Complete Guide to King Street Historic District in Charleston, SC
Pat Conroy once said, "There's no city on Earth quite like Charleston," and we wholeheartedly agree. Is there a better way to spend the day than wandering the cobblestone streets of the Holy City, soaking up the architecture, and ducking into storefronts?
Our historic city comprises several neighborhoods, each with its own charms, hidden gems, and local secrets. We highlighted our favorite Cannonborough restaurants to celebrate the launch of the Grit & Grace Cottage, and with the grand opening of our second location at 125 King Street only weeks away (woot!), we're diving into our new neighborhood: the King Street Historic District.
The King Street Historic District, also known as Lower King Street, spans the peninsula lengthwise from Calhoun Street to Broad Streets. St. Philip Street and Meeting Street define the outer edges of this bustling area, and the French Quarter and Harleston Village neighborhoods flank this beloved area.
We may be biased, but we can't think of a better part of Charleston in which to spend your day, night, or vacation. Join us as we take you through a few of our favorite haunts, eateries, attractions, and hotels in this picturesque and bustling neighborhood.
Best Charleston Hotels in the King Street Historic District
Are a little R&R on the agenda for your trip to Charleston? Don’t forget that third R, the Restoration Hotel. The stylish decor and soothing touches make this Charleston hotel a favorite with tourists and locals alike, and the beautiful, sophisticated spaces will make you feel right at home.
You may not even want to leave the hotel once you discover the in-room spa services, rooftop bar, artisan coffee shop, and uniquely curated shop, The Mercantile.
The King Street Historic District offers plenty of shopping, dining, and activities, but you’ll also want to peruse the happenings at the Restoration Hotel as you plan your visit. Keep an eye out for rooftop power yoga classes, craft cocktail classes, tacos and tiki pairings, and Sunday brunch on their ever-changing event calendar.
If enjoying a bird’s eye view from a rooftop infinity pool sounds like the start of your dream vacation, check in to the Charleston Place Hotel. This popular Charleston hotel offers so much more than luxurious accommodations and elegant decor; their restaurant, The Charleston Grill, boasts a prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award for food excellence and regularly features world-class jazz ensembles.
Treat yourself to a rejuvenating morning at the spa before an afternoon of retail therapy at the Shops at Belmond Charleston Place. Are you looking for a quintessential and uniquely Charleston adventure? The Charleston Place Hotel experiences offer one-of-a-kind excursions for lasting, cherished memories of your time in the Lowcountry.
photo credit: Charleston Place, A Belmond Hotel
A secret garden tucked away in the heart of downtown? Sign us up. The King’s Courtyard Inn is a charming boutique hotel in the heart of the King Street Historic District. This family-owned inn is one of the oldest buildings on King Street, dating back to 1853.
Designed by noted Charleston architect Frances D. Lee and built by Colonel J. Charles Blum, the King’s Courtyard Inn features Greek revival architecture accented with Egyptian detailing and a stunning, lush courtyard garden.
One of the more intimate Charleston hotels, this lovely oasis blends the personal touch of a bed and breakfast with modern amenities, and you simply can’t beat the location. With the best Charleston restaurants and King Street shopping only steps away, you’ve got the perfect romantic weekend right at your door.
photo credit: @lavenderandhoneykitchen
Dive into your vacation by booking a stay at The Ryder Hotel, a chic, contemporary hotel in the center of the King Street Historic District with an adorable pool and patio.
It’s good vibes only at the Ryder! In their own words, “At the Ryder, we’re channeling Kerouac’s sense of boundless adventure and Thoreau’s commitment to inward exploration to make something special. The buzz of creativity, the hum of conversation, the breeze through the bougainvillea—it’s all music to our ears and inspiration for all we do.” Reserve a spot at their poolside barre class on Saturdays before indulging at their colorful bar and swim club or hitting the town.
credit: @theryderhotel
Traveling is all about local color, so head to the vibrant Grand Bohemian Hotel in the King Street Historic District.
The Grand Bohemian flawlessly blends stylish pops of color with sophisticated design for an unforgettable modern hotel experience within walking distance of the best attractions in Charleston.
photo credit: @themodernstylemom
Lose yourself in the art gallery, soak up the glamorous lobby, and raise a glass on the wine bar patio.
As the sun begins to set, head to the rooftop restaurant, Élevé, and settle into one of the enormous lounges or throne-inspired chairs for a night of revelry like the queen you are.
Oh, and did we mention that the Grand Bohemian is dog-friendly? Save room for the kibble in your suitcase, because Tinkerbelle’s bringing the pawty to your next girls’ weekend!
photo credit: @tinkerbellethedog
Best Charleston Restaurants in the King Street Historic District
Go beyond the grits with an unforgettable journey into contemporary Southern cuisine at the Charleston Grill. Renowned Chef Michelle Weaver creates creative and masterful meals that may lure you into making reservations at this fine dining establishment two nights in a row.
