Since I moved to Charleston, my inbox has been full with one familiar question: When can I come?” Visiting Charleston has always had a special pull, but now it’s clearly a hotspot destination that travelers are prioritizing. Last year alone, nearly 7.9 million people came to experience what makes this coastal city unique, according to CHStoday.
Lonely Planet named the South Carolina Lowcountry, including Charleston, one of its Top 30 Global Regions to visit in 2025, a selection featured by Southern Living. And now that I’m here, I understand why. The cobblestone streets, the Spanish moss, the quiet warmth of the people, it all feels like stepping into a different rhythm of life.
Downtown markets full of life, day or night
One of the first places I visited after moving here was the Charleston City Market. This historic downtown spot runs for four blocks and includes more than 300 vendors. Local artisans sell everything from sweetgrass baskets, part of a long-standing Gullah tradition, to paintings, handmade jewelry, and keepsakes. Southern Living calls it a showcase of local talent and culture.
The Charleston Night Market, open on weekends from spring through December, adds live music and evening energy to the scene. More than 200 local makers set up in the open-air pavilions to share their crafts. The Charleston City Market notes that it’s become a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
There’s also the Charleston Night Bazaar, held monthly in Marion Square. You’ll find vintage finds, local makers, and small-batch food and drink options from spots like Edmund’s Oast, as noted on the Bazaar’s official site.
Rainbow Row and the best window shopping in the South
A walk down East Bay Street leads you to one of Charleston’s most recognizable sights: Rainbow Row. This stretch of 13 pastel-painted row houses is more than just picturesque, it’s a symbol of the city’s care for its history. Even after seeing it many times, I still stop to take it in.
A few blocks away, King Street offers a mix of stores that feels surprisingly balanced. Boutiques like Ibu Movement and The Tiny Tassel sit comfortably among well-known names like Louis Vuitton and Sézane. Vogue Business reported on the area’s growth in retail, pointing to Charleston’s increasing appeal to visitors.
Just off King Street, you’ll find the sleek and modern Apple Store and a few steps away, Sewing Down South, a pillow shop started by Craig Conover of Southern Charm. It’s cheerful, full of Lowcountry-themed fabrics, and clearly designed to make guests feel at ease (you may even catch a filming session)
But it’s not just what’s on the shelves that makes shopping here stand out. In many shops, someone will greet you with a warm “Hi y’all” and take the time to ask where you’re from or how your day is going. That kind of warmth that sticks with you.
A city fed by soul food and Top chefs
One of the most enjoyable parts of living here has been exploring the food. Charleston’s dining scene blends tradition and taste, no matter your budget, you’ll find something to love. You can get just about any type of food here, from Southern comfort classics and fresh seafood to globally inspired dishes and vegan-friendly options. Whether you’re after a quick $5 bite or a multi-course tasting menu, the variety is impressive.
Some of the most memorable meals I’ve had were on rooftops. Restaurants like The Watch and Citrus Club serve up great views of historic rooftops, church steeples, and the harbor, making the atmosphere just as inviting as the menu.
For long-standing local flavor, Bertha’s Kitchen is a go-to. This family-run soul food restaurant has received national attention from the James Beard Foundation, and Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ, featured on Netflix’s Chef’s Table, is another local Southern favorite. His slow-cooked barbecue is full of smoky flavor and served with a tangy vinegar-based sauce.
Chef BJ Dennis is also making an impact by sharing the Gullah-Geechee food tradition. Dishes like Carolina Gold rice, stewed okra, and benne seed cookies are part of the region’s story, and Dennis brings them to life in a way that’s both meaningful and delicious.
Charleston’s growing culinary reputation was further cemented when the Michelin Guide expanded into the American South. Local favorites like Kultura, Peninsula Grill, and Halls Chophouse are now under consideration and for good reason. The food speaks for itself.
Hospitality that lingers long after you leave
Charleston’s reputation for hospitality isn’t just deserved, it’s lived. Every interaction here feels a little warmer, a little more intentional. That was clear from a friend’s weekend stay at The Dewberry Hotel. From the doorman’s friendly welcome to the rooftop views at Citrus Club, it was a relaxing, thoughtful experience. The Michelin Guide’s travel column described The Dewberry as “an exercise in Southern charm,” and I couldn’t agree more.
But what really makes Charleston feel like home isn’t the polished service, it’s the quieter moments. At my local coffee shop, they don’t just make my drink. They know my name, how I like it, and sometimes ask how my grandson is doing in school. That kind of simple, thoughtful connection is something I don’t take for granted.
Whether you’re browsing a local boutique, catching the Charleston Water Taxi, or asking someone for a lunch recommendation, you’ll often find people willing to help, and that makes all the difference.
A few more can’t-miss Charleston Sites
For anyone visiting Charleston, the Angel Oak Tree on Johns Island is well worth the short drive. Believed to be more than 400 years old, this live oak shades over 17,000 square feet. The City of Charleston lists it as one of the area’s most popular natural landmarks, and once you’re standing beneath its enormous limbs, it’s simple beauty is overwhelming.
Another favorite of mine is a harbor ride on the Charleston Water Taxi. It’s a relaxing way to view Fort Sumter, the Pineapple Fountain, and the edge of the historic district. If you’re looking for something deeper, the new International African American Museum at Gadsden’s Wharf is both powerful and moving. Southern Living calls it one of the city’s most important new spaces.
One Charleston landmark that offers unforgettable views is the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Spanning the Cooper River, this striking cable-stayed bridge provides a scenic drive and pedestrian access with sweeping views of the harbor and skyline.
So That's Why Everyone’s Visiting Charleston
There’s a reason Charleston seems to land on everyone’s travel list, and I understand it firsthand. This city has a way of inviting you in, whether you’re riding a water taxi, sharing stories over dinner, or walking past a 400-year-old oak. What started as a move has become something more: a quiet, daily reminder of how much a place can feel like home. If you’ve been thinking about visiting, consider this your nudge. Charleston’s waiting, and it’s worth the trip.
About the Author
Bunny, a Maryland native, is enjoying retired life in Charleston, South Carolina, alongside her husband after many fulfilling years as a teacher. She’s a proud mom of two and loves every moment of being Nana to her wonderful grandson.
