30+ Best Things to Do in Charleston, South Carolina

Find out what to see and where to eat in the Holy City, one of America's perennially popular vacation spots.

September 20, 2021

By: Felicia Feaster, Ryan Reed, and Rani Robinson

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Charleston Is One of America's Top Attractions

It seems like every year Charleston, South Carolina, wins another award for being the best city to visit, or the friendliest. And as anyone who has spent time in the Holy City will tell you, the accolades are well deserved. With its palmetto palm-lined avenues and countless world class restaurants, Charleston has retained its unique pull as a memorable vacation destination. The key to a successful visit is mixing in a few locals-only hideouts with fun tourist destinations that are worth the wait.

Charleston Offers Great Restaurants, World-Class Culture and Top-Tier Hotels

Once the center of the American slave trade, Charleston is a city always contending with the good and bad of its history — even as it has transformed into a food-centric and sophisticated Southern city. It is home to the Charleston Wine + Food festival and a wealth of memorable restaurants, both humble and haute. Known for its easygoing pace and refined lifestyle, the city has attracted a raft of wealthy New Yorkers and Hollywood types (Bill Murray, Stephen Colbert and Hootie and the Blowfish frontman Darius Rucker) who have scooped up homes at a ravenous pace that has threatened to price-out locals. The homes, gardens and the people of Charleston are exceptionally gracious (especially so considering the 7 million tourists who flock to the city each year). Furnishings lean toward the traditional, but there is experimentation galore when it comes to the arts and food. There are endless options in high-end lodgings, from the nouveau luxe Hotel Bennett to the bespoke, chic Zero George, whose epic porches are the local answer to Prozac. If you’re planning on visiting Charleston soon, try these recommendations of don't-miss stops.

Take an Exceptional City Tour With a Whip-Smart Local

There are countless Charleston tour operations at work in the city, offering ample opportunities to sample the rich history, stunning architecture, restaurant recommendations and the occasional touch of quirkiness that makes Charleston such an interesting city. But you would be remiss if you undertook a local tour without first making sure that tour guide par excellence John Hodgson, a former CPA and hardcore history buff, is your history doula for the day. Book Hodgson for your Bulldog Tours "The Charleston Stroll: A Walk With History Tour," which delves into the region's indigo trade, pirates, wild parties and even wilder customs, local celebrity news (including the home where Stephen Colbert grew up), with insightful detours into how slavery impacted the region and other hard truths. If you like your local history with a serving of extra-dry wit, then Hodgson is your man.

Try One of the City's Many Eccentric and Luxurious Boutique Hotels

If the hyper-intimacy of bed and breakfasts is not your thing, but you can't resist a stunning historic home, then the 1886 Wentworth Mansion may be your perfect stop in Charleston. Tucked into a pretty, leafy neighborhood downtown, the elegant Wentworth Mansion is warm and welcoming, but never makes you feel crowded or intruded upon or like you are staying in someone's home. Rooms are incredibly spacious, with tall ceilings and the kind of well-appointed, luxurious bathrooms (and great water pressure) to rival any newfangled 5-star stay, but with bespoke details like old-fashioned brass room keys and carved wood and stained glass architectural details that transport you to another time. A dedicated parking lot and no valet fees are especially appealing in the age of luxury hotel-parking sticker shock. There is a happy hour every evening with wine and hors d'oeuvres. A small room off of the parlor offers a boozy nook where guests can partake of a brandy, port or sherry nightcap or pre-dinner tipple. A sit-down breakfast in the pretty Circa 1886 restaurant on the hotel grounds features copious, interesting options, including daily specials like a Lowcountry-inspired crab cake Benedict, and is included with the room. Lemonade and iced tea and a cooler of to-go waters are great for beating the Charleston heat in the summer months. Best of all, it's easy to get into the spirit of this city steeped in history strolling the beautifully landscaped grounds or ascending to the rooftop cupola with an expansive view of the city and a cool breeze on balmy nights.

Porch-Sitting Is a Competitive Sport in Charleston

Charleston has no shortage of great porches to while away your time in classic Southern style, but guests at the Wentworth Mansion may appreciate the air-conditioned sun porch that makes a glass of wine or your morning coffee go down a little bit easier. Historic photographs of the Wentworth line the walls, and a selection of newspapers makes the parlor and porch places you'll want to linger before your next eating, drinking or sightseeing adventure.