The Charleston Grill Crab Cake is one of Chucktown’s iconic dishes, and the cucumber and Vidalia onion salad, Southern summer vegetables, and scallops are equally delicious. Treat yourself to accompanying wine pairings and settle in to enjoy the sounds of world-class jazz from the likes of Duda Lucena and the Bob Williams Duo.
photo courtesy of the Charleston Grill
If the idea of starting your day without an eggcellent breakfast sandwich or syrup-soaked pile of waffles drives you simply bananas, run, don’t walk, to Millers All Day.
You’ll be greeted at the door of this charmingly retro diner by the mouthwatering aroma of sizzling bacon and rosemary-sausage gravy, but it’s the pimento cheese biscuits and waffles topped with sorghum, bananas, caramel, and meringue that have the Grit & Grace staff pressing their noses against the windows at our 125 King Street location, staring longingly across the street. (Don’t judge us, we’re a hungry group of carb-loving ladies.)
Not an early riser? Not a problem. Millers All Day serves breakfast, well, all day. They also have a tasty lunch menu, cocktail offerings, and delicious coffee beverages.
For refined and affordable gourmet eats with a distinctly French twist, plan your next meal at Fast & French.
A true local gem, Fast & French has served delightful soups, salads, and sandwiches (or your preferred combination of the latte) continuously since its creation by artists Gwylene Gallimard & Jean-Marie Mauclet in the summer of 1984.
The spirit of Fast & French continues as Gallimard and Mauclet envisioned it, a cafe serving “global cuisine with a French flair in a social environment that encourages community and the Arts.”
Fishing around for the best seafood restaurants in Charleston? We’re hooked on 167 Raw Bar. Go for the raw bar and crudo, but come back again for the tacos, po’boys, and lobster roll. The vibe is a fresh, fun take on the New England-style oyster bar that’s perfect for date night or happy hour froze and small plates with the girls. Feelin’ extra frisky? Try the 167 Dirty Martini with oyster brine (and report back, we’re so intrigued!).
photo credit: @collaborative_connoisseurs
Eat your kale and have it too with a scrumptious, nutrition-focused meal at Basic Kitchen. Known for crafting globally-inspired dishes with good-for-you local ingredients, “Basic Kitchen is about honest food that’s good for you, and enjoying your meal in a casual, relaxed environment.”
You’ll fall in love with the renovated historic building, giant windows, and covered courtyard filled with plants and herbs used by the kitchen. You’ll fall even harder for their cauli wings and toasted sesame soba bowl, however!
Not all heroes wear crepes, but the Edisto at Queen Street Grocery is a lifesaver. While they technically lay just outside the King Street Historic District in Harleston Village, this beloved veteran Charleston restaurant deserves a shout-out for their proximity to our new Flagship store location, their positively addictive selection of sweet and savory crepes, and refreshingly down-to-earth atmosphere. The BYO Breakfast Sandwich menu also gets an enthusiastic thumbs-up, as does the not-so-basic selection of delicious lunch options, like the Egypt 80 sandwich, featuring turkey, roasted red peppers, sprouts, goat cheese, and coconut curry sauce.
photo credit: @robbouton
Do you plan your meals the moment you wake up? Have you never “forgotten to eat” in your life? Do you simply love food? If you’re passionate about good food and quality ingredients, venture just beyond the King Street Historic District to a Charleston restaurant that’s dear to our hearts (and stomachs): FIG. Since 2003, FIG has delighted locals and visitors with an approachable but elegant atmosphere and undeniably delicious cuisine. We could go on about FIG’s accolades and awards, but we suggest you let the nine vegetable salad, crispy soft shell crab, Lowcountry bourride, and brick pressed chicken speak for themselves.
photo credit: Reese Moore Photography
Amazing Bars in King Street Historic District
Put the “wine” into wine and dine by starting your evening at Bin 152, a cozy neighborhood spot located right on King Street. Expansive windows present views of the historic district and fabulous people-watching opportunities, but it’s the extensive wine list that’s this respected wine bar’s claim to fame. Bin 152 offers an impressive 200 wines by the bottle and 40 wines by the glass, and they also provide a delicious selection of 40 cheeses and charcuterie along with freshly baked bread. Let the knowledgeable team coax you into trying something new while you unwind over a glass or two!
Life is better at the top… when that’s referring to rooftop views of the King Street Historic District with a refreshing craft cocktail or glass of rose in your hand! Watch the sunset over Charleston’s iconic skyline of historic church steeples while sipping a mango tango or Scotland Yard. Let the refined space lure you in to stay for dinner: you’ll love the Watch Burger and Low Country Bouillabaisse.
