It’s no secret that I love Charleston. I’ve been with my best friend to explore, and then back for my BFF’s bachelorette party, my own bachelorette party, and most recently for our anniversary. Out of all my trips, I have compiled my 10 favorite things to do (and eat) in Charleston!
I’ve eaten at Poogan’s Porch every time I’ve been to Charleston. Every. Single. Time. And it is worth it. I booked our dinner for our anniversary using OpenTable and wrote in the comments that we were there for our anniversary. We were greeted with champagne, which was the sweetest. The service has always gone above and beyond expectations and the food is ridiculously good. I haven’t gotten the same thing twice, but DG recommends the fried chicken. I recommend the entire menu.
What better way to see a city than to take a walking tour. The first time I ever went to Charleston with my BFF ALB, we did the Ghost and Graveyard Tour. I know they’re touristy, but it was still fun and it was an awesome experience. I highly recommend any of the tours if you are a history nerd or just looking to have a fun experience and meet some new people. And just a really great way to see Charleston’s amazing architecture.
I’ve had a lot of people ask me for recommendations for Charleston through personally and through my blog. I always recommend the first two things, but after our anniversary trip, I’ve added Butcher and Bee. My sandwich was delicious, they are conscious about their ingredients, and they are in the same location as a distillery and a coffee/wine shop.
And there is a Shepard Fairey mural right in their parking lot. What more could you ask for?
The entie waterfront is just amazing. The pineapple fountain is my favorite. If you have kids, there is fountain for the kids to splash around in right at the end of Vendue Street. The boardwalk has shaded areas with benches, tables, and even swings. The opening image for this post is from Waterfront Park. DG was even excited because Fort Sumter is visible. This is definitely one spot you don’t want to miss.
5. Hominy Grill
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Every time I’ve been to Charleston, there has been a ridiculous wait at Hominy Grill. This year, we were told there was a 40 minute wait, which actually only took 20 minutes. I’m so glad we decided to wait. I ordered the fried green tomato BLT and I could not get over the seasoning in the batter. And their fries are delicious! Definitely go. Next time, I’ll order the shrimp and grits. The only reason I didn’t was because I had that for breakfast.
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We stopped by farmer’s market this time before heading out to Daniel Island. There are so many vendors from fresh vegetables, fruits, and seafood to handmade jewelry (like my favorite, Zola), soaps and lotions (from the amazing Charleston Soap Chef), candles (including Rewined and Produce), and the best iced coffee. Definitely stop by. It’s a happy place to start a Saturday.
We went here for my bachelorette party and it was so much fun! I do like the rooftop bar at the Vendue Inn, but the Pavilion Bar was awesome because it had a dance floor, but a great space to sit at if you aren’t a dancing fool, and the pool makes it seem swankier. This is definitely a great space for a girls’ night out!
8. City Market
City market is awesome! It’s kind of like the farmer’s market, but every day. We bought our Christmas ornament there and we had the best time going through and talking with local vendors. I feel that if you’re going to go to one “shopping area” in Charleston, this is it.
There is no better shopping than King Street shopping. There are so many shops to choose from including Moon and Lola, Finicky Filly, Hampden Clothing, Rapport, and some well-known brands like Kate Spade, J.Crew, and Louis Vuitton.
10. Folly Beach
Charleston has great access to beaches, and I’ve always wanted to go to Isle of Palms, but Folly Beach is next on my list. We didn’t get there because it rained both afternoons; however, one of my best girls, Alicia, sent me this picture and her recommendation of going to eat at Taco Boy!
Honorable Mentions:
I’ve never eaten at Husk, but we definitely recommend the bar for a drink and an appetizer, which the building in between Husk and Poogan’s Porch!
While we didn’t eat dinner at Circa 1886, we had breakfast there daily and both feel that it would be delicious for dinner. The service is impeccable and it is on the grounds of the Wentworth Mansion.
I really hope that if you get to visit Charleston, you find something here useful for planning your trip!
Happy Thursday!
Of everything on your list I've only been to Poogan's Porch so clearly in month we'll be doing a lot more!!! Thanks for this list – just saved for reference!! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
Oh yes! I think we have hit up every one of these thigns. We lvoe Charleston. We absolutely LOVED the view from the Pavilion bar. Such a great city!
I can personally say that dinner at Husk is aaaaamazing! I would add Halls Chophouse and Magnolia's to your list 🙂 great spots! my fav city!
Great list! Love all of these things! You should definitely add a day trip out to Kiawah on here though 😉
OMG so many amazing things to do in Charleston! I don't know how I'm going to fit them all into a long weekend but I'm definitely going to try! That fried chicken looks unbelievable! And how pretty is that pineapple fountain?! Love!
<3, Pamela
Sequins & Sea Breezes
Charleston is such a fun place to visit – I'm already itching for another trip! The Pavilion Bar was one of my favorites too – definitely remembering these other spots for my next trip – hopefully next year!
Love this! I've never been to Charleston *gasp, I know!* but I love this guide! Hopefully, I can put it to use soon!
xo,
Sara Kate Styling
Charleston is on my bucket list. Hopefully soon, I love your list and can't wait to try a few!
Now I really want to go back to Charleston!!
xo,
Angela
Such a fun list! And how gorgeous is that pineapple fountain – wow! <3
We actually just booked out 3rd trip to Charleston today! It's 1 of my favorite cities. I highly recommend the Tides Folly Beach hotel. Also, if you've never been to Drayton Hall, it's a must see:)
Tif
http://www.brightonabudget.com
What a great guide to Charleston. Bookmarking this for the future. I so want to visit Charleston, one day.
I love love love Charleston. Did you see where Charleston was the only US city to be named one of the top cities in the world? Just read that today!
I think I need a trip down there, what great places to visit. Fried Green Tomato sandwich? Get in my belly!
You picked some of my favorite restaurants and places to see in Charleston! You have me dreaming of a trip back to Charleston! Xo, Stephanie
Charleston is such an awesome place to visit. I've only been there once, last year, but I really think we need to make a return trip this summer.
All the feels happened during this post. I need another trip down there ASAP. *le sigh* – I need to win the lottery.
As a Charlestonian myself, I couldn't agree more! Husk is our favorite and heavily recommend to folks who want a solid meal down here. I'd also throw in Pages in Mt P for folks willing to cross the bridge for some good eats!
I'm bookmarking this – this is so great for next month! xoxo