Charleston, South Carolina is one of my favorite visited cities filled with beautiful scenery and architecture, delicious food, and good energy. If you’ve been thinking about visiting, take this as your sign to go because it is the best! A long weekend (3 days) is the perfect amount of time to be able to enjoy yourself, see a lot, and eat a lot! Below I have compiled a Charleston Guide with my favorites listed- feel free to save the guide photos or check them out on my instagram highlights too!
Sightseeing Guide
King Street – Starting out strong with a must see and can’t miss! Noted as one of the top 10 shopping streets in the country! Central location, very walkable and full of chic boutiques, antique shops, restaurants and more!
Sullivans Island Beach – Pristine beach ideal for morning walks! Surrounded by several highly recommended restaurants!
Cypress Gardens – Where the Notebook was filmed!!! Beautiful swamp garden located about 30 minutes outside of downtown! Visitors can rent a swamp boat and paddle along and observe the wildlife (including ALLIGATORS!!!)
Rainbow Row – Series of historical homes first constructed around 1740! Colorful site to see, right along the water & makes a great place for a photo op!
The Battery – Historical landmark that is one of Charleston’s most visited spots! Offers excellent, panoramic views of the harbor & historic homes surrounding it! Definitely recommend taking a walk along here.
Middleton Place – Preserved 18th century plantation & home to the oldest landscaped gardens in America. This historical landmark tells the story of the Middleton family and generations of enslaved people that lived and worked there.
Historic Charleston Harbor Tour – Historical boat tour along the Charleston Harbor – highly recommend booking this during sunset!
Buxton Bookstore Ghost Tour – Walking ghost tour highlighting hauntings and supernatural events within the heart of the city. Definitely check this out!
Sunset at pineapple fountain – Beautiful location to watch the sunset over the water/ Ravenel bridge. Can walk out and swing on the big bench swings on the promenade.
Shopping
II Brunettes – Adorable boutique with very fashion forward clothing. Have everything from dresses to jean shorts and accessories!
Hampden Boutique– Amazing boutique that carries over 100+ designers – including apparel, shoes, swim and accessories!
Candlefish for candle making – Experience the entire candle making process with candlefish. Such a fun activity to do with friends and family!
Food and Drinks
Harken Cafe – 10/10 recommended & noted as best coffee shop! The food is almost too pretty to eat! We tried the Green Thing, Butter Me Up & Bonjour Charleston!
Babas on Cannon – Beautiful & quaint European-style cafe, offering light bites, coffee & cocktails! The Avocado Toast was a favorite!
The Rise – Great recommendation for coffee downtown! Ice Vanilla Oat Milk Latte was 10/10!
Sightsee – Adorable little coffee shop in a house with a surfer aesthetic. They also have an entire back room with great little gifts like candles, records, skincare, apparel and more!
Harbinger – Sister cafe to Harken and equally as amazing! The best selection of coffee and pastries as well as delicious breakfast and lunch options.
Huriyali – Another incredible cafe/ food spot! Has a beachy/ tropical vibe and serve everything from coffees + smoothies to salads + sandwiches! Recommend the avocado toast 🙂
Chico Feo – Located on Folly Island. Super casual, surfer beach bar that serves a small selection of tacos, taco bowls, ramen and banh mi sandwiches. Can eat there or take it to go (for the beach!)
Southbound – Restored home made restaurant on Cannon Street! Their menu is constantly changing based off of what ingredients are in season! The food and service was amazing.
The Longboard – Located on Sullivans Island, serves innovative coastal cuisine inspired by the Caribbean. A wide variety of seafood including oysters, poke bowls and much more! Amazing environment with a great bar space and regular seating.
Tavern and Table– Located in Mount Pleasant on Shem Creek! A laid-back, casual atmosphere where you can drink and eat inside or outside on the water and watch the boats (and dolphin!) go by!
Poogan’s Porch – Home built in 1891 that was converted into a southern restaurant! Highly recommend the Bloody Marys for brunch!
Millers All Day – Such a cute brunch spot! The Watermelon Salad was incredible and so refreshing. Need to recreate the recipe at home!
Basic Kitchen – 11/10! Could not get over how great the dishes were here! Simple, local, seasonal & fresh. A must visit for anyone in the area! Caesar Salad was so good!
The Obstinate Daughter – Another 11/10! Highly recommended dinner spot on Sullivans Island known for their gnocchi! Definitely suggest making a reservation!
The Citrus Club – Highest rooftop in Charleston and known for its views that do not disappoint! Cocktail lounge available first come, first serve.
