Charleston, Unfiltered: Live Like a Local on Your Next Getaway
July 29, 2025
Skip the bus tours and Instagram mobs — Charleston is best experienced the way locals do: on the water, in tucked-away parks, and around food so good it might make you move here. Whether you’re a first-timer or longtime lover of the Lowcountry, here’s how to do Chucktown the right way.
🚤 Catch the Breeze on the Charleston Water Taxi
Forget gridlock — locals ride the harbor on the Charleston Water Taxi:
- Only $17/day for unlimited rides
- Dolphin sightings and sunset selfies included 🐬
- Hop on from Patriots Point or Waterfront Park
It’s the best way to connect Mount Pleasant and Downtown — plus, the Ravenel Bridge views are photo gold.
🛍️ Go Full Lowcountry at a Farmers Market
Saturday mornings at Marion Square are a vibe:
- Local produce, handmade baskets, and boiled peanuts
- Live bluegrass in the shade
- Food trucks slinging shrimp and grits with zero fuss
Want something more off-the-radar? Try the Sunday Brunch Farmers Market in James Island, West Ashley Farmers Market on Wednesdays, or Isle of Palms Farmers Market on Thursday.
🧽 Explore the Spots Locals Actually Love
Rainbow Row is fine. But locals head to:
🌳 Hampton Park – lush, quiet, and almost never crowded
🪨 Chalmers Street – cobblestone charm with pastel architecture
🌫️ Philadelphia Alley – moody, magical, and full of ghost stories
🌺 Theodora Park – a tiny jewel box of serenity near George Street
Pro tip: Rent bikes and roam the South of Broad neighborhood at golden hour.
🍤 Where to Eat When You Don’t Want a Tourist Trap
Some places are legendary. Some are just loved. Here’s where locals actually eat:
- 🥪 Bowens Island Restaurant – rickety dock, fresh oysters, perfect sunsets
- 🔥 Rodney Scott’s BBQ – whole hog heaven from a James Beard winner
- 🐟 The Darling Oyster Bar – chic without the snobbery
- 🍗 Bertha’s Kitchen – soul food that sticks with you (and your heart)
- 🥧 Daps Breakfast & Imbibe – cool, casual, and excellent coffee & bites
- 🥜 Basic Kitchen – clean, colorful plates in a leafy courtyard
New & Noteworthy: Try Bar Rollins (natural wine + cozy patio) or Babas on Cannon for European café vibes.
⚽ Low-Key, High-Fun Local Events
King Street shuts down for live music, food tents, local makers, and people-watching perfection.
Baseball with a big dose of weird — co-owned by Bill Murray, full of theme nights and hot dogs with pineapple.
- 🕺 Shag dancing at The Windjammer (Isle of Palms)
Beach bar vibes, sandy feet, and old-school Carolina charm.
- 🎶 The Pour House (James Island)
Nightly live music, funky art market on Sundays, and a killer taco spot next door.
🌅 Local Secrets for Skipping Crowds
- Waterfront Park at 7 AM = dolphins and no one else
- Angel Oak Tree on a weekday morning = zero lines
- Sullivan’s Island Station 26 = quieter beach access
- Dinner sweet spot: 5:30 or after 8 PM for easy seating at popular spots
🏖️ Stay Local with Deserving Vacations
Let your vacation rental be part of the experience. Deserving Vacations offers top-rated homes on Isle of Palms with front porch coffee views, walk-to-the-beach ease, and space for your whole crew. Need paddleboard tips or dinner recs? We’ve got you — right down to the perfect beach playlist.
📞 843-906-1227