There is a lot more to Charleston than just downtown. Charleston is surrounded by water, so there are plenty of places to visit that are no more than a 20-minute drive. Here are my three favorite places to escape downtown.
Shem Creek
Shem Creek is one of my favorite places in Mount Pleasant, which is located about 10 minutes outside of Charleston. Sometimes it is nice to leave downtown and go where the locals go. A few restaurants on the water have a great vibe and delicious food. One of my favorites was Saltwater Cowboys, but along with this, there is Tavern & Table and Red’s Icehouse. Not only are they great places for dinner, but they are also known for their Sunday Fundays!
Isle of Palms
If you are looking for a cute beach town away from tourists, visit Isle of Palms. It is about 20 minutes away from downtown – truly worth the drive. Definitely one of the prettiest beaches and towns I found.
Folly Beach
One of the most popular beaches that people go to. The town has multiple restaurants and shops and plenty of places to park. If you want to go surfing, some of the beaches are blocked off for surfers. There are many beautiful houses available to rent and multiple hotels if you’re looking for a place to stay that is not downtown. You cannot go wrong with this beach; definitely a staple.