Don't Miss a Spring Visit to the Spoleto Festival USA

Though finding a hotel room can be a challenge in the midst of one of the country's most prominent arts festivals, visiting Charleston during the Spoleto Festival — an international, destination festival of the best in theater, art, music and performance — is a great time to see the city. Concurrent with Spoleto is the annual Behind the Garden Gate tour of the city's exceptionally beautiful gardens. Spoleto USA was originally inspired by an annual festival in Spoleto, Umbria, in Italy. The Charleston iteration happens May-June with world premieres, opera, music, theater and enough cultural offerings to convince you you are in New York or London.

Don't Miss the Pickled Shrimp at Babas on Cannon

If you are going to eat one dish while in Charleston, make it the pickled shrimp salad at the bright and airy Babas on Cannon. Owner Edward Crouse and his wife Marie Stitt based the recipe on a popular dish on the menu at the celebrated Birmingham, Alabama restaurant Highlands Bar and Grill. Crouse's mother-in-law Frances was married to Highlands' owner Frank Stitt, and Crouse wanted to acknowledge that family legacy in his summer-perfect symphony of briny, vinegary shrimp, avocado and greens.

Local Seafood Shines at Many Charleston Dining Spots

Pickled shrimp salad at Babas on Cannon is a beloved foodie family recipe at the restaurant, a charming blend of coffee shop and casual spot for light breakfast and lunch fare. At night, stop by for a craft cocktail with friends.

Visit the Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood to See Local Art

Located in the charming village of Mt. Pleasant, Artist Collective is the brainchild of contemporary art entrepreneur Allison B. Williamson. A hometown girl who has periodically left Charleston in the service of her art education, Williamson has created a bright, comfortable alternative to the usual white cube, slightly intimidating gallery norm. Filled with work by a host of Williamson's represented artists — many of whom specialize in color, coastal themes and easy-on-the-eyes work — the Artist Collective also plays host to several artist studios and provides an easygoing way for art fans to dip a toe into collecting art or expand an existing collection. Williamson has enlarged her brick-and-mortar presence with spots in Atlanta, Nashville and Washington, D.C., and her artists are also available for anyone to peruse on the Artist Collective website.

Check Out Allison's Charleston Home: An Outdoorsy, Artsy Family's Sunny Charleston Home

Heart of Gold Gallery Offers More Art Options

In a compact but mighty art strip in Mt. Pleasant village, the Artist Collective and Heart of Gold Gallery offer an opportunity to see what artists from Charleston and beyond are up to, and perhaps pick up a painting or photo souvenir of your visit. Heart of Gold Gallery features contemporary photography from the 1950s to the present. Owner Aaron Zych has a special love of music photography featuring greats from David Bowie to Johnny Cash, but you are just as likely to see an exhibition devoted to surf photography as rock music in this eclectic art space.

Visit the Charming Out of Hand Shop in Mt. Pleasant

Located in the tiny, cute-as-pie village of Mt. Pleasant just outside of Charleston, the Out of Hand shop sits in a strip of local businesses that include the retro Pitt Street Pharmacy — topped with a vintage Rexall Drugs sign — that boasts an operational soda fountain. Out of Hand offers a smartly curated selection of jewelry and clothing, but it's also a wonderful place to find a quirky gift to take back home. Embroidered beer koozies, smart-alecky Goorin Brothers trucker caps, cocktail napkins and other home goods offer plenty of options for a creative present with local, Southern flair.

For an Utterly Bespoke Experience, Check Out Zero George Hotel

The exceptional boutique hotel Zero George feels, from top to tail, like staying in a luxurious, beautifully designed private home whose owner not only has exceptional taste, but welcomes your stay with extraordinary graciousness. Part of that homey vibe: check-in inside the property's 1804 carriage house shares a space with the in-house restaurant Zero Restaurant + Bar's kitchen, which somehow manages to turn out critically-lauded food from two-time winner of Food Network's Chopped and Chopped Champions Vinson Petrillo despite a sliver of a very well-trafficked space. You feel like you're stepping into your host's kitchen, and excitement builds from the get-go for what's to come.

