Travel Guide: Charleston, SC
Charleston is a place that has been on my “must visit” list for quite some time. When we got news that we had a wedding to attend in Myrtle Beach we just knew we had to extend the trip and go to Charleston! I’m SO glad we did. It was the perfect time of year because crowds were down since kids were back in school but it was still warm. It was just such an amazing time and I highly recommend it. We were there for 6 days but there is still so much we didn’t get to do. I told Dan if we ever buy a vacation home, we are getting one in Charleston! :)
I’m sharing some of the things we did and enjoyed below!
Stayed
We stayed in an airbnb in Charleston. Apparently it’s near where a lot of college kids rent houses so it was a little loud at night but nothing crazy. If you stay there in the summer I’m sure it’s fine since the college kids are most likely back at home. It was a charming space with an adorable wrap around porch and perfect for what we needed it for! There are a few bars, juice spots and cafés within walking distance.
Eat
5Church- this restaurant is amazing! We happened to walk by it with my family and were so intrigued that we had to peak inside..and then Dan and I had to go back for dinner the next night :) It’s a former church turned restaurant. A lot of the architecture remains and combined with the funky decor inside it’s a must-see! An artist hand painted the entire text of The Art of War on the ceiling! And the food was absolutely delicious! Recommend: 60 South Salmon cocktail: High Wire
Minero- this Mexican spot was recommended to us and we’re so glad it was! It’s a casual restaurant with a great vibe and delicious tacos! Our waiter was super friendly and gave us the inside scoop on things to do in Charleston :)
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina (Sullivan’s Island)- This was the perfect stop on the way back from the beach. The vibe was laid-back and beachy and the food was delicious! It seems like it probably gets more lively in the evening but it was perfect for lunch for a young family!
Slightly North Of Broad (SNOB)- We went here with my parents and sister when they visited Charleston for the day. The food may have been the best I had the whole trip (NICO may be tied). It was just absolutely delicious! It’s a little fancy inside but they didn’t mind us pushing a sleeping toddler up to the table in a stroller :) Recommend: the duck breast
NICO- French seafood restaurant in Mount Pleasant, a short drive from Charleston. The vibe is laid-back, high end coastal. Go early and sit out on the patio if possible! Recommend: Burgundy Sea Scallops and the 201 Gimlet.
BEECH- a perfect spot for a healthy and quick lunch. They have poke bowls, smoothies, Acai bowls, juices, salads and wraps. We stopped in here for a quick bite after shopping on Queen Street.
One Broad Street- we stopped in here while walking around downtown and rainbow row. I got a delicious chai tea latte and Dan got an iced coffee and pastry to go. They also have sit down breakfast, brunch and happy hour.
Bakehouse Charleston-this was the first place we stopped when we got to Charleston. It’s a great little café with unique options like a lavender green tea (so good!) along with craft beers and baked goods.
Bitty & Beau’s Coffee- this sweet coffee shop employs those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A wonderful place to support with great coffee (and Anchor loved his hot chocolate!).
La Patisserie- this place is absolutely incredible from its decor to its coffee. I have lots of photos of it below because I mean how could I not take pics?! A great place to sit with a coffee and pastry. I got an espresso, Anchor got a hot chocolate and we all shared an almond croissant. They also server artisanal sandwiches.
Carmella’s Cafe & Dessert Bar- I feel like this is a MUST visit place. Whether you want to sit with a dessert cocktail or pick up a decadent dessert to-go, this is one of my top recommendations. We went twice but seriously I would have been there every night. I highly recommend the Thin Mint Martini, Anchor highly recommends the funfetti cookie and Dan got the cannoli both times we went so I’m guessing that’s his reco :)
Play
Rainbow Row- this is a must-see! The beautiful row of Georgian houses are painted cheery, pastel colors. The history is interesting, so I def recumbent reading about it! I also would suggest walking all around those neighborhoods to see the amazing homes. There’s a park right around the corner and a cute playground too if you have young kids.
Sullivan’s Island- a quiet, laid-back beach community that’s a nice change of pace from the city. The beach is huge, serene and beautiful. Check out the town center for a bite to eat or to grab a coffee to go.
Children’s Museum of the Low Country- perfect for a rainy or too-hot day this little interactive children’s museum is great for toddler-about 6 years of age I would say.
Waterfront Park- a great walk along the water and the pineapple is something to see! Anchor loved splashing around in the fountain’s water :) A picturesque place perfect for a leisurely stroll or a break in the days activities.
Angel Oak-you have to see this tree to believe it! It’s 400+ years old and the branches are like artwork. It is surreal to walk under and around. Worth checking out for sure!
Shopping on King Street- we’re not really ones to shop on vacation but we did pick up a few small things. It was just nice strolling along King Street anyway and window shopping mostly!
The pineapple fountain in Waterfront Park
Rainbow Row
We met up with my cousin who took us to the best place in SC to search for shark teeth. Anchor found many!
One of the many beautiful homes we saw walking around Charleston.
Bakehouse
Carmella’s Café & Dessert Bar
5Church
Burgundy Sea Scallops at NICO
Angel Oak Tree
Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry
La Patisserie
Sullivan’s Island Beach
