The Final Charleston Bucket Listing

Charleston, often called the “Holy Metropolis” for its quite a few church buildings and spiritual historical past, is a vibrant and interesting metropolis that gives countless alternatives for journey, discovery, and indulgence. From its wealthy historical past and tradition to its world-renowned delicacies and pure magnificence, there’s one thing for everybody in Charleston. Whether or not you’re trying to lease an condo in Charleston or buy a house within the space, there are particular experiences that may’t be missed. From exploring historic landmarks to indulging in scrumptious seafood or just absorbing the town’s charming ambiance, this Charleston bucket checklist has acquired you coated. So, get able to embark on a journey of discovery as we discover the highest must-see locations and experiences that make dwelling in Charleston one-of-a-kind.
Should do bucket checklist actions in Charleston
Go to the Morris Island Lighthouse on Folly Seashore
The Morris Island Lighthouse on Folly Seashore provides a captivating glimpse into the realm’s wealthy maritime historical past and beautiful views of the encompassing panorama. The island’s pure magnificence is actually awe-inspiring, with pristine seashores, dunes, and wildlife throughout. “When you’re fortunate, you’ll be capable to spot some dolphins,” remarks native Brooke Embry Photography.
Take a look at the Spherical Vacation Inn on the Ashley River
The Spherical Vacation Inn on the Ashley River is an iconic resort that gives guests a one-of-a-kind keep in a totally round constructing. The panoramic views of the Ashley River and the encompassing panorama are breathtaking and may be loved from virtually each room within the resort.
“One of many first locations it’s a must to go in Charleston is what locals name the Spherical Vacation Inn on the Ashley River,” shares native grocery-cafe Queen Street Grocery. “They’ve a top-floor bar that provides its patrons one of the best sundown in Charleston, in addition to encompassing views of the town, which is difficult to search out.”
Spend a day on the water
Charleston’s waterways supply countless alternatives for journey, whether or not you’re excited by fishing, sightseeing, or just having fun with the great thing about the Charleston Harbor. From the consolation of your boat or the sand, you possibly can take in the beautiful views of the historic waterfront, see the well-known Battery, and even spot dolphins taking part in within the water.
There’s quite a lot of nice issues to do in Charleston, however being on the water is one of the best, whether or not on the seashore or going out on the boat,” notes native classic trend retailer Drifter Merch.
Pattern the scrumptious Charleston delicacies
When you’re a foodie in search of an immersive expertise in Charleston, happening a meals tour is a good way to discover the town’s culinary scene. Charleston is thought for its wealthy historical past, southern hospitality, and, in fact, its unimaginable meals. From award-winning eating places to hidden gems, a meals tour will take you on a journey by way of the town’s vibrant meals tradition, permitting you to pattern native favorites like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and BBQ.
“My favourite factor about Charleston, in addition to the Lowcountry attraction, is the meals,” shares Morgan Greb Photography. “For brunch, try Miller’s All Day or the Grocery. For lunch or dinner, contemplate Husk or The Darling Oyster Bar. Coast Bar & Grill & 39 Rue de Jean are additionally two favorites, partly as a result of they’re located within the cutest little alley. Lastly, don’t neglect to cease by Carmella’s Cafe & Dessert Bar for an after-dinner cocktail and one of the best cake you’ve ever eaten.”
Peruse The Charleston Market Place
The Charleston Metropolis Market spans 4 metropolis blocks and options greater than 300 distributors promoting all kinds of products, together with native handicrafts, art work, souvenirs, and scrumptious meals. The market has been a hub of commerce and social exercise in Charleston for over 200 years. Guests can stroll by way of the market’s coated stalls, browse the products on show, and luxuriate in stay music and leisure.
