The Charleston Guide
Samantha here, Eldest & Co founder. When you think of Charleston, you might picture picturesque gardens, southern architecture, and those charming cobblestone streets. I had visited Charleston a few times on weekend trips but it wasn’t until I spent almost a month there on my digital nomad adventure that I really felt like I got to dig into the heart of the town.
Today we’re going to dive into some of the favorite spots I experienced during my time in Charleston, according to a travel loving girlie. I can’t claim to be a local or have covered every square foot like a Charleston local might but I think I have my fair share of thoughts to share!
What to do when visiting Charleston
Let’s be clear, Charleston has plenty of tourists. And where tourists go, tourist traps develop. I have historically always tried to avoid these types of establishments and while I love to see a good vista or architecture, I’m not particularly entranced by tours or museums unless they’re really really good.
When I was in Charleston, I prioritized “the vibe” which included a ton of walking around, good food and vistas. We’ll dive into food more later but if I were you, these are the ways I’d spend my time when visiting Charleston.
Explore the stunning architecture south of Broad
I can’t tell you how many afternoons I spent wandering down the southern part of the Charleston peninsula which features the most historic and charming architecture. You’ll notice a quintessential Charleston style with houses seeming to face sideways and often boasting dual level porches, oriented for breeze and light to maximize outdoor space on small historic lots. I spent hours playing the “if I could pick a house, what would I choose?” game. There’s plenty of antebellum history too if you read the plaques and start googling! It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll; grab a coffee and spend time winding around.
Exploring the beaches: Folly Beach and Isle of Palms
I’ll be clear - when I was in Charleston, it was January and solidly not beach weather. So I didn’t make the trek out to these beaches. But my two best friends from high school went to College of Charleston and they solidly recommend these spots so you can take it from some former Charleston residents. Folly Beach or Isle of Palms are popular beaches available a short drive away from the central area on the peninsula. There are some fabulous restaurants out there to finish out your time at the beach, if you’re looking for more than beach snacks too.
Shopping on King Street (especially Second Sundays)
Let’s not forget about the shopping! King street forms an artery down the peninsula full of shopping opportunities. You’ll find locations of bigger stores you can find anywhere but also sweet local boutiques, with charming souvenirs or vintage wares. This can be a solid part of a day if you want to bop in and out of spots or maybe stop for a beverage! Bonus if your travel plans allow, the second Sunday of every month they close the street to cars and little tents pop up with food and shopping opportunities not usually available. You can tell by the bustling vibes that its an event for visitors and locals alike.
Where to stay in Charleston
If you want to maximize your visit in Charleston, I’d recommend staying on the peninsula south of Calhoun. The walkability is unmatched, allowing you to easily access everything from shops to eateries, shops and historical neighborhoods. If the budget is tight, you might be tempted to go further north or stay in neighboring areas off the peninsula but if your visit is just for a weekend, you’ll spend so much time on Ubers in and out every time you want to go anywhere or twenty minutes walking from the northern end of the peninsula down to the action, that in my opinion, it’s worth the splurge to be in the heart of it and not lose time in transit. In terms of particulars…
The Ryder Hotel - a cute midcentury modern spot with girlie decor and a restaurant downstairs. This is close enough to the action to be convenient but not on King Street, so you won’t deal with any noise. The rooms are spacious and bathrooms were nice.
Zero George - a bit of a splurge but this could not come more recommended from my former local friends if you’re looking for the best experience downtown.
The Dewberry - very central and lovely spot, according to my besties. This is where one of them stays whenever she and her parents go back to Charleston to visit and they love it every time.
Emeline - another boutique hotel that comes highly recommended for charming rooms, good service and even better location.
AirBnB’s - there are plenty of AirBnB’s available for rent downtown if you have a bigger group or want a different experience. I found that the quality ranged widely and parking was limited, so if bringing a car make sure to pay attention!
