7 Things to Do in Charleston — Destination Dreamer Diaries

My last U.S. road trip, for, well… who knows, how long. My family and I are at the tail end of our time down here in Charleston, South Carolina – a place my dad (who has been to 48 states and every major city in the U.S.!) for some reason, has always wanted to go to.

Walking the streets of Charleston, South Carolina during Christmas time in December 2019.

While I find Charleston to be a low-key, wanna be New Orleans… with much, much less to do… it is in fact a cute little city.

Here are some things you can do while you’re there:

1. Go See the Angel Oak Tree

This is the first thing that we did here in Charleston… I wasn’t too ecstatic about going to see a tree, and driving half an hour to go to see it in the residual rain… but I will say, it’s pretty cool.

An artsy picture of my brothers approaching the tree.

It’s kind of cool to see how the tree is growing out so thick and wide that it needs man-made support to sustain itself.

If it weren’t December and rainy, you could picnic here.

2. Eat Some Good Southern Food

If you follow the blog, you know that I like to keep things plant-based around here, but as this was a family trip, I went to some non-vegan places as well.

Therefore, I have recommendations for both veggie lovers and meat eaters alike.

For all-vegan places, I recommend Gnome Café…

Inside Gnome Café in Charleston, South Carolina

It’s a very earthy, hippie vibe: they play calm music, the aesthetic and atmosphere is very peaceful, free wifi to bring your laptop and work over a soy hot chocolate…

… which by the way, my very non-vegan brother had and he said it was excellent!

This is what the spread looks like when you order for five!

We tried the Fried Seitan Sandwich, Tempeh Reuben, and the Southern Grit Bowl alongside Fries and Onion Rings.

If I were to pick what the best thing I had was; it was the Tempeh Reuben. I would’ve totally come back to this café to write and sip a latte or a hot chocolate if it weren’t for our trip falling out during Christmas.

We also went to Five Loaves café, which has both vegetarian and meat options. My dad thought it was incredible, and I must admit – the red pepper jam spread that they used down here, was superb in cutting the spicy black bean burger I had with some sweetness.

Black Bean Burger on Sourdough bread… whatever the red pepper jam stuff there using down here is, it’s awesome! — Black Bean Burger on Sourdough bread… whatever the red pepper jam stuff there using down here is, it’s *awesome!*

For Christmas Eve, we went to The Swamp Fox across the street. My brother and I split a plate of vegetables… and my other brother had an 8-ounce steak. I wouldn’t say it was out of this world, but a good option to feed everyone.

Dinner at the Swamp Fox in Charleston, South Carolina

When in the south, you should always be trying their classic dishes… Fried Green Tomatoes with more Red Pepper Jam and Goat Cheese on the side.

3. Escape Room 60

Even though we called ahead of time to check, apparently, this was still closed by the afternoon of Christmas Eve.

If you’re in town with family, I don’t think there is a better bonding exercise.

4. Walk Through the Charleston City Market

This was definitely my favorite thing that we did.

If you read my blog or follow me on social media, you know that walking through markets is one of my favorite things to do while traveling.

The outside of the market looks a lot like the French Market in New Orleans.

Hats, scarves, soaps, coffee, backpacks… any kind of knick-knack you want, it was there.

Very cute and I highly recommend you put this at the top of your list.

5. Visit the Charleston Museum

I opted out of this one because everyone under the sun knows how I feel about museums… in my eyes, they are nothing more than chambers of utter boredom.

My family liked it, though. They said they were impressed by it. If you’re a history nerd, given this is the oldest museum in the United States of America – this is probably a must for you.

6. Take a Tour of Fort Sumter

Again… I passed on this one because I didn’t want to be potentially unimpressed. I stayed back at the hotel and wrote this article about my experience in high school, instead.

The flag being raised at Fort Sumter in Charleston South Carolina; December 2019

Basically, this is the place where the first shots of the Civil War were fired… you get on a ferry from downtown Charleston and back, which is supposedly, a pretty scenic ride. Again, if this sort of stuff interests you, my family has assured me that you will not be disappointed.

7. Explore Around Marion Square

Our hotel was right by here, so I took a few walks to go to the Walgreens nearby when I forgot contact solution and deodorant… guess I should’ve read my own packing list before leaving, huh?

Marion Square in Charleston, South Carolina in December 2019.

The Christmas tree at the center at night really is a wonderful sight to see.

There is a Christmas tree in the center of the square that lights up at night.

If you come to Charleston during Christmas time, you will definitely feel the holiday spirit in the air.

Marion Square during Christmas time at night in Charleston, South Carolina.

My final thoughts? Like I said, the city reminds me a lot of a very low-key New Orleans. There’s no music, no excitement, and what you get is what you see: a small town, with southern hospitality, and pockets of charm…

… but if you’re going to pick one over the other, go to New Orleans.

If you want to read more about other cities in the U.S. I have visited, click here.