Curator’s statement
I was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina and have seen it grow in popularity over the past decade, for good reason. Charleston is a beautiful place with a fantastic food scene, fun shopping, and tons of options for getting out to the beach or on the water. Our downtown historic district was the first in the country to be protected by local legislation, and the ongoing work of the Preservation Society and Historic Charleston Foundation is evident wherever you look.
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Things to do in Charleston
Walk the historic district
Get your steps in and admire beautiful houses while walking the historic district. My favorite loop is to go around Colonial Lake, down to the Battery and around the tip of the peninsula perimeter, and then wind through South of Broad (my favorite stretches are Church St., Legare St., and Tradd St.).
Shop downtown
Charleston boasts many wonderfully curated and locally owned shops and boutiques. My personal favorites are Wentworth by GBS, Croghan’s Jewel Box, Buxton Books, Nette, Hampden Clothing, and the Preservation Society Shop.
Spend a beach day on Folly Beach
Unlike many of the other beaches around town, Folly has a true laid-back surf-town feel. I recommend going early and grabbing breakfast at Bert’s Market on your way out, then heading east at least a few blocks from the pier to get away from the crowd. Before you leave, stop by Chico Feo to have lunch or dinner on the deck. Folly is also a great place to take surf lessons!
Walk Hampton Park
Designed by the same landscape architect as Central Park in New York, Hampton Park is a hidden gem in Charleston. Stop by Sightsee to grab a coffee before heading over to the park and enjoy your morning wandering the flower-lined paths.
Visit the International African American Museum
Opened in 2023 after 20 years of planning, the IAAM is incredibly impressive. Located at a former shipping wharf where more than 40% of enslaved people disembarked when arriving in the United States, it is a powerful showcase of African American history and culture.
Get out on the water
Take a sunset cruise or private boat ride from Shem Creek to check out Charleston from the water. If you are a shell or shark-tooth hunter, there are tours that specifically focus on heading out to uninhabited islands where there are tons of treasures to be found.
Explore the Gibbes Museum of Art
Small but mighty, the Gibbes is a beautiful museum with an impressive and interesting collection. The space is beautiful, and there is always something new to discover.
Places to eat & drink in Charleston
Melfi’s
My go-to for a date night or special occasion, Melfi’s has my favorite Italian food in town. Grab a glass of wine at Graft before walking over and order a spread of delicious pastas, pizzas, and sides to share.
Merci
Our favorite neighborhood restaurant, Merci only has 30 seats. Getting a reservation is no easy feat, but it is absolutely worth it. The menu is constantly changing, but you can always expect a delicious selection of shareable plates that highlight local and in-season produce, bright flavors, and beautiful presentation.
Vern’s
Another restaurant that requires being very “on it” to get a reservation, Vern’s is one of three restaurants in Charleston to have received a Michelin Star.
Xiao Bao Biscuit
Specializing in pan-Asian comfort food and shared plates, you’re always going to try something new at XBB. Everything is bold, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. Don’t skip the okonomiyaki!
Tutti
The best pizza in town! From the same owners as Graft wine bar, you can expect a lively and fun atmosphere, delicious pizzas, and an exceptional Caesar salad. I love to go for lunch on Saturdays or Sundays when they sell by the slice.
Lost Isle
A bit of a drive from downtown Charleston, Lost Isle is worth the trek. The restaurant is entirely outside, and all dishes are cooked over outdoor woodfire grills.
The Ordinary
For seafood lovers, The Ordinary has some of the best seafood in town. By the same owners as FIG, you can expect a delicious meal with exceptional service.
Need to know
While downtown Charleston is largely walkable, you will likely need a car if you’re wanting to visit sites or beaches off the peninsula.
The weather is warm year-round, with true beach weather typically lasting from April into early October.
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Elizabeth Gray
Elizabeth Gray
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