Photograph by: Kate

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

Caleena's Travel Tips for Charleston

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

Delaney Oyster House is one of our favorites!

What are the best things to do in Charleston?

We love the Charleston City Market and shopping on King Street. But one of our favorites places is the short drive to Kiawah.

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

Our kids love the beach, so we focus on having time by the ocean. Bring strollers as there is a lot of walking in Charleston. You can also dine at great restaurants with kids if you go early!

Visited Charleston in June

Photo Shoot Location: Historic Downtown

Kara in Charleston for Flytographer

Savannah's Travel Tips for Charleston

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

There has been so many good ones, it’s hard to pick just one! We really liked the food and atmosphere at Fleet Landing. We also got to enjoy watching some dolphins while eating!

What are the best things to do in Charleston?

Loved the Charleston Farmers Market in Marion Square!

What is your best travel tip for Charleston?

Make a list of all things you want to see/try/do, so that you can try and accomplish all of it. There is just so many things to do while here!

Visited Charleston in June

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Kortney in Charleston for Flytographer

Lillie's Travel Tips for Charleston

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

Home team BBQ they had amazing food! Their tots were delicious!

What are the best things to do in Charleston?

The aquarium, carriage ride tour, and horseback riding, and our favorite thing was taking a sunset cruise with Charleston sailing charters.

Visited Charleston in June

Photo Shoot Location: Hampton Park

Kelsey in Charleston for Flytographer

Kortlin's Travel Tips for Charleston

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

Hall’s Chop House

What are the best things to do in Charleston?

Sunset cruise

What is your best travel tip for Charleston?

Pedi Cab’s on King!

Visited Charleston in May

Photo Shoot Location: Hampton Park

Kate in Charleston for Flytographer

Beth's Travel Tips for Charleston

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

Fleet Landing for seafood! They have the downtown Charleston vibe with a water view. The staff is as amazing as the food. Rodney Scott’s for BBQ. Hands down, the best pulled pork I’ve ever had!

What are the best things to do in Charleston?

Drayton Hall, Fort Sumter, Firefly distillery

Visited Charleston in May

Photo Shoot Location: Waterfront Park

Kate in Charleston for Flytographer

Lisa's Travel Tips for Charleston

What are the best things to do in Charleston?

We did a food tour and it was a fun way to taste local cuisine

Visited Charleston in May

Photo Shoot Location: Waterfront Park

Kate in Charleston for Flytographer

Maggie's Travel Tips for Charleston

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

We kept it casual this trip as we were traveling for our daughter’s 2nd birthday! D’Allesandro’s Pizza was the perfect stop following our flytographer photo session for our little pizza lover. East Bay Deli was a great stop for lunch following the aquarium.

What are the best things to do in Charleston?

We absolutely loved strolling through downtown with so many flowers in bloom.

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

We took our daughter for her 2nd birthday. She loved the aquarium, strolling around downtown admiring all the horses, and wandering the plantations and playgrounds in the area!

Visited Charleston in April

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

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