The Charleston Historic District of King Street is the epitome of Southern charm. A bustling thoroughfare, it is a meeting place of Historic Charleston's past and present. King Street boasts some of the city's trendiest restaurants and sophisticated cocktail scenes along with hotels, art galleries, flourishing businesses, and lively nightlife - not to mention some seriously exceptional shopping.
Lower King Street, the oldest yet newest neighborhood and cultural center in Charleston, was the last of three King Street sections to undergo the beautification project. Suitably named the Antique District, this stretch from Broad to Market was voted the "Best Antique Shopping in the U.S." by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. You can find antiques from any period from all over the world.
Middle King, from Market to Calhoun, is the King Street Fashion District. Accurately named for its mix of charming locally-owned fashion boutiques and well-known national brand shops, it has everything from handbags and shoes straight from the runway, European lingerie, top designer fashions and jewelry to the latest eye-wear.
Upper King Street, from Marion Square to Spring Street, is the Design and Dining District, which houses some of the best home furnishing shopping and interior design decor in the country. It also showcases some of Charleston's best restaurants and most fun bars.
Over 25 blocks of mansions, houses, gardens, churches, and parks while learning about the history, buildings, architecture, flora, and the people that make up Charleston - the Holy City.
An unforgettable Southern meal. Since opening in 1976, Poogan’s Porch has been a favorite of well-known celebrities, politicians, tourists, and locals alike who rave about this Southern institution. Whether it’s a warm homemade buttermilk biscuit and sausage gravy, a bowl of she-crab soup, or our signature buttermilk fried chicken, your meal at Poogan’s Porch will be unforgettable.
The coastal waters surrounding Charleston SC have their own ecosystem and produce oysters with a flavor that you won’t find anywhere else. For the freshest oysters, best variety, and enjoyable atmosphere, you’ll want to visit these 5 local oyster bars when you’re in the Holy City:
The Darling Oyster Bar
Leon's Oyster Shop
Pearlz
167 Raw
The Ordinary
The Gibbes Museum enhances lives through art by engaging people of every background and experience with art and artists of enduring quality, by collecting and preserving art that touches Charleston, and by providing opportunities to learn, to discover, to enjoy, and to be inspired by the creative process. Recognized among the oldest arts organizations in the United States, the Gibbes has played a significant role in shaping the careers of American artists for over a century. The Museum connects the city and region's artistic past to a vibrant contemporary art scene.
The waterfront destination at Shem Creek is a local favorite with unique restaurants and watering holes. Kick back and take in the gorgeous views of the Charleston Harbor, surrounding marshes, the Ravenel Bridge, and Fort Sumter.
A series of thirteen colorful historic houses in Charleston, South Carolina. The houses are located north of Tradd St. and south of Elliott St. on East Bay Street, that is, 79 to 107 East Bay Street. The name Rainbow Row was coined after the pastel colors they were painted as they were restored in the 1930s and 1940s. It is a popular tourist attraction and is one of the most photographed parts of Charleston.
Restaurants: Husk, Prohibition, Vernes, Lowland, Southbound, Slightly North of Broad, Tavern and Table, Hall’s, Chop House, Sorelle, 167 Raw, High Cotton , Poogan’s Porch, 5Church Charleston, Nico, The Ordinary , Tavern and Table, FIG, 82Queen, Post House Inn
Bars: Republic , Bar at Husk, The Commodore , The Gin Joint , Cocktail Club, Deco, Proof, Belmont. The Blind Tiger, Saltwater Cowboys, Uptown Social , Henry’s, Pavilion , Carolina Ale House
Rooftops
Vendue Rooftop, Eleve, The Watch, Stars, Pour House