The long-awaited, highly requested, much anticipated Charleston Travel Guide!
Charleston is one of my favorite locations, if not my favorite, on earth. There’s a warmth in the air, the sunsets are breathtaking, and the stores, restaurants, cafes, and establishments in the city have experiences designed with such intentionality and artistry that the right cafe or bar has the power to transport you to a whole new world.
The way I travel is very far from the way I live my day to day life- I like to make little plans, have a loose schedule, and just wander into whatever cafe, restaurant, and cocktail bar that strikes me. This is how I found most of my favorites, and I’d recommend you take the same wandering approach.
That being said, dinner can fill up pretty quickly especially in busy season, so definitely find a place to make a dinner reservation on a weekend night. Other than that, enjoy yourself, slow your pace down, and find some spots to become fast favorites.
For the meantime, here are is a curated list of my personal favorite places + activities. Enjoy.
Xx
Meghan
Images are a mix of medium formal and 35mm film + iPhone pics.
Where to Eat
Magnolias
for an iconic option, so make a reservation in advance. It’s worth the hype.
Order the fried green tomatoes. If you only listen to one order suggestion, make it this one.
Ok Ku
for sushi on King Street
Order the Omakase or whatever you’d normally spring for with sushi.
Basic Kitchen
My favorite restaurant in Charleston. This place is the love of my life for nutritious, veggie filled, vegan-options-galore-if-you’re-into-that meals. Even the drinks make me feel like a beacon of health and wellness.
Order the sweet potato fries with the *best* cashew sauce (trust me), the salmon bowl (grilled salmon, Carolina Gold rice, marinated cabbage, carrot ginger salad, cucumber,seaweed, orange miso sauce).
Jade Hibachi
for the best takeout. This place is right near a lot of AirBnBs and is a go-to for me when I want a tasty, walkable takeout option.
Order the Spring Rolls
Charleston Grille
for indoor fine dining.
Felix
for a chic atmosphere with good food + drinks. Great for groups and also a romantic spot for a date.
I’ve always ordered different things here and you can’t go wrong! Their espresso martinis are the best I’ve had.
Frannie and the Fox
for Italian food. This is located in Hotel Emmeline and has the dearest patio + great for groups.
Honorable mentions: Queen 82 for brunch, Husk for steak, Miller’s All Day for brunch, Zero Restaurant and Bar for an upscale, Avante Garde tasting menu (more of an experience than a meal but worth mentioning if you’re a foodie), Poogan’s Porch, and Hanks Seafood for… seafood.
Where to Get Drinks
The Gin Joint
If you’re a gin lover. Enough said.
Order anything with gin.
5 Church Charleston
for an indoor, cozy bar. It’s situated in an old church and like most of the places on this list, have an exceptional atmosphere with good drinks. Thanks to my friend Sarah for showing this to me!
Order the Blooming Azaelea (Empress gin, honey lavendar, citrus, triple sec, St. Germaine, sparkling rosé)
Little Palm Bar
for a daytime rooftop drink with a bright and upbeat atmosphere.
Order the Paid Vacation (Cimarron Reposado Tequila, Chenin Blanc, Guava, Cinnamon, Lime, Chile Salt)
Vendue Rooftop
is a staple and usually my go-, especially for a drink around golden hour or sunset. Casual atmosphere, but great view.
Order the Sunset Spritz (Ketel One Botanical Grapefruit & Rose, Aperol, Lemon, Prosecco)
The Citrus Club
for a drink in an aesthetic, bright rooftop bar. They give priority to guests at the Dewberry, so there might be a wait- but it’s well worth it.
Order anything, you can’t go wrong.
John King’s Piano Dueling Bar
for a down-to-earth atmosphere. My favorite place to start a night out!
Carmella’s Dessert Bar
for an evening drink + dessert. This place will have a long line, but it’s worth the hype.
Order The Chocolate Martini and a cannoli.
The Mills House Hotel Patio
for a drink, anytime. This is centrally located and has a great atmosphere.
Order… The Menu is down as it seems they are currently closed for renvovations as of 8/25/22. But if they have the Blackberry Smash, get it- super refreshing.
Coffee Shops
Definitely recommend the “wander” strategy. Charleston is full of great coffee shops at each corner. Here are the places worth going out of your way.
Harken Cafe
for a cozy spot- I feel mildly transported to a fairy village when I’m here. I usually come here for hot tea, but they have all of your standard options!
Sugar Bakeshop
is on Spring Street and has amazing cupcakes + great coffee!
La Patisserie
you’ve probably seen photos of this but it would be illegal to leave it off the list for the best coffee spots purely because of the aesthetic. You’ll be transported to Paris.
Clerk’s Coffee
is my original favorite coffee shop here. My friend Haley showed it to me and I will forever adore it for it’s modern aesthetic and amazing caramel lattes.
Kudu Coffee
is right off King Street. It’s a great way to take a beat from the craziness of downtown, and they have craft coffee and beer. It’s a great place to read or work, but warning: no wifi. Thanks to Clay for showing this to me!
Where to Stay
Zero George
for an elevated, cozy, boutique option.
The Dewberry
for an iconic downtown location. They sell their signature scent in a candle and I’m tempted to a buy a lifetime supply.
The Saint Hotel
for a great location in the French Quarter, with ‘big hotel’ amenities but a boutique feel.
Hotel Emmeline
for a stylish boutique hotel. Bonus points because my favorite caramel iced latte comes from their coffee shop downstairs, Clerks Coffee.
The Monroe on Spring
if you’re traveling with a group for the most stylish, inspiring house. This is where we stayed for the MBP Charleston Workshops!
Notso Hostel
for an understated, affordable option in a great location.
There are also a myriad of great AirBnBs if you’re traveling with a group! I would recommend choosing a place within walking distance of King Street or the French Quarter.
What to Do
A Sunset Sail
with Sundog Sailing. Drew and I did this for my birthday one year, and it was still one of my favorite memories. I can’t recommend sailing with captain Jen and her crew enough- I recommend this to anyone.
Walk Around
This one is obvious, but I could (and have) spent hours upon hours wandering the streets of Dowtown Charleston. I love Chalmer’s Street, Tradd Street, the Battery, anywhere South of Broad is going to be charm-galore.
A sunset sail
with Sundog Sailing. Drew and I did this for my birthday one year, and it was still one of my favorite memories. I can’t recommend sailing with captain Jen and her crew enough- I recommend this to anyone.
Walk around.
This one is obvious, but I could (and have) spent hours upon hours wandering the streets of Dowtown Charleston. I love Chalmer’s Street, Tradd Street, the Battery, anywhere South of Broad is going to be charm-galore.
Ride the electric Lime Scooters
along the Battery
Hit the beach
Sullivan’s Island for a more lowkey, family-friendly experience, and Folly Beach for a more upbeat energy.
Shopping on King Street.
I especially love popping into Shop SXC, Something About Me, and Two Cumberland.
Kayak at Cryprus Gardens
Not exactly an “acitivty”, but I love the Pink Figgy- see if you spot her around!
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Enjoy the city. It won’t be hard.
