Five Reasons To Visit Charleston in the Fall

Originally written on 9/21/2021 by Angie Schnell

Updated and posted on 8/17/2022 by Jessie Jacob

After the hustle and bustle of peak tourist season slows down, Charleston begins to return to the quiet and charming city that we have come to know and love. So, 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 Isle of Palms or Charleston vacation rental will be waiting for you after your adventures!

Just because the summer is over, doesn't mean Charleston's perfect beach weather is! The weather in Charleston 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!

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, holds fun family-friendly activities throughout the fall including pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides, and more.

Fall is when 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 so unique. A few of the festivals worth exploring are:

• The MOJA Festival, which honors African-American and Caribbean arts, is happening from September 29th through October 9th this year!

• The Lowcountry Jazz Festival, South Carolina's premier annual smooth Jazz festival, will run from September 3rd-5th

• Charleston Restaurant Week, which is the perfect opportunity to experience the world-renowned Lowcountry cuisine, will run from September 8-18th.

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

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, performances by local musicians, and merchandise from some of the Lowcountry's most skilled artisans. There is also the Charleston City Market that runs up and down Market St. and is open every day from 9:30am to 6pm (5pm on Sundays). More of a night owl? From March-December, the Charleston City Market hosts a night market on Fridays and Saturdays from 6:30-10:30pm. What better way to start your weekend than by getting outdoors and supporting local businesses?