Food destinations within easy reach of Charleston. worth the train, the rental car or the early start.

Worth the trip

Beaufort (Lowcountry waterfront) ★ 4.5

1 hr 15 min by car (70 miles south)US 17 south to Gardens Corner, then US 21 to downtown Beaufort. No train; drive only.

Famous for: Shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, the Foolish Frog, Saltus River Grill on Bay Street

Beaufort is the older, quieter Lowcountry sister to Charleston, a walkable Bay Street downtown lined with 150-year-old homes. Saltus River Grill, Old Bull Tavern, the Foolish Frog do the eating.

Beaufort (Lowcountry waterfront)

Edisto Island and Edisto Beach ★ 4.3

1 hr by car (45 miles south)US 17 south to Hollywood, then SC 174 across the marshes onto Edisto. The drive is part of the trip.

Famous for: Whole-hog BBQ at Po Pigs Bo-B-Q, fried flounder and shrimp and grits at the SeaCow Eatery

Edisto Island runs slower than Folly or Sullivans, 45 miles south of Charleston through a marsh-and-oak landscape. The eating sits at Po Pigs Bo-B-Q and the SeaCow on Jungle Road.

Edisto Island and Edisto Beach

Folly Beach ★ 4.6

20 min by car (10 miles south)Folly Road (SC 171) straight from downtown, parking on Center Street or the county lot at the pier.

Famous for: Steamed oysters and Frogmore stew at Bowens Island, Asian and Indian inspired plates at Jack of Cups Saloon

Folly Beach is the funky Charleston beach town 10 miles south of the peninsula, a 1,000-foot pier and a Center Street strip. Bowens Island for steamed oysters, Jack of Cups for cheap globally inspired plates.

Folly Beach

Awendaw and McClellanville (Hwy 17 North) ★ 4.5

30 min by car (15 miles north of Mount Pleasant)US 17 north from Mount Pleasant through the Francis Marion National Forest.

Famous for: Fried shrimp, fried flounder and SeeWee-style grilled seafood at SeeWee Restaurant

Awendaw sits in the marsh and forest 15 miles north of Mount Pleasant. SeeWee Restaurant on US 17 has run a 1920s general store as Lowcountry seafood since 1993, the canonical local stop.

Awendaw and McClellanville (Hwy 17 North)

Summerville (historic district) ★ 4.0

35 min by car (24 miles northwest)I-26 west to exit 199A, then US 17A into the historic district.

Famous for: Sustainable Lowcountry plates at Five Loaves, Southern classics at Oscar's

Summerville is the pre-Civil War tea town 24 miles northwest of Charleston, oak-shaded streets and azaleas. Five Loaves on Hutchinson Square and Oscar's anchor the eating.

Summerville (historic district)

Savannah, Georgia ★ 4.7

2 hr by car (108 miles south)I-95 south to exit 99, then US 17 into the historic district. Greyhound and Amtrak (Yemassee, then taxi) also possible.

Famous for: James Beard-winning Mashama Bailey at The Grey, Husk Savannah on Oglethorpe Street

Savannah sits two hours south of Charleston, an 1820s grid of squares and live oaks. The Grey from Mashama Bailey (multiple James Beard awards) and Husk Savannah do the serious dining.

Savannah, Georgia

Food Day Trips in Charleston, FAQ

When is the best time to eat in Charleston?

Peak food season in Charleston is year-round.

What time do people eat in Charleston?

Local dining hours: lunch around 12:30, dinner from 19:30.

How does tipping work in Charleston?

service is typically included; small extra is welcome but not expected.

What is the one dish to try in Charleston?

Ask the next local you meet what they would order. Charleston rewards trust.

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