My Guide to Charleston
Charleston has been at the top of my travel bucket list since my friend Jess told me she was moving there a year ago. Something about this historic city just makes you want to rent a bike and cruise throughout the cobblestone streets and around the plethora of plantations that still stand tall today. I recently got to fulfill this dream trip when I visited Jess for my birthday a months ago and it was nothing short of incredible. From the food we ate to the special spots we traveled to, Charleston was everything I hoped it would be and more.
While I was there, I made sure to jot down all the places I went so I could make this helpful Charleston travel guide for you. If this is your go-to vacation spot or are planning your first trip, make sure to refer to this guide so that your next stay is perfect in every way!
What to Pack
Ankle Boots
Sunglasses
Dress
Linen Shorts
Button Down Shirt
Bathing Suit
Hat
Earrings
Designer Bag
Where to Stay
Immerse yourself in Charleston at Hotel Bennet
404 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403
(843)203-0922
Experience authentic Charleston hospitality by staying at one of the most luxurious spots the city has to offer. While I stayed with Jess during my time in SC, we did go to Hotel Bennet for brunch and the atmosphere was wonderful. This is definitely the spot to stay at, so make sure to book your room ASAP!
Where to Eat & Drink
Experience the best seafood cuisine at The Ordinary
544 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 414-7060
Charleston has some of the most eclectic seafood faire in the South, and the best spot to experience it is at The Ordinary. This gorgeous restaurant used to be a bank house and now serves as a high-end eatery and bar. Make sure you make reservations here as tables go quickly at this spot!
Shuck some oysters at Leon’s Oyster Shop
698 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 531-6500
If you’re looking for a spot that has amazing seafood and poultry as well as an impressive (and inexpensive) alcohol list, Leon’s is the place to be! Their menu is strictly fish, oysters, and chicken so there’s something for everyone. I obviously come for the delicious oyster offerings but stay for the laid back ambiance and rosé on tap.
Indulge in authentic Southern cuisine at Poogan’s Porch
72 Queen St, Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 577-2337
Traditional Southern cuisine is at its peak at the esteemed Poogan’s Porch. This gorgeous restaurant offers some of the best authentic cuisine in the city and is situated inside a Victorian home that pays homage to the past. Poogan’s Porch is Charleston’s oldest independent eatery and has been recognized as one of the best restaurants in South Carolina by many great cooks from around the world.
Entice your tastebuds with flavorful Spanish cuisine at Malagón
33 Spring St, Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 926-0475
In the neighborhoods of Cannonborough and Elliotborough, you will come across a number of amazing Spanish restaurants that preserve their culture through food, music, and art. There are so many wonderful spots to choose from, but we decided to try Malagón for the night. Not only is this a sleek restaurant, but is also a fully stocked market that has all you need for a bougie night in. I cannot wait to come back to this place again for more tapas and delicious wine!
Enjoy a traditional Sunday brunch at Basic Kitchen
82 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 789-4568
Whether you’re in the mood for something clean and healthy or are in need of something sweet and savory, Basic Kitchen is the perfect place for both! This gorgeous spot boasts a menu filled with healthy bites that taste good and give you that needed boost after a long week of sightseeing. While there are plenty of green juice and kale salad options to go around, they also offer up some delicious cocktails that are too pretty not to drink.
Italian cuisine lives on and strong at Le Farfalle
15 Beaufain St, Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 212-0920
I adore Italian food, and Le Farfalle is the spot to go if you are craving authentic Italian dishes like pasta and pizza. This regional restaurant is nestled in the gorgeous neighborhood of Harleston Village and welcomes you in with it’s lovely patio seating, delicious cuisine, and an impressive wine and beer list. When you go, make sure to get the squid ink spaghetti— a unique and delicious dish to be had!
Have a wine night at Wild Olive Restaurant
2867 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, SC 29455
(843) 737-4177
On a night where you just want a spot that has good ambiance and nice wine, head to Wild Olive. This eclectic Italian restaurant serves up authentic dishes and has an extensive wine list that you can peruse all night long. Aside from their great food and drink pairings, they were also the first restaurant in Charleston to become a Certified Green Restaurant, which means that they operate as an environmentally conscious business. They compost up to 1,000 pounds of raw material each week and like to be known as not just the farm to table spot, but the table to farm space as well.
Other restaurants to check out:
Location: 404 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
Phone: (855) 577-7567
The Citrus Club at The Dewberry Charleston
Location: 334 Meeting St 8th Floor, Charleston, SC 29403
Phone: (843) 872-9063
Location: 700b King St, Charleston, SC 29403
Phone: (843) 718-3359
Location: 708 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
Phone: (843) 990-9165
Location: 2063 Middle St, Sullivan's Island, SC 29482
Phone: (843) 416-5020
What To Do
Travel to Kiawah Island for a fun beach day
Kiawah Island is a gorgeous, 10 mile long private beach that boasts one of the best golf resorts in the country. While the island is mainly used for its resort, you can still access the island without having any accommodations. There are plenty of ways to get around the Kiawah, but our favorite way was to rent bikes and bike across the Kiawah beaches. We had such an amazing time being out in the sunshine, enjoying the fresh air, and ending our little bike tour with a moment of relaxation at the Kiawah Resort. I would highly suggest taking a boat out to Kiawah Island if you don’t plan on driving. It’s much more of an adventure to rent bikes or walk, and the area is so gorgeous you won’t want to be stuck in the car anyways! If you have the time, also try and spend some time at the resort as well. It’s beautifully taken care of and is the right amount of luxury for a quick visit.
Visit plantations and learn about Charleston’s history
A huge reason why I loved Charleston so much was because it is a city that teaches newcomers about their history. While the main city is rich with nightlife, great food, and luxury boutiques, the outskirts still display remnants of the past. We took a day to visit some of the most notable plantations in the area-Middleton Place, Boone Hall, and Magnolia Plantation- and took our time to listen and learn about what each location signified. I believe that learning about the city you’re in is incredibly important and helped me view Charleston in a much different light than when I had first arrived.
Other activities to partake in:
Travel to Kiawah Island for more beach hangs and golfing
Rent a bike and ride around Charleston
I hope you enjoyed this extensive list of things to do, see, and eat while in Charleston. It was an amazing birthday trip and I know I will be back very soon for more. As always, make sure you’re following along with me on my Instagram so keep up with all of my travel stories and posts.
Hotels
Restaurants
What to Do
Play golf at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Visit famous plantations and gardens of Charleston
