Charleston is a popular vacation destination for anyone looking for a charming, Southern getaway. From its colorful downtown and culinary expertise to its gorgeous plantations and proximity to beaches, Charleston has so much to offer! But there are plenty of spots you might not know about. Well, get ready for 18 hidden gems in Charleston to visit this year!
At the time of writing, all of these places are open and ready for you to visit. So, run through the list, and add some (or all!) to your Charleston itinerary.
Also, you can get a sense for things to do and some hidden gems to find in Charleston from the video I made from my trip!
[If you don’t see a video player below, you may need to disable your ad blocker!]
Also, if you want to know exactly what camera I used to capture these hidden gems, this is it!
These are also some of the best things to do in Charleston, so let’s get into it!
Here are Charleston’s best hidden gems!
1. Cypress Gardens
I am shocked that more people don’t know about this place! Even locals I’ve talked to are surprised when I tell them about this spot. It’s definitely one of my favorite hidden gems to visit in Charleston. Cypress Gardens encompasses 3.5 miles of hiking trails and beautiful gardens.
But most notably, they’ve got stunning cypress trees in their swamp that you can row through!
Remember the boat scene from The Notebook? That was actually filmed here! And you can have the same experience (sans Ryan Gosling. And sans the swans- they were added in for the film.)
They are open daily from 9am – 5pm and it costs $10 for adults and $5 for children. The $10 admission includes a self-guided boat tour, but the boats are first-come-first-serve. I recommend coming right when they open if you want a peaceful morning rowing through the swamp!
And keep your eyes peeled for alligators- we saw one swimming in the water and one sunning on the bank. But don’t worry- the boats are flat-bottom boats and they’ve never had one flip. Also, the alligators won’t bother you if you don’t bother them!
2. Magnolia Plantation at Opening
This is the most visited plantation in Charleston and one of the oldest plantations in the south. The gardens are considered one of “America’s most beautiful gardens”. But wait… why did I put it on my list of hidden gems in Charleston?
Well, here’s the hidden gem part. If you visit right at opening, Magnolia Plantation is a magical place. You’ll get the long white bridge all to yourself, which is basically impossible an hour after they open, especially on weekends.
For reference, we visited on a Sunday right at opening and spent a few hours here. By the time we left, there were lines and lines of people at the ticket counter.
Another hidden gem aspect of Magnolia Plantation is visiting at the right time of the year. Don’t get me wrong- this garden is stunning all year round. But it gets even more beautiful at peak bloom.
Peak azalea bloom is usually around early April, and the whole plantation lights up in a colorful display of pinks and purples! You can see what I mean in the above photos.
Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for kids (free for under-fives), and tours cost $8 per person. The beauty here is worth every penny!
For more incredible plantations to visit, check out this post!
3. Pitt Street Bridge
This hidden gem has some very cool architecture and mixes history with nature. Pitt Street Bridge was a trolley bridge that stretched from Mount Pleasant to Sullivan’s Island, but it is now a place for relaxation and enjoying beautiful nature. Here you can go fishing or even kayaking!
We got the shot above with our drone.
Fun fact: another less tangible Charleston hidden gem is that there aren’t many no-fly zones in the area at the time of writing. That’s a huge win for us photographers with drones!
4. Hampton Park
Hampton Park is one of Charleston’s largest parks, with the biggest floral displays in the city! It is free to enter and open 24 hours. Most visitors don’t know about Hampton Park or skip it in favor of exploring King Street and more popular areas of Charleston. But this is definitely one of the best hidden gems in Charleston.
And you can bet it’s on this list of the 54 prettiest places in Charleston!
5. Brittlebank Park at Sunset
This park is a great spot for hiking and exploring. It is on the Ashley River and offers spectacular views of the river and surrounding parkland. It’s also one of the best places to watch a Charleston sunset if you ask me.
We visited on a Friday and were basically the only people here! (PS. Google will tell you that it is open from 9am – 7pm daily, but we were here past 7 at sunset with no problems.)
6. French Huguenot Church
Charleston has the nickname “The Holy City,” and it’s no surprise with over 400 churches!
Well, here’s one of them to add to your Charleston itinerary! This is a beautiful Gothic Revival church is located in Charleston’s French Quarter. It was founded by Huguenots, and anybody is welcome to look around. With its Gothic Revival architecture and slightly pink hue, it’s noticeably different from Charleston’s other churches.
