Charming Charleston, South Carolina offers something to everyone. With its beauty and charm, you’ll find yourself going back for more. With so much to do, we can’t cover it all so here are a few highlights and recommendations from our trips over recent years:
Charleston Food & Wine Festival
If you can plan your Charleston visit around their annual Food & Wine Festival, I highly recommend it. We thoroughly enjoyed the festival and found a great little apartment a bike ride away from Riverfront Park, where the festival was most recently held. We loved North Charleston, and it was a nice change from our usual downtown stay. We stayed near Park Circle, where there is a vibrant neighborhood of restaurants, parks, bars, and shops. We loved being able to ride our bikes back and forth to and from the festival, instead of having to pay to park or take a shuttle from downtown. But if downtown is your preference, there is a shuttle that runs throughout the day.
We found a great rental on booking.com and saved hundreds by not staying in a hotel downtown, plus we had an entire apartment to ourselves. We loved the nearby coffee shops and ate at both LoLa and Dig in the Park, both were very yummy and had a nice menu and drink selection. This is also a very dog friendly area, and many patrons brought their pups along with them to the plentiful outdoor restaurants. So, if you’re looking for a place where you can bring your fur baby along, North Charleston was a great location.
Back to the wine…the festival itself is spread out along picturesque Riverfront Park, allowing for lots of space to stroll around sampling delicious wines and diverse foods. The location was beautiful, breezy, and serene. The crowds were never too overwhelming with people coming back and forth throughout the day. I recommend checking out the festival website in advance, so you can learn about some visiting chefs, foods and vendors that you might want to be sure to hit. There were many TV famous chefs and a few reality Southern Charm personalities walking around as well. In addition to the food and wine there was a rotating stage of talented artists and musicians, silent disco and various demonstrations put on by the vendors. There was truly something to see around every corner. The day couldn’t have been more enjoyable, and we partook in all of the things.
The attendees and vendors were all super patient, kind and friendly. You’ll make friends in every new line you find yourself standing in. The accommodations as far as clean restrooms, lounge areas, seating, etc. were (with great relief) exceptional. Benches and swings lined the riverfront, along with ample seating areas and relaxing spaces for you and your party. From tapas to full meals, your bellies will be full and satisfied. And it wasn’t just wine that you’ll find, there were vendors with all types of drinks including ranch waters, seltzers, and much, much more. For members of our group who weren’t super into wine, they were able to find plenty of drinks to satisfy their tastes. As a pescatarian, there were plenty of delicious seafood options (including an entire oyster shucking station) and plant-based options as well. One of my favorites was a black bean burger served diced up and inside a chip bag with a chipotle sauce drizzle, eating it directly out of the bag with a fork. It was divine. I went back for seconds.
Between the ample wine, various drinks, scrumptious foods, picturesque backdrop and friendly atmosphere, the Charleston Food & Wine Festival will become one of the highlights of your travel year, and one that you’ll surely want to repeat.
Magnolia Plantation
The Magnolia Plantation is a true showstopper, a beautiful and picturesque escape with over 300 years of history to explore. You won’t be disappointed. We had our breaths taken away, even on a cloudy, cool, overcast day. I can only imagine what it looks like on a sunny spring afternoon. I recommend reading through their website ahead of time, to learn a bit more about the history of the grounds. You’ll also find over 200 species of birds, countless landscapes with gorgeous blossoming flowers, beautiful bridges, each with their own personality, and wildlife that you can interact with (but not the alligators, I don’t recommend interacting with them).
You can purchase tickets ahead of time, but we didn’t find that necessary and purchased our tickets when we arrived. I am not sure if the line gets longer in the spring, but our winter visit was peaceful and quiet. While the prices are a little steep, it was worth it and a definite highlight of our latest Charleston visit.
Our kids thoroughly enjoyed the animals in the wildlife center, located right next to the peacock café toward the entrance. They saw owls, deer, gators, pigs, chickens and more and got really up close and personal with them. Most of the animals you’ll see have been rescued and our favorites were the donkey and mini horses near the peacock café. They were adorable, super friendly and came right up to us, wanting a little pet and snuggle. They also offer boat tours (that were not operating when we visited) and private tours. We partook in the train ride around the grounds, and it was very pleasant and very slow. If you need a break from walking or have little ones that love trains, hop on and enjoy.
The grounds are romantic and enchanting, and we found ourselves repeatedly saying how it would be the perfect backdrop for an engagement (hint, hint if anyone has been considering popping the question!), a romantic date or even a wedding. Truly magical. I highly recommend adding this as a half day adventure to your next Charleston escape.
Folly Beach
On our most recent trip to Charleston, we stayed with our family in a gorgeous rental house a block from Folly Beach. Although it was still winter, a little cloudy and cool, it was a wonderful location to stay, and I would love to go back during the warmer months and fully enjoy the beach. Folly Beach was both relaxing but with a vibrant energy, lots of shops, restaurants, bars, friendly locals, parks, and ample things to do. We stayed near 4th St E, which was a great location as it was still walking distance to the main drag where all the shops and restaurants were located, but with a little more peace and privacy. The house itself was quintessentially Charleston, with multiple levels and that classic charming southern manor style. If you plan to stay in warmer months, I highly recommend finding a rental with a pool.
Unexpectedly, our favorite place to hit was a small grocery store called Bert’s Market, that we could walk to easily from our rental. It was a charming market with such an odd mix of essentials (and non-essentials), food, groceries, fresh sandwiches, ice cream and oddities that we enjoyed popping in and out several times. We never left empty handed on any of our trips and the kiddos really enjoy their homemade ice cream. Highly recommend grabbing a bite or a few unique groceries from this quirky spot.