Southern Hospitality Meets European Sophistication at Zero George Hotel

With its iconic Charleston porches built for long, lingering breakfasts, cocktails or book-reading, the Zero George plunges you immediately into the elegant, leisurely, aesthetically elevated vibe and the best of what the city has to offer. Undoubtedly one of the most romantic hotels in the city, a leafy courtyard garden and another courtyard-within-a-courtyard unfold around the lovely historic buildings that make up the property. Rooms feature products from NYC's Malin+Goetz, along with thoughtful, gracious details, such as the linen mat for your slippers when you sink into bed, and ample hooks for clothes and towels in the luxurious, updated bathrooms. Pine floors, gas lanterns and brass door hardware stay true to the inn's historic charm, and Frette linens heighten the pampering factor. Service is unobtrusive but attentive, and imbued with Southern hospitality (save a snarky bartender who is very aware he has a perch at one of the hottest bar scenes in town). Room prices include a daily wine and cheese hour at the bar with a gorgeous single-serve charcuterie, olive, cheese and jam board for each guest. A lovely woman guides sleepy, caffeine-deprived guests through the myriad offerings in the creative complimentary breakfast spread laid out in the bar each morning, pointing out the location of the necessary tea and Gaggenau coffee and espresso bar. Even people who typically skip breakfast will want to linger with a newspaper and a bite of quiche or smoked salmon, homemade granola, poached eggs or local carb tycoon Callie's Hot Little Biscuits on the wide porch outfitted with comfy chairs. You can ease into a steamy Southern morning or bring your breakfast back to the room. Very little will make you want to venture beyond the refined comforts of this elegant but-laid back historic hotel, but you must, especially with the old-fashioned Zero George bicycles at your disposal to tour the city in style.

Historic Foodways Are on Offer at Charleston's Circa 1886

Charleston is a town already steeped in history, but chef Marc Collins at Circa 1886, in the charming Wentworth Mansion, has made Southern history the jumping off point for his creative, narrative menu that tells a distinct story about regional cuisine. Tucked into the Wentworth's cozy, romantic carriage house, Circa 1886 has the mood of a special occasion restaurant more than a cutting-edge foodie mecca, from its fireplaces and attentive servers to its jewel-like desserts. Options abound for guests to choose from dishes inspired by Lowcountry Southern cuisine, but also Native American, Gullah-Geechee and African foodways, with sassy detours like a $39 Southern grilled cheese appetizer with caviar and pimento cheese mousse, and the usual shrimp and grits replaced with a Lowcountry-specific, memorable shrimp and rice grits (pictured) topped with cabbage. The South Carolina-inspired buttermilk fried red hen is a must-try, and a chef's tasting menu with wine pairings offers a chance to dip into the diverse menu and sample from an impressive array of wines. Collins has an encyclopedic knowledge of the South's complex food history and rightly pays homage to non-European influences in the region. A local legend for imprinting Charleston's food scene early on, Collins also pioneered the Charleston Wine + Food Festival, an annual event celebrated in the city each spring.

A Hidden Gem, Purlieu Takes a Break

Though it is temporarily closed for the summer of 2021, this sliver of a 34-seat restaurant — which pops up like a daisy from the cracks of the landscape in the residential Westside neighborhood — delivers solid French cuisine with hipster flourishes from Charleston chef and Cru Cafe owner John Zucker (who trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris). It's hard to do a French bistro in America that doesn't feel derivative or, worse, precious. But Purlieu manages the hardest gambit of all in this game: a feeling of conviviality and an unpretentious, food-is-life vibe. The space is so intimate you may very well become besties with the couple at the table next to you, or at the very least share tasting notes. You certainly won't be able to miss their moans of approval at chef Jeff Williams' exquisite gruyere and butter drenched artichoke gratin that blows any Fifties-era iteration of this cocktail classic out of the water. As you might expect in a coastal town, fish dishes are aces and service is knowledgeable (our server's recommendation of slender pommes frites to accompany our mussels was a point well made), personable, and has the feel of a bunch of food-crazy friends chipping in to make something magic happen. It's pretty hard to leave Purlieu without basking in the glow of money and time very well spent. While the space is temporarily closed, visit its sister restaurant, Cru Cafe, also from John Zucker.

