Laid‑Back Charleston Adventure: Discovering South of Broad’s Historic Charm

I wanted this day to feel more laid-back—less about endless walking and more about soaking in Charleston’s charm. Instead of following every stop on the self-guided tour map, we moved at a slower pace than the day before, and it never felt like we missed out. If anything, slowing down gave me the mental space to truly enjoy the city at a calmer rhythm.

The Pineapple Fountain in Charleston’s Waterfront Park is an iconic landmark that symbolizes Southern hospitality, community, and hope. Built in 1990 as part of the park’s revitalization, it quickly became one of the city’s most beloved gathering spots and most photographed attractions.

Exploring South of Broad

We continued using the map and directions we found on a helpful travel blog. This day, we focused on the South of Broad neighborhood. It’s more residential, with mansions and historic homes lining every street.

One activity we missed was visiting a historic home museum. South of Broad is where you’ll find “Museum Row,” but since we explored on a Sunday, most places were closed.

Observations in the Neighborhood

We noticed there weren’t any stores or cafés in South of Broad. Most shops and restaurants are concentrated around or near the French Quarter. Still, we enjoyed a leisurely walk through streets filled with grand, historic homes. Charleston is a very walkable city, and the weather made it even better.

Souvenir Shopping at City Market

Later, we went back to the City Market for souvenirs. On our first day, we only walked inside the market itself, which is filled with boutique vendors and small businesses. We hadn’t realized that chain souvenir shops surround the market area. This time, we explored those stores as well.

While Darwin was picking out magnets, we saw a photo of the Pineapple Fountain. We looked at each other and wondered where it was. I thought we had already seen it the day before, but after a quick search, I realized we had missed it at Waterfront Park. We probably overlooked it because we visited late in the afternoon when we were tired.

After souvenir shopping, we walked over to the park and finally saw the Pineapple Fountain. I had seen pictures of it before our trip but thought it had been replaced by a modern fountain. I’m glad we found it—it’s one of Charleston’s most iconic landmarks.

Ghost Tour Experience

We had a ghost tour scheduled for the evening around the French Quarter. Narrow streets, flickering lanterns, and centuries-old buildings set the stage for chilling stories. This tour stood out from others we’ve done, and I highly recommend our tour for anyone visiting Charleston.

Planning Ahead: Carriage Ride Tours

Carriage tours were everywhere in the French Quarter, clearly a signature experience in Charleston. I had been on one before, though I don’t remember where and when, but Darwin hadn’t. Since they were such a big part of the city’s atmosphere, we decided to book a ride for the following day. With no afternoon itinerary, it was an exciting way to round out our plans.

Reflections on Diversity and Welcoming Atmosphere

Charleston felt less diverse compared to other U.S. cities we’ve visited, yet the people were kind and welcoming, and I never felt out of place. Despite the country’s political divides, the city reflected a positive side of America—where openness and comfort with one another stood out.

Ending the Day

We ended the day at a decent time, which gave us the chance to decompress and get six to eight hours of sleep. Rest was important because we had a half-day tour scheduled early the next morning.