There was also a super cute park, Pirate’s Cove Playground, near our rental and perfect for little ones. They also had tennis and pickleball courts so bring your gear! Although, the courts were always taken when we stopped by. Right next to the playground there is a little dog park running area, The Bark Park, where you can bring your fur babies for some running around and exercising. Both were public and free to use. On your next trip to Charleston, consider adding Folly Beach to your itinerary or as your home base. We really enjoyed this delightful beach town and will be back.
Downtown Charleston
And finally, the pièce de résistance, Downtown Charleston. We have made many trips over the years and each visit can be a difference experience, whether it’s centered around a romantic getaway, a weekend of shopping and dining, nightlight, strolling through parks, exploring the waterways, or learning about the rich history of the south through the many historical tours. You can make your experience whatever you’d like it to be! A few of our favorites:
Charleston City Market:
I am pretty sure we have never skipped shopping at the Charleston City Market on a visit. Spanning several blocks you’ll find some talented artisans selling their works, unique foods and snacks, toys and games, clothes, hats, shoes and more. We love visiting the market and our kids enjoy finding a treasure or two as well. There are also several public parking areas located near the market, a nice central location to park for the day.
Historical Tours & Carriage Rides:
Charleston offers countless tours and experiences, I recommend using Viator to browse your options and select the tour that’s best for you and your group. You’ll find everything from family friendly walking tours, carriage rides and bus tours to hauntingly fantastic ghost tours and nighttime bar crawls.
Eating, Eating & More Eating:
Charleston is a definite foodie destination, and the choices are plentiful. For an in-depth guide to all local restaurants and their atmospheres, check out the city’s link I provided on dining & nightlight, so you can find the spots that best accommodate your group. Some restaurants and bars do have dress codes, so you’ll want to plan ahead if possible and if planning a more upscale dining experience.
As a seafood lover, the Oyster House is always one of my favorites, particularly if you’re oyster connoisseurs like us. Here you can enjoy fresh shucked oyster, mussels, tuna, calamari, and many more delicious mouth-watering surf entrees. Church & Union has one of the coolest atmospheres in town and I really enjoyed the vibe. As someone who doesn’t eat meat, I did find the menu lacking, but for meat-lovers, they offer a huge variety of steaks. I prefer to come here more for happy hour, sit at their giant bar, enjoy their delicious cocktails, and an appetizer before heading out for dinner and live music. You’ll want to make reservations way ahead of time, it’s a very popular spot.
Recently, we tried Rudy Royale, famous for their mouth-watering friend chicken sandwiches. And while I didn’t partake in the chicken, everyone in our party said it was delicious. I enjoyed a lovely salad, and the ambiance and service were extraordinary. Everyone left full and satisfied. We have explored various bakeries and candy shops over the years and recently stumbled into Savannah’s Candy Kitchen, and I think this will be a must stop spot from now on. They have every treat and candy imaginable and offer you delectably delicious free samples the moment you walk in the door. The adults loved their treats just as much as the kids did, and the shop employees were super friendly and helpful in assisting us with picking out our flavors and treats. We enjoyed fresh ice cream, pralines, fudge and sea salt caramels. I can’t shout YUM loud enough! *chef’s kiss*
There is no shortage of dining in Charleston, so just try to plan ahead, read reviews, check the menus and find the places that fit your tastebuds and/or dietary restrictions, and make reservations ahead of time! Bon appetit!
Charleston Waterfront Park:
This park is popular for runners, bike riders, bird watchers and tourists who just want to take in the coastal beauty of the pier and Charleston Harbor. This is also where you’ll find that famous Pineapple Fountain, a focal point of the park and a great location for a photo. Throughout Charleston, you’ll see countless variations of photos and paintings of this notable fountain. You can even apply to get married in front of the foundation by filling out an application and paying a fee! It’s a beautiful park spanning over 10 acres where you can stroll, enjoy the views, and tree lined pathways, walk out onto the pier, and take in your surroundings.
The park is also near Rainbow Row, a stunning line of pastel rowhouses lining a cobblestone tree lined road. This area of town and its’ charm is worth taking in. And if your little ones are getting antsy, swing by Hazel Parker’s Playground for some play time or a picnic. This playground has a children’s playground as well as quaint picnic areas, tennis courts and gardens.
Whether you’re in town for the Food & Wine Festival, for a family vacation or a romantic getaway, there is something for everyone in charming Charleston, South Carolina!
Until our next adventure, keep on exploring!
Your packing list will vastly differ depending on the season and weather during your trip.
But here are 10 things to pack for your Charleston getaway nonetheless:
- Comfortable shoes, if you plan to do a lot of walking (which you should) or exploring Magnolia Plantation.
- Bathing suits & towels. Especially if you plan to stay on Folly Beach or one of the costal towns, there are many places to swim and cool off throughout Charleston.
- Reservations. Many of the restaurants and tours will require advanced reservations, so be sure to get those booked and have them in hand before your arrival.
- A good backpack for day trips and shopping.
- A cooler bag, or backpack with cooler. We found our travel cooler came in very handy for keeping our waters cold on our day trips and sandwiches fresh for lunches on the go.
- Bikes. If you’re staying close enough to bike around, particularly in the beach towns or Food & Wine Festival, bringing a bike will save you a ton of time and make your trip that much more fun!
- Dressy clothes & shoes. Some of the restaurants and bars do have dress codes, so be sure you check ahead of time and pack accordingly.
- Hats & sunscreen. Especially if you’re attending the Food & Wine Festival or relaxing at the beach.
- A good camera. The scenery is divine, and you’ll want to capture it.
- And finally, layers. Especially when traveling during the winter months, the temperatures will change dramatically throughout the day and night.