Where to eat in Charleston
Let’s be clear, when you go to visit Charleston, you’re really going to eat. The food scene in Charleston is out of this world - even being there for a month, I felt like I still had too many places I wanted to try but didn’t get to. That said, I repeated almost nowhere and basically didn’t have a meal I didn’t like so let’s dive into the spots I think you should add to your list for your next Charleston visit.
Perfect spots for lunch and brunch in Charleston
Queen Street Grocery: A relaxed vibe and delicious sandwiches at this beloved local haunt. There’s a cute garden in the back to eat and the menu is wide enough for something for everybody.
82 Queen: If you’re craving classic brunch in a lovely outdoor setting, this is your go-to. We’re talking jambalaya, eggs Benedict, crab cakes, and plenty of mimosas. It’s also right off King street so deeply convenient for other plans.
Poogan’s Porch: Nestled in a charming old house, this classic Southern brunch spot has everything you want from a Charleston brunch experience. Biscuits and gravy, pancakes, flowing beverages. It feels festive, which means it can get a bit loud but the energy is there. Grab a mimosa (or maybe a few) and settle in.
Porchetta Shop: Craving something Italian? Known for their porchetta sandwiches, this counter service spot is out of the way from the heart of tourism so it feels like a spot that locals might be protecting. Their juicy, fatty sandwiches come on fresh bread and feel like a decadent bite. Worth the extra walk (especially to walk off the bites on the way back)!
Bad Bunnies Coffee: For coffee lovers, this spot is a must. When I was there, this was my neighborhood spot and I sat with my coffee to work multiple times a week. The staff is so kind and welcoming and I loved watching the regulars pop in, making it clear how ingrained this spot is in the neighborhood.
Co-Op Gourmet Sandwiches: This place feels like it’d be an Instagram ploy, with bright pink decor and multiple flavors of frose but the sandwiches were delicious enough that I went back multiple times. The price is good and their coffees were also solid. Don’t overlook it just because it’s cutesy!
The Pass: I read about this on multiple lists for the quality of their Italian style sandwiches. I’m glad I tested it out because they were incredibly fresh and delicious, with tons of prosciutto and for my boyfriend, a delicious burrata situation on fresh focaccia. Definitely worth a stop.
Great spots to grab a drink in Charleston
Let me caveat this section - I’m not a “going out” girl. For out on the town recommendations, there are more trustworthy people than I. If you love a spot where you can have a conversation with a delicious beverage though, let us dive in.
The Tippling House: This adorable wine bar feels like you’re walking into somebody’s converted apartment. The list thoughtfully curated and the small bites provide a little sustenance to balance the beverages. I’m told the owners are women from New York who just love wine (feel free to fact check me there) so as a fellow New Yorker, I loved supporting a female owned business!
Bin152: This spot is probably where I stopped the most times while living in Charleston. A in-depth wine list, available by glass or bottle, super knowledgeable staff and interiors that feel collected over years. They have some bites - mostly charcuterie and little snackies but the wine here is the star. I loved spending time saddled up to the bar and chatting with staff about their favorite picks. Will prioritize this as a return spot on my next visit!
Guilded Horn: A tiny little bar primarily focused on beer, but with wines to keep everyone happy, it’s a great little hideaway if you need a spot just for a drink a little further north. Google maps suggests it might have closed so please do your own research to confirm.
Restaurants you should try in Charleston
167 Raw Oyster Bar: As a lifetime Nantucketer, I was so excited when this group, who runs a food truck and fish market on Nantucket, opened a big footprint restaurant in Charleston, and unsurprisingly the food lived up to their reputation. Come for great seafood, oysters, inventive drinks and good vibes. It’s a popular spot around Charleston so either book ahead or plan to wait for a bit for a table. I think it’s worth it.
Bar167: The sister restaurant, in a space around the corner from the original, Bar167 simultaneously feels a bit fancier and a little more fanciful. More small plates, less fried seafood and a bit more beachy, the two feel definitely related but slightly different vibes. Bar167 is a bit easier to get into, so if booking last minute, can be a great option.