Contemporary Art Is Always on Offer at the Gibbes Museum of Art

The Gibbes Museum of Art in the heart of downtown Charleston brings big-city contemporary art to this Southern boomtown with works from notable greats like Romare Bearden, Lorna Simpson, Kehinde Wiley, David Hammons and Barkley Hendricks (pictured). But the Gibbes' historical treasures are noteworthy too, including a collection of 600 miniature portraits from colonial times to the 20th century that present a fascinating window into the form rendered in the most intimate dimensions. The well-curated gift shop is a unique source for local and national talent, including small works and crafts for sale.

Hotel Bennett Is a Resort-Style Escape

Though it's smack dab in the center of Charleston, the freshly minted Hotel Bennett feels like a world's-away resort within the bustling city. Located in the city's former public library, the hotel's immaculate oasis-like luxury is immediately established in the Italianate marble lobby, complete with an artist-painted mural paying homage to hotel owner Michael Bennett (whose father used to shine shoes across the street from the hotel). Enjoy a visit to the spa where you can pick up one of Princess Diana's favorite fragrances, Revive Evening Shower and Bath Oil from Aromatherapy Associates, as well as a variety of Lowcountry-sourced skincare products. Service at Hotel Bennett distinguishes the property as a luxury destination, with an entire valet team and front desk staff that commits your name to memory and goes above and beyond in making every wish their command.

A Destination Stay in the Heart of Charleston

The 179-room Hotel Bennett offers suites and rooms featuring epic soaking tubs, separate glass showers and luxurious finishes in the bathroom. The hotel itself features a rooftop pool and bar offering sweeping views of the city. An on-site French patisserie, spa, restaurant and several bars give this massive downtown hotel the feel of a self-contained city.

Enjoy Haute Southern Cuisine at Gabrielle

What do you get at a restaurant where former Galatoire's chef Michael Sichel is at the helm? New Orleans' style haute cuisine with a strong French and seafood influence. Rich sauces and an inventive spin on the classics (like a luxurious Oysters Rockefeller) make this pretty space on the ground floor of the freshly minted Hotel Bennett a lovely place to spend an evening. In keeping with the high-low juxtaposition that is Charleston, attire at a restaurant that would be dressy in any other city runs the gamut from T-shirts to jackets. Gabrielle is notable for innovating even the tried and true, including chef Sichel's Caesar salad. It's a highlight of his seafood-centric menu, as is the homemade bread service, including a cranberry-studded baguette that will make you want refills of your refills.

The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art Is Among Charleston's Cultural Offerings

The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art, at the College of Charleston, is a non-profit gallery space on Calhoun Street in downtown Charleston that hosts contemporary art exhibitions by emerging and mid-career artists, including Chinese cut paper artist Jennifer Wen Ma (pictured). Entrance is free to the Halsey, and there are often exhibitions of student artwork also on view in bright, airy rooms adjacent to the Halsey.

The Spanish Tapas Spot Malagon Is a Mercantile and Restaurant Rolled Into One

The Spanish tapas restaurant Malagon is tucked into a discreet section of Spring Street in downtown Charleston and feels like a successfully transportive visit to another country. Spanish groceries, including saffron, rice and olive oil, line the wall and are available for purchase in this atmospheric railroad flat space. A welcoming snack of corn nuts eases diners into a menu filled with Spanish wines and divided into meat, seafood and vegetable options. Gazpacho is served in a wine glass, and tiny nibbles of seasoned lamb make for surprisingly hearty fare despite the tapas-sized portions. Chef Juan Cassalett is thankfully heavy with spice and flavor, so even the slightest dish is a savory wallop.

Visit Charleston's Iconic Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge

The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge spans the Cooper River and connects downtown Charleston to the town of Mount Pleasant. It’s the iconic structure across the city skyline, and the coolest feature is that there is a pathway where you can walk, run and even ride your bike. Head out onto the bridge on a clear morning and bring your camera. The views are some of the best in the city.