Whether you’re in the mood for something shaken, stirred, or single malt, the Bar at Husk has you covered. Housed in a slice of historic Charleston, this warm, cozy bar was once an “austere ruin.” Today, the master bartenders preside over a polished bar in the downstairs of this intimate, exposed-brick building, and the leather lounges and chairs speak to a by-gone era of Lowcountry nightlife upstairs. You’ll find wines grouped by terroir and soil type, artisanal microbrews, and an impressive cocktail list at this must-visit watering hole.
For a zesty twist on a classic craft cocktail experience, head to Doar Brothers. This sleek, swanky spot is perfect for a date night rendezvous. Dark walls, Eddison bulbs, and emerald green leather booths create an intimate, chic atmosphere. Highlights on the cocktail menu include the Doar Bros. Manhattan (spoiler alert: there’s bone marrow in that one), the Burnt District, and the Negroni.
photo credit: Andrew Cebulka
Sun’s out, pinkie’s out; let’s meet at Little Palm for some poolside libations! Little Palm is the undeniably hip bar and swim club at the Ryder Hotel.
Before you cannonball into the pool, claim a lounge under one of the coral umbrellas or post up on a pink bar stool and order some delicious bites and a cocktail that’s basically a vacation in a glass.
You can’t go wrong with the grilled watermelon and a frozen green light (Sauvignon blanc, pear brandy, honeydew melon, aloe vera) on a scorching summer day!
photo credit: @holycityhandcraft
Best King Street Shopping
Shell-ebrate local artisans, handmade gifts, and sustainable small businesses by shopping at our Flagship store at the historic Tellis Pharmacy building! Grit & Grace Studio is a woman-owned Charleston business that lovingly crafts coastal chic gifts, Gilded Oyster Jewelry Dishes, Decoupage Oyster Ring Dishes, and fine jewelry.
We are committed to strengthening our community, inspiring individuals, and saving our seas. Through our in-house oyster shell recycling program, we have returned more than 2,000 gallons of shells to local reef restoration projects in the last year.
Hats off to Hampden Clothing for scouring the world to fill their store with unique, stunning, must-have garments for every season and occasion. Located on King Street in a building that dates to 1878, Hampden Clothing is the brainchild of Stacy Smallwood, who handpicks every designer item in the 10,000-foot space.
The selection of featured designers runs from Carolina Herrerra and Missoni to Rag and Bone and Stella McCartney. Hampden Clothing has been recognized in Southern Living, Vogue, NY Times, and Harper’s Bazaar, among other esteemed media outlets.
photo credit: @tmphenomenon
Hey brides-to-be, if you’re searching for that perfect gown, be sure to book an appointment at Lovely Bride’s King Street location. In their own words, “Lovely Bride was borne of the concept that bridal could be way cooler.” There are no stuffy, formal fittings here! At Lovely Bride, the gowns are crafted and gorgeous, the stylists are fun and approachable, and the vibe is light-hearted. With their help, we’re sure you’ll find “the one!”
Credit: @lovelybridechs @sarahseven @haleykellyevents @thehappybloom @tupelohoneyflowershop @thepinkfiggy @hotelbennett @pamperedandprettyxo @snyderevents @nuagedesignsinc @latavolalinen @louboutinworld @annapholloway @petruliomatt
Put your best foot forward with the help of Charleston Shoe Co.
A local woman-owned business, the Charleston Shoe Co. specializes in reliable footwear that ranges from adorable, cobblestone-friendly sandals and flats (a must in downtown Charleston; we’re not kidding) to sophisticated cocktail options and boots.
Scoop up some matching accessories for your favorite new shoes, and you’re ready to hit the town!
When it comes to shopping in the King Street Historic District, nothing holds a candle to Candlefish! Brought to you by the makers of Rewined Candles, Candlefish is a conceptual experience.
Each store boasts a 100 scent candle library where the hand-poured soy wax candles are distinguished by numbers rather than fragrance notes. Inhale the heavenly scents, and let your senses lead you to your soulmate candle(s).
Gentlemen, it’s time to suit up! Whether you’re looking for to dress to impress at a job interview, spruce things up for date night, or head out on the town with the boys, Berlin’s for Men has you covered.
Henry Berlinski founded the now-iconic King Street store on September 20th, 1883, and the business has been handed down and meticulously maintained by his descendants ever since. Step through the doors under Berlin’s famous sign, and you’ll find a tasteful collection of quality garments anchored in timeless good taste.
