10 Best Things to Do in Charleston

No city displays its history more elegantly than Charleston, whose world-famous historic district is home to more than 700 well-preserved architectural wonders, some dating back to early Colonial days. Located at the meeting point of the Ashley and Cooper Rivers, this town of sharp-suited locals, quality cuisine, and top-notch antique shopping now buzzes with creativity. With young professionals increasingly calling it home — and tourists more enchanted than ever — Charleston, South Carolina has never felt more exciting. Here’s how to make the most of its new vibe.

Hotels in Charleston, SC

Splurge: Charleston Place –  You can’t get more central than this 440-room grande dame on Meeting Street, directly across from the recently restored City Market. While its namesake, Charleston Grill, remains a culinary must-try, the hotel’s expansive pool, full-service spa, and lobby-level luxury shopping make it a true urban resort. All rooms include lace-lined furniture and Botticino marble baths, but the Club floor — with its lavish all-day buffets and excellent cocktail menu — is worth the indulgence.

Steal: Zero George – Veteran hotelier Dean Andrews — who originally opened Charleston Place two decades ago — has returned to town with a new property, the boutique Zero George. History buffs will swoon over the 16 rooms, which are spread among a series of historic homes and carriage houses.

Top Restaurants in Charleston

Breakfast: Glazed Gourmet – This King Street doughnut emporium was established in 2010 by Allison Smith, a Culinary Institute of Charleston graduate who, along with boyfriend Mark Remi, developed an indulgent array of types and flavors. The duo now fries up doughnuts ranging from the expected — traditional glazed and lemon frosted — to only-in-the-South varieties like peanut butter pie.

Lunch: Magnolias is touted as being "upscale southern cuisine," and patrons love the cozy atmosphere and unique takes on classic dishes, such as the Down South Egg Roll, Parmesan-Crusted Flounder, and Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs. Chef Kelly Franz and culinary arts director Don Drake lead a team of passionate chefs that are inspired to reinvent traditional cuisine with a modern flair. If you love what you try, the restaurant offers a cookbook with some of their most popular dishes.

Dinner: The Grocery – Set at the entrance of buzzy Cannon Street in the newly hip Upper King Street district, The Grocery’s spare, loft-like dining room serves farm-to-table goodness. Chef-owner Kevin Johnson’s approachable yet ambitious menu is heavy on sharable, small-plate dishes, such as fried oysters in deviled egg sauce and a surprisingly sublime salad of shrimp, kale, pancetta, and radish.

Dessert: Peninsula Grill – The celebrated dining room at Planters Inn is known nationwide for its signature 12-layer coconut cake. If you fall in love with this rich classic when you’re in town, you’ll be glad to hear that Chef Graham Daily recently released his first book, “Peninsula Grill: Served With Style,” which includes the recipe for this towering icon.

Best Activities in Charleston, SC

For everyone: Charleston City Market – Originally built in the early 19th century, the Charleston City Market reopened in 2011 after a meticulous 18-month renovation. Housed in a series of long, slim, red-brick halls, the market is home to dozens of small-scale retailers offering everything from culinary staples like rice and creole spices to handmade jewelry and woven baskets from the local Gullah people, island dwellers who descended from escaped slaves. Look for indie food stalls as well, including Charleston favorites like Caviar & Bananas cafe and the Cue-osk barbecue joint.

For families: Drayton Hall – One of America’s oldest and best-preserved examples of Colonial-era architecture, this sprawling plantation complex, located 20 minutes outside of town, dates back to 1738, and the red-brick, Georgian-Palladian building is rich in aesthetic details despite its sparse furnishings. Set aside time to explore the acres of gardens and grasslands.

For couples: Palmetto Carriage – It may feel cheesy and touristy, but nothing says Charleston more romantically than a journey through town in one of its iconic horse-drawn carriages. As you glide past the city’s elegant historic homes, churches, and public houses, your carriage driver can identify the Palladian-arched landmarks and Palmetto-lined streets.

For the adventurous: Flipper Finders – Sign up for a guided kayak tour on the scenic Folly River with local outfitter Flipper Finders. The daytime and sunset journeys, through brackish waters and thigh-high sea grasses, offer a solid workout, along with ample opportunities to view local birds and wildlife.