Most of these gates were created after the Civil War (during the war, iron from gates and other non-essential items was melted down to use as bullets!). Unlike the Aiken-Rhett House, parts of the Nathaniel Russell House Museum has undergone architectural and interior restoration. Want to see Charlestons prettiest streets at the prettiest time of year? The walking tours below are just suggested routes to start with, but I also recommend exploring on side streets and charming roads that look appealing to you! BOOK ONLINE NOW AND GET $2 OFF! This historical city which boasts some of the prettiest streets, which has glorious old houses, historic charm and beauty in bucket loads. :) I was reading the health and safety section and it points out. Discover the essentials of historic Charleston on this leisurely walking tour with our knowledgeable tour guides. From the spectacular waterfront to the quaint market area with is eclectic mix of shops, vendors and restaurants, Charleston will definitely fill you with warm memories and a promise to yourself to come back again. And candy-colored homes are just some of the features that make Charleston streets so beautiful too. Considered one of the best foodie cities in the USA, Charleston is famous for its Lowcountry cuisine and bevy of trendy restaurants. If you're looking for a narrated experience, sign up for a Charleston Harbor Tour: its daily harbor tours pass more than 75 sights while the captain shares stories and facts about the area. Most reported getting through the full attraction in about 60 to 90 minutes. This attractionsguide was updatedby Lauren Mowery, a Charleston resident and travel expert, in collaborationwithU.S. News & World Report editors. Theres a reason Charleston, SC, is a consistent favorite among in-the-know travelers. Learn all about American history and see some of North Americas oldest trees at these seven South Carolina national parks and historic sites. You can visit the SCDNRs website to see when you can go to walk, run, or bike. Come here for the nature and the surfing, or head to the pier to sit and fish. This quaint street is filled with winding gardens, creeping ivy, andbeautiful piazzas. The City Site, LLC334 East Bay Street #201 Charleston, South Carolina 29401. But aside from its photogenic landscaping, Middleton Place also serves as a sobering reminder of Charleston's connection to slavery. There are so many pretty streets in Charleston, that this list simply does not do it justice. (CODE: 2OFFWALK), Click here to Learn more about charleston history tour, Click here to Learn more about charlestons alleys and hidden passages, Click here to Learn more about private tours, Click here to Learn more about combo discounts, Click here to Learn more about gift cards, Click here to Learn more about view all tours, Click here to Learn more about meet our guides, Click here to Read About Historic Charleston, Click here to email info@walksofcharleston.com, Click here to view location 45 Pinckney StreetCharlestonSC29401. When it's raining in Charleston, head inside to explore the city's museums and historic homes, including: If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. French Quarter - A self guided DIY Walking Tour! (2 hours) While walking can be an easy self-guided family-friendly activity, Charleston offers myriad walking tours that take you deeper into the stories of the past. Many recent travelers say a trip to the quaint South Carolina city would be incomplete without a visit to Rainbow Row, but others felt underwhelmed by a visit and wondered what all the hype was about. This 17-day annual event (which runs from late May through early June) draws tens of thousands of visitors, both domestic and international, who come for the festival's unique blend of world-class performances and Southern charm. Some of the options for walking, running, or biking at Charlestons beaches include: Colonial Lake is located in downtown Charleston, in between Beaufain Street and Broad Street at Ashley Avenue. The longest trail at Caw Caw is the Habitat Loop, which is 3.6 miles and accessible via a short connector trail from the parking lot. This was perhaps the first historic tour that I really, truly enjoyed. This attractionsguide was updatedby Lauren Mowery, a Charleston resident and travel expert, in collaborationwithU.S. News & World Report editors. Walking Map of downtown Charleston, South Carolina. Guide to the best hotels and things to do in Charleston, SC. ", "Second walking tour of Charleston and I would say amazing. Experience Charleston the way the locals do: walking and talking. From Freshfields Village to Kiawah Beachwalker Park and back is about five miles roundtrip (with some great views along the way), and the roundtrip to the gate at Seabrook adds about two more miles. The park was also used as a public garden during the 19th century and was the site of many social events and gatherings. The trails at Meggett County Park can get muddy (and buggy) after it rains, so plan your visit accordingly. Because of these things, I'm always very picky with where I want to travel. Born on Daniel Island in 1912, Simmons has landed an apprenticeship with an ironworker by the time he was 13. Possibly one of the most photographed Charleston streets, King Street is one of Charlestons busiest thoroughfares, Click here to email info@walksofcharleston.com, Click here to view location 45 Pinckney StreetCharlestonSC29401. Tiny place and they have a court yard for seating but due to the weather we opted to eat indoors. Discover some of the prettiest streets in Charleston and find out what makes the Holy City so special. Pitt Street ParkBuilt in 1898, the Pitt Street Bridge