Cooper River Bridge Archives

Whether you’re visiting Charleston for the first time, you just moved here, or you’ve lived here all your life, there are a few MUST-see and do things that everyone should experience at least once.

Here are 9 things that should be on everyone’s Charleston bucket list:

Walk or Run Over the Ravenel Bridge

In addition to being a great way to exercise, this activity is also free and offers incredible views of the Charleston harbor at the midpoint of the bridge.

Visit the Angel Oak Tree

A trip out to John’s Island, which is just outside Charleston, is a must-see day trip destination that everyone needs to experience at least once. Check out the famous Angel Oak Tree, a historic 500-year-old tree in the heart of Wadmalaw.

Check Out Patriot’s Point and the USS Yorktown

The docks at the Patriot’s Point marina offer incredible views of the Charleston harbor. History bluffs will also love touring the Yorktown, a decommissioned World War II aircraft carrier.

Ride Horses on the Beach

The Seabrook Equestrian Center is the only place that offers horse riding on the beach in Charleston. This activity gives animal lovers a chance to trot or gallop along the breaking waves of the beautiful South Carolina coastline.

Walk in the Middle of King Street during Second Sunday

On the second Sunday of each month, King Street is closed off to vehicular traffic from Calhoun Street to Queen Street. This event is popular amongst locals and tourists alike, as restaurants and shops congregate along the street to showcase and sample their goods.

Take a Ghost Tour of the Old Jail

Having housed some of the city’s most infamous criminals, the Old Jail is supposedly one of the most haunted places in all of Charleston. Take a nighttime ghost tour, if you’re feeling extra adventurous.

Visit the Pitt Street Bridge

One of Charleston’s lesser-known spots, the Pitt Street Bridge is nestled between greater Mount Pleasant and Fort Moultrie and offers amazing views of the harbor and the cove. Venture through old Mt. Pleasant and grab a bite to eat at the famous Pitt Street Pharmacy.

Walk Along The Battery

The Battery is one of Charleston’s most iconic locations, encompassing the ocean walkway, white point gardens, and of course the picturesque southern mansions that line East Battery Street. Take a walk around the fortified seawall and admire the beauty and history of downtown Charleston.

Take a Ferry to Fort Sumter

Fort Sumter is known for being the location of the first battle of the Civil War and is the only National Park in Charleston. Take a tour of the fort and experience the stunning views of both the Charleston harbor and the Atlantic ocean.

Featured Image Credit: Holy Spokes Facebook

With summertime temperatures in full swing and the kids out of school, what better time is there to get out and pedal your worries away? Whether you want a scenic view, a killer workout or a few drinks stops along your ride, we’ve picked out the best places to ride your bike around the Charleston area.

Folly Beach

Biking around Folly is perfect for the casual rider who wants to enjoy a breeze and some booze. Starting at Center Street, there’s just a 4-mile bike ride and a short walk to the far end of the beach where you can see the Morris Island Lighthouse and Cooper River Bridge. On your way back to Center Street, you can swing by Bert’s, grab a quick bite to eat, then hop back on your bike and pedal your way to all the restaurants and bars on Center Street.

Intensity: 1 out of 5

Sawmill Branch Trail

The Sawmill Branch Trail is a 6.5-mile bike ride just on the outside of Downtown Summerville. This trail is perfect for those trying to escape from people for a day and enjoy nature. You should expect to see plenty of wildlife and greenery and most of the trail goes under roads, keeping you away from the traffic. People have been known to spot alligators in the canal, owls and many dogs, as the trail is dog-friendly.

Intensity: 3 out of 5

Ravenel Bridge

This bike path is far more so for the fitness seeker than the day drinker, with its 2.7-mile span and intense slope, but the views make it worth the workout. Spanning from Downtown Charleston to Mount Pleasant, there’s plenty of room on the path for both runners and bikers, and gives each a spectacular view that will give you the perfect excuse to stop and catch your breath.

Intensity: 4 out of 5

Sullivan’s Island

Starting at Breach Inlet in between Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms and biking down to the Charleston Harbor end of Sullivan’s Island will give you a 7-mile ride and access to Fort Moultrie. Don’t worry, if you work up an appetite on your bike ride, there are plenty of delicious restaurants to stop and grab food before finishing up back at Breach Inlet. There’s always room for a burger from Poe’s Tavern.

Intensity: 3 out of 5

Downtown Charleston

One way streets and busy roads can make Downtown a stressful bike ride, so we recommend going early Saturday and Sunday mornings, but Charleston makes for a beautiful bike ride. There are so many routes to choose from, whether you bike along the Battery, Waterfront Park, White Point Gardens or a few random streets with historic homes, you’re sure to get Instagram worthy pics.

Intensity: 2 out of 5