Photograph by: Mackenzie

Best Things to Do in Charleston

Featured Charleston Travel Tips
  • Walk the French Quarter District at sunrise to beat the crowds
  • Take a classic carriage ride through the city streets
  • Admire the architecture of beautifully restored 19th-century homes
  • Sip on a mint julep during Charleston's relaxed cocktail hour
  • Venture outside of the city to one of South Carolina's beautiful beaches
  • Capture memories on a Flytographer photoshoot

Since 2013, Flytographer has captured millions of vacation photos all around the globe and know our customers have the best travel tips to share! Explore their favourite things to do in Charleston, best restaurants in Charleston, and general travel tips to get fresh inspiration and start planning your trip to Charleston.

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Montoya's Travel Tips for Charleston

What are the best places to eat and drink in Charleston?

Our favorite restaurant in Charleston was Vicious Biscuit! It was actually recommended by our Flytographer Kelsey and we loved it. Great service and even better food!

What are the best things to do in Charleston?

Our favorite activity in Charleston was visiting the McLeod Plantation. Our tour guide was informative and knowledgeable. She really gave us insight into the history of the area. Also, if you like honey, visit the Savannah Bee Company shop on King St. They have tons of different honey (with free samples!), mead, and even skin care products. We loved this store so much we ended up going back twice!

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Charleston?

Be sure to stop by the visitors center in downtown Charleston! They have some pretty interesting exhbits there with plenty of space for everyone to spread out and explore. They can also help make arrangements for any tours you might be interested in. Bonus: it's right next door to the Charleston Children's Museum.

Visited Charleston in March

Photo Shoot Location: Historic Downtown

Kelsey in Charleston for Flytographer


Josh's Travel Tips for Charleston

What are the best places to eat and drink in Charleston?

Leon's Oyster Bar

What are the best things to do in Charleston?

Exploring new restaurants and bars. There is so many great spots both old and new that are worth experiencing

Visited Charleston in February

Photo Shoot Location: Hampton Park

Kate in Charleston for Flytographer


Anthony's Travel Tips for Charleston

What are the best places to eat and drink in Charleston?

N/A

What are the best things to do in Charleston?

Charleston City Market, Rainbow Row, King Street

Visited Charleston in February

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Kara in Charleston for Flytographer


Bridget's Travel Tips for Charleston

What is the best tip for a romantic getaway in Charleston?

The Charleston Place Hotel was phenomenal and the rooms were so romantic.

Visited Charleston in December

Photo Shoot Location: French Quarter District

Kate in Charleston for Flytographer


Megan's Travel Tips for Charleston

What are the best places to eat and drink in Charleston?

Circa 1886 - Beautiful, charming, history and one-of-a-kind dining experience. The staff paid attention to little details and went above and beyond. Food was delicious. Top notch dining experience unique to Charleston.

What are the best things to do in Charleston?

Loved that everything was an easy walk or car ride. Sights were beautiful, lots of landmarks and sights to see and delicious food. Safe and friendly!

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Charleston?

Lots of narrow/bumpy sidewalks that can be tough with a stroller but do-able!

Visited Charleston in October

Photo Shoot Location: Historic Downtown

Kara in Charleston for Flytographer


Chelsea's Travel Tips for Charleston

What are the best places to eat and drink in Charleston?

82 Queen - great ambiance and food!

What is the best tip for going on your babymoon to Charleston?

Stay at Charleston Place! Such a premium experience and centrally located so you can walk the city.

Visited Charleston in September

Photo Shoot Location: Historic Downtown

Emma in Charleston for Flytographer


Amelie's Travel Tips for Charleston

What are the best places to eat and drink in Charleston?

Rutledge Kitchen- our #1 spot always ! True chef’s kitchen, relaxed vibe, incredible food and amazing people.

What are the best things to do in Charleston?

Beach time at Kiawah

What is the best tip for celebrating your anniversary in Charleston?

Don’t schedule too much. A few dinner or lunch reservations & a Flytographer session, leave the rest up to spontaneity.

Visited Charleston in August

Photo Shoot Location: Historic Downtown

Michelle in Charleston for Flytographer


Rini's Travel Tips for Charleston

What are the best places to eat and drink in Charleston?

Charleston has the best seafood and fried green tomatoes. We always try to go back to our favorite such The Darling oyster bar, Magnolia, Virginia Restaurant, Swamp Fox and Husk.

What are the best things to do in Charleston?

We always took a walking tour while in Charleston! The city has so much history and we love learning from the local.

What is the best tip for a romantic getaway in Charleston?

Spend a night at the nicest hotel in town and have dinner or cocktails on the roof top bar.

Visited Charleston in July

Photo Shoot Location: Historic Downtown

Kelsey in Charleston for Flytographer


Jennifer's Travel Tips for Charleston

What are the best places to eat and drink in Charleston?

