Charleston, South Carolina, is one of the most beloved and highly visited U.S. cities for many spectacular reasons, from its charming cobblestone streets filled with history and southern soul to its out-of-this-world delicious classic comfort food with flavors found only in the South. That is why we have put our noses to the books and hit the ground running with Charleston research, taking into factor both local’s opinions and top travel information sources, comprising a list of what we believe to be the top 10 reasons you should be visiting Charleston soon!
- Husk - One of the absolute best parts of Charleston is the unbelievably delicious Southern soul food. Husk is a great example of this fact, an eatery providing the perfect combination of complex foodie flavors and a familiar, comforting southern setting. Try the crispy fried chicken skins with Carolina gold rice, or perhaps the cornmeal-dusted catfish with crispy kale and squash!
- Sole Walking Tour - Sightseeing in Charleston is something special, and with this 2.5 hour Sole Walking tour you can see about 99% of the city’s major attractions! Walk comfortably in the sweet Charleston breeze as your knowledgeable guide narrates the streets full of history and you take advantage of the charming chance for southern photography.
- Isle of Palms - A mere 30-minute drive from downtown Charleston you will find the Isle of Palms, a perfect vacation spot that allows you to experience both the city and the beach! Rental condos are available here so you can have a quaint home away from home while away, or you can just come to visit and look around at the absolutely stunning beach vistas!
- Hominy Grill - Another excellent food stop will be found here at Hominy Grill, an essential Charleston Southern food stop! Fresh seafood, comfort food, and Charleston soul food can be found in plenty here! Try the crab soup, collard greens, southern-style bbq ribs, our famous fried green tomatoes!
- Patriot Point - Patriot’s Point will please your inner history buff, a naval and maritime museum in Mount Pleasant (across the harbor from Charleston) that provides guests with incomparable wartime history. At this museum, you will see the USS Yorktown, which onboard contains the Medal of Honor Museum. The grounds also support 25 historic naval aircraft, cannons, and helicopters.
- South Carolina Aquarium - Boasted often as South Carolina’s ‘most visited attraction’ the South Carolina Aquarium will leave all ages amazed at its collections of both animals and local history throughout. Here you can pet a stingray and see the new Albino Alligator Exhibit, as well as have excellent views of the harbor!
- The Battery - Located on the Southernmost tip of the Charleston is our next great Charleston stop, The Battery. Whether you are walking through or driving by, the impressive mansion architecture and glorious oak trees within are breathtakingly necessary to see, not to mention the White Point Gardens. See the 18th-century cannons, historic statues, picturesque gazebo, and wonderful harbor and fort Sumter views!
- Old City Market/King Street - The Old City Market in Charleston abounds with history and unique shopping experiences, a market first started in 1841. Down the way, you will find the famous King Street, which when put together makes a classic and kitschy trip full of entertaining shopping. Grab some coffee, take in some history, and spend your day partaking in some much needed retail therapy! From the open-air market of the old to the three distinct districts of shopping of the new, you will truly love this Charleston stop!
- Waterfront Park - One of the most recognized and beloved Charleston landmarks has to be the collection found within Waterfront Park. Waterfront Park provides walking paths, charming cobblestone streets, historic houses, heavenly coffee shops, and unique shopping boutiques. Here you will see old and new fountains, the astoundingly beautiful White Garden Park, and also a pier in which you can watch ships and waves roll in from the bench swings!
- Butcher and Bee - Mostly attracting a hipster/foodie crowd, this vegetarian-friendly local eatery has been catching quite a bit of buzz lately. Within the walls of this restaurant, you will find such foods as the Pita Sabich, full of roasted potatoes and eggplant, pickled cabbage, eggs, and Israeli salad. These bizarre yet delicious dishes are said to be an excellent food experience, full of distinct flavors and textures that will take you away from the Southern soul food norm in this region.
