Secrets of the Lowcountry: Hidden Gems in Charleston SC
From the cobblestone streets of the historic district to serene gardens, delicious cuisine, and a breathtaking waterfront, this charming South Carolina city is one of our favorite weekend getaways. In this guide, we go off the beaten path to find the lesser-known hidden gems in Charleston SC.
We have both been visiting Charleston since we were kids, so its hard to believe there was anything we hadn’t done over . But, on our last trip, we made it a point to find some new sides of Charleston that we hadn’t seen before. We had the best time talking with locals and local guides to put together a list of Charleston’s best kept secrets. So read on for the places and activities that make the Holy City a true diamond in the heart of the low country.
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Hidden Gems in Downtown Charleston
The Charleston Place Courtyard
The Charleston Place is our favorite hotel in Charleston. It is perfectly located at the corners of King St and Market St and everything about it exudes Southern hospitality and elegance. In fact, the hotel calls itself Charleston’s Living Room and invites guests to relax in one of the many cozy seating areas throughout the main floor lobby. Just outside the lobby is a serene courtyard where you can people watching or chill with a good book. So, grab a cup of coffee and a fresh pastry from the lobby coffee bar, Community Perk, and have a seat in the gorgeous courtyard.
Philadelphia Alley
Tucked away in the French Quarter, Philadelphia Alley is a historic cobblestone street said to be haunted by the ghosts of Charleston’s past. It is rumored to have been a popular spot for duels and many locals believe you can still hear the melodies of Dr. Joseph Brown Ladd, known as The Whistling Doctor. Whether or not the legends are true, the gas lanterns along the narrow passageway take you back to another era. Entrances are on Queen and Cumberland Streets.
Get Lost SOB
Nope, not an insult. Just a suggestion to spend an afternoon wandering the historic streets South of Broad. While many tourists like to do carriage tours through this area, we often find that few visitors take the time to walk these blocks. Lined with charming architecture and well-preserved residences, these streets offer a glimpse into the city’s rich past and architectural grandeur.
Stop to read the historical markers on the homes in between taking Instagram pics. Just be respectful that this is a neighborhood and locals do actually live in these homes. Don’t do anything you wouldn’t want a stranger to do on your front porch!
Redux Contemporary Art Center
Art lovers interested in inspiring local works should make a stop at Redux Contemporary Art Center in downtown Charleston. This nonprofit art center features rotating exhibits from regional artists as well as classes and workshops for the public. Check their calendar for thought-provoking openings, fundraisers, and other arts events. Admission to the museum is free and classes are very reasonable.
Morris Island Lighthouse
Morris Island Lighthouse is another favorite hidden gem for those interested in Charleston’s past. Accessible only by boat, this 1876 lighthouse sits amongst the ruins of old Fort Wagner, a Civil War site. The boat ride alone makes it worth the trip, offering scenic views of the Charleston harbor. Once on the island, climbing the lighthouse steps provides panoramic views and the chance to explore the island’s beaches and former batteries.
The 34 West Theater
We found this hidden gem across the street from Charleston Place and while we didn’t have time to catch a show, it is on our list for our next trip to Charleston. This intimate 60 seat theater features plays written by the actors and designers and the reviews are raving – to say the least. The troupe is made up of local Charleston actors and you can often find them having a drink at a local pub after. It doesn’t get any more local than that.
Hidden Gems on King Street
So, King Street isn’t exactly hidden. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find a Charleston guide that doesn’t point to King Street as the epitome of downtown Charleston’s charm. Known for its upscale boutiques, vibrant nightlife, and extensive dining options, King Street is a must-visit for the best of Charleston’s culinary and shopping scenes. But, beyond the designer names and mega stores like Anthropologie and JCrew, we think these locally owned shops are the true gems of the downtown shopping district.
Croghan’s Jewel Box
This family owned jewelry store first opened on King Street over 100 years ago and is still the locals choice for fine jewelry. In addition to gorgeous modern sparklers, Croghan’s carries an extensive collection of estate jewelry and unique heirloom pieces. The Cradle to Cocktails Sterling Silver Bubble Blower is the ultimate Southern baby gift. A sweet sterling silver keepsake that she will one day use to stir a cocktail at her wedding.
After finding Croghan’s website before our last trip to Charleston, I knew I wanted to add to my travel bracelet collection here, so this was one of our first stops on King Street. The staff is so welcoming and knowledgeable. I worked with a lovely former school teacher who showed me a variety of options. I chose a Charleston Rice Bead Bracelet because it is part of their Charleston collection.
Blue Bicycle Books
This locally owned treasure originally opened as Boomer’s Books in 1995. When long time employee Jonathan Sanchez bought the shop in 2007, he changed the name to Blue Bicycle Books. In addition to thousands of volumes on every possible genre, the shop hosts dozens of author signings each year.