Those interested in architecture or photography will love this spot!
It’s actually the only independently Huguenot church that still exists in America today!
7. Philadelphia Alley
Don’t miss this hidden gem in Charleston! Philadelphia Alley is a short alleyway that many people overlook while in Charleston. It is a beautiful historic road with shrubbery and charming houses on either side. The historical significance here dates back to the 18th century!
As you’re walking down Philadelphia Alley, just imagine all of the people who have walked on the same path as you!
Here’s a brief history of the name ‘Philadelphia Alley’:
Constructed in the mid-1700s, this charming walkway was originally called Kinloch’s Court. However, the name switched to Philadelphia Street in 1811.
Why Philadelphia?
Some think it is due to the Johnsons, who once owned the land containing Kinloch’s Court, since the eldest Johnson spent the final years of the Revolution in Philadelphia.
Others think it is due to the relief funds that Philadelphia gave to Charleston after major fires in 1796 and 1810.
Well, in 1952, the name was changed again, this time to Philadelphia Alley, since this walkway no longer qualified as an acceptable street. You can read more about its history here!
8. Charleston’s Hidden Gardens
These hidden gems in Charleston are truly a bit hidden. As you’re exploring the streets of Charleston, you’ll notice that some houses have spectacular gardens in Charleston. These are all on private property, but you can see them as you walk by.
Most notable, to me, is the garden pictured above, which is labeled as Shamrock Garden on Google Maps. Shamrock Garden is a Boxwood Garden on Legare Street- what a beauty!
9. Morris Island Lighthouse
Folly Beach may be a popular beach when you’re visiting Charleston, but did you know that there’s a charming lighthouse further down the coast? It’s true, and this lighthouse truly deserves a spot on this list of hidden gems in Charleston.
Morris Island Lighthouse is a grand traditional-style lighthouse that stands on the edge of Morris Island.
Its original tower was demolished in the Civil War and what you see today was rebuilt in the 18th century.
There is a paved path on Folly Island that takes you to the beach across from the lighthouse. It’s known as the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve, and you can enjoy lovely lighthouse views from it. It is open daily 6am to 8pm.
From the parking lot, there are two options to reach the lighthouse. The direct option is a half-mile-long paved walkway covered with colorful graffiti. The more scenic option is to take the beach access path to the beach, then walk along the shore.
We found that this area of Folly Beach doesn’t have many tourists, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the ocean. It’s even more beautiful if you visit it for sunrise or sunset!
The only way to see Morris Island Lighthouse up close is on a kayak or boat tour. (Only skilled kayakers should attempt this on their own). There are a few guided tours that will show you around both Morris Island and the lighthouse, like this 2-hour tour or this 3-hour tour that often includes dolphin viewing. You can also do a paddleboard tour like this one as well!
Photography tip: If you want a good photo of the Morris Island Lighthouse from the beach, you’ll need a zoom lens. For reference, I got the photo above with this 24-120mm lens at full zoom.
(You can see exactly what is in my camera bag and all of my gear recommendations here!)
10. McLeod Plantation
While Magnolia Plantation, Boone Hall Plantation, and Middleton Place are some of the more common plantations to visit, you might not know about McLeod Plantation. And that is exactly why it’s one of the best hidden gems in Charleston.
McLeod Plantation is a Charleston attraction that is important to learn about. It is a cotton plantation that dates back to 1851, which used slave labor. By telling the stories behind all the people who lived at McLeod Plantation, this place does a great job at showing you what it was like being a slave and how slaves shaped Charleson’s past.
You can visit the 37-acre plantation to learn about all aspects of this part of Charleston’s complex history. It costs $20 for adults and $6 for children, and the entrance price includes a guided interpretive tour.
The plantation is open every day apart from Monday, from 9am – 4pm. They offer the guided tours hourly from 9:30pm -2:30pm.
11. Huriyali
Huriyali is a wonderful organic restaurant where you can purchase the most delicious healthy food, including acai bowls and delicious sandwiches, with lots of vegan options.
Popular with mainly only locals, it’s a pretty well-kept secret. It’s slightly off the beaten path, which is probably why tourists overlook this place! We visited on our way to Cypress Gardens and enjoyed the smoothies pictured above.
Though we had our smoothies on-the-go, feel free to stay awhile! Their back patio is a charming place to enjoy a quick bite.
