Ellie’s Go To Guide to Charleston

Planning a trip to Charleston, SC and feeling unsure where to begin? The city is packed with amazing sights, delicious food, and great shopping.  It can be a bit overwhelming with the plethora of choices out there, but don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. This guide shares my favorite spots on and off the peninsula to help you make the most of your time in this charming city!

10.25.24

STAY

Wondering where to stay in Charleston? The options are endless, but these are my top picks… If you want to stay in the heart of downtown, look into The Dewberry and Hotel Bennett. Both are located right near Marion Square and close walking distance to anywhere you could be wanting to go. If you are wanting a more quaint feel, look into Two Meeting Street Inn, John Rutledge House Inn, and Wentworth Mansion. These are beautiful inns that really represent the historic Charleston atmosphere. If you are ok with staying in Mount Pleasant which is just driving distance away from downtown, consider Post House Inn. This fabulous hotel is located in the Old Village and houses a wonderful restaurant and nearby shops.

EAT

Coffee & Pastries: The Daily, La Patisserie, Welton’s Tiny Bakeshop, Saffron’s Bakery, Sightsee

Breakfast / Brunch: Felix, Husk, Post House Inn, Magnolias, High Cotton, Melfis, Leon’s Oyster Bar, The Palmetto Cafe, Millers All Day

Lunch / Dinner: Sorelle, Le Farfalle, Post House Inn, 167 Raw, Bar 167, Chubby Fish, Southbound, Obstinate Daughter, Melfis, Brasserie La Banque, Marbled and Fin

Drinks: Little Palm at The Ryder Hotel, The Gin Joint, Cocktail Club, The Belmont, Bar 167, Citrus Club, Scotty Doesn’t Know

SHOP

Hampden, Gwynns, Hill House, Alice and Olivia, Beau and Ro, Julia Amory, BURU, Ensemble, Madison Matthews, Lake, Beckett Boutique, Shoes on King, Krewe, Peyton Williams, Loeffler Randall, Juliska, Oliphant, Veronica Beard, Hart Jewelry, The Preservation Society of Charleston, Charleston City Market, Grace Frederick Design, Mount Pleasant Mall

SEE

Walk Around: The Battery, Colonial Lake, King Street, Hampton Park

Visit: Rainbow Row, Farmers Market in Marion Square, The Charleston City Market, Second Sunday on King Street

Historic Home Tours: Nathaniel Russell House, Edmondston Alston House, Aiken Rhett House

Activities:

Take a carriage tour through downtown Charleston

Make a custom charm bracelet or necklace at Hart Jewelry

Treat yourself to The Woodhouse Day Spa

Day trip to Sullivans

Candle making  at Candlefish

Visit a local art gallery

Sunset cruise in the Harbor

Day trip out to Linette’s at Dunlin Auberge & visit the 2024 Southern Living House

WEAR