Cities on the water have their own special magic, but the charm, grace and warm welcome that Historic Charleston exudes is mesmerizing. Walking the stone sidewalks and cobblestone streets through the enchanting architecture – the homes and steeples; the gas lanterns and window boxes; all while horse-drawn carriages go by – makes you feel suspended in time. The open vistas to the sea in the spacious parks invite you to pause, while the beautiful alleys and secret courtyard gardens create wonder at every turn.
It is easy to see why Charleston has been voted “America’s Top City” by Travel & Leisure Magazine for nine years running. Originally settled in 1670, it is also one of the very oldest cities in the US, steeped in history from every era.
The historic district is best experienced on foot, capturing the many sights and all of their small details. Situated on a peninsula pointing out to the Atlantic, it is only about two miles wide, so Charleston’s walkability rating is perfection. Just make sure to take good walking shoes!
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The Settlement of Charleston
British settlers first landed in this area in 1670 on a grant from England’s King Charles II. They named it Charles Town in his honor. Within ten years, Charles Town became the fifth largest town in North America, and was the first surviving English colony in the South. Charles Town persisted in spite of the hostilities from the Spanish and French settlements that dominated the region. In the early years it was also a frequent target of pirates, who attacked ships entering the harbor. As you walk throughout the area many signs highlight historic events from the 1600s to the 1800s.
Charleston is the home of many North American firsts. In 1736 the first theatre – the Dock Street Theatre – began live performances. Although the original building burned down in a fire and it has not run continuously, Dock Street Theatre still entertains today. Founded in 1773, the Charleston Museum is the very first museum. In 1804 one of the nation’s oldest public markets started – the Charleston City Market. The Charleston Historic District is a time capsule of 350 years!
Historic Charleston Residential Neighborhoods
Strolling through the quiet residential neighborhoods seems worlds away from the hustle of the more frequented spots on upper King Street and Meeting Street. The seasonal spirit of the residents … in both décor and landscape features are a visual delight. Our October girls trip found the Halloween “spirits” everywhere!
Due to many of the historic homes being so close to the sidewalks, window boxes are a primary gardening spot on the front of the homes. They are unique expressions of each home and are often re-designed seasonally for both the palettes and the weather. They have even been given their own day of the week… #WindowBoxWednesday!
On the front sidewalks of many of the larger estates there are stone blocks next to street. These are “carriage steps” and made it easier for people to climb in and out of their carriages or mount their horses.
Charleston Gatherings & Celebrations
Charleston hosts many weekly, monthly and annual gatherings and celebrations.
Saturday Farmers Market – 8 am to 2 pm
A weekly Farmers Market is held from the beginning of April until the end of November at Marion Square. In December they become special Holiday Markets. More information is available here: Charleston Farmers Market
Second Sunday on King Street – 12 noon to 5 pm
The second Sunday of every month King Street becomes a pedestrian street fair and tasting venue as they close down King Street to vehicles between Calhoun to Queen Streets. More information is available here: Charleston Second Sunday
First Friday on Broad – Art Walk – 5 to 8 pm
In March, May, October & December Broad Street creates their own art walk of galleries and tastings for all to enjoy. More information is available here: Charleston First Friday Art Walk
Annual Festivals
There are numerous annual festivals hosted in Charleston. A few of the most popular include:
Spring Festival of Houses & Gardens
Charleston Food & Wine Festival
Charleston Holiday Festival of Lights
Favorite Five – Things to Do in Charleston
Here are a few of our Charleston favorites in the historic center of town. Further afield there are also ample opportunities for golf, biking, kayaking, water sports and beaches.
#1 – Walk and walk more.
Walk on your own self-guided tour through the sights or take a two hour walking tour with a company like Oyster Point Walking Tours. There is so much to take in! However you walk, make sure to see:
- Marion Square
- King Street
- White Point Gardens
- The Battery
- Rainbow Row
- Waterfront Park and the Pineapple Fountain
- The French Quarter
- The homes
Remember that every time of day looks different … so walk whenever and wherever you can!
#2 – Historic Homes and Museums
With 350 years of history there are many Historic Home and Museum tours, such as the Nathaniel Russell House and the Aiken Rhett House. The Charleston Preservation Society also offers fantastic tours if you can catch them. As mentioned earlier, the Charleston Museum is the first museum in North America.
#3 – Horse-drawn Carriage Ride
If you want to take a break from walking, there is nothing more quintessentially Charleston than a horse-drawn carriage ride. There are both group carriage tours and private carriage rides available throughout the historic district. Tours can also be great for historical insights and anecdotes that might be missed wandering on your own. A popular group tour is Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Tours and private experiences are available through Palmetto Carriage Works.
#4 – Charleston Harbor Boat Tours
Boat tours provide a great introduction to the area landmarks and history from the water and often include exploring Fort Sumter. Harbor tours are available at Charleston Harbor Tours and Dolphin and Sunset Sail tours are available at Schooner Pride Tours. There are also great 2 hour guided kayak tours by Charleston Outdoor Adventures and private three hour sailing tours with Blue Life Charters available.
#5 – Shopping in Charleston Harbor
True confessions… one our days on this trip was a bit rainy, and what better rainy day activity for a girls trip than shopping? Opportunities abound at the boutiques on King Street, the Charleston Artist Guild, the French Quarter, the art galleries on Broad Street and of course the Charleston City Market.
