Visiting Charleston had been on my bucket list for years, and I’ll admit, it all started with Bravo’s Southern Charm. Does that make me cliché? Maybe. In my defense, it’s one of the more tolerable reality shows. There’s a lot less yelling than The Real Housewives—though, if I’m honest, I watch a few of those, too.
The historic homes brimming with character, the lively social scene, and the waterfront views were captivating. And sometimes, it’s just plain old fun to visit a place you’ve seen on your screen. It didn’t take long to realize that Charleston is even better in person, and this Charleston Travel Guide is here to help you experience it for yourself.
We enjoyed our time in this Lowcountry city, but our trip didn’t quite go as planned. Dan came down with a stomach bug (likely food poisoning from lunch in the ATL airport—no fun), which meant we had to take things slower than usual.
But that’s the reality of travel—things don’t always go smoothly. Still, he rallied, made the most of it, and we tasted our way through the city as much as possible. Despite not getting to do everything we had planned, we both agreed that Charleston is a place that we weren’t quite done with—there was more to see, do, and enjoy than we could fit in.
So, consider this Charleston Travel Guide a peek into our trip—what we loved, what we missed, and a little inspiration for your own adventure!
Where to Stay & Getting Around Charleston
We opted not to rent a car for this trip. Since we only had a few days, we decided to figure out transportation as needed if we wanted to venture outside the city.
That said, when visiting larger cities, we prefer walking as much as possible. It’s easier than dealing with parking and usually saves us money. For the times we needed a ride, Uber and Lyft made it simple to get around, and we ended up spending less than we would have on a rental car.
A big part of any Charleston Travel Guide is choosing where to stay. Because we would be walking most places, I wanted a centrally located hotel with Southern charm. Enter: The Palmetto Hotel. Located near the waterfront, Charleston City Market, and plenty of restaurants, it was the perfect home base for our three-day stay.
I love a boutique hotel, and this one fully embraced the Lowcountry aesthetic. The lobby was gorgeous, featuring a palm leaf chandelier and elegant furniture that looked straight out of Ms. Patricia’s parlor room (Southern Charm fans will understand). Upon arrival, we were greeted with sweet tea, a welcome treat, and a cozy bar that set the mood immediately.
The rooms were smaller, but the large bathroom, thoughtful décor, and quality furnishings made up for it. The hotel also had happy hour in the afternoons, and the staff was super welcoming and helpful.
We loved this hotel and would absolutely stay here again!
Other Recommended Boutique Hotels
- Zero George – Elegant, historic, and intimate.
- The Dewberry – Classic Southern charm with a modern twist.
- Wentworth Mansion – Luxury meets history in a restored mansion.
Short on time? Catch the highlights!
Where to Eat in Charleston: A Foodie’s Delight
No Charleston Travel Guide is complete without talking about the food—this city is a food lover’s dream. From fresh seafood to craft cocktails and indulgent desserts, there’s no shortage of places to eat. Plus, hopping over to Mount Pleasant and Shem Creek expands your options even more.
Even though we didn’t get to try as many places as we wanted to, we still enjoyed the ones we ate at, and I have a list of places we plan to try next time.
Where We Ate Breakfast
- Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit – Quick, delicious biscuits and pimento cheese sandwiches.
- Clerks Coffee Company – A perfect spot for coffee and light bites, with a local feel.
Where We Ate Lunch
- Leon’s Fine Poultry & Oyster Shop – A Charleston staple. We split the fried chicken sandwich and peel-and-eat shrimp, and both were delish!
- Henry’s on the Market – Charleston’s oldest restaurant, recommended by our walking tour guide. From someone who doesn’t typically like crab, the She-crab soup was incredible! We also ordered the fried green tomatoes and they added the perfect crunch to our meal.
Where We Ate Dinner
- Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar – Fresh seafood, oysters, and peel-and-eat shrimp made for a great first meal.
- Nico – A French oyster bar in Mount Pleasant, that’s upscale but worth it. Reservations are highly recommended. We went all out—oysters, clams, octopus, Lyonnaise salad, and crème brûlée.
Where We Had Drinks & Dessert
- Sunsets – A waterfront spot to sip cocktails before dinner and watch the sunset over Shem Creek.
- Carmella’s – You’ll find a bit of everything from savory dishes to sweet treats and fun cocktails.
Where We’ll Eat Next Time
- Fleet Landing – Waterfront dining with fresh seafood and Southern classics.
