This stretch of pastel-colored historic homes is a beautiful spot for a photo. We suggest renting bikes to see lots of the city, as it is easily bikeable.
This historic park is on the water in Charleston and is where the iconic Pineapple Fountain is located. It's a quick bike ride or walk from Rainbow Row, and there are tons of historic mansions lining the street next to it.
This historic market in the center of old town has vendors selling crafts, popular Charleston treats and other items. It is one of the nation's oldest public markets.
This historic plantation is located on acres of land just 25 minutes from downtown Charleston. Once an active plantation, it still has slave quarters and a plantation house that you can explore. It is also the location for the filming of a lot of "The Notebook" movie.
This beautiful park is covered in giant oak trees and Spanish moss and is Charleston's answer to Central Park. It's a great place to ride your bike through after seeing Rainbow Row and Waterfront Park.
One of the best ways to see most of Charleston's historic and popular sights is by bike. You can easily see most of them in one day. They have a version of City Bike called Holy Spokes, or your can rent from Affordabike.
Here's the route we did while there: Bike from City Market to Rainbow Row to Waterfront Park to a loop around Colonial Lake ending in Hampton Park. We also took our bikes across the Ravenel Bridge which had amazing views, but is a steep ride.
For those looking to extend the weekend and make it to the beach, Kiawah Island is just a 50-minute drive from downtown Charleston. It has a beautiful beach and great golfing.
For those looking to see Charleston from a different vantage point, Schooner Pride offers sailboat charters daily. You can book private rides or be part of an existing group.
Located just 25 minutes South of Charleston, Folly Beach is a barrier island on the front lines of the Atlantic, with nothing but ocean stretching before it. Despite its popularity, the place has managed to retain its small-town character.
In Charleston near the harbor is Sullivan's Island, which was once home to Edgar Allen Poe when he was stationed there for military service.
This promenade is on the water and the street is lined with historic mansions dating back to the antebellum. This stretch is right near the Waterfront Park and makes for a beautiful stroll or bike ride.
This charming stretch of downtown Charleston is lined with great restaurants, bars, shops and beautiful homes. It's where a lot of the commerce and nightlife is. Read on for some of our favorite restaurants and bars in Charleston, many of which are on Upper King Street and its surrounding streets.
Great spot for dinner or just oysters and cocktails at their bar. Make a reservation if you plan on having a meal here.
Husk is regularly voted the best restaurant in Charleston. Reservations are a must. This restaurant is known for its Southern food.
Fig is one of Charleston’s biggest success stories. Owned by Mike Lata,
the kitchen is run by James Beard winner Jason Stanhope, who brings his
South American background and French technique to Southern cuisine,
creating dishes like fish stew provencal, made with locally caught white
shrimp, squid, mussels, and Carolina gold rice.
If you're looking for classic Southern fare in an authentic environment, the line outside Hominy is worth the wait. This restaurant is known for their grits, okra and fried catfish.
This great bar near Upper King has amazing cocktails and a vintage vibe.
Great craft cocktails and small bites, like meat and cheese boards. They also have the best homemade poptarts. Sit at the bar.
Charleston is known for its horse & carriage rides, which are a great way to get a primer of the city's rich history. There are four competing carriage companies to choose from, all right across from City Market. Tours last roughly 90 minutes and we suggest booking them in advance as they do book up!