Top Recommendations on Things To Do When Visiting Charleston
The last time we were in Charleston, South Carolina was the end of summer in 2017. Jack wasn’t even born yet but the four of us thoroughly enjoyed it! Although, we only visited once, I will always remember the delicious food, charm and Southern hospitality. We will be visiting again as a family so I asked my Instagram audience their top recommendations on things to do when visiting Charleston. I’ve broken them down into three categories: restaurants, activities and leisure. We will be using this as our guide.
If you’re ever considering visiting my city of Minneapolis, you can read my guide of Things to Do in and Around the Twin Cities.
Top Recommendations on Things to Do When Visiting Charleston
Where to Eat – Restaurants with Great Reviews
- 167 Raw Oyster Bar*
- Indaco
- Little Jack’s Tavern
- Le Farfalle Osteria
- Frannie & The Fox
- Sorelle Restaurant, Bar, Mercato
- Harken Cafe & Bakery
- Leon’s Fine Poultry & Oyster Shop *
- Chasing Sage
- Xiao Bao Biscuit *
- Rodney Scott’s BBQ *
- Sullivan’s Fish Camp in Sullivan’s Island
- Post House Inn and Restaurant
- Lewis Barbecue*
- Jestine’s Kitchen (sadly this eatery serving friend chicken and gumbo and other Southern Classics is permanently closed)
- Vicious Biscuit
- Charleston Crab House
- Swig and Swine
- 82 Queen (Lowcountry Cuisine)
- Husk *(we loved it here when we visited)
- Stella’s (Rustic & Modern Greek Cuisine)
- Rue de Jean Bar & Cafe
- Home Team BBQ
- Baguette Magic at James Island
- Vern’s
- Paige’s Okra Grill
- Grace and Grit
- Jeni’s Ice Cream
Fun Activities to Try
- Ghost Tour
- Horse Drawn Carriage Ride
- Charleston’s Hidden Alleyways & Historic Sites – Small Group Walking Tour
- Plantation Tour; Magnolia Plantation most recommended with kids
- Charleston City Market
- Rent Bikes on Sullivan’s Island
- Aquarium
- The Battery
- USS Yorktown – Tour Navy Ships (kid-friendly)
- Charles Towne Landing
- Crabbing – Book with St Johns Kayaks and Boat Tours
- Farmers Market in Marion Square
- Folly Beach*
- Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum
Enjoy Some Leisure Time
- Stroll on Rainbow Row or do a Guided Tour
- Hampton Park
- Sullivan’s Island Beach
- Shems Creek Boardwalk
- Stroll Old Town Mt. Pleasant
- Walk Through College of Charleston Campus
- James Island County Park
- Walk Around Waterfront Park
*Indicates recommendations by multiple people
There were also suggestions to take a look at these guides from other bloggers.
Julia Berolzheimer Charleston Guide
Jean Wang (from Extra Petite) Charleston Guide
There are so many fun recommendations! Thank you to every one who chimed in. I will report back after we return from our Charleston trip and share our very own experience and recommendations.
