Low Country, High Standards: A Guide to Charleston

Wander the residential streets and the Battery: Charleston is a very walkable city, and the best days are the ones without an agenda. Meander through the residential streets of the South of Broad neighborhood, make your way down East Bay Street past the iconic pastel facades of Rainbow Row, and continue on to the Battery, where views of the harbor meet grand mansions. White Point Garden, at the tip of the peninsula, is a beautiful place to pause under the sprawling live oaks.

Charleston City Market: A Charleston institution, the Historic City Market is one of the oldest public markets in the country and a wonderful place to browse local artisan goods, handwoven sweetgrass baskets, and one-of-a-kind finds.

Fort Sumter National Monument: A short ferry ride from the downtown waterfront takes you to Fort Sumter, the site where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired in April 1861. The experience is equal parts history lesson and stunning harbor scenery—highly recommended, even if you’re not a history buff.

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum: Just across the Ravenel Bridge in Mount Pleasant, Patriots Point is home to the USS Yorktown, a decommissioned aircraft carrier turned interactive museum. It’s a fascinating experience and a surprisingly moving one, particularly for families or anyone with an interest in American military history.

A spa day: Downtown Hotel Bennett’s spa is beautifully appointed and a perennial favorite. The Dewberry offers a sophisticated retreat, and Charleston Place has long been a go-to for a classic, luxurious experience. Book in advance—these fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

Golf (from municipal to world-class): The greater Charleston area is a golfer’s destination in its own right. The City of Charleston’s municipal course offers a scenic and accessible round. Wild Dunes Resort on Isle of Palms has two well-regarded courses, and Patriots Point Golf Links boasts arguably the most dramatic backdrop in the region with views of the harbor and the Yorktown. For the pinnacle, Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course—host of multiple PGA Championships—is widely considered one of the best courses in the world. Book tee times well in advance if Kiawah is on the itinerary.

Explore Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms: A 20–30 minute drive from downtown opens up a quieter, more laid-back side of the Lowcountry. Sullivan’s Island has a charming small-town feel, beautiful beach access, and a handful of exceptional restaurants. Isle of Palms is slightly more lively, with Wild Dunes Resort serving as a full-service destination. Both make for an excellent escape from the city.

Stroll King Street: King Street is Charleston’s premier shopping corridor. The lower end skews antiques and home décor; the middle stretch is a mix of independent boutiques and national brands; upper King tilts more local, eclectic, and design-forward. Plan a few hours, pop into what catches your eye, and don’t skip a coffee stop along the way.

Chez Nous (French): Chez Nous operates on a daily-changing menu of French and Southern European-influenced dishes. There are typically only two options per course, and they are always exceptional. Go without expectations and leave thoroughly converted.

Melfi's (Italian): Melfi's is a lively Italian-American spot that feels very old New York, and one non-negotiable order: the Stretch Armstrong pizza. It’s become something of a Charleston icon in its own right. Also, they claim to have the coldest martini in the city and can personally attest to it being exceptional. Also, one of the spots I love to post up at the bar instead of a table for a different experience, if solo or dining with a partner.

Chubby Fish (seafood): An intimate, chef-driven seafood restaurant that consistently ranks among Charleston’s best. The menu is hyper-seasonal and locally sourced. Get there early and plan for a wait.

FIG (farm-to-table): FIG (Food Is Good) has been a pillar of Charleston’s culinary scene for years, and remains one of its most consistently excellent restaurants. The menu leans into local farmers and seasonal ingredients, and the execution is refined without being fussy. A go-to for a meaningful dinner or special occasion. Another one that reservations in advance are highly encouraged.

Zero George (cocktail bar and farm-to-table dining): Zero George’s bar program alone is worth the visit—their cocktail classes have developed a devoted following, and the intimate bar setting is one of the most charming in the city. The restaurant offers a refined, seasonal menu served in a beautifully restored carriage house that feels like a proper Charleston secret. If you’re staying at the property, dining here for at least one evening is essentially mandatory. If you’re not, it’s still worth a reservation.

Marbled & Fin (steakhouse): Marbled & Fin delivers an exceptional steakhouse experience in a setting that feels elevated without taking itself too seriously. If you’re also a steakhouse devotee, Peninsula Grill is another strong contender, and their legendary coconut cake is genuinely not to be missed.

Shiki (sushi): Charleston’s best sushi, full stop. Shiki is a small, reservation-required spot that takes its craft seriously. Book ahead.

167 Raw / The Ordinary (seafood): Two outstanding options for raw bar and fresh seafood. 167 Raw is the more casual of the two—a tiny oyster bar with a devoted following and a killer lobster roll. The Ordinary is its more formal sibling, set in a stunning former bank building, and ideal for a longer, more celebratory seafood meal.

Camellia's (afternoon tea): For a refined mid-afternoon pause, Camellia’s afternoon tea service is a lovely Charleston ritual. Elegant, unhurried, and the kind of experience worth building your afternoon around.

Taco Boy (Mexican): When you want something festive and low-key, Taco Boy is my go-to. The outdoor patio is exactly the right setting for a round of margaritas and plenty of tacos. A great option for a laid-back lunch or early evening.

Goat Sheep Cow (gourmet sandwiches and cheese) Part cheese shop, part café, Goat Sheep Cow is a perfect midday stop for an elevated sandwich and a browse through an impressive selection of artisan cheeses and specialty goods.

Coffee stops worth knowing:

Kudu Coffee (a Charleston go-to with great outdoor space), Harken Café (beautiful inside the Historic District), Harbinger Café (relaxed, neighborhood feel), Babas on Cannon, and Second State Coffee are all strong options depending on where you’re staying.

Baked goods and sweet treats: Welton’s Tiny Bakeshop for exceptional pastries, and Sugar for cupcakes and desserts. Plus, if you don’t have Peninsula Grill on your list, you can still try the infamous coconut cake at their bakery/cafe that serves coffee, treats, and slices of coconut cake. Also, if on the hunt for a sweet treat after dinner, I highly recommend going to Tempest (another favorite seafood restaurant), sitting at the bar, and ordering an espresso martini and their Some More dessert… Bailey’s chocolate ganache, cookie butter mousse, toasted marshmallow, and graham cracker. Thank me later.

Outside Downtown: Sullivan’s Island & Mount Pleasant Post House Inn in Mount Pleasant is a wonderful modern American spot. On Sullivan’s Island, The Obstinate Daughter is my top three favorites for brunch or dinner.

If you’re headed to Kiawah or Dunlin, Wild Olive on Johns Island is a beloved neighborhood Italian restaurant that earns the detour—rustic, ingredient-driven, and consistently excellent.