- 167 Raw Oyster Bar – Known for its incredible raw bar and lobster rolls.
- Chez Nous – A cozy, tucked-away spot with a daily rotating menu.
- FIG – One of Charleston’s most highly rated restaurants for farm-to-table dining.
- Rodney Scott’s BBQ – Must-try Carolina barbecue with award-winning pulled pork.
- Pink Bellies – A vibrant spot serving up Vietnamese comfort food.
- Frannie & The Fox – A stylish Italian-inspired spot with wood-fired pizzas.
Join the Adventure!
Subscribe to the Whims & Wonders newsletter for the latest from Life of Whimsley—travel tips, behind-the-scenes adventures, and a little extra joy delivered straight to your inbox!
What to Do in Charleston: Exploring Chucktown
Charleston is packed with history, charm, and plenty to explore. We ventured everywhere on foot except when we took an Uber to Shem Creek for dinner and drinks in Mount Pleasant. Here’s what we did—and what’s on our list for next time!
What We Did
- Rainbow Row – A must-see collection of 13 colorful Georgian-style houses.
- The Battery & White Point Garden – Gorgeous waterfront views and historic cannons.
- Waterfront Park – Known for the iconic Pineapple Fountain, it’s a perfect spot for a stroll along the water.
- King Street – A vibrant historic district filled with boutique shopping, top-rated dining, and lively nightlife.
- Charleston City Market – One of the oldest public markets in the U.S., filled with local makers, shops, and spots to grab a snack while you peruse.
- Walking Tour – One of the best ways to experience Charleston! Our guide led us through cobblestone streets, alongside pastel-colored homes, and shared fascinating stories of Charleston’s deep-rooted history.
walking tour recommendation
We absolutely loved our Hidden Alleyways and Historic Sites Small-Group Walking Tour that I booked through Viator. The route was easy, the group size was just right, and we learned so much along the way.
If you’re visiting Charleston, this is the tour to book—I can’t recommend it enough!
What We’ll Do Next Time
- Take a Boat Tour to Fort Sumter – A must for history lovers to see where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.
- Step Back in Time – We missed out on visiting the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, one of Charleston’s most historic landmarks.
- Join an Oyster Class at Nico – A hands-on experience learning about oysters and tasting them fresh. We love oysters, so this is right up our alley!
- Explore Folly Beach & Sullivan’s Island – For a laid-back beach day just outside the city.
- Visit Kiawah Island – A beautiful island known for its serene landscapes and pristine beaches.
- See the Angel Oak Tree – A 400-year-old Lowcountry icon, perfect for a quick visit on the way to Kiawah Island.
Looking for more activity ideas during your travels?
I always turn to Viator for booking tours, excursions, and unique experiences. It’s one of my top resources for discovering exciting activities and hidden gems wherever we travel.
Southern Charm & Unfinished Adventures
Our trip took a few unexpected turns, but we still had a wonderful time!
Charleston has a special kind of charisma, whether it’s the pastel houses and cobblestone streets, the salty breeze from the harbor, or the vibrant energy of the city.
It’s a place rich in history, full of delicious food, and teeming with coastal charm. I hope this Charleston Travel Guide sparks some ideas for your own adventure!
We’re already looking forward to a return trip to cross off everything we missed (and of course, revisit a few favorites along the way)!
Have you been to Charleston? I’d love to hear about your favorite spots! Drop a comment below or send me a note with your best recommendations for our next visit.
With joy,
Bri
P.S. You didn’t think we were done, did you? Keep scrolling for FAQs and a Charleston Travel Guide recap!
Ask Away
Have questions about visiting Charleston? Here are some common ones!
Charleston Trip Recap
When we traveled | Mid-November |
Where we stayed | Why we loved it: This charming boutique hotel was in a fantastic location, near Charleston City Market, and less than a five-minute walk to the water. It was super walkable to great dining spots and all the main tourist attractions. |
Restaurant we loved | Why we loved it: This well-known spot came highly recommended by our Walking Tour Guide for the best She-crab soup in town, and it didn’t disappoint! |
Planning tip | If you’re looking to beat the heat and southern humidity, plan your visit in the spring (see the azalea’s blooming!) or during the fall when temperatures have cooled down. |
Moment of joy | I loved walking around the cobblestone streets and snapping pictures of all the historical homes. It’s so evident how much history has happened in this city. There was plenty to learn just from meandering through the alleys and reading the historical landmark information. |