operated as a trolly bridge connecting the Old Village in Mount Pleasant to Sullivans Island until 1927. Our goal is to provide viewers the best of the best so that you can find the information you need when you need it. Charleston City Market If you walk down King Street (starting at Line Street) to the tip of the peninsula in the Battery, you'll see a good chunk of Downtown as well as many famous landmarks along the way. Walk Around Charleston - Tripadvisor: Over a billion reviews Firecracker 5K Run And Walk - Charleston, WV - AARP charm to a city. The trail is roughly a 4.5-mile loop. Where to Park in Charleston Historic District - Free Walking Tours of Today, Middleton Place houses an impressive collection of historic furniture and portraits (all originally owned by the Middleton family), plus a stable with heritage-bred animals. You can't leave Charleston without walking around King Street to do a little shopping or grabbing a bite to eat. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Charleston - Tripadvisor: Over a billion Walking south down King Street, past bars, boutiques, and Southern-style restaurants, you'll end up at two key points of interest: the city's defensive seawall called The Battery and an enchanting stretch of Southern live oaks in White Point Garden. According to reviewers, this is a great activity if you're interested in the Holy City's food scene as well as its history. According to most Charleston visitors, Fort Sumter is a must-see, especially for kids and history buffs. Our guides are one of the best sources you can find in the city for history and the best in the city for a guided walking tour of the Lowcountry. Stock up and save on travel-size toiletries ahead of your summer vacation. This area has some of the best places to dine al fresco. Charleston is home to more than 3,000 species of wild plants. Located in a favored spot on the High Battery, it's one of the sea wall's oldest residences dating to 1825. It is said to be the largest live oak east of the Mississippi. Looking for a New Place to Walk, Run, or Bike in Charleston? The kitchen area and slave quarters are in the process of being restored, so visitors can eventually get a better understanding of the house's enslaved men and women. Along the way, you'll likely see some of Charleston's top landmarks, including The Battery, Waterfront Park, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge andFort Sumter. This clutch of Georgian-style row houses overlooking Charleston Harbor was formerly the heart and soul of the city's merchant and maritime activity. Before heading to South Carolina, check out these 16 tips on planning, etiquette, and health and safety. Open full screen to view more. If you're looking for off the beaten path places to hang, this route will be perfect for you. Charleston, South Carolina has to be one of the worlds most walkable cities! After touring, you can wander along the walking trails that follow the Ashley River and the marsh, or pay your respects at the on-site African American Cemetery. What's more, you don't have to be a guest to enjoy the two Tom Fazio-designed golf courses at Wild Dunes: both courses are open to the public. Depending on what you want to see, you can pick a marsh trail or the sidewalk-lined streets on the peninsula (well tell you which ones to choose), or you can head to the beach for a sunrise or sunset stroll. Folly Beach is a paradise for the perennial beach bum crowd. It has about five miles of paved and well-manicured trails that are good for walking, running, or biking. Horses clip-clop down the streets south of Broad as they pull carriages. Although the aquarium is on the smaller side, recent travelers reported it was chock-full of interactive exhibits and interesting things to see and do. Broad Street is one of the main streets that cuts east to west in Downtown Charleston. Come with U.S. News on a tour of the Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston. And dont miss Waterfront Parks Pineapple Fountain, where many have popped the question in the hopes of getting that Instagram-worthy engagement shot. ", Click here to BOOK ONLINE NOW AND GET $2 OFF! is dedicated to bringing locals and visitors the highest quality content related to the cities we feature. ! If youre wandering throughout the Downtown Historic District, theres a good chance youll find these pavers throughout this area. Located in the heart of the Historic District, youll see some of the citys most famous historic landmarks, including the Dock Street Theatre, St. Philips Church and the Heyward-Washington House. Though we saw many places, I didnt feel like I was rushed from one place to the next. The gardens are a highlight of Middleton Place, according to visitors. Benne wafers are good but you only need 1 bag, they are sweet and you can grow tired of them quickly but a true southern treat, I bought mine from Dolores Southern Delights along with a bag of Pecan Pralines which were equally as delicious and both are true southern treats. If you prefer a guide to show you the best sites, Charleston also offers great walking tours, where you can stroll down cobblestone streets and imagine horse-drawn carriages trotting along next to you. Both ferries to the fort and ranger talks take place daily, but hours vary depending on the season. You can easily get from one end of the city to the other by foot, which is the best way to explore it! A career in historic preservation gives her a unique perspective on the architecture of the city and the Lowcountry. On the flip side, this is a perfect spot for a truly relaxing beach day. This is the most popular tour offered by our sister company, Lowcountry Walking Tours, which specializes in small-group tours for a more intimate experience. Today, the former bridge has become a narrow park and fishing pier enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. We dont often think about the difference between streets, roads, alleys, and other avenues of travel (pun intended!). Charlestons 60 miles of beaches divided between five main beach towns make it easy to find a nice sandy place to walk and listen to the ocean. 