Visit Sullivan’s Island for a Bite and Some Beach Time

History lovers won’t want to miss touring Fort Moultrie, the series of citadels on Sullivan’s Island where the victory over the British Navy took place on June 28, 1776. Edgar Allan Poe was also stationed here as a US Army private in 1827. History aside, there are plenty of beachy things to do here, like stand-up paddleboarding and embarking on a fishing charter.

If it’s brunch you crave and you’re visiting on the weekend, the Obstinate Daughter is where you need to be. Located on Sullivan’s Island, this restaurant opens at 10 a.m. on the weekend and offers a delicious brunch menu featuring local ingredients and craft cocktails that are almost too beautiful to drink. Almost. You can’t go wrong by ordering the eggs Benedict, but my go-to is the Low Country Shrimp Roll with Geechie frites.

If you’re visiting Charleston between the months of May through August, be prepared for heat and humidity like you’ve never experienced before, especially for those from states above the Mason-Dixon line. Shade is your best friend during these months, and you should seek it out whenever you can. Another great way to cool off is to head to one of the many beaches that surround the city. My favorite is Sullivan’s Island. There are no lifeguards and no bathrooms, which may deter some — especially if you have children — but, with many of the beaches becoming crowded and parking scarce, Sullivan’s remains relatively quiet. Isle of Palms, or IOP, is another good option, as well as Folly Beach, but both are popular with out-of-towners, so expect some congestion.

Wander Charleston Neighborhoods to Marvel at the Beautiful Homes

There are only a few months out of the year when you wouldn’t want to go to the beach in Charleston because of the weather, but during those times, there are still plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Hampton Park is the largest park on the peninsula and offers many Instagram-worthy scenes. Walk the trails or simply lay down a blanket and have a picnic.

If history is more your speed, Charleston has that in spades. Partaking in a walking tour is the best way to see the sights and learn about the beautiful homes you see on the peninsula, especially along the famous Battery.

Enjoy the Magical Aura of Charleston's Angel Oak Tree

Speaking of trees, the Angel Oak must be on your list of outdoor activities. Located on Johns Island just outside of Charleston, this massive tree is free to view and towers over guests at 66 feet tall, measures 28 feet in circumference, and its longest branch is 187 feet long. The Southern live oak is thought to be 400-500 years old, but some believe it could be even older. Photographing the Angel Oak can be difficult with people walking into your shot, but if you time it right you can come away with a unique portrait.

Enjoy Lunch at Lewis Barbecue

Lewis Barbecue is a great lunch spot for several reasons. First, and most important, the barbecue is some of the best you’ll ever taste. Pitmaster John Lewis mastered his craft in Austin, Texas before opening a restaurant in Charleston, and his Texas-style brisket is so tender you can eat it with a plastic fork. For those new to the barbecue world, Texas hot guts may not sound appetizing, but trust me and order at least one. These homemade sausages have just the right amount of kick and pair perfectly with an ice-cold beverage. There’s plenty of parking for those making the drive, and with indoor and outdoor seating, Lewis Barbecue is ready to accommodate, no matter what the weather brings.

White Point Garden

Now that you’re full of delicious barbecue, it’s time to hit King Street: the main drag in Charleston, full of great shopping. Start out at Jeni’s, an artisanal ice cream shop, and order a couple of scoops. With your dessert in hand, walk down King until you eventually end up at White Point Garden, a public space with monuments, palmetto palm trees and a picturesque gazebo. The walk is a little long so either bring your comfortable shoes or be prepared to hop in a pedicab. Along the way you’ll spot many shops that you know and a few that you may not. You’ll pass the College of Charleston, one of the most beautiful campuses in the country, as well as Marion Square and residential homes that you’ll wish you could go inside. Once you’re at White Point Garden, the public park in Charleston's historic district, walk to the water’s edge at Charleston Harbor and see if you can spot Fort Sumter, the historic island that sparked the Civil War. In the early 1700s, a group of about 50 pirates were hanged here in a public execution. Now the pirates’ spirits are said to still roam White Point Garden, searching for their executioners.

FIG Restaurant Is a Certified Charleston Classic

A must-visit classic Charleston restaurant founded on Lowcountry seafood, FIG takes locally sourced and farm-to-table to a whole new level, using local ingredients at their peak and preparing them minimally to capture the flavor of the season. This laid-back bistro’s simple approach is felt in the ambiance, with its unpretentious neighborhood café vibe.