Coffee? Check out The Brown Fox in Mount Pleasant. It’s just over the bridge a few minutes from Shem Creek. They have an amazing selection of coffee and pastries.

What are the best things to do in Charleston?

Shem Creek, Pitt Street Bridge in Mount Pleasant outside of Charleston.

Hometown Shoot in July

Photo Shoot Location: Hampton Park

Michelle in Charleston for Flytographer


Karin's Travel Tips for Charleston

What are the best things to do in Charleston?

Hidden gems for kids- Whirling Waters Waterpark in North Charleston

Visited Charleston in June

Photo Shoot Location: Historic Downtown

Michelle in Charleston for Flytographer


Sherryl's Travel Tips for Charleston

What are the best places to eat and drink in Charleston?

We loved 82 Queen. The brunch in our opinion, is Charlestons best. All around the traditional southern cuisine is mouthwatering divine. It’s not over complicated, just super satisfying. The cocktail options are so yummy! Staff at 82 Queen goes above and beyond. They are extremely accommodating and professional. Macaroons and gelato from Le Macaron on Meeting Street are a must for macaron snobs like ourselves. I had the gelato nightly, they are conveniently opened until 11 pm. Ru Ru’s Tacos is a wonderful place for retro casual fun dining. Their menu is hysterical and the food is scrumptious. No matter where you eat, we always try the She Crab Soup. It’s a Charleston staple that we couldn’t get enough of.

What are the best things to do in Charleston?

I think it’s a must to do a tour or two. We’ve always thoroughly enjoyed Bull Dog Tours for walking ghost tours. Palmetto Carriage Works gave us a wonderful private coach tour, they also do ghost tours and history tours. Unitary Church Cemetery is whimsically beautiful to see. Shopping at the Marketplace and surrounding shops is always so much fun. There’s great places to eat, listen to music or grab a drink. We enjoyed antique shopping on King Street and a short Uber ride to Terrace Oak Antique Center as well. Exploring all the beautiful clothing stores and unique shops walking on King Street is so much fun.

What is the best tip for planning a bachelorette in Charleston?

My daughter, the bride to be, and myself her mom, did a mother/daughter trip as her bachelorette. This was such a special and memorable trip. We stayed at The Charleston Place hotel, which was phenomenal in itself. We had spa treatments, enjoyed the rooftop pool, the delicious restaurants and atmosphere at the lounge. Our photo shoot added to these special memories.

Visited Charleston in June

Photo Shoot Location: Historic Downtown

Kara in Charleston for Flytographer


Denise's Travel Tips for Charleston

What are the best places to eat and drink in Charleston?

We loved the laid back atmosphere of Taco Boy at Folly Beach!

Visited Charleston in May

Photo Shoot Location: French Quarter District

Kara in Charleston for Flytographer


kelsey's Travel Tips for Charleston

What are the best places to eat and drink in Charleston?

Fleet Landing (get the crab soup) and Carmella’s (get the cannoli cake)

Visited Charleston in May

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Kelsey in Charleston for Flytographer


Breeanna's Travel Tips for Charleston

What are the best places to eat and drink in Charleston?

167 raw! Ask for Elliott at the bar

What are the best things to do in Charleston?

Walking around the charming city streets

What is the best tip for a romantic getaway in Charleston?

Just enjoy each others company in the city :)

Visited Charleston in April

Photo Shoot Location: Historic Downtown

Kara in Charleston for Flytographer


Olivia's Travel Tips for Charleston

What are the best places to eat and drink in Charleston?

Carmella’s & Vendue rooftop

What are the best things to do in Charleston?

Sullivans Island

Visited Charleston in April

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Kara in Charleston for Flytographer


Hari's Travel Tips for Charleston

What are the best places to eat and drink in Charleston?

Zero George

What is the best tip for going on your babymoon to Charleston?

Don't plan activities

Visited Charleston in April

Photo Shoot Location: Waterfront Park

Kate in Charleston for Flytographer


Sarah's Travel Tips for Charleston

What are the best places to eat and drink in Charleston?

This is a really tough question because all of the food in Charleston is so delicious! We splurged with dinner at FIG for my husband's 40th birthday, and the meal with out of this world. We had the Nettle and English Pea Ravioli and it was one of the best things I have ever ate. It was like spring on a plate, it was perfect for an April trip.

What are the best things to do in Charleston?

We took a Ghost Tour one evening and it was super fun and spooky. I was nervous it might be a little too scary but it was just right and bonus we learned a lot about the history of the area and buildings. We also discovered a batuque that is just off King Street called the Tiny Tassel, everything in there was adorable! It was a great spot to get presents to take home for my mom and girlfriends.

What is your best travel tip for Charleston?

It is a very walkable city, bring good waking shoes and set out on an adventure.

Visited Charleston in April

Photo Shoot Location: Historic Downtown

Michelle in Charleston for Flytographer


LINDSAY's Travel Tips for Charleston

What are the best places to eat and drink in Charleston?

