Where to Go in Charleston, South Carolina According to Locals
100 Locals-Recommended Things to Do and Places to Go in Charleston
If you are looking for a place with rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking beaches and marshlands, look no further than Charleston, South Carolina. A place where historic charms meet modern delights, Charleston was one of the top cities on my list for solo travel. I was looking for a restful getaway and quickly found Charleston has much more to offer.
During my stay, it was easy to explore Charleston's history and walk up and down King Street, hopping in and out of restaurants, bars, and local boutiques. Among this list created in collaboration with their welcoming locals, you'll get more on the feel of each place and what to do on your vacation. Get to any location downtown by starting at the Visitor's Center, where you can get a free shuttle around the downtown area.
FINER DINING
Halls (Steakhouse)
The Oak (steakhouse)
Poogans porch (southern)
Husk (southern)
Magnolias (southern)
High Cotton (southern, best music)
Stars (American, rooftop, day drinking)
The Darling Oyster Bar (seafood)
O-Ku (the best sushi in Charleston)
SNOB (southern)
Sorelle (Italian, brand new)
Southbound (wood-fired)
Melfi (Italian)
Indaco (Italian - same owners as Oku)
82 Queen (southern)
Harold’s Cabin (farm to table)
SEAFOOD
167 Raw
Coast Bar & Grill
Leon’s Oyster Shop
The Ordinary
CASUAL DINING
Dispensary (bar food, live music, outdoor back patio)
Blind Tiger (outdoor patio)
Home Team BBQ (BBQ spot loved for BBQ and “Gamechanger” frozen drinks, outdoor space)
Louis BBQ
Rodney Scott’s BBQ
Taco Boy (Mexican)
Mesu (Mexican and sushi)
Saltwater Cowboys (on the water at Shem Creek)
Mill street tavern (Shem creek)
Tavern & table (Shem creek)
Swig and Swine (BBQ)
Big Gun (great hamburgers)
Citrus Club (rooftop, best view of the city)
Uptown Social (college, always poppin, has rooftop deck)
Share House (similar to Uptown Social, DJ and dancing, day drinking)
AC’s (college, dive bar with $2 Miller High Life’s)
Stars (rooftop)
Warehouse (cool environment)
Blind Tiger (cool outdoor garden patio, giant Moscow Mules and mimosa carafes. Great food)
Henry’s (multi-level bar, outdoor space, rooftop, indoor live music)
Carmella’s (Italian dessert bar, espresso martinis)
Bay Street Biergarten (outdoor ping pong & cornhole)
The vendue (rooftop)
The watch (rooftop)
The Dewberry Hotel (nicer rooftop)
Cocktail Club (a little hidden, upstairs, cool unfinished environment)
Vintage Lounge (cool wine bar)
Republic (club, outdoor area with couches)
Pour Taproom (pour your own beer, rooftop)
Uncork (pour your own wine)
Southbound (brand new, nicer food, great espresso martinis)
Island Cabana Bar (casual marina bar with perfect view of the bridge)
Ritual (Tulum-themed bar with spacious turf rooftop)
Red’s Ice House (on the water on Shem Creek, beachy, has a “treetop” bar. Live music updates on Instagram @redsicehouse)
Mill street tavern (on the water at Shem Creek, rooftop, day drinking)
Tavern and table (Shem creek, connects to Reds, day drinking)
Muddys (Shem creek, little section with sand and chairs, overlooks marshes, great sunset views)
Tommy’s pub (fish and chips)
Church and Union Charleston (Good for a drink)
Last Saint (cocktails)
The Belmont (cocktails, older crowd)
ISLE OF PALMS
The Windjammer ( bar & live music venue on the beach. Check website or Instagram for shows, @windjammeriop)
Coconut Joes (beach bar)
Islander 71 (at a marina, amazing sunset views directly on the water)
SULLIVANS ISLAND
Obstinate Daughter (Italian food, cute, one of Conde Nast Traveler’s best restaurants in Charleston)
Poe’s Tavern (American, nice outdoor seating)
The Co-Op (flamingo-themed casual lunch spot known for great sandwiches and to-go frosé in plastic bottles)
Revelry - rooftop
BREWERIES
Holy City Brewing (20 min drive)
Freehouse Brewing (big outdoor area, inside is barn-like, 20 min drive)
BREAKFAST & LUNCH
Bodega (great sandwiches)
Queen Street Grocery (little sandwich shop)
Mozzo Deli (northern style sandwiches)
Circe’s Grotto (little sandwich shop)
Caviar & Bananas (sandwiches and coffee)
Beech (açaí bowls, smoothies)
Playa Bowls (açaí bowls, smoothies)
Toast
Millers All Day (best breakfast in Charleston)
The Shelter
Prohibition
Page’s Okra Grill (home cooking)
SWEET TREATS
Carmella’s dessert bar
Kaminsky’s Dessert Bar
Jeni’s Ice Cream
Callie’s Hot Little Biscuits (unique)
Off Track Ice Cream
ACTIVITIES
City Market
The Battery
Hampton Park
Colonial Lake
Pitt Street Bridge
Horse-drawn Carriage Tours
Walking Tours
Shem Creek Dolphin Sight-seeing Tours
St. Michael’s Church - pew 43
Tour of Old Charleston Jail: Best but scary tour, closed for renovations Sept 2023 at the time of this post.
Ghost Tours
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens and/or Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
Rainbow Row & Historic Homes
While this list provides plenty to do in Charleston, the city has even more to offer. Follow along for a visual diary of my trip to Charleston, my trip highlights, and a deeper explanation of the places I visited over my long weekend!
@lizunlost on Instagram, Pinterest, and Tik Tok