Ultimately, there’s no perfect place to go for dinner in Charleston, and that is because there are so many outstanding options. If you’re looking for something formal, you can’t go wrong with HUSK, FIG and The Ordinary. The latter is located inside an old bank and specializes in seafood, especially oysters. I recommend going all out and getting the shellfish tower.

Try Hominy Grill for a More Casual Meal

If you’re looking for something a bit more casual, Hominy Grill, the Glass Onion and Minero are great options. Hominy Grill is an icon and a must-visit for anyone new to Charleston. The Glass Onion is more of a locals-only spot in West Ashley, and their menu features some New Orleans flair. Minero is a definite go-to if you’re craving Mexican cuisine.

Grab a Nightcap at Star Southern Chef Sean Brock's Husk

Located in historic downtown Charleston, this award-winning restaurant focuses on Lowcountry cuisine, with James Beard Award-winning chef Sean Brock's motto “If it doesn’t come from the South, it’s not coming through the door.” That’s not referring to Husk's diners, of course, who hail from all over the US.

Whether you get dessert or not at dinner, save room for some bourbon — you’re in the South after all. There is no shortage of places to sample the finest of whiskeys, but my favorite place is the Bar at HUSK. Located right next to the restaurant, this cozy carriage house serves up classic cocktails and light fare if you need a late-night snack (their burger is famous). Seating is first come first serve so be patient and snag a spot when one becomes available.

Since you’re downtown, take a short walk over to Waterfront Park where a giant pineapple water fountain will greet you. Snap a few photos, then continue walking down towards the water where the Ashley and Cooper Rivers meet, and on a clear night you can see the stars over the Ravenel Bridge.

The Restoration Hotel Is a Great Hotel for a Family Trip

If you're traveling with family or a crowd, The Restoration Hotel's ultra-spacious suites with kitchens, decks and living areas are multigenerational heaven. (The kitchen fridge features both gratis treats like cheese and crackers and bubbly water, and others treats, like ice cream, available for purchase.) A boutique hotel that nails the little details, some of The Restoration's adorably bespoke amenities include a jar of bedside cookies, a local art program that features a guest artist in public spaces, delivery of a breakfast picnic basket to your door each morning and an on-call golf cart that will have you zipping around the city like a local. A nightly complimentary wine and cheese hour makes your whole stay feel even more civilized. Adventurous types can borrow a hotel bike to see the sights. The Restoration is essentially two stays in one: an historic and a newer building connected via atrium, so you can choose your adventure though the seamless blend of architectural character and fresh, cool touches. The hotel is located within walking distance to almost everything that matters, so a car is by no means a necessity. The roof top bar and restaurant The Watch is a buzzy spot, but with downtown Charleston at your feet, it's hard to decide where to start. A trip to the historic downtown liquor store The Tavern at Rainbow Row (established 1686 and the oldest liquor store in the country) isn't a bad place to commemorate your visit with a very booze-savvy staff and a host of locally made bourbons, gins and whiskies for the perfect drinkable souvenir of this charming city.

Old-Meets-New-School Charm at Melfi's Italian Eatery

Like a classic New York Italian joint with a sassy, hipster edge, Melfi's comes courtesy of the team (Brooks Reitz and Tim Mink) that brought beloved local favorites Leon's Oyster Shop and Little Jack's Tavern to the city. The creative interior design (old school banquettes and white tablecloths with a post-industrial flourish) gives this spot an extra dose of locavore charm. The crowd runs the gamut from date-night to party-hearty post-college friends to well turned-out Boomers enjoying a quiet night with friends.

A Vast Italian Menu and Memorable Cocktails Make Melfi's a Cut Above

With seafood pasta and standards like Cacio e Pepe, a punchy Caesar with a little heat, stellar thin-crust pizza (house-made red sauce and well-sourced ingredients set these pies apart) and local spins on Italian fare like prosciutto and burrata with South Carolina peaches, Melfi's takes advantage of its prime Charleston location in the city's top-notch food scene to distinguish its menu. A sharp team of servers can speak with authority on everything from the craft cocktails (the Jungle by Night with black strap rum, Campari, pineapple, and enough spice to keep things interesting is indicative of the creative picks) to the array of Italian-inflected bellinis, spritzes and aperol sips.