Candlefish
Forget what you think you know about buying candles. Stepping into Candlefish is a curated sensory experience. First, the space is absolutely beautiful and when you see the white candles displayed beneath individual cloches, you instantly know that you are in for something special.
Candlefish’s professional chandlers (candle makers) are on hand to help you find the perfect scent to take home as a reminder of your Charleston getaway. And, trust me when I say that they know their stuff. Chandlers memorize the individual number assigned to each of Candlefish’s 100 curated scents. The labels conspicuously lack the names of the scent notes, allowing the team to guide you based on their expertise.
George C. Birlant & Co
One of the oldest and well established antique shops in the South, George C Birlant & Co celebrated 100 years of business in 2022. A true Charleston gem, Birlant & Co is a must see in Charleston. We stopped here while waiting for our table at 167 Raw next door. This is not an inexpensive shop – the antiques are upscale and valuable. So, while we didn’t bring anything home, I spotted several items I would have loved to have purchased! They also carry reproductions of the authentic Charleston Battery Benches that you see in parks around the Holy City. Each bench is custom made to order and would be a lovely addition to a patio or yard.
Berlins
This menswear store has been dressing Charleston’s gentlemen in custom garments since 1883. Founded by Henry Berlinski, an immigrant who arrived in the US with $1.38 in his pocket, the shop has been family run by four generations with the same focus on style, taste, and quality. Berlin’s Women offers designers such as Halston, Paige, and Shoshanna.
Hidden Gem Parks in Charleston
Waterfront Park, White Point Garden, and Marion Square are on every “must do in Charleston” list. But, check out some of the lesser known green spaces throughout the city for some true hidden gems.
Park Circle
Park Circle is a planned garden community in North Charleston that dates back to the early 1900s. Today, it feels like the historic downtown’s hip younger brother. The walkable community includes cool restaurants (including our favorite The Tattooed Moose), eclectic locally owned shops, and unique entertainment venues.
It all centers around one of the largest green spaces in Charleston, a 30 acre park where you’ll find recreation fields, playgrounds, and a picnic areas. Park Circle plays host to several festivals and events throughout the year.
Quarterman Lake Park
A few blocks south of Park Circle is Quarterman Lake Park, a small neighborhood greenspace with a pond that’s quite popular with ducks and migrating geese. So much so that the locals call it “Duck Pond”. Drop a fishing line in the pond, get in your steps walking the paved paths, or just relax on the grass watching the swans.
Hampton Park
Just outside of The Citadel is one of the largest and most gorgeous parks in all of Charleston. Hampton Park is a sprawling 300 acre oasis with beautiful gardens, serene ponds, and walking paths. Volunteers maintain the parks rich history by tending the extensive floral displays. It’s an excellent spot for a relaxing day outdoors.
Hidden Gems Beyond Charleston
Ravenel Bridge
Get your steps in and work off your breakfast with a walk across Ravenel Bridge that connects Charleston to Mt Pleasant. The 2.5 mile long cable stayed bridge features a wide pedestrian lane and stunning views of Charleston Harbor.
Magnolia Cemetery
With its moss-draped live oaks and camellia gardens, Magnolia Cemetery offers a peek into Charleston’s storied past. Established in 1850, the cemetery’s manicured grounds are dotted with elaborate family plots marked by ornate headstones and statues, dated from Charleston’s antebellum era to now. In his book City of the Silent: The Charlestonians of Magnolia Cemetery Ted Phillips writes of the residents, “Planters, politicians, military leaders, bootleggers, whorehouse madams – you name it, anybody from the last 150 years of Charleston’s history is out there,”.
Charleston’s Plantations
For history buffs, a trip to one of Charleston’s plantations is a must. Two great options that are not too far from downtown Charleston are McLeod and Magnolia Plantations.
McLeod Plantation – Located on James Island, McLeod Plantation is a Gullah/Geechee heritage site operated by Charleston County Parks. Guided tours provide an in-depth look at the preserve’s original buildings including the mansion, kitchen, and slave cabins. If guided tours are not your thing, you can download the McLeod Plantation Historic Site app for a self guided tour.
Magnolia Plantation – The gardens of Magnolia Plantation have enchanted visitors for over three centuries and with good reason. Explore the Audubon Swamp Garden, blooming camellias, and peaceful reflecting pool before hopping aboard a nature train tour through the plantation’s wetlands and wildlife. Garden tickets include the Wildlife Center, Tropical Conservatory, and the “From Slavery to Freedom” tour. Separate tickets are available for the main house.
Cypress Gardens
Make the quick drive to Cypress Gardens to explore the beauty of the low-country swamplands. Winding through the lush wetlands are seven walking paths lined with moss covered cypress trees. However, the most impressive view of the landscape and wildlife is from the water. So, be sure to take a swamp boat adventure tour. You can join in with a guided boat tour or take a boat to explore on your own at no additional charge. Just watch for gators!