Spend a day at Shem Creek
Shem Creek is a picturesque and historic waterway positioned in Mount Nice, only a quick drive from downtown Charleston. The creek is house to a bustling fishing fleet, charming waterfront eating places, and scenic boardwalks that supply beautiful views of the marsh and Charleston Harbor. Guests can take a leisurely stroll alongside the creek and watch as fishermen unload their catch. Shem Creek can also be an incredible place to get pleasure from recent seafood, with a number of award-winning eating places providing a wide range of dishes that includes native shrimp, oysters, and fish.
David from Carolina Kayak Fishing Adventures notes, “Shem Creek offers a view of the Charleston Harbour and is full of shrimp boats, dolphins, and kayakers. There are additionally a number of open-air eating places which offer a tremendous meal with beautiful surroundings of Charleston.”
Go on a fishing journey
Charleston is a premier fishing vacation spot that gives a wide range of alternatives for anglers of all talent ranges. Town’s waterways embody the Atlantic Ocean, Charleston Harbor, and quite a few creeks and rivers. From offshore trolling for large recreation fish like marlin and tuna to inshore fishing for redfish, trout, and flounder, there’s a various array of fish to catch in Charleston.
“Heading out on a Charleston fishing journey is a should anytime you’re on the town,” remarks Captain Experiences. “South Carolina’s Lowcountry provides world-class year-round fishing for redfish. Come spring and summer time, deep sea fishing out of Charleston heats up with the spring Mahi Mahi run, and Amberjack, Cobia, and Marlin motion offshore.”
Russ at Kayak Fishing Charleston recommends taking a coastal expedition journey to Bull Island in Bulls bay or an offshore constitution on one of many a number of bigger offshore fishing boats to catch loads of ocean fish not out there on shore.
Go to Charles Towne Touchdown State Historic Website
Charles Towne Touchdown State Historic Website, positioned in West Ashley, is house to a 22-acre English settlement that was established in 1670 and served because the birthplace of the Carolina colony. Guests can discover the stays of the unique settlement, together with a duplicate of the unique fort and weapons demonstrations. Charles Towne Touchdown State Historic Website can also be house to a zoo and wildlife habitat known as Animal Forest that homes deer, bison, and waterfowl, offering a singular alternative to look at these animals up shut.
“When you’re a historical past buff trying to find out about Charleston’s early days, don’t miss the Charles Towne Touchdown State Historic Website. A brief 11 minute drive from downtown, the park sits on the location of the primary English settlement in South Carolina earlier than Charleston was relocated in 1680 to its present place on the peninsula. Charles Towne Touchdown opened in 1970 to commemorate the three hundredth anniversary of the touchdown and even encompasses a full-scale duplicate of a seventeenth century buying and selling ketch,” notes Triple Bar Coffee.
Pay a go to to the Angel Oak Tree
Situated on Johns Island, the Angel Oak Tree is estimated to be between 400-500 years previous and stands over 65 toes tall, with a trunk that’s 28 toes in circumference. The tree’s sprawling cover offers shade and shelter over an space of 17,000 sq. toes, making it one of many largest stay oak bushes on the earth.
“We’d advocate the Angel Oak Tree,” shares Minero Johns Island. “It has a lot historical past as one of many largest and oldest oak bushes.”
Take a stroll down Rainbow Row
Rainbow Row is without doubt one of the most iconic and colourful streets in Charleston. Situated within the historic French Quarter, Rainbow Row is a collection of 13 brightly painted historic antebellum properties that date again to the 18th century. The properties have been initially constructed as mercantile properties, however have been later transformed into residences within the twentieth century. The buildings are actually listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations and are a preferred spot for photographs and sightseeing.
Go to the Battery and White Level Gardens
The Battery and White Level Gardens function beautiful views of Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter, in addition to various historic properties and mansions. White Level Gardens is a well-liked spot for picnics, strolls, and leisure, and is house to a wide range of monuments and statues that commemorate Charleston’s historical past and tradition. The world can also be an incredible place to be taught concerning the metropolis’s navy previous, with various cannons and navy memorials positioned all through the park.