Prices are around $10 for an acai bowl or sandwich. At the time of writing, it is open from 8am – 6pm daily (though it closes at 3pm on Sunday).
12. Deep Water Vineyard
Though it’s an hour away from Charleston, this hidden gem should be on your list.
Located on Wadmalaw Island, you’ll find Charleston’s only domestic winery: Deep Water Vineyard! You can do a self-guided tour here for $10 per person, which includes 6 samples from their wine list. There are 7 miles of vines to explore!
They grow muscadine wine as it comes from one of the only grapes native to the United States. Their four grape varieties of muscadine thrive in the warm South Carolina weather! While you might associate overly sweet wine with muscadine grapes, they do a great job of blending to create more dry wines. Taste it for yourself on your visit to the vineyard!
This next spot is also located on Wadmalaw Island, so be sure to stop here as well if you’re visiting the Deep Water Vineyard!
13. Charleston Tea Garden
If you’re a fan of tea, you’ve got to visit the Charleston tea garden. It is truly unique and a hidden gem as it’s the only large-scale tea garden in North America! You’ll see just how large once you arrive. Hundreds of thousands of tea bushes that stretch as far as your eye can see will welcome you!
And here’s a fun fact: their American Classic Tea is the only tea brand in the world made exclusively with tea grown only in America.
There is no admission charge, although there is a fee if you want to do a trolley tour. The tea garden opens at 10am every day, apart from Sunday when it opens at noon and closes at 4pm, and on certain holidays.
On another tea-related note, check out the next spot on this list for afternoon tea in downtown Charleston!
14. Afternoon Tea at Camellias
You might be familiar with Camellias, Charleston’s pink champagne bar at Hotel Bennett. But here’s what makes Camellias a hidden gem in Charleston: they offer afternoon tea!
Yup, Camelias is a gorgeous place for afternoon tea in Charleston. This champagne bar serves up delicious sandwiches and cakes!
Keep in mind that afternoon tea at Camellias is by reservation only. Call (843) 990-5418 to book.
Tea times are as follows:
- Friday & Saturday: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM and 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM and 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
At the time of writing, afternoon tea starts at $52 for an afternoon tea for an adult and $34 for a child. You can see all options and the full tea menu here– it is the perfect way to class up your afternoon!
15. Daytime Apps at The Citrus Club
The Citrus Club is a luxury cocktail bar on the Dewberry Hotel’s rooftop boasting impressive views of the whole of Charleston. It’s quite popular in the evening, but don’t miss out on the daytime ambiance here!
With gorgeous cocktails, a fantastic view, and perfectly designed decor, this spot is fantastic during the day. But the biggest highlight to me is their delicious apps. We ordered the crab dip, crispy shrimp, burger, and tropical fruit plate, and I’m getting hungry just thinking about them! (Seriously though- my husband and I still talk about that crab dip and the shrimp!)
It is open from 3pm – 8pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 12pm – 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 12pm – 8pm on Sundays.
16. Sugar Bakery
Sugar Bakery is a friendly local cake shop full of the most delicious sweet treats! Out-of-towners might miss this sweet spot since it’s not in the popular areas of Charleston. But I’d encourage you to stop in for a treat!
They freshly bake all of their cakes from scratch and have a seasonal menu.
We picked up some goodies (a lavender-blueberry cupcake and a rainbow sprinkle cookie) for our flight back to Dallas. They definitely made our flight more fun!
The bakery is open from 10am – 5pm every day except Sunday.
17. Post House
Located in Mount Pleasant, Post House is a cheerful inn that dates back to 1896. It has since been renovated by the same designers that did The Dewberry Charleston! While you’re exploring Mount Pleasant or are on your way to or from Sullivan Island, stop in and dine at the Post House restaurant. At the Post House, you can enjoy cocktails and/or delicious fresh food! I highly recommend the cornbread… some of the best cornbread I’ve ever had!
And as far as hotels go, with their trendy interiors located in such a charming neighborhood, I’d go as far as saying it’s the best hotel on Mount Pleasant! So if you’re looking to stay somewhere away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Charleston, keep the Post House in mind.
18. John Rutledge House Inn
If you’re looking to stay somewhere unique in downtown Charleston, here’s one of the best hidden gems in Charleston as far as hotels go! While you might be familiar with some of the bigger or more prominent hotels in Charleston like the Francis Marion and Hotel Bennett, don’t overlook this boutique inn.
Can you believe that you can stay somewhere that someone who signed the United States Constitution once called home?