Leon's Oyster Shop Is an Altogether Excellent Oyster Shack

Some seafood spots coast on their fried food, beer buckets and ocean views, but Charleston's food-savvy scene doesn't tolerate amateurs, even in casual dining spots like Leon's Oyster Shop whose chef has garnered a James Beard nod. Homey and jumping at all hours of the day with great service and a fun vibe, Leon's Oyster Shop has the added advantage of some truly memorable seafood. You can't miss with a lobster roll with tarragon on a buttery roll or char-grilled oysters topped with butter and parmesan, but there are lots of delectable options, including a celebrated fried chicken sandwich with Southern fave Duke's mayo if turf is more your style.

Wild Common Restaurant Is a Wild + Wonderful Food Detour

A memorable Charleston dinner spot tucked behind an event space called Cannon Green, Wild Common feels like a special little 30-seat secret, but one you'll want to share. The menu is not expansive, but what is on offer is across-the-board exceptional, from chef Orlando Pagan's tiny, succulent stuffed quail (like an entire Thanksgiving of flavor packed into one dish), or the unconventional but extraordinary pork belly and squid appetizer with mustard seeds that manages to play the field between clean and fresh and decadently rich. There is a chef's table option for diners who want to experience the full flavor of Pagan's culinary inspiration, and an outdoor patio that feels like its own oasis. Gaze out at the foliage or sip a cocktail before dinner. The servers know the menu backward and forward and can make great cocktail recommendations based upon your taste. Decor is airy, contemporary and California-inflected, to reflect Pagan's origins, with an enormous video projection overhead that contribute to a memorable dining experience.

Visit Isle of Palms for Some Downtime

A popular destination for many visitors and residents in Charleston is the Isle of Palms, which offers plenty of vacation rentals. Only about 25 minutes from downtown Charleston, it is a great spot for a quick walk on the beach — and you’ll be back just in time for dinner.

Find Local Goods at Charleston City Market

Situated along the “beaten path” — but still definitely worth a visit — is the Charleston City Market. Go shopping for handmade baskets, Southern spices and more.

Peek Into American History at Fort Sumter

While visiting Charleston, don’t miss seeing the location of the official start of the Civil War. Fort Sumter, built after the War of 1812, was the site of the opening Civil War battle on April 12, 1861. Located outside downtown Charleston on Sullivan’s Island, this national monument is run today by the National Park Service and open for visitors.

Old Exchange Building & Provost Dungeon

The Old Exchange Building & Provost Dungeon is a must-see when in Charleston. Take a tour and learn all about its rich history — as the site of 18th-century assemblies; as a prison during the American Revolution; a place where President George Washington greeted locals; and where the Declaration of Independence was publicly read.

Charleston Farmers Market

Located in Marion Square, Charleston’s Farmers Market is open every Saturday, from April 3 to Dec. 19, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market sells fresh produce and specialty items, including homemade candles, cloths and jewelry. Local vendors serve breakfast and lunch.

Experience Incredible Shopping on King Street

The place to be in Charleston is King Street, where much of the action occurs between Calhoun and Market streets. The area is home to a handful of cute boutiques, mainstream shops and mom-and-pop restaurants.

Explore Natural and Other Wonders at Colonial Lake

Explore historical Charleston in a mini coach to see sights such as Rainbow Row, the Joseph Manigault House and Colonial Lake (pictured). The tidal pond with walkways is a popular park area and hangout for locals.

Quaint Folly Beach Is Worth a Stop

Take a private charter from Charleston and sail to Morris Island and Folly Island. And don’t forget to make a stop to visit quaint Folly Beach to enjoy sun, sand, fishing and a leisurely stroll along the pier.

Take a Stroll Down Rainbow Row

Established in the 1700s, the area now known as “Rainbow Row” was the center of Charleston’s commerce district, with storefronts on the first floor and shop owners’ homes on the second. Today, it’s all residential, but such a beautiful place to see before you leave Charleston.