Dan’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Great beach! Closest to the house! Lots of great dining options - Rita's and Jack of Cups. The County Parks and Rec operate a pier in the center of downtown - you can rent fishing poles or get a temp fishing license. There is also a restaurant/ bar on the pier that overlooks the ocean. In the summertime, they hold movies on the beach right near the pier. There are also public restrooms on the pier. There is some free street parking. We always park in the pay lot (usually $10 for all day, sometimes $5 in offseason) - right across from the pier and in the center.
581 locals recommend
Folly Beach
East Ashley AvenueGreat beach! Closest to the house! Lots of great dining options - Rita's and Jack of Cups. The County Parks and Rec operate a pier in the center of downtown - you can rent fishing poles or get a temp fishing license. There is also a restaurant/ bar on the pier that overlooks the ocean. In the summertime, they hold movies on the beach right near the pier. There are also public restrooms on the pier. There is some free street parking. We always park in the pay lot (usually $10 for all day, sometimes $5 in offseason) - right across from the pier and in the center.
The historic Battery, at the tip of the peninsula. Its the location on the harbor you always see the weather channel broadcast from during big storms. Wonderful photo spot, large oaks and great spot for a picnic. Great place to see old architecture. Free parking along the battery also. There are no public restrooms in the park though (just keep in mind)
154 locals recommend
White Point Garden
2 Murray BlvdThe historic Battery, at the tip of the peninsula. Its the location on the harbor you always see the weather channel broadcast from during big storms. Wonderful photo spot, large oaks and great spot for a picnic. Great place to see old architecture. Free parking along the battery also. There are no public restrooms in the park though (just keep in mind)
Local vendors and artisans. In the center of the historic district. The carriage tours take off from nearby.
364 locals recommend
Historic Charleston City Market
188 Meeting StLocal vendors and artisans. In the center of the historic district. The carriage tours take off from nearby.
Retired naval aircraft carrier turned into a museum. Really cool if you are into any kind of naval or military history.
452 locals recommend
Patriots Point
40 Patriots Point RdRetired naval aircraft carrier turned into a museum. Really cool if you are into any kind of naval or military history.
Civil War era fort. Tours start with boat ride out to fort, so fun way to ride a boat thru harbor and also see the fort. Educational and neat history tour.
501 locals recommend
Fort Sumter National Monument
Civil War era fort. Tours start with boat ride out to fort, so fun way to ride a boat thru harbor and also see the fort. Educational and neat history tour.
Original settlement of Charleston. Lots of history and great photo ops. Sits in West Ashley, opposite the Ashley River from the peninsula. They have a native animal zoo, small but neat for younger children. Also, have a replica merchant ship.
10 locals recommend
Charlestowne Landing
Original settlement of Charleston. Lots of history and great photo ops. Sits in West Ashley, opposite the Ashley River from the peninsula. They have a native animal zoo, small but neat for younger children. Also, have a replica merchant ship.
Food scene
Wonderful casual fried seafood with a great patio overlooking Charleston harbor. Bonus they also have a small parking lot in front of the restaurant.
149 locals recommend
Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar
186 Concord StWonderful casual fried seafood with a great patio overlooking Charleston harbor. Bonus they also have a small parking lot in front of the restaurant.
Great for bigger groups, happy hour, and impressive water views. Sits right on Ashley River and overlooks the south edge of the peninsula. Great outdoor patio and bar next to the marina. Plenty of parking.
36 locals recommend
California Dreaming
1 Ashley Point DrGreat for bigger groups, happy hour, and impressive water views. Sits right on Ashley River and overlooks the south edge of the peninsula. Great outdoor patio and bar next to the marina. Plenty of parking.
The Ordinary
544 King StFoodie Spot - wonderful selection of craft beers. Semi-fancy spot - - can go casual or get dressed up for a night out.
142 locals recommend
Edmund's Oast
1081 Morrison DrFoodie Spot - wonderful selection of craft beers. Semi-fancy spot - - can go casual or get dressed up for a night out.
Amazing food - locals place to go for a special night out! On the more expensive side but worth it for a celebration or treat.
177 locals recommend
FIG
232 Meeting StAmazing food - locals place to go for a special night out! On the more expensive side but worth it for a celebration or treat.
Wonderful food and service. Reservations needed most nights. Large community table if you have a group.
184 locals recommend
Wild Olive Restaurant
2867 Maybank HwyWonderful food and service. Reservations needed most nights. Large community table if you have a group.
Fun place with great food. Young vibe, locals go-to for watching football and hanging out on weekends. Food is just as great as the atmosphere. Casual spot.
265 locals recommend
Home Team BBQ
2209 Middle StFun place with great food. Young vibe, locals go-to for watching football and hanging out on weekends. Food is just as great as the atmosphere. Casual spot.
Brewery
Fun Rooftop brewery - some of the best local craft beers. Located in the northside of downtown, drink here and several restaurants within walking distance to eat at. Live music on weekends sometimes.
150 locals recommend
Revelry Brewing
10 Conroy StFun Rooftop brewery - some of the best local craft beers. Located in the northside of downtown, drink here and several restaurants within walking distance to eat at. Live music on weekends sometimes.
Great brewery with a awesome marsh-side spot in North Charleston. Indoor brewery plus huge outside area with outdoor bar top, lots of green space for kids to run around, and they host local maker markets quite often. Beer options among the best amongst local breweries.
113 locals recommend
Holy City Brewing
1021 Aragon AveGreat brewery with a awesome marsh-side spot in North Charleston. Indoor brewery plus huge outside area with outdoor bar top, lots of green space for kids to run around, and they host local maker markets quite often. Beer options among the best amongst local breweries.