Having grown up in the Midwest, moving to Charleston felt a bit like moving to Pleasantville. The city has so much to offer - a historic and charming downtown, beautiful beaches, some of the best restaurants in the country, and sunshine all year round. It’s no wonder that year after year, Charleston is voted the country’s top travel destination.

You’d think having lived here for three years, some of Charleston’s appeal would have worn off by now. Fortunately, that’s not the case. My husband, Alex, and I still take frequent walks downtown or at one of the nearby beaches and marvel at how beautiful the area is. It’s a city like no other and I love introducing visitors to its wonders.

If you’re considering traveling to Charleston, either for the first time or for a repeat visit, consider me your unofficial travel guide! To help you plan a memorable trip, I’ve outlined the top five things you should do in Charleston.

Explore Historic Downtown

You can’t visit Charleston without exploring the quaint streets and scenic alleyways of Charleston’s historic district. You can easily lose an entire day admiring the colonial architecture, overflowing flower boxes, and grand, pastel mansions. Historic downtown is where you’ll find Charleston Single Houses, the long and narrow homes with beautiful covered porches that the city is so well known for.

To explore the historic district, you have a few options. You can easily walk the streets using the map I’ve included below or, if you’d like to see as much as possible, you can rent bikes. The city’s bike share program, Holy Spokes, is easy to use and reasonably priced. You can pick bikes up in a number of areas, but I would recommend starting in Washington Park.

Another option for exploring the historic area is by going on a walking tour. Having been on several tours myself, Two Sisters is hands down the best. Even if you’re not a history buff, the tour is a really interesting way to get to know the city. You’ll learn about Charleston’s wealthy colonial days, the city’s role in the Revolutionary War, and the turbulent times of the Civil War and its aftermath.

Once you’ve had your fill of history and scenic meandering, consider hitting up downtown’s shopping scene! King Street offers a variety of local boutiques, antique stores, and designer showrooms.

Visit a Plantation

If you want a true taste of the South, visit one of Charleston’s plantations. Whether you’re looking for an escape from the city, a view of vast colonial wealth, a walk in a beautiful garden, or a glimpse into slavery and Gullah culture, you can find it at one of Charleston’s estates. Just remember to be respectful if you decide to pay a visit to one of the many properties found near Charleston. The plantations may be beautiful, but they have been the setting of some truly dark American history.

There are several plantations within half an hour of downtown Charleston. Some of my favorites include Boone Hall, Magnolia Plantation, and Middleton Place. Boone Hall is home to the famous “Avenue of Oaks” that you often see photographed. The house was also featured in the film The Notebook. If you’re staying in Mount Pleasant or near Sullivan’s Island, Boone Hall is the perfect choice.

If you’re more interested in expansive gardens, Middleton Place is a great option. The peaceful garden paths are more than a quarter millennium old and worthy of an afternoon of exploration. Middleton Place has the added benefit of being close to several other plantations on the Ashley River. Just keep in mind that tickets are fairly pricey and can add up if you plan to visit more than one plantation.

Relax at the Beach

If you’re visiting Charleston in the spring or summer, I highly recommend relaxing at the beach for at least half a day. To get to the beach, you can either drive to Sullivan’s Island through Mount Pleasant or to Folly Beach through James Island. Both beaches are within 20 minutes of downtown.

Sullivan’s Island is home to huge beach homes, a charming main street, and several quaint restaurants and bars. It’s really peaceful and a great place for families looking for relaxation. If you get hungry, check out Obstinate Daughter. It’s one of my absolute favorites!

Folly Beach is more of a surfer community and is decidedly more hipster. The main street is a little touristy, but the beach is 6 miles long so there is plenty of room to spread out. My recommendation is to drive down to the area near the Washout instead of trying to fight the crowds near the pier. When you need a break from the sun, grab a bite to eat at Jack of Cups or grab a beer at Chico Feo.

If you’re thinking about trying out surfing while in Charleston, Folly is the place to do it. In fact, many surfers say that Folly Beach has the best waves on the East Coast. If you’re new to surfing, you can get lessons from a few companies for around $50.

There are a few other beach options near Charleston including Isle of Palms and Kiawah, but both are fairly far from downtown. I personally prefer Sullivan’s and Folly.

