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Spending a day exploring Charleston
Charleston, South Carolina, is a city rich in history and contradictions, one that acknowledges its dark past, but maintains hope for the future while celebrating culture and small acts of kindness. It was here that we learned the pineapple is considered a symbol of hospitality, welcome and good luck. Throughout Charleston, pineapples are proudly displayed in fountains, architecture and souvenirs.
If, like us, you only have a short time in Charleston, fear not… it’s a very walkable city.
Starting at Waterfront Park in historic Charleston, we never went more than five blocks in any direction. Even so, we visited several iconic locations and could have experienced more if we had the time.
Things to see and do in Charleston
- The Old Slave Mart Museum. Built on the site thought to be the last surviving slave auction gallery in South Carolina, the Old Slave Mart Museum provides an educational and heart-breaking remembrance of the time before the Civil War abolished slavery in the South.
- Charleston City Market. Home to hundreds of unique retail vendors, the City Market is located on land transferred to the city in the late 1800s for the sole purpose of a forever marketplace. Today you can find everything from fresh foods and local milled grains, to handcrafted woven sweetgrass baskets and other souvenirs. The Market is open every day except Christmas, but hours vary so check their website for details.
- Charleston Waterfront Park. Here you can stroll along the boardwalk overlooking the Cooper River and Charleston Harbor, sit and enjoy a picnic on the pier, or watch the sunset while gently rocking on one of the many swings. Waterfront Park is also where you’ll find the Pineapple Fountain, a symbol of Charleston’s wealth and hospitality.
- Washington Square, a peaceful downtown green space, surrounded by Charleston’s City Hall, historic courthouse and South Carolina Historical Society.
- Rainbow Row, one of Charleston’s most photographed locations.
Where to eat
Scattered throughout downtown Charleston are several bars and restaurants to stop and refuel. A couple we enjoyed were:
- Poogan’s Smokehouse: a casual dining experience featuring traditional Southern BBQ
- Tommy Condon’s Irish Pub: a fun bar offering a taste of Ireland and live music
There are also several rooftop bars near Waterfront Park where you can sit and watch the lights of the city come alive at night, and of course, so many oyster bars.
Just outside Charleston
Little more than a half-hour drive from Charleston is the Caw Caw Interpretive Center. The area used to be covered in rice fields, but now is a low-impact wildlife preserve and bird sanctuary. With more than six miles of trails, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the natural beauty of the area. You can wander on your own or join one of their early morning guided walks for a chance to learn more about the many species of birds, butterflies and other creatures who inhabit the region.