Ever since its founding in the late 1600s, Charleston has been known for its Southern Hospitality-- the land for the city was even a gift from King Charles II to his friends. In more recent years, it's been repeatedly named "America's Friendliest City" and the country's "most polite and hospitable" city. Feel this city's unique brand of Southern charm, low-country style, as you explore its history, culture, and coastal views!
While you're on this side of town, visit some of the best gems near Folly Beach. Lost Dog Cafe is great for a casual breakfast, brunch or lunch. Southern staples like fried green tomatoes and shrimp and grits are on the menu, but you can't go wrong with their massive pancakes or huevos rancheros, either! If it's a weekend, get a mimosa, or if it's a weekday, grab some coffee to wash it all down.
Folly Beach County Park is a great place to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf. There's a pier and some bathrooms, but it's still pretty quiet, clean, and calm, and it's mostly populated by locals. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and surfers as you stroll along the shore!
Start your next day off with a good, home-cooked meal from Page's Okra Grill. If you're going to go all out and order the most decadent Southern meal possible, this is the place to do it. Shrimp and fried grits, chicken and jalapeno-corn waffles, biscuits and gravy, fried chicken livers, crab cake eggs benedict, the pimento cheese and fried green tomato sandwich... seriously, just reading the menu will make you feel stuffed. And the best part? Everything here is delicious; you really can't go wrong ordering any of it.
Next, immerse yourself in history at Fort Sumter National Monument. Famous for being the site of the Civil War's first battle, you can take a ferry from Patriot's Point out to the island where the fort is. Along the way, you'll find tons of interesting tidbits about the Civil War and some one-of-a-kind views of the city!
Burn off the burgers and beer from Poe's Tavern with a walk to the Sullivan's Island Lighthouse. The beach here is really quiet, and even though you can't go inside the lighthouse, it's still a view worth checking out while you're in the area! Bring beach chairs or towels and sunbathe on the sand.
Explore downtown Charleston to see its distinctive architcture, Spanish moss-laden trees, and quaint shops. Afterwards, a stroll along the city's Waterfront Park is the perfect way to cool off. Swinging benches, docks offering breezy ocean views, a splash pad for kids, and, of course, that famous pineapple fountain, can be found here!
Spring is the busy season, but it's busy for a reason: mild temperatures and blooming magnolia trees make it perfect. Fall is also nice, with cooler temperatures and smaller crowds. Prices are cheapest in the winter, and the temperature usually stays around the 50s, so it's not a bad time to visit, either. Summer does get stifling hot and it can be rainy and humid, but at least there are beaches where you can cool off!