Fleet Landing - delicious seafood and setting!

What are the best things to do in Charleston?

Old Charles Towne

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Charleston?

Always, always stay in an AirBnB or similar to ensure you have plenty of bedrooms, a kitchen, and most importantly, a washer/dryer!

Visited Charleston in March

Photo Shoot Location: Historic Downtown

Michelle in Charleston for Flytographer


Gracie's Travel Tips for Charleston

What are the best places to eat and drink in Charleston?

Lewis Barbecue is a MUST visit!! I have never had brisket that tasted that good. All of the food was really delicious. It was worth the wait in line!

What are the best things to do in Charleston?

Fort Sumter is a must see, especially if you enjoy history. The City Market is also a fun, unique way to shop. We enjoyed walking around and seeing all the shops there and on King Street. The Angel Oak tree is worth the drive to James Island. It is an amazing wonder to see.

What is the best tip for celebrating your birthday in Charleston?

Make reservations ahead of time if you find any restaurants you really want to visit. It made eating out so easy and without the hassle of waiting. Reservations for activities made things much easier as well.

Visited Charleston in February

Photo Shoot Location: Historic Downtown

Kelsey in Charleston for Flytographer


Carol's Travel Tips for Charleston

What are the best places to eat and drink in Charleston?

Oak Steakhouse not only had great food, but a cozy ambiance suitable for a romantic evening- ask for Steve! He was our server and fabulous. A little bonus- he makes the sweet tea himself!

What are the best things to do in Charleston?

We took a two hour chauffeured private tour with Jeff through Charleston Tours and he was fantastic. Both his knowledge and delivery of information kept us interested the entire time! Added bonus- he picked us up and dropped us off at our hotel!

What is the best tip for celebrating your anniversary in Charleston?

We stayed at the French Quarter Inn and it was the perfect place for an anniversary celebration. The rooms were well appointed with extra amenities not found in most hotels. Cleaning service several times a day. A lovely Breakfast included, along with afternoon wine and cheese, evening milk and cookies and a turn down service. We selected a room with a terrace and it was enormous with beautiful views. It’s also located in the heart of Charleston and we could walk everywhere!

Visited Charleston in October

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Emma in Charleston for Flytographer


Christina's Travel Tips for Charleston

What are the best places to eat and drink in Charleston?

Church and Union had such a fun atmosphere and great food!

Visited Charleston in October

Photo Shoot Location: Historic Downtown

Emma in Charleston for Flytographer


Alexis's Travel Tips for Charleston

What are the best places to eat and drink in Charleston?

We always stop at Pearlz and Lewis BBQ.

What are the best things to do in Charleston?

We basically just ate and shopped our way through the town! Endless amounts of things to do.

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Charleston?

Renting a crib that was delivered to our house before we arrived really helped the sleeping situation. It was less to pack and full size. Toddler slept like a champ.

Visited Charleston in September

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Emma in Charleston for Flytographer


Jasmine's Travel Tips for Charleston

What are the best places to eat and drink in Charleston?

We LOVED darling oyster bar. If good food, good ambiance and good service is your thing..go there!

What are the best things to do in Charleston?

Boone Hall Plantation was wonderful!

Visited Charleston in September

Photo Shoot Location: Historic Downtown

Emma in Charleston for Flytographer


Kelly's Travel Tips for Charleston

What are the best places to eat and drink in Charleston?

We loved Hanks, Magnolia’s and Peninsula Grill. To be honest, everywhere we are was amazing but these were probably our faves!

What are the best things to do in Charleston?

Middleton Plantation with Pineapple Tours, Two Sisters walking tour, Fort Sumter ferry tour.

What is the best tip for celebrating your anniversary in Charleston?

Peninsula Grill- very romantic outdoor courtyard with beautiful gas lanterns- be sure to make a reservation!

Visited Charleston in September

Photo Shoot Location: Historic Downtown

Kelsey in Charleston for Flytographer


Heather's Travel Tips for Charleston

What are the best places to eat and drink in Charleston?

Acme Lowcountry Kitchen on Isle of Palms! Great service, great food! We are there for both brunch and dinner - every single thing we tried was delicious!!

What are the best things to do in Charleston?

We spent most of our time on the beach. One of our favorite beaches to date!

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Charleston?

We used Baby’s Away for all of our baby rental needs! Talk about game changer! From a double jogger, to pack n play, beach toys - you name it.

Visited Charleston in September

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Emma in Charleston for Flytographer


Olivia's Travel Tips for Charleston

What are the best places to eat and drink in Charleston?

Crab house, great food and great location!

What are the best things to do in Charleston?

Walking around the French quarter, downtown Charleston!

Visited Charleston in August

Photo Shoot Location: Historic Downtown

Michelle in Charleston for Flytographer


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