27 Best Things to Do in Charleston, SC - Best Vacations: Top sweetgrass baskets made by members of the Gullah/Geechee Nation along the Seven Mile stretch, Charleston Riverdogs Minor League Baseball, Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, What to expect when Charleston's International African American Museum opens in 2023, 2023 bucket-list trips you should start planning now, Heres where the Lonely Planet team is planning to go in 2023, Everything you need to know before visiting South Carolina, Find American history and really big trees at South Carolinas top national parks, The best things to eat and drink in the USA, The 8 best free things to do in South Carolina, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Let us know and send us a photo on Facebook @VisitCharlestonSC or on Instagram @visit_charleston_sc! This walking tour begins and ends at the southernmost tip of the peninsula at White Point Garden, flanked by ornate homes above and the confluence of two rivers below. Roughly 7.5 miles in length, the West Ashley Greenway is flat, straight, and now mostly paved. This living port city with a deep and complicated past presents endless opportunities for combining fun and frolic with educational even sobering activities. It's estimated that the tree shades an area of nearly 20,000 square feet andis between 300 and 400 years old. Almost all visitors agreed the attraction was worth the cost of admission. Originally built in 1863 for the Confederate Army, the H.L. For a crash course in the city's best eats, consider spending a few hours on aCharleston food tour. Read the reviews of your fellow travelers and book top-rated walking tours in Charleston for 2023. All rights reserved. Every inch of Charleston radiates Southern charm, andTradd Street is no exception. This WMA is located south of town in the ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge. Route map for Harleston Village + Part Of Cannonbourogh by Ana Dominguez on plotaroute.com. Experience Charleston the way the locals do: walking and talking. No wonder this city is considered a gardeners paradise! Our walking tours take you to the Holy Citys most intriguing destinations. At Lonely Planet, we're always planning a trip somewhere. Some of the prettiest streets in Charleston also feature some of the most eye-catching architecture. Not only will you enjoy some time on the water, you'll also have the chance to learn more about the city's maritime history (many boat captains provide historical commentary throughout their tours). Where to Stay in Charleston: 9 Best Areas - The Nomadvisor | Travel The experience features interactive exhibits and activities, which recent visitors found fascinating. No matter where you roam in the United States, youre never far from an outstanding meal. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Route map for Downtown Shopping & King Street by Ana Dominguez on plotaroute.com. French Quarter - the coolest area to stay in Charleston, SC. Best Walking Trails in Charleston. We took a Carriage ride, it was nice and I recommend it. In fact, The Nathaniel Russell House has the only 3-story, free-flying cantilever staircase on the Charleston Peninsula. When is the Best Time to Visit Charleston? But I acquiesced. Hunley Bridge, youll end up next door at Isle of Palms (IOP). Explore some of the city's most historic neighborhoods on Charleston's most beautiful walk. We hope you find this useful, and we encourage you to share it with anyone else who might find it useful as well. The area has less pomp and circumstance surrounding it, but its always been a fun place to walk around and relax. Maps, travel tips and more. In addition to the Dock Street Theatre, the nations first permanent playhouse, Church Street is also home to St. Philips Episcopal Church, which was constructed in 1835-1838. Experience Charleston the way the locals do: walking and talking. One of the best ways to learn about its history (and its ghosts) and the significance of its best-known landmarks is on awalking tour. The barrier islands, Mount Pleasant, West Ashley and North Charleston all have their own sights and tastes visitors enjoy just as much. What should I not miss in Charleston SC in one day? - Travel to Blank Waterfront Park is one of the best places for people watching in Charleston. You can see Simmonss work all over Charleston, including some of the citys most prominent historic structures, such as the First Baptist Church and the Rhett House. Adventure awaits! I would highly recommend this tour, plus he guided several of us to a restaurant with a fabulous lunch, Poogans porch. As you're walking through Charleston, you'll be able to go as slow or as fast as you'd like and see as little or as much as you want during your stay. The trails here are easy to follow, so you can just pick a starting point and route, and then go as far as you want to go. Featuring sports events, natural phenomena and more, these are 20 amazing trips to consider taking in 2023. Previous visitors said they learned a lot thanks to the self-guided audiotours, which are available via smartphone app. Our walking tours feature some of the best tour guides in Charleston, and they can't wait to share the stories that