Here is my “first timer’s” guide to Charleston. Although I’m not a “true local” to Charleston nor a history buff, I love to show my friends and family some of the highlights of this beautiful city on a weekend. This guide will be geared towards those on a budget and see the highlights of what this city has to offer. All of the mentioned spots on along this route are free (unless you pick up a souvenir or two from the City Market)! Also, there are plenty of historical spots to stop in this area, so take your time to learn about this city!
**This is a lot of walking (hence "walking tour"), so feel free to adjust it however you'd like!
Starting at the City Market, I go clockwise along the red route as shown above. Here are hard-to-miss spots along this route:
Parking suggestion: 84 Cumberland St Garage. $1 per 30 minutes. There are plenty of parking garages around the city. The city parking garages are all $1 /30mins.
[Market St] Historic Charleston City Market: 200 year old market with local artisan vendors and food.
Waterfront Park and Pineapple Fountain: Stroll through the park alongside the waterfront.
[East Bay St] Rainbow Row: Colorful houses, nice photo ops.
[East Bay St] The Battery: stroll alongside the waterfront and admire the gorgeous houses.
[South Battery St] White Point Garden: Small park with beautiful live oak trees.
[King Street] South end of King St is a residential area with historical houses. As you walk north of King Street, it’ll become more commercial, with small local businesses and restaurants. On another note, the north end of King Street is filled with bars and restaurants, popular spot for nightlife.
End at Market Street.
Directions:
1. Start on Market Street
2. Turn south onto East Bay Street
3. Turn east onto Queen Street
4. Walk south along the Waterfront Park
5. Turn west onto Exchange St., E Elliot St., or Boyce's Wharf
6. Turn south onto East Bay Street (Rainbow Row)
7. Walk through the White Point Garden
8. Turn north onto King Street, walk until you reach The Charleston Place
9. Turn east onto Market Street. Finish.
Comments