Take a ghost tour
Charleston is also referred to as one of the vital haunted cities in America, and a ghost tour is an exciting solution to be taught concerning the metropolis’s spooky previous. Usually going down in historic properties, jails, or cemeteries, ghost excursions are usually led by educated and entertaining guides who will share spine-tingling tales concerning the metropolis’s haunted historical past, together with tales of pirates, wars, and tragedies. Guests can discover a few of Charleston’s most haunted websites, such because the Outdated Metropolis Jail and the Unitarian Church Cemetery, and be taught concerning the spirits which are stated to hang-out them.
Attend a Charleston RiverDogs baseball recreation
The Charleston RiverDogs are a minor league baseball staff that play on the Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park in downtown Charleston. The stadium options beautiful views of the Ashley River and the town skyline, and provides a wide range of leisure choices along with the sport itself. Guests can get pleasure from scrumptious ballpark meals and drinks, take part in between-inning contests and actions, and even watch a post-game fireworks present on sure nights. The RiverDogs additionally supply varied promotions all through the season, resembling theme nights and giveaways.
Go to Fort Sumter Nationwide Monument
Fort Sumter Nationwide Monument is a big historic web site that gives guests a captivating glimpse into the American Civil Struggle. Situated on an island in Charleston Harbor, this former navy fort is the place the primary pictures of the conflict have been fired on April 12, 1861, marking the start of a battle that might form the nation’s historical past. Accessible by ferry, guests can discover the well-preserved fortifications, study unique cannons, and be taught concerning the occasions main as much as the battle by way of informative reveals and guided excursions.
Should go to bucket checklist shops and eating places in Charleston
Discover The Tiny Tassel
The Tiny Tassel is a captivating and colourful boutique positioned within the coronary heart of Charleston that options a wide range of handmade tassel jewellery, equipment, and clothes designed by native artists.
“The Tiny Tassel is a can’t-miss store on Spring Avenue, only a block off King Avenue. It’s the brightest, friendliest store for presents & equipment,” shares Bachelorette adorning companies Kay and Co Weekends.
Pattern seafood at Delaney Oyster Home
Delaney Oyster Home is a well-liked and stylish seafood restaurant positioned within the coronary heart of downtown Charleston. The restaurant’s menu options a wide range of scrumptious seafood dishes, together with recent oysters, shrimp, crab, and fish, all sourced domestically and sustainably. Delaney Oyster Home is especially identified for its in depth collection of oysters, that are shucked to order and served with house-made sauces and accompaniments.
Style one of the best of Southern delicacies at Husk
Husk provides a really distinctive eating expertise that showcases one of the best of Southern delicacies. Acclaimed chef Sean Brock meticulously crafts dishes utilizing solely the best domestically sourced components, guaranteeing the menu modifications day by day to replicate the freshest seasonal produce. In a fantastically restored historic constructing, Husk combines a heat, inviting environment with a dedication to culinary innovation. This award-winning restaurant has garnered nationwide recognition for its strategy to reinventing conventional Southern dishes, making it a must-try vacation spot for meals fanatics in search of an genuine style of Charleston’s wealthy culinary heritage.
Have tasty steaks at Corridor’s Chophouse
From the second you step into Corridor’s Chophouse, you’ll be greeted with heat Southern hospitality and a comfortable environment. However it’s not simply the ambiance that makes Corridor’s Chophouse a must-visit restaurant in Charleston, the menu is full of mouth-watering choices, together with completely cooked steaks, recent seafood, and do-it-yourself desserts.
Seize a chunk on the Wreck of Richard and Charlene
The Wreck of Richard & Charlene is a hidden gem in Charleston, offering an genuine and relaxed seafood eating expertise that captures the essence of the Lowcountry. Nestled alongside the picturesque Shem Creek, this eatery is known as after an area fishing boat that was wrecked throughout Hurricane Hugo. The restaurant takes pleasure in serving recent, domestically caught seafood, cooked merely to spotlight the pure flavors. It was even a filming location for the television present Outerbanks.