Favorite Five – Local Fare
#1 – Circa 1886
Circa 1886, in the Carriage House of the Wentworth Mansion, is a special epicurean experience. The unique menu features a journey through the multi-national influences in Charleston across the centuries – all with a modern low country twist. Kudos to Executive Chef Marc Collins for his vision in creating this kaleidoscope of flavors. As one of the consistently highest rated restaurants in Charleston, reservations are often made months in advance. If your dates are not available be sure to sign up on their Wait List. Their robust program will email you “hot table alerts” as spots open up … which is how we were able to get in.
#2 – Revival
On the ground floor of The Vendue Hotel in the French Quarter, Revival is a modern, relaxed southern eatery and was perfect for our first night in Charleston. Featuring recipes with fresh ingredients from South Carolina’s past, the menu offering is unique and diverse. The “Lowcountry Pirlou” – a house specialty – was described as a “deconstructed seafood paella” with butter poached lobster, crab and shrimp and was delightful. On the sweet side, the in-house key lime pie was mouth-watering! The staff was all terrific – and if you are celebrating a special occasion they really know how to make it extra special!
#3 – Cocktail Hour
Élevé Rooftop Lounge
The Élevé Rooftop Lounge, sitting atop the Grand Bohemian Hotel, is the perfect location to enjoy the sunset before heading out to dinner.
The Thoroughbred Club
Just off the lobby of the elegant Belmond Charleston Place is the Thoroughbred Club. Featuring warm woods and overstuffed furnishings, this lounge is perfect to sink into at the end of the day for an after dinner nightcap.
#4 – Breakfast Spots
Handy & Hot Café by Vivian Howard
The Handy & Hot Café is in the lobby of the Renaissance Historic District. Vivian Howard’s recipes feature southern Hand Pies and fresh Biscuit Sandwiches, as well as healthy options and bakery sweets. The fresh Country Ham, Apple and Cheddar Biscuit and Apple Cider Latte were amazing. So much so we actually returned for a second day!
Mercantile and Mash
Mercantile and Mash, in the renovated Cigar Factory, offers all day breakfasts, soups, salads and fun “factory favorite” lunch options. The Avocado Toast was a winner!
#5 – Coffee Break – Harken Café & Bakery
The Harken Café & Bakery is one of my favorite treats in Charleston! I am super picky about my coffee and this spot does it right. Both the people and the interiors are warm and inviting. I really wanted to try out their seasonal flavor – Pumpkin Caramel Latte – but I don’t like it too sweet. They lightened it to perfection! This will be a regular coffee stop anytime I am in Charleston!
A few other places that our on the radar for future visits are the restaurants Husk and Chez Nous. Chez Nous offers a fixed menu each night, which is handwritten and they post the menus and photos of the dishes daily on Instagram.
Renaissance Charleston Historic District
We looked at a ton of possibilities in Charleston, and the option that checked the most boxes was the Renaissance Charleston Historic District. Since we wanted to walk everywhere, the location was perfect. It was in the top 5% of customer ratings, and was a reasonable value compared to many of the other options. If you like Bonvoy perks, that is a bonus as well. Once we were there we discovered Chef Vivian Howard’s Handy & Hot Café right off the lobby as well as the complimentary bikes they offered. The staff were warm, friendly and very helpful… overall it was a great experience.
Another place that caught our eye on the many miles we logged walking was Planters Inn, a Relais & Chateau property. It was beautiful yet intimate and felt like stepping into the past. It also won Travel & Leisure’s Best US Boutique Hotel and has a fabulous location right on Market Street.
A Few Tips for Visiting Charleston
- The large Charleston Visitor Center, right as you are entering Historic Charleston on 375 Meeting Street, can arm you with everything you would want to know about for tours, landmarks, calendar of events and maps.
- Unless you plan on making day trips to the surrounding areas, a car is more of a liability then a help. With downtown parking at a premium overnight parking is very expensive. The uber ride from the airport is about ten miles.
- Don’t forget your walking shoes!
- That said, a car provides easy access from historic Charleston to Folly Beach, Mt Pleasant and Kiawah Island.
- Don’t forget the “Hot Table Alerts” available for Circa 1886 if you can’t get a resy. They will be sent right to your email for windows of time you requested to be waitlisted.
- Rainbow Row and the Battery have the best light (and the fewest people) in the morning.
- A unique and whimsical photo opp for girls trips or special occasions is “The Pink Figgy”. Check them out on Instagram @thepinkfiggy.
Charleston – your warm welcome and southern hospitality are truly a treat. I can’t wait to visit again. A bientot!
Thank you for wandering Charleston with us. Do you have any favorite spots to share? Please let us know!
If you are also visiting Savannah on your southern itinerary, we share a few highlights with you at our blog Savannah in Time.
Jaimi, very well done. Cute pictures of cute girls and good pictures of places , buildings and all. Ted
Oh wow! Oh what a trip! Beautifully written, Jaimi! Felt like I was there!
Thank you for taking a very tired and tapped out girl on a 24 hour exploration that was rejuvenating and so much fun! It was a dream not to have to plan anything and to know “The Anywherewewander Tour” would be all that I needed for my short stay in Charleston. Loved, Loved, Loved it all! <3
Vickey – thank you so much for persevering and making it to Charleston!! Can’t wait for our next “Anywherewewander Tour”!! Big hugs!!