entertaining
A Family-Friendly Charleston Getaway
Charming, relaxed, and full of incredible food and hidden gems, Charleston is just one of those places that makes you want to move in and stay a while. The city offers a great balance between a slow family getaway and an upbeat, walkable weekend of exploration.
Where We Stayed
This time around we stayed just over the bridge in Mount Pleasant at the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina, and it was the perfect home base for a family trip.The rooms were spacious and welcoming, with large bathrooms and electric fireplaces in each room. There were multiple pools to enjoy, easy dining options, and almost 360 degrees of gorgeous waterfront views. It’s also very pet-friendly, which makes traveling with your dog feel seamless instead of stressful.We really appreciated the complimentary transportation into downtown Charleston by either bus or water taxi. We got all the charm and walkability of the city without having to deal with parking or logistics, which is a huge win when you’re traveling with a group.We’ve also previously stayed at The Dunlin on Johns Island, and it’s another favorite. It has a slightly more tucked-away, elevated feel while still being welcoming for families and pets. If you’re looking for something a little quieter but still beautifully designed and thoughtful, it’s absolutely worth considering. We could make a whole other blog post about Kiawah and St. John Island - they are incredible!
What We Did
We kept this trip intentionally relaxed, mixing in a few planned outings with plenty of time to just enjoy being together. We made sure to spend time at Sullian’s Island Beach. It’s clean, peaceful, and a super fun beach town. Perfect for a slow morning with kids, a long walk, or just sitting by the water.We also toured the USS Yorktown, a retired navy ship right by our hotel, which ended up being such a fun and unexpected activity. It was immersive and extremely interesting, putting yourselves in sailors' shoes by sitting in the airplanes, touring flight decks, and visiting the dining hall, sleeping chambers, and even doctor and dentist offices. This interactive and educational tour was a great way to break up the trip with something a little different. The older kids in our group really loved the fighter pilot simulator!
Follow Our Footsteps Exploring Downtown
☕ Start with Coffee
Begin at Babas on Cannon. It’s cozy, effortlessly cool, and sets the tone for the day.🛍 Wander King Street
From there, walk over to King Street and head south. Pop into shops along the way, including Hill House Home, and leave room for a little spontaneity. This stretch is one of the best parts of Charleston, so take your time.🏛 French Quarter + Waterfront
Continue down into the historic district and toward the water. Stop into Carolina Antiques and Prints if you love unique finds, then head over to Pineapple Fountain. It’s one of those classic Charleston spots that never gets old.🌈 Rainbow Row
From the fountain, take a short walk to Rainbow Row. It’s iconic for a reason and always worth seeing in person.🔁 Ease Into the Evening
Start making your way back toward dinner. If you need a quick pick-me-up, Babas on Wentworth is a great optional stop.🍝 Dinner in town
There are so many great spots the only problem is there’s never enough time to try them all!🍦 Ice Cream to End the Day
Finish with something sweet. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is the easiest stop nearby, but if you’re in the mood for something a little more tucked away, Off Track Ice Cream is worth seeking out.
Begin at Babas on Cannon. It’s cozy, effortlessly cool, and sets the tone for the day.🛍 Wander King Street
From there, walk over to King Street and head south. Pop into shops along the way, including Hill House Home, and leave room for a little spontaneity. This stretch is one of the best parts of Charleston, so take your time.🏛 French Quarter + Waterfront
Continue down into the historic district and toward the water. Stop into Carolina Antiques and Prints if you love unique finds, then head over to Pineapple Fountain. It’s one of those classic Charleston spots that never gets old.🌈 Rainbow Row
From the fountain, take a short walk to Rainbow Row. It’s iconic for a reason and always worth seeing in person.🔁 Ease Into the Evening
Start making your way back toward dinner. If you need a quick pick-me-up, Babas on Wentworth is a great optional stop.🍝 Dinner in town
There are so many great spots the only problem is there’s never enough time to try them all!🍦 Ice Cream to End the Day
Finish with something sweet. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is the easiest stop nearby, but if you’re in the mood for something a little more tucked away, Off Track Ice Cream is worth seeking out.
Where to Shop & Eat in Charleston
Favorite Shops:
Hill House Home
Loeffler Randall
Candlefish (for the best curated candles)
Wentworth
Vintage Emporium - Mt. PleasantBreakfast & Coffee:
Babas on Cannon
Babas on Wentworth
The Daily
Clerks Coffee CompanyLunch:
The Porchetta Shop (hands down some of the best sandwiches)
Brown’s Court Bakery
Basic KitchenLunch / Dinner:
Melfi’s
Leon’s Oyster Shop
The Obstinate Daughter (worth the drive)
Chubby Fish
Post House
SorelleSweet Treats:
Off Track Ice Cream
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Sugar Bakeshop
Hill House Home
Loeffler Randall
Candlefish (for the best curated candles)
Wentworth
Vintage Emporium - Mt. PleasantBreakfast & Coffee:
Babas on Cannon
Babas on Wentworth
The Daily
Clerks Coffee CompanyLunch:
The Porchetta Shop (hands down some of the best sandwiches)
Brown’s Court Bakery
Basic KitchenLunch / Dinner:
Melfi’s
Leon’s Oyster Shop
The Obstinate Daughter (worth the drive)
Chubby Fish
Post House
SorelleSweet Treats:
Off Track Ice Cream
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Sugar Bakeshop
Charleston continues to be one of our favorite places to visit because it truly has something for everyone. It’s easy to navigate, incredibly beautiful, and full of those small moments that make a trip feel special. Whether you’re traveling with kids, bringing your dog along, or just looking for a getaway that balances activity with relaxation, this is one we’d recommend again and again.
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