The John Rutledge House Inn is a hotel, but it’s worth visiting even if you are staying elsewhere since it’s also a historic landmark. The 19-room inn has an extensive history spanning back to 1763 and has many interesting and quirky historical features. It has a gorgeous facade with the most charming checkered sidewalk in front of it!
In conclusion…
As you can see, there are so many hidden gems in Charleston! Which are you most excited to visit?
If you know of any other hidden gems, let me know in the comments! I’d love to check them out on my next trip to Charleston!
And if you’re heading to Charleston, here’s another post you might enjoy:
Safe travels!
Jasmine
PS. If you found this post helpful, please share it to Pinterest! You can use either image below for easy pinning!
12 Responses
The Goatery at Kiawah River is another great plane to visit in Charleston. Hands on experience work goats, cows, chickens, donks, sheep, and Kune Kune pigs. Lots at baby goats at the moment.
AllintheFarmily.com
That is so good to know, thanks for sharing! We will need to check it out on our next trip!
Hi there!
As a white charleston native, I (shamefully) didn’t realize the negative impact going to the plantations to just enjoy (vs learn about the history) had, especially as you have to pay to go. They may be visually pretty but they’re a place of immense pain and suffering for the not so distant ancestors of a lot of local folks. Next time you’re in Charleston, I would highly suggest checking out more of the incredible Gullah Geechee educational offerings to learn more about the incredible, resilient folks that live here.
Also, check out Bked for the best donuts EVER and Grace and Grit for some PHENOMENAL lunch or dinner options!
Hey Ryan! Well said! It’s definitely important to recognize the educational aspect! As a photographer, I tend to focus on the aesthetic aspect of places, so I appreciate you bringing that up! When we visited, I felt like a lot of the plantations (especially Boone Hall) did a really good job of showcasing the incredible Gullah culture! I’d recommend that people appreciate nature in those places but, of course, also learn about/remember the immense sorrow and pain of what went on throughout our nation’s history.
And thanks so much for those extra tips! We will check Bked and Grace & Grit out on our next trip to Charleston!
Great recommendations! Don’t forget to add BagValet luggage storage services to maximize your time pre/post accommodations. They pick-up, store for as long as you need, and deliver it back to you. So convenient.
Www.charlestonbagvalet.com
Oh that’s a great tip !!! Thank you did not know this service existed !
Not all plantations were riddled with immense pain and suffering. There were a lot of landowners that treated the workers well and fed them, clothed them, and nursed them when ill.
Many when freed wanted to stay on the farms. Look at history with open eyes, not everything is 50 or 100%, and history is not always remembered as it really was.
Becky, I was taught the same thing as you at my all-white private parochial school. It was a lie. My relatives owned people and treated them like beloved and much needed farm animals- like favorite work mules or sheep dogs; however, they still lived in deplorable shacks, had little to eat, and received very little medical attention, not to mention the ability to move freely through town without being treated like criminals on the run, the ability to read and write, to worship as they wanted, to keep their families together. You do not need to carry the guilt of our past ancestors, but denying yourself the truth is irresponsible to your future generations. Read, “Lies My Teacher Told Me” by James W. Loewen to begin your research. And know that most textbooks in the U.S. come out of the State of Texas where the panel of white people (many of whom are NOT historians nor educators, but business executives) create the content they want teachers to teach… and have since the 1940’s
But Rebecca, they were still slaves – humans in bondage owned by other humans forced to work for free against their will. Do yourself a favor and educate yourself on the history of American colonialism. Your “facts” in no way are grounded in truth; if anything it’s a whitewashing of history. I encourage you to challenge our sources and be judicious with where you gather your news and information.
Ok that is the cutest pink dress that you are wearing In front of Sugar bakery ….plz tell me where I can get it ! Also HGTV’s ROCK the Block was filmed in Summerville/ Charleston area this year . We are planning to check that out n needs some tips for that ! Maybe next time ?:)
We just got back from Charleston. So much fun!! It was raining cats and dogs on our way to Cypress Gardens but totally cleared up right before we got there. So it was still overcast and a bit eerie-very cool! You’re a great photographer…my iPhone photos of Camelias don’t compare to yours! Looking forward to seeing Charleston in the spring next time.
Thanks, Dana!
an iPhone just can’t compete with a dslr camera so I totally get it! My iphone pics don’t look as good as my camera pics either!