Want Restaurant Recomendations?
Here’s our list of restaurant recomendations in Charleston
You would not know where to hang out unless you had some restaurant recomendations – so we selected some of our favorite places to hang out.
We’ve all experienced being tourists at some stage, navigating through the often overwhelming array of touristy spots that seem to dominate trip planning. Just like you, we’re not fans of the typical tourist traps when we travel. That’s why the team at Blue Hippo Walking Tours has compiled a list of restaurant recomendations, things locals do, places we go, places we personally frequent with our families. Additionally, we’ve included some extra recomendations to enhance your stay in Charleston and make it a more enjoyable experience.
You will find a map here, and you can check out other travel tips inder our resource page!
Local Hangouts where we like to go…
WOW! If you like the #1 show, Outer Banks… Go see Jill
If you have that teenager obsessed with the Netflix show Outer Banks (yes, it's all filmed here in Charleston) then you want to meet Jill Parish. A talented walking tour guide in her own right. Jill has created the perfect Outer Banks (OBX) film location tour. Jill will pick you…
Let Charleston Bag Valet store your luggage for you!
Charleston Bag Valet: We actually hear this more than you may think. Your hotel room or your Airbnb won't be ready for hours? Your cruise doesn't board until this afternoon? Maybe your flight doesn't leave until late, and you have this walking tour scheduled. No worries. You can call Bag…
Charleston Outdoor Adventures is Awesome!
There are what seems like hundreds of places in Charleston where you can rent a kayak, take a sunset cruise, or hire a fishing guide. But there is only one Charleston Outdoor Adventure. (Locals call it COA) Let Joe's team of naturalists guide you through the salt marsh and explain…
Dolphins? Who doesn’t want to see Dolphins …We sure do!
Who Doesn't Want to See Dolphins...right. Well, we love dolphins, and I bet you do too. As you may expect, as walking tour guides we get asked about seeing dolphins quite often. So let's talk about the places we go to see them in Charleston. First, these are not Bottlenose…
The Lost Dog Cafe on Folly Beach for Breakfast!
Every little town has its go-to place where the locals gather for breakfast. In the hippy little beach town of Folly Beach, it's the Lost Dog Cafe. You can go to the Lost Dog for Breakfast or Lunch... but we like to go there before walking tours for breakfast, so…
Folly Beach – Just a hippy little Beach Town
Here in Charleston, we have three major beaches, and all of them have their own personality. There are no walking tours at any of them, but here's how we as locals think of them. Sullivan's - Family friendly (although there are no public restrooms) with not much to do but…
Yummy….Try Jeni’s Organic Ice Cream!
Ok, let's take a quick walking tour up King Street just north of Calhoon. There you will find the best thing to ever come out of Ohio. Columbus Ohio that is... Jeni's Ice Cream. Sure, you can buy Jeni's in most major grocery store chains. Or - you can eat…
#1 Best Home Cooking… Oh, that’s Page’s Okra Grill
One of our walking tour guides favorite places to take the family is Page's Okra Grill. A short drive just over the bridge on Colman Blvd in Mt. Pleasant, you will find the local hangout Page's Okra Grill. This family-owned establishment has been serving home cooking to the families of…
Big Gun Burger Shop…Yep, It’s a Dive Bar
Yep. Big Gun is a dive bar, but a dive bar with an old pool table in the back and awesome Gourmet Burgers and Brussels sprouts. (This place has great Brussels sprouts) From the market, head up either King Street or Meeting Street to Marion Square. Located on the block…
Carmela’s…Who doesn’t like Dessert?
Who doesn't love a good dessert and an expresso martini? Well, we do, so after a good walking tour, we head to the corner of Cumberland and East Bay Street to Carmela's. We love it...and so will you! Carmela was the name of Brian Solari's mother. She had always dreamed…
It’s not just any old fish… it’s Chubby Fish!
Tucked away in Charleston’s Historic Elliotborough neighborhood. Chubby Fish partners with local fishermen and farmers to feature the very best seasonal ingredients the Lowcountry has to offer. Bring an appetite and some patience. Chubby Fish does not take reservations (only walk-ins) The place opens at 5pm but the line starts…
Try Poogan’s Porch… Maybe Poogan will show up!
Who is Poogan you ask. Well, Poogan is a dog, a cute, friendly little dog, that when the restaurant first opened, would greet guests on the porch. (Thus the name Poogan's Porch) Poogan passed away years ago, but he often continues to make new friends on the porch. Guests have…
Lewis BBQ…. Texas Style, you will love it!
You won't go wrong with Lewis Barbecue! The crew at Lewis's works tirelessly to bring the low country a special blend of Texas-style brisket and sausage. Although you can get the more traditional Carolina pulled pork and pulled chicken at Lewis's as well. Either way, the food is really good!…
Let’s go to the Black Fedora Comedy Club!
Sure, there is a ton of history and a ton of architecture here in Charleston, but there is also some really great comedy. You just have to know where to look. Several of our walking tour guides have a background in comedy and theater, so we know tours, and we…
Rodney Scott’s BBQ the Best South Carolina BBQ
Okay, while Charleston is known for many things (Walking Tours, History, Food, Drinking....) We're not known for good places to find a healthy breakfast. That should not come as a huge surprise since the South is not exactly known for healthy breakfast food. (we like biscuits...lots of biscuits) Millers All…
We Eat Breakfast at Millers All Day!
Okay, while Charleston is known for many things (Walking Tours, History, Food, Drinking....) We're not known for good places to find a healthy breakfast. That should not come as a huge surprise since the South is not exactly known for healthy breakfast food. (we like biscuits...lots of biscuits) Millers All…
Try The Obstinate Daughter…It’s Awesome!
