Seek • March 6, 2025
Karen
Charleston: A True Local's Guide
I have been very lucky with the locations my daughters chose for college: South Carolina, California and Arizona. They are all nice, warm places to visit, but College of Charleston wins for best city! I definitely have some favorite spots that I will share, but even better, we have the top local picks from our website designer, Ashley, who has lived in Charleston for almost ten years.
The fun part about Charleston is you can enjoy downtown then hit one of the several beach towns all in one day if you choose. But we prefer to allocate at least a day to each. Cara and I recently spent a weekend there and we tried some new spots and I took her to a few that I just can’t skip.
Where to Stay:
Downtown Hotels - I have stayed at all of these and would recommend them, so I would say choose based on your needs, availability and cost.
The Mill House - great location, fun pink building, nice courtyard for cocktails, outdoor pool
The Restoration - close to the campus, fun rooftop restaurant, good selection of different room sizes
The Ryder - funky vibes, lively pool/bar - great for younger people;)
The Dewberry - great bars, good breakfast spots, rooms are a nice size
Hotel Bennett - luxury property, good restaurants
Charleston Place - traditional luxury hotel, great club level, big outdoor pool
Other Areas:
Post House Inn - (Mount Pleasant) really beautiful place - close to either downtown or the beaches
Regatta Inn (Folly Beach) - we actually took over the whole building once with friends and it was perfect
Wild Dunes Resort - good for a true beach vacation, a lot of different options from hotel rooms to homes
The Dunlin - Cara and I went to see the Southern Living Idea House out this way, so we stopped for lunch at The Dunlin. It is a beautiful property if you want a luxury resort near the beach, but it is further from downtown.
We have also rented houses all over the area and you really can’t go wrong with Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms or Kiawah.
Where to Play:
Get lost walking around The Battery - countless gorgeous homes and gardens
Walk up and down King Street - shopping & dining
Tour the campus at College of Charleston (don’t miss the Cistern Yard)
Visit the beaches; Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, Kiawah, Sullivan’s Island - you can’t go wrong at any - they each have a unique vibe
Take a walking tour - Cara and I did this one and it was fun
Ashley’s Recs:
Walk the Ravenel Bridge
Sea Island Farmers Market - John’s Island on Saturday mornings - handmade items, including the best chicken salad ever - VI’s Chicken Salad by Mary & Friends, Clawback Hot Sauce Company, and more!
Visit Wadmalaw - Hum Grocery and Cherry Point Seafood for the best shrimp, and Charleston Tea Garden
Folly Beach and visit the county park
Where to Eat & Drink:
I will not go to Charleston without a visit to Leon’s and I will definitely get a biscuit with pimento cheese. Outside of that, I have tried so many places and love them all! So we’re going to let our local expert share her top picks:
Coffee/Breakfast
Lowkey/Local food spots:
Bowen’s Island: Best shrimp and grits + a pretty view to have a beer at!
Little Jack’s Tavern: The best burger in town!
Berkeleys: Neighborhood spot near Hampton park -great place to have a glass of wine.
HomeTeam BBQ: Great BBQ and of course their famous frozen drink that they now call the Game Changer - if you want to sound like a local, ask for it by it’s original name, a pain killer!
Restaurants
Grace & Grit: A very underrated dinner spot (also do a great brunch!)
Mondos: This is a TRUE local spot, they do not take any reservations. Homemade pasta -my favorite is the Gemelli with cream sauce. Also a very good espresso martini!
FIG: Plan ahead - one of the most sought after places to get in! A different menu each day.
Southbound: Very southern vibe, can even eat out on the porch.
Hall’s Chophouse: Billy Hall will open the door and welcome you in like your family. This is the who’s who of Charleston locals during happy hour. Steaks are amazing and they have the best stuffed blue cheese olive martinis!
Anson’s: Upscale old southern spot that I don't see promoted very often, highly recommended the flounder and brussel sprouts (and I don’t even like brussel sprouts!).
Felix: Another place I frequent because it’s easy to get into, great burgers and espresso martinis!
Aji Sushi - this is a locals only spot for the BEST sushi!! It’s so good my family comes to town to just go here ;)
Drinks
By the Way: Owned by Austin & Craig of Southern Charm, Turning into a great neighborhood spot that’s easy to pop into - love their espresso martinis (we’re seeing a trend here;)
SeaHorse by ChubbyFish: This is a new cocktail bar with unique and fun drinks!
Little Palm: The most picture worthy bar in all of Charleston! This is such a fun spot to visit year round!
The Dewberry: I love to get drinks here - they also have a rooftop bar called The Citrus Club! I love their margarita!
La Cave: Best gin & tonic using a local gin, also a great espresso martini!
Sweet Treats
Where to Shop:
Take a moment to admire one of the authentic sweetgrass basket weavers tables. While they are pricey, they are a very unique, historical work of art.
King Street
This is the spot where you will find it all, but here are a few of my favorites; most are local and a couple have very few locations in the US.
Cannonborough
For what feels like a more local flavor, don’t skip this area. Just a quick couple blocks off of King Street you will find some awesome shops and restaurants (Vern’s, Felix, Chubby Fish, Island Provisions, Babas, The Pass, Tippling House)
Other spots
If you make your way out to Mt. Pleasant or the beaches, these places are worth a visit
McKevlin’s Surf Shop