Get Active on the Water

Charleston is surrounded by water so it should come as no surprise that people spend a lot of time kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, and sailing.

One area that offers endless activities is Shem Creek. Shem Creek flows through Mount Pleasant and is characterized by a boarded walkway, shrimping boats, regular dolphin sightings, and waterfront restaurants. There are several companies that rent paddle boards and kayaks in the vicinity. If you’re in Charleston in the winter months, consider kayaking out to Crab Bank, a bird sanctuary in the heart of Charleston’s harbor.

Another option if you want to be on the water is to go sailing. Alex and I have used Charleston Sailing Adventures a few times and have had a great experience. You can bring your own cooler on board which is really nice. Most of the company’s sailboats only fit 8-10 people so if you go with a group, try to make reservations early!

If you want to do something a little more adventurous, there are several boating companies who will take you on a cruise through the marshes with a stop at Morris Island, home to the Morris Island Lighthouse.

Enjoy Fine Dining

Charleston has some of the best restaurants in the country. In fact, living here has made me a bit of a food snob. You can find everything from fresh seafood to authentic French cuisine. Below, I’ve suggested a few of my favorites.

For Breakfast

Callie's Hot Lil Biscuit: Callie’s is great for breakfast on the go! They have savory and sweet biscuit options, but the cinnamon flavor is unbelievable.

For Lunch/Brunch

Magnolias: Magnolia’s has the best southern food around and great seafood. It’s located on East Bay so it’s the perfect stopping point after a morning of downtown exploration.

167Raw: 167Raw has amazing oysters and fish tacos. It's very small so you may not get a table right away. It’s worth the wait!

Husk: Husk is a really popular restaurant that books out weeks in advance. I would recommend going for lunch and grabbing a seat on their patio or at their bar instead of their formal dining area. Get the burger and thank me later.

Obstinate Daughter: Obstinate Daughter has tasty small plates, great pizza, and the best cocktails around. It’s on Sullivans Island so it’s probably not worth making the trip unless you’re in the area.

For Dinner

Leon's Oyster Shop: If you’re looking for a trendy restaurant with endless Instagram opportunities, Leon’s is it. It’s a laid back place offering everything from oysters on the halfshell to fried chicken sandwiches. Their frozen gin and tonics cannot be missed.

Chez Nous: Chez Nous is a small, romantic restaurant that is inside a historic Charleston single house. It’s the perfect place for special occasions.

Sorghum and Salt: If you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path, try Sorghum and Salt. They have a different menu every day and use only the freshest ingredients.

The Grocery: The Grocery offers a little bit of everything - seafood, salads, small plates, and more. The food and ambience make for an unforgettable dining experience.

Chubby Fish: Chubby Fish is a trendy seafood restaurant that is fairly new to the Charleston area. Their dishes are unique and their wine selection is top notch.

Halls Chophouse: If you’re looking for a mouth-watering steak and unbelievable service, look no further than Halls Chophouse. Their sides are all amazing, especially the brussel sprouts!

For Drinks

Vendue Rooftop: Vendue is a hotel on East Bay Street with a huge rooftop bar. Go during the daylight hours to see a sweeping view of the harbor. If you’re exploring the historic district, it’s a great place to take a break.

Citrus Club: The Dewberry hotel’s 8th floor terrace is a great choice if you’re looking for a rooftop bar with a more relaxed vibe.

Vintage: Vintage is a beautiful wine bar with a romantic atmosphere. The aesthetic makes you feel like you’ve traveled back in time to the 1950s. Make sure to check out the back patio.

Prohibition: Prohibition is a fun bar with great cocktails. Their Moscow Mules are popular with the locals. It can get crowded late at night so go early if you’d prefer a more laid back experience.

Revelry: There are a ton of great breweries in Charleston, but Revelry has the best ambience. It’s about 10 minutes from downtown. It’s such a popular spot that they even opened a second brewery closeby called The Hold!

Pro Tip: Most Charleston restaurants take reservations. If you’re coming in the summer months, try to reserve a table at least a week in advance.

Charleston has so much to offer no matter what your interests are. The city’s charm and beauty are uniquely its own. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask! It’s my goal to make sure everyone who visits loves Charleston as much as I do!

Top 5 Things to Do in Charleston

Top 5 Things to Do in Charleston