charleston
DAY THREE
MORNING One of Charleston’ s great unsung attractions is its proximity to a garland of golden beaches along the South Carolina coast. Now’ s your opportunity to dive in and explore one of the best.
The Isle of Palms( known simply as IOP to locals) and Folly Beach both have their fans, and rightly so, but Sullivan’ s Island is less busy and more beautiful. Just under 20 minutes’ drive east of downtown, it has everything you could want for a day at the beach, and more.
After a leisurely breakfast, hop in an Uber across the Ravenel Bridge and head straight for the island’ s pristine public beach. The golden sands are easily accessible from Station 21 Street, with the gentle Atlantic rollers just beyond.
AFTERNOON Once you’ ve had your fill of relaxation by the ocean, stroll across to Middle Street where you’ ll find several beloved local restaurants within easy walking distance, including High Thyme, Home Team BBQ and Poe’ s Tavern( Edgar Allen Poe was famously stationed here during a stint of military service in the 1820s).
The pick of the bunch, however, is The Obstinate Daughter— a sunny eatery and patio bar with prompt service, bleached wood furniture and a beachy atmosphere. Don’ t miss the perfectly grilled swordfish steaks with capers and currants— or the heavenly pecan bourbon creme brulee, which will live rent-free on the edge of your imagination for many years to come.
Despite the fact this is a tiny island, there’ s an abundance of options for the afternoon, especially if you rent a bike from Sealand Adventure Sports. On your to-do list should be the fascinating Edgar Allen Poe Library, where the friendly staff will fill you in on the poet’ s short but colorful stay here, and a photo opportunity at historic Sullivan’ s Island Lighthouse, otherwise known as‘ Charleston Light’. If you have time and daylight left, it’ s worth the extra pedal down the coast to check out Fort Moultrie National Historic Park, where you can experience nearly two centuries of frontline seacoast defense, from 1776 to 1947.
Before leaving, it would be rude not to have a pint at Poe’ s Tavern, where the superb local ales are complemented by deliciously crispy fish tacos. Don’ t spoil your appetite too much though— one of America’ s truly great foodie cities beckons just across the bridge, and you need to finish your visit to South Carolina in style.
spring 2026 • 23