Charleston: Southern Charm, History & The Most Gorgeous Sunset Ever

Plantation beauty and hidden Charleston

Our first morning in Charleston, we went to Boone Hall Plantation, one of the oldest working plantations in America. The all-access admission ticket allows you to explore its breathtaking oak-lined drive, historic mansion, and moving exhibits that share the stories of the enslaved people who once lived there. This was such a valuable experience. I learned so much about the Gullah traditions

Ghosts, legends, and Charleston by night

That evening, we experienced the mysterious, moody, and haunted part of the city. The Ghosts of Charleston Night-Time Walking Tour (including entry into the Unitarian Church Graveyard) was both spine-tingling and fascinating.

Under lantern light, we wandered narrow cobblestone alleys and learned about the city’s restless spirits—stories that linger long after the tour ends. The tour starts at a small, locally owned bookstore that uses a book written by a local author to inspire the stories they tell participants. I loved this personal and unique touch.

The next day, we explored the city by daylight with the Hidden Alleyways and Historic Sites Small-Group Walking Tour. This guided experience reveals Charleston’s tucked-away courtyards, secret gardens, and centuries-old architecture—the kind of places you’d never find on your own.

In the evening, a visit to Fort Sumter is an essential Charleston experience. The Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry offers sweeping views of the harbor and a profound look into where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.

Participating in the flag lowering ceremony at sunset was a deeply memorable and reflective moment—a beautiful way to connect with the city’s historic spirit.

We ended our trip by experiencing Charleston by boat. The Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise was certainly a highlight. As the sun set over the city, the sky exploded in hues of gold, coral, and lavender—hands down, the most stunning sunset I’ve ever seen.

It was the perfect finale to a week that blended history, beauty, and Southern hospitality in all the best ways.

• Husk: If you want true Southern flavors done right, Husk is the place. Everything on the menu celebrates locally sourced ingredients, and every dish feels like a love letter to Charleston’s culinary history.

• 167 Raw Oyster Bar: For the oyster lovers in our group, this spot is all about oysters done any way you can imagine. For me, their other seafood classics were delicious. It makes you feel like you’re dining right on the harbor.

• Carmella’s Cafe and Dessert Bar: Sweet tooth heaven! Everywhere we went, the portions were so generous, we never got to dessert. So on our last night, we came here to eat dessert for dinner. Carmella’s nails dessert, with decadent pastries, rich coffee, and creative sweets that make it impossible not to linger.

• Hyman’s Seafood: A Charleston institution for a reason. Hyman’s serves up seafood classics with huge portions, a lively atmosphere, and a menu that will satisfy every seafood craving you didn’t even know you had.