Sullivan’s Island and Folly Beach
For a break from the city’s hustle and bustle, Charleston’s closest beaches are the perfect destinations for a day trip or weekend getaway. Sullivan’s Island and Folly Beach are the closest beaches to Charleston. Both offer stunning coastlines, beachfront dining, and a relaxed vibe. While Sullivan’s Island is more serene, Folly Beach is known for its surfing and live music scene, making it a great spot for Saturday night entertainment.
Kiawah Island
A short 45 minute drive from Charleston, Kiawah Island is a golfer’s paradise with some of the country’s most amazing golf courses. It’s also a haven for nature lovers, offering pristine beaches and lush marshlands. For a luxury stay, book a night or three at The Sanctuary.
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Hidden Gem Restaurants
From humble roadside diners serving up traditional low country fare to James Beard Award winning chefs putting a modern spin on Southern classics, the Holy City is a foodie’s paradise. Craving shrimp and grits at breakfast? You got it. How about pimento cheese pie or bourbon-spiked pecan pie to satisfy your sweet tooth? Done and done. Whether you seek time-honored traditions or inventive new flavors, Charleston restaurants deliver down-home dishes and upscale cuisine that captures the essence of the South.
Lewis Barbecue
A casual vibe with seriously good Texas-style barbecue. We took some friends to Lewis Barbecue based on the recommendation of a local chef and everyone in our party left full and very happy. You can’t go wrong with any of the meats, but the sides stole the show for us. Do not miss the Green Chile Corn Pudding or Cowboy Pinto Beans. Pour yourself a selection of each of the homemade sauces to sample. Again, they are all fantastic. (My favorite was the green hatch chile sauce.)
Bowens Island Restaurant
I don’t miss the chance to have fresh oysters when we are in Charleston. If that’s you too, then The Darling Oyster Bar and 167 Raw should be on your list for an upscale night out. But, for a more off the beaten path experience, head to Bowens Island for an old fashioned oyster roast. Grab a cold drink and soak up the laidback vibes on the restaurant’s open-air deck. With its killer views and signature low country hospitality, Bowens Island is a Charleston institution where the good times and oysters flow freely.
R Kitchen
Tucked in a charming shotgun-style cottage, R Kitchen is where good old Southern charm meets seriously good eats. Like an intimate dinner party with close friends, R Kitchen’s unique open kitchen concept seats guests right at the chef’s work station. In fact, their motto is “We’re a kitchen, not a restaurant”. The menu is set daily based on the fresh ingredients available, so it’s always changing and always surprising. At under $40, you get a complete five course meal with the personal attention of a private chef. It’s like Southern hospitality on a plate, and a dining experience you won’t soon forget.
The Shellmore
We cannot recommend strongly enough that you get a reservation for this quaint restaurant in Mt Pleasant. With fewer than 30 seats The Shellmore fills up fast and with good reason. Chef Eric prepares every item himself and the personal attention makes you feel like you have been welcomed into his home as a guest. Enjoy the freshest seafood and the most perfect wine pairings.
Hidden Gem Experiences and Guided Tours
Gateway Walk Self Guided Tour
Inspired by the gardens of Paris, socialite Mrs. CP McGowan designed the Gateway Walk in 1930 to wind through the gardens and graveyards of the French quarter. You don’t need a guide to wander through the beautiful historic gardens. Just enter at St. Johns Lutheran Church on Archdale Street. The shaded path is seldom crowded, making for an even more magical walk.
Charleston Walking Food Tour
You can’t go wrong with just about any restaurant in Charleston. But, if you want a real insider’s guide, try a walking tour with a local expert. Foodie tours run about three hours long and lead small groups through Charleston’s historic streets to several yummy stops along the way. Check Charleston Walking Food Tour Availability
Private Vacation Photography Session
Hire a local photographer for a family or couples photo shoot with Charleston’s historic streets and beautiful architecture as the backdrop. The photographer will help you choose the locations and will make suggestions based on their favorite spots. We think this would be a great souvenir! Check Vacation Photography Session Availability
Haunted History Charleston Tour
Get to know Charleston’s spooky inhabitants with this hour long haunted history tour. Your tour visits haunted graveyards and residences while your guide shares ghost tales. A fun way to end the day in Charleston! Check Haunted History Tour Availability
Food, Wine, & History Tour with Cooking Class
This 5-star tour is on the top of our list for our next trip to Charleston. Guests start with a 90 minute walking tour led by renowned Charleston chef, Forrest Parker. Then, watch as Parker prepares a low country lunch. You even get to take home Parker’s recipes so you can recreate the experience at home! Check Food, Wine & History Tour Availability
Final Thoughts on Charleston’s Hidden Gems
With its rich history, delicious food, and unique culture, Charleston never disappoints. It is a city we return to time and time again. Each time we visit, we try something new and find a new hidden gem. We hope these ideas inspire you to take a step off the main streets, explore the lesser-known spots, and let Charleston surprise you with its beauty, history, and charm.
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