A Local’s Guide to Charleston: Hotels, Cafes, Restaurants, and Activities

Downtown Charleston is our home. After realizing what we desired most was community and long stretches of sand, we packed up our lives once again and moved down from New York City knowing very little about the town and unaware of just how much we were going to love it. We've been here ever since. Charleston captured our hearts—the small town charm, historic architecture, renowned dining scene, and stunning low-country landscapes is something everyone should experience at least once. In 2023, the city was named the best small city in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler and the No. 1 City in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure Readers.

For our full Charleston Guide PDF (all the spots & experiences) click here.

Stay

The Palmetto Hotel

The new kid on the block! The Palmetto is perfectly situated in Charleston’s Historic District and charming French Quarter—close by to the Market, King St, and Joe Riley Waterfront. Having only recently opened in 2023, the interiors are beautifully decorated with comfort in mind. We had the chance to tour the hotel, and loved the double glazed windows (a rarity in Charleston), plush robes & slippers, daily continental breakfast, and Bamford toiletries. The rotary retro phone is also a lovely touch.

The Pinch

The Charleston Place

The Loutrel

Mills House

Post House Inn

Brunch

Basic Kitchen

We love everything Basic Projects does, especially Basic Kitchen—their non-fussy, health-conscious spot that focuses on seasonal & local produce. They incorporate whole grains, healthy oils, wild-caught seafood and sustainably raised meat to create nourishing and delicious food. Designed and run by husband and wife team, Ben and Kate Towill who moved to Charleston from New York City in 2013. We love the avocado toast, green salad with salmon on top, and sweet potato fries with vegan ranch & chives. A breath of fresh air amongst all the yummy (but heavy) southern fare.

Church and Union

Millers All Day

Island Provisions

Lunch & Dinner

167 Raw Oyster Bar

Tough to get into, but so worth the effort. 167 Raw is a New England style Oyster Bar on King St. Their menu features the freshest of seafoods from all over the East Coast; from New Brunswick, Canada to the local waters in Charleston and beyond. They operate on a first come first serve basis (no reservations), so put your name down and go for a stroll along King St or just around the corner to their bar whilst you wait. Their lobster roll is a highlight, and the tacos are also excellent.

Sorelle

Lowland

Chubby Fish

The Obstinate Daughter

Coffee (...and a few too many cakes)

Harken Cafe & Bakery

For coffee, matcha (with a touch of honey), and vegan/ gluten free baked goods, Harken is our go to. They have a really great outdoor porch to bathe in the sunshine. We love the ‘Pump It Up’ pumpkin slice with pecan and date, and the ‘Going Green’ matcha shortbread with vanilla buttercream and house-made sprinkles. Expect to wait in line on the weekends, it’s popular for a reason.

Sorelle Mercado

Babas on Canyon

Second State

See

Mrs. Whaley’s Garden

An enchanting private garden at 58 Church St that opens to the public on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for a donation of $10 through a front door mail slot (to help with garden upkeep). It’s a calm oasis, that Mrs. Emily Whaley (1911-1998) commissioned Landscape Architect Loutrel W. Briggs (1893-1977) to design behind their 1754 Charleston Single House.

Old Slave Mart Museum

Pitt Street Bridge

Gibbes Museum of Art

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

Cypress Gardens

Guides & Tours

Two Sisters Tours

Run by two sisters, Mary Helen and Therese, whose family has been in Charleston for several generations. They know the city better than almost anyone! Retiring from their careers as lawyers, they followed their mother’s footsteps as tour guides. Working solo (not in tandem), they’ll show you the best of Charleston and learn a lot about the history, architecture and charm on a two hour walking tour. From grand houses to former slave quarters, it’s an experience not to miss.

Coastal Expeditions

Bulldog Tours

Heyward-Washington House

Nathaniel Russell House

Nature

Sullivan’s Island

Sullivan’s Island Beach is very popular amongst locals due to it’s beautiful, uncrowded nature. The perfect place to unwind and relax. It stretches wide, and the waters are mostly calm. Beyond the beach, there are fantastic restaurants  like The Obstinate Daughter, and quaint boutiques like Bennie + Coco. Stop by Shem Creek on your way home for gorgeous waterfront views of the Charleston harbor and surrounding marshes.

Folly Beach

Isle of Palms Kiawah Island

Edisto Beach