167 Sushi Bar: The third location from this team in Charleston is a bit of a walk from the main drag. But when you get there, you’ll find a snug little place boasting excellent sushi and inventive bites with a festive atmosphere. Because of limited seating, would definitely advise a reservation but honestly, as a sushi lover, this might be my favorite of the three.
Sorghum & Salt: This inventive spot offers a Southern-inspired menu but with some unique takes. Unexpected flavors made it feel more interesting than the tried and true southern menu. Definitely enjoyed
Fuel Charleston: In an old gas station, this casual spot serves surprisingly yummy food compared to the environs. A subtle Mexican slash Caribbean influence on the menu made for a few interesting options I hadn’t seen in a town that leans solidly southern.
The Ordinary: This place feels swanky. Nestled in an old bank, with part of the kitchen in the old vault, the space has soaring ceilings that make a very bustling restaurant feel more “soaring” than “crowded.” The food is delish - recommend ordering a handful of things to share, we loved the slider and the seasonal crudo. This is one of the places I loved so much I repeated multiple times in my time in Charleston, so that’s saying something!
Delaney Oyster House: My friend wrote a note about this place: “go and get the crab fried rice.” So I did and now I repeat, “go and get the crab fried rice.” I’m sure there are other great things on the menu but this lived up to the reputation for me.
Xiao Bao Biscuit: Stop here for some super cool, unique Asian food. In another converted gas station (I don’t know why this is a thing here but it makes you feel cool), they are known for the okonomoyaki but I found it a bit to mayo-y and liked the prad kra pow more.
Chubby Fish: Okay, I’m not the only one to say this but this is my do not pass go, do not collect 200 dollars spot. This is an absolute must-try. Plan a day around getting in line between 4 and 4:30 and then go grab a drink at one of the many near by spots. Emphasis on drinks, not food because you should save every bit of room in your stomach for this meal. I loved every bite and would 100% come back and try a whole different bunch of things because I trust them so much. The line is worth it.
Estadio: This is a bit of an upscale Spanish spot. The footprint is small, the plates are delicious, but maybe a bit small in serving size. I ended up here on a rainy night and enjoyed myself but definitely is an order things to share spot with mostly seafood, so make sure your group is down for that.
Darling Oyster Bar: On King street, so it’s central. The food is solid and they have TV’s if there’s a big game on. I wouldn’t list this as my absolute best food, would prioritize above all others, but it was a great spot when we were on King and ready to eat.
By The Way: This place popularized by Southern Charm has something for everyone—burgers, nice dishes, wine, and espresso martinis, to name a few. On weekends it will be busy but, at least when I was there, if you’re there on the early side or on off nights, you can get a great French Dip sandwich and fries without much challenge.
Kultura Charleston: Unique Asian flavors you don’t see in the very southern-heavy culture around here. I loved my meal, sitting tucked in around the bar, but I’m told they’ve moved to a bigger location. Good on them!
O-Ku: Every town has a happening Japanese/Sushi spot that stays full of girl groups and date nights, featuring slightly pricey food and sushi but also great vibes. This is that spot. I ate during Restaurant week which defrayed costs a little bit but I think I might have felt that it was slightly light on value if it’d been a different time. Let me be clear, food is delicious but you hate that moment when you see the bill and go “oh, it was good but not quite that good.”
Frequently asked questions about Charleston
What is the best time to visit Charleston?
If you’re looking for great southern weather, lean shoulder season like spring or fall when temperatures are mild, and outdoor activities are enjoyable. The crowd volume will vary dramatically depending on which time you go, so if you’re willing to wear a coat while in this southern town, you can get more deals and less crowds in months like November and February.
How do I get around Charleston?
Walking is the best way to navigate the historic downtown area, but rideshare services are also a convenient option.
Are beaches accessible from downtown Charleston?
Yes! Folly Beach and Isle of Palms are a short drive away, making day trips easy.
Which neighborhoods are the best for dining?
King Street and the surrounding areas offer a plethora of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants which will be your highest concentration of spots but there are plenty of other neighborhoods with great options.
