Posted on 8/21/2024 by Jessie Jacob

5 Reasons to Visit Charleston in the Fall

After the hustle and bustle of peak tourist season in the Charleston area,

things start to slow down in anticipation of autumn. Come experience Charleston as the locals do! From farmer's markets to festivals, here are some of the best things to do in Charleston during your autumn getaway. Your Island Realty Vacation Rental will be waiting for your return after a day of adventures!


No Crowds at the Beach

Just because the summer is over doesn't mean Charleston's perfect beach weather is! The weather in Charleston typically stays in the 70s and 80s all the way until mid-winter. An advantage of the fall is that you can enjoy our serene beaches without having to navigate the rush of summer vacationers. Simply grab a beach chair or your bike, and the peaceful oasis is yours to enjoy!

Step Back in Time

The Charleston area is far more than just pristine beaches and palmetto trees. Some of the most magnificent historic plantations are located right here in the Lowcountry. Enjoy the refreshing fall air as you walk through acres of vibrant flowering gardens, changing leaves on oak trees, and rich history.

Boone Hall Plantation, located directly across the Isle of Palms Connector, hosts family-friendly activities throughout the fall including pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides, and more.

Fall Festivals

In the fall, Charleston's culture truly comes alive! During this season, the Holy City hosts a variety of festivals celebrating the arts, food, and traditions that make the low country unique. A few of the festivals worth exploring are:

  • The MOJA Arts Festival, which honors African-American and Caribbean arts and culture. The annual festival includes visual arts, music, food, dance, poetry, theater, storytelling, traditional crafts, and family activities.

  • Charleston Restaurant Week, which is the perfect opportunity to experience the world-renowned Lowcountry cuisine. Enjoy 11 days of good eats from 100+ local restaurants.

  • The Fall Tour of Homes, which delves into Charleston's unique cultural heritage and architectural legacy. Learn about the city's streetscapes through morning Walking Tours or enjoy a leisurely afternoon House and Garden Tour focused on history, architecture, and/or gardens to get an inside look at some of the city's finest private properties.

  • Charleston Literary Festival is a 10-day boutique literary festival committed to maintaining an international perspective while building up and giving back to the local community on which it is built. 

  • Charleston International Film Festival is an international film competition created to bring people together through the art and science of film. They intend to promote the exchange of ideas, build greater cross-cultural awareness, and to inspire filmmakers from around the world.

  • YALL Fest, which is the South's largest young adult book festival. The festival features two entire days of keynote speakers, author meet and greets, book signings, and more!

Home, History, and Ghost Tours

As we enter the fall months, the air is no longer hot and humid and it's the perfect time to go on one of the incredible walking tours in Downtown Charleston. There are a variety of tours available from historic homes to the haunting ghost tales of our historic ports. Put on your walking shoes and take advantage of Charleston's rich history.

Island Realty Tip: One of our all-time favorite ghost tours takes place on a boat! Our friends at Sandlapper Water Tours offer a nighttime tour of the Charleston Harbor while telling some of the south's most famous ghost stories. Learn of lost fortunes, ships ravaged by storms, pirates who still haunt their conquests, and a headmistress who guards the grounds where she once lived.

Farmer's Markets

After you book your vacation make sure that you add the Charleston Farmer's Market to your must-see list. Centrally located in Marion Square, right in the heart of Downtown Charleston, you can casually browse fresh produce from local farms and merchandise from the Lowcountry's skilled artisans. What better way to start your weekend than by getting outdoors and supporting local businesses?

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