If you like charming cities as much as I do, then you will absolutely love Charleston! My first visit to Charleston was in 2018, and I was dying to return because there is so much to see, do and eat. So as we made our way north, from Miami to New York City, we decided to spend a week in South Carolina. In today’s post I am sharing a round-up of the photos I took during my latest visit to the city.
Charleston was founded in 1670 and is defined by pastel antebellum houses, cobblestone streets, historic sites, horse drawn carriages and its beautiful harbor. This port city is one of the oldest and most well-preserved cities in the United States with beautiful Colonial architecture.
Here is a list of my Top Favorite Spots in Charleston, and a complete One Day in Charleston Itinerary (in case you are wondering what to do with your first 24 hours in the city!).
Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park is an eight-acre park overlooking the Charleston Harbour and the Cooper River.
Be sure to stop at the enchanting Pineapple Fountain, not only is it the iconic focal point of the park, it is also one of Charleston’s most Instagrammable landmarks!
Did you know that pineapple motifs represent hospitality?
Rainbow Row
You can’t leave Charleston without checking out Rainbow Row!
Rainbow Row refers to the captivating row of thirteen pastel-colored homes located on East Bay Street, just along the waterfront. These historic homes were first constructed around 1740 and were used by merchants who run their business on the ground floor and lived on the top floor.
After the Civil War, Dorothy Porcher Legge and her husband purchased a section of the houses and started the process of renovating them. These homes will brighten your day!
The Battery
After checking out the homes on Rainbow Row, make your way to The Battery, a fortified seawall at the southernmost tip of the Charleston peninsula. We enjoyed this beautiful promenade that is well known for its antebellum homes!
Charleston City Market
Spend a couple of hours exploring the Charleston City Market, pick up a regional souvenir and soak up the local culture. Spanning four blocks, the historic market was established in the 1790s and is one of the oldest public markets in the country. The most popular arts and crafts available at this market includes sweetgrass baskets, a true Charleston treasure.
An interactive map of how to spend one day in Charleston SC
Charleston – Where to Eat
If you would like to try traditional Southern cuisine, then you will enjoy this restaurant located inside a beautiful Victorian townhouse tucked away on charming Queen Street. When visiting Charleston, biscuits are a must! Their homemade biscuits are fantastic, and one early morning I walked over to pick up half a dozen for my husband and I! To read the story of how the restaurant go its name, click here!
Address: 72 Queen St, Charleston, SC 29401
The Restoration’s The Watch Rooftop is a farm-to-table restaurant that is totally worth checking out! One of my husband’s college roommates recently moved to Charleston, and brought us here for cocktails on the rooftop and a panoramic view of Charleston from above!
Address: 75 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC 29401
Wood-fired pizzas, hand-crafted pastas, and great wine, need I say more?! My husband’s cousin has been living in Charleston for many years, so we met up with her and her boyfriend here for dinner. Delicious food & fun times!
Address: 526 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
We stopped at this lovely eatery on the way to the Pineapple Fountain! This popular cafe has smoothies, sandwiches and desserts, and it is located just three minutes away from the Waterfront Park area.
Address: 198 E Bay St #100, Charleston, SC 29401
Charleston – Where to Stay
We enjoyed our stay at the Indigo Inn for these reasons: (1) excellent location, (2) pet friendly, (3) adorable rooms, (4) friendly staff, (5) very clean, (6) wine & cheese daily at 5PM! We were traveling with our two dogs, so staying at a hotel that welcomed them was a must! I feel that we got lucky with this one… we booked it one hour before we arrived to the city!
To see the rooms at Indigo Inn, click here.
Address: 1 Maiden Lane, Historic District, Charleston, SC 29401
This historic hotel is also located in the heart of Charleston! Live jazz music along with cocktails is available at the hotel’s Swamp Fox Bar. A full-service spa and Starbucks Coffee shop are on site as well. We could not stay here because the hotel only allows one dog per room, and small breeds only. I think this hotel would be perfect for a romantic getaway!
To see the rooms at the Francis Marion Hotel, click here.
Address: 387 King Street, Historic District, Charleston, SC 29403
This top notch hotel offers a relaxing and cozy environment in the heart of Charleston’s historic district. If you are looking for refined elegance during your visit to the city, this luxury boutique hotel is a must! The hotel offers complimentary cruising bikes, and a Tesla car charging station. Be sure to check out the rooftop!
To see the rooms at The Loutrel, click here.
Address: 61 State Street, Charleston, SC 29401
We didn’t learn about this hotel until after we left, but I’d love to stay here in the future! This 5 start hotel features a gorgeous lobby, indoor and outdoor saltwater pools, a fitness center and a rooftop terrace! The hotel welcomes two pets of any size, for an additional fee.
To see the rooms at The Charleston Place, click here.
Address: 205 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC, 29401
See all Charleston area hotels and reviews here.
Best time to visit Charleston
The best time to visit Charleston, South Carolina is during spring (March – May) or fall (September – November).
Keep in mind that September is hurricane season, so be sure to check the weather reports.
Where to go in Charleston in one day: A complete 1-day itinerary
- Start your day with an early breakfast at Poogan’s Porch
- Explore the Historic Charleston City Market
- Take a coffee break at Carmella’s Cafe
- Walk to the Pineapple Fountain & enjoy a walk along the river
- Make your way to the colorful homes on Rainbow Row
- Continue to The Battery & stroll by the water
- Watch the sunset at The Watch Rooftop while enjoying a cocktail
- Finish your day with dinner at Indaco on King Street
Are you ready to visit Charleston? I hope this 1 day Charleston itinerary is helpful in planning your next trip to the Holy City.
Thank you for reading!
Lots of love, Xx
WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR CHARLESTON SOUTH CAROLINA TRIP
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