Samantha Rudd, Guest Contributor
Summer in Charleston is all about finding ways to escape or embrace the heat. And with summer right around the corner, brainstorming fun and different ways to embrace the heat is a definite must! Whether you are a local looking for a new adventure or visiting but want experience a one-of-a-kind summer vacation, Charleston is the perfect city for activities that are affordable but still deliver big on fun. Check out our ‘must do’ list of Charlestonian experiences that surely won’t break the bank!
The Farmer’s Market in Marion Square
When searching for your perfect start to a Saturday morning, the Charleston Farmers Market should be at the top of your list. Every Saturday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, join the hustle and bustle of all things local at Marion Square Park located on the corner of King and Calhoun Street. There are 100+ vendors specializing in fresh produce, mouth-watering food trucks, and talented artisans.
Attend a Riverdogs baseball game
One American tradition that will never get old, is spending an evening at a baseball game! There is something about the sun going down that makes us crave a cold beer, a delicious hot dog, and the Charleston RiverDogs. Whether you are going on ‘dollar dog night’ or to a weekend game the atmosphere never disappoints. Plus, who knows, maybe you’ll get lucky and spot the team’s co-owner, Bill Murray!
Take a Walk across the Ravenel Bridge
Everyone who comes to Charleston knows that the downtown peninsula is super walkable but what most people don’t realize is that you can also walk the Ravenel Bridge and cross into the Patriots Point area of Mount Pleasant. The bridge features a 2.7 mile pedestrian path that boasts extraordinary views of the Holy City and the Charleston Harbor.
A bike ride through the historic district to The Battery
Truly one of the best ways to see all of the rich history and beautiful architecture of downtown is a bike tour! Whether you are in a guided tour group or giving yourself a tour, there are plenty of streets to explore. Once you’ve traveled through the historic district, take a break along the Battery and White Point Gardens. In this scenic spot bordered by the Ashley and Cooper Rivers you’ll find cannons under the shade of 200 year-old Oaks that protected the Harbor during times in the city’s history when it was under siege.
Spend a beach day on one of Charleston’s Islands
With the beach only 15 minutes away from downtown, spending at least one day basking in the sun is a must! From Folly Beach to Isle of Palm, Charleston is certainly not short of shoreline. On Folly Beach the Pier is the perfect place to set up your beach day and still have nearby access to great restaurants and bars on Center Street. On Sullivan’s Island, any station will do just as long as you plan to finish the day with dinner at one of the fantastic local restaurants! And if you are looking for a quiet and more private beach day, Isle of Palms is exactly where you’ll want to be! Truly any of the three will give you the quintessential beach experience.
Second Sunday on King Street
Great food, great entertainment, and a great location! On the second Sunday of each month, King Street, from Calhoun to Queen Street, closes to vehicle traffic and opens up the entire street to pedestrian use. Along the sides of the street, local vendors and restaurants set up outside seating for visitors and shoppers enjoy a quick and tasty bite to eat. Be sure to also catch a street performance by some of Charleston’s own musical talent.
In Charleston, “too expensive” should never be a reason to stop exploring. Make your summer vacation in Charleston unforgettable with one or all of our favorite activities listed above. And, although the weather in the Holy City is more often sunny than it is rainy, we’ve also compiled a list of fun and affordable things to do on a rainy day should rain be in the forecast. Our downtown luxury rentals put you in the middle of everything and our Concierge team is here to help you plan the perfect weekend.
Check out our NEWEST downtown rental perfect for a summer weekend … introducing Parks Edge! Charming and contemporary, this two-bedroom apartment is ideally located on Upper King Street, at the edge of Marion Square. Within short walking distance are top notch shops and restaurants including Halls Chophouse, The Darling Oyster Bar, Parcel 32, O-Ku, and Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer. Feel right at home with a full kitchen and start your day with coffee at the breakfast bar in the open kitchen and living space. Two comfortable bedrooms with luxury linens and plenty of amenities means this is the perfect place to end a day spent exploring downtown Charleston. Click on the link below … and book your stay at Parks Edge today!