Quintessential Southern charm, candy-colored historic homes, horse-drawn carriages, and cobblestone streets flanked with moss-laden oaks. There’s a reason why our city has been fittingly nicknamed “Charming Charleston”! You won’t be able to resist snapping pics everywhere you go during your visit to this beautiful city. Here are some of my favorite Insta-worthy spots:
1. The Pineapple Fountain
2. Folly Beach
3. Middleton Place
4. The Angel Oak
5. The Watch Rooftop
6. The Mills House
7. The Darling Oyster Bar
8. The Battery
9. Rainbow Row
10. South of Broad
The Pineapple Fountain
You’ll find this iconic Charleston fountain at Waterfront Park. Don’t miss the chance to capture a shot with a gorgeous Charleston Harbor sunset in the background. This is one of our favorite family-friendly photos ops because the kids love splashing around in the water! Who knows – you might decide to beat the heat by jumping in there with them!
Folly Beach
Of all of Charleston’s beaches, Folly Beach is arguably the most picturesque. You can capture unique angles at the Folly Beach Pier, hunker down with a plate of fresh seafood at one of the many available restaurants, or hunt for seashells during a sunset stroll with the family. Saltwater marshes also make for a beautiful backdrop and stretch for miles around the island!
Middleton Place
Surround yourself with stunning local flora and fauna while exploring the landscaped grounds of Middleton Place, an 18th century rice plantation with 65 acres of gardens and history. Elegant terraces and reflecting pools favored by swans make for a romantic setting that seems to come straight from the pages of a fairytale. It’s no wonder this place has been compared to the Palace of Versailles!
The Angel Oak
You’ll almost feel compelled to whisper while visiting the hauntingly beautiful Angel Oak. It’s one of the largest and oldest oak trees in the lowcountry at over 400 years old and stretching 65 feet tall! It’s mossy limbs stretch so far across the park that you may need to take a panoramic shot to capture it all.
The Watch Rooftop Kitchen & Spirits
The rooftop bar and restaurant at The Restoration Hotel is one of our favorite spots for a cityscape. Settle in for quality cocktails and conversation with spectacular views of the historic skyline. This is the perfect place for a sunset meal with friends!
The Mills House
Because who doesn’t love pink?! This historic hotel lined with palmetto trees sits pretty in pink at the intersection of Meeting and Queen Street. We love to pop into the lobby for even more fun photo ops with brightly painted walls and antique furniture.
The Darling Oyster Bar
This adorable vintage bar located in the heart of bustling King Street is a brunch favorite. Order one of their insane (in a good way!) Bloody Marys complete with king crab legs and a lobster claw! The food and the space are beautifully presented making this a great addition to your Charleston photo safari!
The Battery
We’re not talking car batteries, but this next Instagrammable spot is visually electric! The Battery is a historic defensive sea wall built at the intersection of the Cooper and Ashley Rivers. Lush, green oak trees dripping with Spanish moss populate this historic park, and you’ll find the cool ocean breeze refreshing after walking through Charleston’s historic streets. Catch views of the Ravenel Bridge across the harbor or strike a pose in front of one of the massive historic homes that border the Battery.
Rainbow Row
Add a splash of color to your Instagram feed with some snaps at Rainbow Row. Just a short walk from the Battery, you’ll find a cluster of thirteen pastel-colored rowhouses on East Bay Street. This is one of the most popular spots in Charleston for photographers. Their bright, varying hues of pink, green, purple, and blue are reminiscent of Easter eggs and are sure to match any outfit!
South of Broad
At the southernmost tip of the Charleston peninsula lies a neighborhood known as South of Broad. This is one of the best areas to admire some of Charleston’s prettiest historic homes with intricate iron work gates, creeping vines of Jasmine, and overflowing window boxes. You’ll find a perfect backdrop for your photos here and plenty of surprising details begging to be captured!
Wondering what to do in between snapping all these gorgeous pictures for the ‘gram? Check out some of my other Charleston guides, including my ultimate Charleston travel guide, for recommendations on where to eat, where to stay, and what to do:
Photography by: Rachel Red Photography, Catherine Ann Photography, and Josie Derrick Photography.
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