located within walking distance of North Charleston Coliseum, Minutes from Charleston International Airport (with free shuttle)
  • Hyatt Place North Charleston: Located right off I-26 — super convenient if you are just passing through.

James Island

James Island is a laid-back, residential island community located just minutes from downtown Charleston. Known for its scenic marsh views, outdoor recreation, and strong sense of local pride, James Island blends Lowcountry charm with easy access to nature and city life. It’s a favorite among locals for its parks, waterways, and relaxed coastal vibe.

• Credit One Stadium: A outdoor venue which hosts & is built for professional tennis events like the Charleston Open, but also hosts major concerts. It’s an intimate venue so great for a show but it is an open arena so be prepared for inclement weather.
• Locals Sushi & Sports Pub: Another location which we have frquented depending on where we are staying. (Can you tell we love this place?)
• James Island County Park: A park offering walking and biking trails, kayak and paddleboard rentals, picnic areas, a dog park, and a seasonal waterpark.
• Water Access for Kayaking & Boating: With multiple public landings like Wappoo Cut Boat Ramp, James Island makes it easy to launch into scenic waterways for paddling or fishing.

West Ashley

West Ashley is a laid-back, residential area just across the Ashley River from downtown Charleston. Known for its moss-draped oaks, quiet neighborhoods, and local restaurants, it offers a more relaxed, affordable vibe while still being close to the action. It’s home to the historic Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, scenic riverfront parks, and the popular Avondale district — a walkable spot full of cafes, breweries, and boutiques.

• Magnolia Plantation & Gardens – One of the oldest public gardens in America, featuring romantic-style landscaping, a petting zoo, and swamp boat tours.
• Middleton Place – A National Historic Landmark with beautifully preserved gardens, a plantation house museum, and views of the Ashley River.
• West Ashley Greenway – An 8.8-mile multi-use trail popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists, cutting through scenic marshlands and neighborhoods.

Charles Towne Landing – The site of the first permanent English settlement in South Carolina, complete with walking trails, a zoo, and a replica 17th-century ship. It was well worth the $13 entry fee. We spent 2.5 hours there.

History Trail: Self-guided 1.5-mile interpretive trail through the original 1670s settlement site. Includes reconstructed earthen fort, palisade walls, and exhibit signs telling the story of South Carolina’s founding. See a replica of the 17th-century trading ship, Adventure, docked at the landing

Animal Forest: Natural habitat zoo featuring animals native to 17th-century Carolina. See black bears, bison, otters, deer, wild turkeys, and more in shaded, open-air enclosures. Peaceful wooded setting ideal for a relaxing nature walk, but can make it hard to see some of the animals.

Johns Island

Nestled just 20 minutes from downtown Charleston, Johns Island is South Carolina’s largest island and the fourth-largest on the U.S. East Coast. Spanning 84 square miles, it offers a serene blend of natural beauty, rich history, and authentic Southern charm. From ancient live oaks to vibrant local farms, Johns Island provides a peaceful retreat with easy access to the coast and city life.

Visit the Angel Oak Tree: A short drive from downtown, this ancient live oak on Johns Island is over 400 years old and one of the most photographed natural sites in the area. Its sprawling branches and majestic presence make it a must-see.

Folly Beach

Folly Beach, known as Charleston’s “Edge of America,” is a laid-back coastal town just a short drive from downtown Charleston. This vibrant beach community offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and a fun, casual atmosphere. With its wide sandy beaches, iconic Folly Beach Pier, and excellent surfing conditions, Folly is a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. The town is also home to eclectic shops, casual restaurants, and lively bars, making it a great place to relax by day and enjoy the vibrant nightlife after sunset.

• Folly Beach Pier: Stroll the historic pier for fishing, scenic views, and stunning sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean.
• Surfing and Paddleboarding: Catch waves or rent paddleboards at one of the area’s many rental shops, popular for beginners and pros alike.
• Explore the Folly River: Kayak or boat along the Folly River to spot local wildlife like dolphins and birds.
• Downtown Folly: Wander the charming downtown area filled with unique shops, art galleries, and casual dining spots.
• Nature Walks at Folly Beach County Park: Enjoy picnic areas, nature trails, and easy beach access perfect for family outings.

Summary

Whether exploring Charleston as a couple or with family in tow, the Holy City never disappoints. For the DINKs, it’s a place filled with memories of spontaneous beach trips, foodie adventures, and uncovering historic gems. For the Family, it offered the perfect blend of coastal beauty, educational moments, and festive fun. No matter the season or the travel crew, Charleston’s Southern charm, rich history, and coastal magic make it a destination worth returning to again and again.