Ibu is about so much more than clothing; it’s a global community of women growing into economic self-sufficiency through the art of their hands. Their Charleston-based headquarters are located in the middle of the King Street Historic District, and Ibu Movement works with 101 expert artisans in 38 countries worldwide to stock their collection with vivid textiles, bold designs, and powerful, luxurious handmade items. Stock up on their clothing, accessories, linens, and distinctive gifts for a retail therapy session that helps empower female artisans.
Fabulous Charleston Art Galleries in the King Street Historic District
Lose yourself at the historic Gibbes Museum of Art for an afternoon, and you’re sure to find a new perspective. In their words, “When the Gibbes Museum opened in 1905, the nation celebrated what Charleston has always understood: the power of art – to inspire our imagination, heal our hurt, and nourish our souls.”
Residing in an impressive building in the heart of the King Street Historic District, the Gibbes presents 6 to 8 special exhibitions per year, each designed to engage with art in new and exciting ways, challenge established interpretations, promote creativity, and encourage freedom of thought. The Gibbes Museum also offers a stimulating and enjoyable series of events and lectures, so be sure to check back frequently.
photo credit: @mcg_photography
Escape the summer heat by popping into the Grand Bohemian Gallery, and you just might melt over these playful Original Melting Pops by Betsy Enzensberger on display now.
Located inside the trendy, colorful Grand Bohemian Hotel in the King Street Historic District, this light and airy gallery urges you to “leave the familiar behind.”
The frequently updated exhibition includes vibrant paintings, sculptures, objets d'art, and fine jewelry, all of which are available for purchase if you find an irresistible masterpiece!
photo courtesy of Betsy Enzensberger
Halsey Institute of. Contemporary Art
Nestled in the corner of the King Street Historic District, you’ll find the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art, a quiet, powerful oasis that’s home to a stimulating series of temporary exhibitions. This not-to-be-missed gallery space is just steps away from the hustle and bustle of King Street, and there’s always a serious “wow” factor to their carefully curated shows. The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art is always free and open to the public. Their exhibitions highlight adventurous contemporary art that’s accompanied by extensive educational programming. A non-collecting museum, the Halsey focuses on creating meaningful interactions between adventurous artists and diverse communities.
Another must-visit gallery in the King Street Historic District is Principle Gallery, which focuses on Contemporary and Classical Realism. Boasting locations in both Virginia and Charleston, Principle Gallery specializes in oil paintings and bronze sculptures. The Principle Gallery is a member of the Charleston Gallery Association, so drop by on the next CGA First Friday Art Walk, visit during their normal hours, or pop in at their next opening reception.
Robert Lange Studios
If you’re framing up your perfect art walk in Charleston, venture down the cobblestone streets that lead from the King Street Historic District to the French Quarter to duck into Robert Lange Studios.
A long-standing beloved favorite among locals, RLS features the work of emerging and established artists in the figurative and contemporary realism traditions. The gallery is run by owners and talented artists Robert and Megan Lange. You’ll find an impressive selection of their works alongside resident national and international artists.
Must-see Charleston Attractions in the King Street Historic District
The Cistern
Let your footsteps carry you along the signature brick sidewalks of the College of Charleston to the Cistern, one of the college’s most famous and beautiful spaces. Leave the clamor of downtown behind as you pass under the historic archways into a lush lawn shaded by ancient live oaks laden with Spanish moss. Bring a book or pack a camera; the benches and colonial architecture make the Cistern a meditative place to while away an afternoon.
photo credit: Shop the Lowcountry gives a percentage of each t-shirt sold to the Turtle Rescue Program
Located on the corner of Meeting and Chalmers streets, you’ll find a lush oasis, Washington Square Park. The mature canopy of live oaks, rotating flower beds, and park benches invite you to sit and recharge with a cup of coffee as you explore the Holy City. The adjacent cobblestone streets and stunning wrought iron fencing make this space one of the more romantic, picturesque spots in the King Street Historic District.
photo credit: Nicholas Skylar Holzworth
Once you’ve sat for a spell in Washington Square, make your way to the South Carolina Historical Society. Travel back in time as you peruse their exhibits, learning about the people, places, and movements that shaped our city, state, and nation. Highlights at the South Carolina Historical Society include depictions of life in the wake of the 1886 earthquake that devastated the city, a celebration of the rise of diversity and the Gullah culture, and a rotating exhibit.
photo credit: @young_preservationist
Mark your calendars for the official Grand Opening Party of our new Flagship store at the Tellis Pharmacy building in the King Street Historic District, and visit us at our 478 King Street location or the Charleston Farmers Market until then! We are so excited to see you.
And remember, the holiday season is right around the corner! We’ve got everything you need, and our talented team members would love to help select the perfect gift. Shop our Lowcountry jewelry, Decoupage Oysters, Oyster Shell Garlands, and Gilded Clam Dishes today!
One Love & Blessings,