Before there was the tour company Chucktown Tours, there was The restaurant Obstinate Daughter. Located over the bridge about 12 miles East of downtown, out on Sullivan's Island. You will find what we think is one of the best restaurants in Charleston. In addition to having one of the coolest…
Chico Feos Caribbean Food and Local Music… Fun!
If you're headed down to check out the little hippy beach town of Folly Beach. Don't forget to check out the coolest little Caribbean restaurant this side of the Caribbean. Chico Feos is an amazing little locals' place where we hang out to eat great food and listen to live…
Family Fun at Wild Blue Ropes… It’s a Blast!
Everyone knows about the rich history of Charleston. The colonial architecture, and, of course, the beautiful beaches. However, most visitors to Charleston are unaware of our award-winning rope obstacle course. Wild Blue Ropes offers a selection of outdoor activities and adventure courses for people of all ages and abilities. From…
Charleston Harbor at Sunset on Palmetto Breeze
You may have noticed by now the huge number of sailboat cruises there are in Charleston. If you want a backwater sunset cruise we recommend Charleston Outdoor Adventures - but if you want to see the sunset behind Charleston, you need to jump on the Palmetto Breeze. Palmetto Breeze combines…
Spend Time at Shem Creek Waterfront… you’ll love it!
The waterfront destination at Shem Creek is a local favorite with unique restaurants and watering holes. Kick back and take in the gorgeous views of the Charleston Harbor and surrounding marshes. In the morning you can see the shrimp boats come in followed by dolphins (bring your coffee with you…
The Pitt Street Bridge… Sunset, Relax, Fish, Stroll
If you want a relaxing stroll, a beautiful sunset, or a place to take Fido. Head to the Pitt Street Bridge in Mt Pleasant. The Pitt Street Bridge Park is veritably hidden in plain sight and is located adjacent to a waterfront residential neighborhood at the corners of Pitt and…
Fishing Charter, Get On The Fish…With Captain Ryan
Join Capt. Ryan, a seasoned USCG-certified boat captain and licensed charter boat operator, for an exhilarating day on the waters of Charleston. With over 30 years of fishing experience in these waters, Capt. Ryan guarantees a memorable fishing adventure. Embark on a 5 to 10-hour excursion with Capt. Ryan as…
Woody’s Pizza… Just Awesome Pizza on Folly Beach
Who doesn't like a good pizza... we sure do! Charleston has a variety of pizza places, some good, and some bad. The one that sticks out on Folly Beach is clearly Woody's Pizza. If you are on the Edge of America, stop in for a slice of pizza and a…
Hop-On and Hop-Off the Charleston Water Taxi
Catch the Charleston Water Taxi for all your transportation and sightseeing needs. The water taxi links Mt. Pleasant (Patriots Point or Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina) and historic Downtown Charleston (Waterfront Park or Aquarium Wharf). You can relax and enjoy views of the new Ravenel Bridge, while dolphins and pelicans…
Bring Fido, to See Where You Can Bring Your Dog
With a recent surge in travel to Charleston in the last several years. It's natural for the tourist industry to cater to new needs. One of the rapidly growing desires of a traveler is to accommodate their pet. The folks at Bring Fido focus on ensuring you have access to…
Harken Cafe…A Healthy Bistro Option
Nestled on quiet Queen Street near Market Street, is a petite hideaway serving up a respite from the day’s hustle and bustle with sweet treats, succulent salads, heavenly sips, and a unique take on the traditional biscuit. Food is their love language. Inspired by local fare and made from scrupulously…
Helicopter Tours, See Charleston From the Air…With Fly-In
That's right, you can walk the historic streets, or take a boat ride - but to see Charleston from the air you go with the guys at Fly-In Helicopters across the bridge in Mt Pleasant. Fly-In Helicopters at Patriots Point offers an exclusive tour of the Holy City that is…
Historic Foundation…The Best Gift Shop in Charleston
If you want to find high-quality gifts and specific books about Charleston and South Carolina. You need to head to the Shops of the Historic Foundation. They have several locations, however, the easiest one to frequent is in the City Market. Just head south from the top of the market…
The Windjammer on IOP, #1 Live Music & Cold Beer
On the beach In the heart of Isle of Palms, is a live music venue that is always rocking. You will always find a party and a band at the Windjammer on IOP. In fact, it's where Darius Rucker and his band Hooty and the Blowfish got their start. The…
Gullah Gourmet… Learn to Cook Gullah Style!
One of the reasons people come to Charleston is to experience the low country. Everyone in Charleston knows that a big part of the low country is the many diverse cultures represented here. Walking down the streets you have no doubt seen the people making baskets, or the kids making…
Visit the Hunley Submarine Museum…It’s Cool
The Hunley became the world’s first successful combat submarine in 1864 and mysteriously vanished. She was located in 1995 by New York Times best-selling author Clive Cussler and was raised from the ocean floor in 2000. In addition to her significant role in the Civil War, the Hunley was an…
The Pirates of Charleston kid Adventure!
Take your kids on a swashbuckling adventure on the 45-foot wooden Black Ghost Pirate Ship! Once inducted as real pirates, our crew of determined mates cast off into a world of all things pirates. This pirate adventure cruise is a thrill-seeking, high-seas voyage into the Historic Ashley River. Before setting…
The Folly Tiki Boat Adventure…So Much Fun!
Join us on the Folly Tiki for a magical adventure you’ll never forget. Get to know our vibrant crew, sip on a refreshing drink, and let the ocean breeze carry your cares away. Immerse yourself in the ultimate tiki experience with exclusive access to remote islands, playful dolphin encounters, and…












