It’s my favorite season and there’s no shortage of fun ways to spend summer days and nights in Charleston, SC. No matter how packed my calendar gets between June and August, I find a way to squeeze in my top five to-dos. I highly recommend this list to both locals and visitors.
1. Head to the Beach
Whether you sink your toes into the sand at Isle of Palms, Sullvians Island, Folly or Kiawah, the water temperature and scenery is sublime. Ocean breezes are refreshing even on the hottest days. Pelican squadrons patrol the sky and dolphins make routine appearances. Never too crowded, you can stake out a spot far enough from others for privacy, but close enough to be friendly. Doggies are welcome, just be sure to refer to each island’s rules. Here’s a guide for each beach.
Bonus beaches: Access quiet beaches on Capers, Morris, Bulls and Dewees Islands by boat.
2 & 3. Sip and Sail on Shem Creek & Palmetto Breeze
Speaking of boats, set sail aboard the Palmetto Breeze, a large catamaran. Docked at Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant, it departs for scheduled tours of Charleston Harbor and can accommodate up to 100. The options include Sangria Sunday, Sunset Cruise and more. Afterward, enjoy dinner or drinks at one of the many restaurants along Shem Creek, including Tavern & Table, Saltwater Cowboy and Vickerys. Find out more here.
4. Cheer On the Charleston RiverDogs
Our minor league baseball team, affiliated with the Yankees, provides affordable family entertainment at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, a 5,549-seat stadium built in 1997 and named for Charleston’s former beloved mayor. You’ll see plenty of four-legged friends in the stands. Thankfully, not the kind the team was named after. According to urban legend, sailors called the large rats they saw along the banks of the Ashley “river dogs.” The moniker was bestowed when Piggly Wiggly held a name-the-team contest in 1994. Charlie, is a large lovable team mascot, is a dog. Good choice. Find out more or buy tickets here.
5. Book Brunch
It’s an institution. Greasy-spoon diners are hard to come by, so put on your Sunday best. It’s leisurely and indulgent. A little hungover from Saturday night? No worries. Hair of the dog will be certainly be served. You can also count on heaping helpings of biscuits, chicken and gravy and grits. Here’s a round-up of top spots.
What’s your favorite summer activity here?
Contact Susan to find out more about living in the Charleston, SC area.