date back as far as the city's 1670 birth. BOOK ONLINE NOW AND GET $2 OFF! Charleston is quite well-known for its impressive architecture. "The historic tour of Charleston was an enjoyable, informative experience. *We will not sell or give away your personal information. Charleston was captured in the Civil War without much property damage, so the historic part of town has buildings that are hundreds of . Table of Contents What are the 45 best free things to do in Charleston SC? So, downloading the map on AllTrails (or your other trail app of choice) is a good idea the first time you go. Things to do near Joe Riley Waterfront Park Things to do near Fort Sumter National Monument Things to do near Battery & White Point Gardens Things to do near South Carolina Aquarium Things to do near Magnolia Plantation & Gardens Things to do near Charleston City Market Things to do near The Citadel Things to do near Rainbow Row Things to do nea. Caw Caw Interpretive Center is a Charleston County Park that is free to visit with a Gold Pass, or $2 per person without one. both us everyday people and high society alike. Please allow 7-10 business days for delivery within the domestic US. Your Charleston Visitors Guide is on its way! Thank You! Downtown Charleston encompasses no more than five square miles. Stops: King St. Broad St. The Battery Rainbow Row Longitude Lane Waterfront Park U.S. 2023 Best 10 Walking Trails in Charleston - AllTrails: Trail Guides Join thousands of other travelers + entrepreneurs and get access to my FREE library of e-books, worksheets, and resources available exclusively for our subscribers. more, This location was reported permanently closed. The Roost is the kind of sports bar even a non-sports fan can enjoy since it has fabulous pub fare, rustic decor and a regular roster of trivia nights and live music. A walking tour of Charleston is especially pleasant when done in a small group of just 15 people or fewer. Reviewers appreciated that the tour guides didn't shy away from the grim realities of slavery nor try to cover up the difficult details; they also said the guides were open to answering their questions. Somewhere downtown? Mount Pleasant - where to stay in Charleston, SC for families. It is home to one of the city's most photographed sites: the pineapple fountain. Another one of Charlestons prettiest streets in the South of Broad neighborhood is Legare Street. If you want to see some of Charlestons prettiest streets (and hear some of the stories behind them), sign up for our. While Middleton Place's gardens attract visitors who appreciate manicured order, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens appeals to lovers of wilder spaces and romantic-style gardens. Charlestons early city planners laid out a, Wander down Chalmers Street, one of only eight remaining cobblestone streets in Charleston, for a window into the past at the. And, finally, the ultra-luxe Kiawah Island boasts several golf courses, resorts like The Sanctuary, and lots of paths ideal for a bike ride or even a leisurely stroll. 107 East Bay Street. This Mount Pleasant waterfront hamlet is a favorite with the 30-and-up crowd. One of the more delightful treats in the southern U.S. is Charleston. Plus, there are tons of recommendations in the City Guide listed above! Charlestons early city planners laid out a grid of easily navigable streets that invites intimate urban discovery. Palmetto Islands County Park is Mount Pleasants answer to James Island County Park. For Caribbean vibes, try The Longboard; for local seafood, catch Sullivan's Fish Camp; and for wine slushies and kid-friendly bites, stop by Co-Op Fros and Eatery. Entry into James Island County Park is free with a Gold Pass, or $2 per person without one. The trailhead is on the right just after you cross over the Edisto River (before you get to the intersection with Route 64 that takes you to Walterboro). Wander the red-brick main house, noting details like decorative windows and doors added for symmetry. Visitors will find one of Charleston's most photographed icons on Johns Island: the Angel Oak. These are the pastel homes that youve probably seen in TV shows and movies shot in Charleston. If you time your trip right, Middleton Place offers the most glorious spectacle of synchronous blooms, notably along the "azalea hillside," a bank rising from the rice mill pond that was planted almost a century ago with around 35,000 bushes. The combination of old Southern charm and worldly influences fuse together like a fine iced tea. 8 Iconic Streets to Explore in Charleston - Charleston, SC | Official Wild Dunes, located on the east end, is a gated resort community with lavish homes and a top-notch golf course. Recent visitors said the tree is worth a quick stop to take a photo of the magnificent natural wonder. This museum explores the history of Africans who where forcibly brought to America, and the hardships they endured. Read U.S. News Insider Tips for first-hand advice on our favorite attractions. Our free newsletter offers fun tidbits gathered by Charleston insiders. Start your tour of the Battery at the 8-acre Waterfront Park (home to the giant pineapple fountain featured on many Charleston postcards), then follow the walking paths on East Battery Street for the nearly mile-long stroll to White Point Garden. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Sign up today to receive the flavors, sights, sounds, and traditions of Charleston delivered directly to yourinbox. Just make sure you go hungry Lowcountry cuisine can be quite heavy, anda few travelers have made the mistake of eating before their tour and walked away stuffed. THE 10 BEST Charleston Walking Tours - Tripadvisor