CHARLESTON, SC
VIBRANT, CONTEMPORARY, HISTORIC CHARM WRAPPED IN ONE CITY
Charleston, SC happens to be our home now, so we have lots of experience over the last couple years learning about the city. I get asked almost weekly for recommendations on places to see or things to do. I’m going to highlight our favorite spots split up by how adventurous you are feeling. We moved here because Charleston has a slow pace of life mixed with dozens of things to do each day. You can’t be bored here.
WHERE TO VISIT
Here are all of the places that I would advise you look into if not visit. They are the highlights are the city. I’ll explain in more depth below.
highlights
If you only have a day or two, stick to this list of things to do. You won’t be able to see everything, so hit the highlights!
angel oak
It’s free to get into, but check the hours on their website. They aren’t open on Sundays all year long.
CITY MARKET
You can buy local handmade goods here and see the building where most goods were exchanged years ago.
Rainbow row
Rainbow Row used to be a row of brothels, but now the colors painted on the walls are iconic in Charleston.
any beach
Isle of Palms is our favorite because there are restaurants there, and it’s more of a local beach. Folly Beach is where you want to go to party.
pineapple fountain
It’s on the bay, so you’ll be able to see dolphins in the bay and dip your toes in the cool water.
AIRCRAFT CARRIER
This tour is around $25 and will take you hours. If you like war history, you’ll love it!
ANY PLANTATION
Magnolia is our favorite plantation, but all of them have unique perspectives on the history of the city.
SHEM CREEK
Walk along the board walk through the marsh, and you’ll certainly see wildlife and dolphins.
IF YOU HAVE MORE TIME, HERE IS A LIST OF OTHER FUN THINGS TO DO AROUND THE AREA
ALL ITEMS WITH AN ASTERISK* ARE OFF THE PENINSULA, SO YOU’LL NEED TO DRIVE/uber THERE.
SC Aquarium - $29.95/adult
White Point Garden - free
House of the Future - free
Walk S. Battery street and see the old houses
Dine at any restaurant - expensive
Rent bikes at Affordabike - $15 - $25
Walk/Shop on King Street - free - expensive
Ferry to Fort Sumpter* - around $30/person
Take a carriage ride - around $25 - $35
(It doesn’t matter who with, but it’s worth it!)H.L Hunley Submarine* - $16/adult
Tour the Old Exchange - $10/adult
Walk around all of the art studios - free
Deep Water Vineyard* - $7 wine tasting
Charleston Tea Plantation* - free tour & $14 trolley tour
Ferry to Bull Island for a day* - $40/person
Take an eco-tour to find shark teeth*
Theatre 99 Improve Comedy - $16/adult
getting around
There are buses that run around the city, but they take forever and go to sketchy parts of town. Lyft and Uber are both very common and typically are the same cost.
WHAT NOT TO FORGET
It’s really hot and rainy in the summer months, so here are items to bring in all seasons, and I’ll specify if you need an item for a season.
Comfortable walking shoes - you’ll be walking lots of miles, so be comfortable
Down/Winter coat - winter (we do get some really cold days so be prepared for 40’s in December and January)
Umbrella - it rains almost every day in the summer for a few minutes
Southern attire - this isn’t necessary but most people are pretty dressed up downtown in summer dresses and sandals, but you’ll also see LOTS of leggings
Swimsuit cover up - you’ll need to cover up your top and bottom when going into a restaurant from the beach
Sun hat - you’ll thank me later
WEATHER
The weather in the summer is HOT. Around 85-90F with 90-100% humidity. You’ll sweat a lot, so just be prepared for it. In the winter months, it gets down to around 50F on a regular basis. There are major swings from 40F all of the way to 75F in a span of a few days. Also, always be prepared for a few pop up showers.
KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THESE CRITTERS
BANANA SPIDER
Although they are MASSIVE (about the size of your hand), they aren’t poisonous at all. You’ll see them hanging in trees and around Spanish moss, so keep an eye up in the air when walking under trees. They’re really pretty, so I hope you see one. You’ll really only see them in the summer months.
STARFISH
In the colder months of September, October, and November, you’ll start to see hundreds of starfish wash upon shore. They are so cool to see. I thought I could save them by throwing them back, but I was told they’ll just wash back up to shore. It’s up to you what you want to do.
ALLIGATORS
This may not be Florida, but we have a LOT of alligators in our retention ponds, on our golf courses, and at the plantations. You are very likely to see at least a few in the summer months. Watch out while walking around ponds or lakes at the local parks.
