Charleston’s balmy summer evenings and gentle coastal breezes make it an unforgettable place to visit when the weather gets warm. In addition to wandering through the historic downtown of Charleston, SC during the day, there are several incredible experiences to enjoy after the sun goes down. Discover the top seven things to do on a summer night in the Holy City.

1. Take a Night Tour of Charleston

Beat the southern summer heat with a twilight open-air carriage ride around Charleston. A guided carriage tour is one of the best ways to become acquainted with Charleston’s rich cultural history and explore the stunning local architecture and sights.

The city runs Charleston’s carriage tour industry, so you won’t know your specific route until your carriage checks in at the departure gate and tourism officials draw the route from a bingo-style lottery. There are four public routes around historic Charleston. Each of them has plenty of impressive historical sites to explore, including the Old Exchange Building and the Waterfront Park on Cooper River.

2. Enjoy a Sunset Cruise

Charleston offers some of the most spectacular sunsets on the east coast, and there are plenty of charter boats available for tours so you can take in the view. Enjoy the Lowcountry’s abundant marine wildlife, including dolphins, pelicans and terns as they play in the waves. Gaze at the unforgettable Charleston skyline silhouetted against the sunset.

Catamarans, schooners and ferries launch from the wharf near the Charleston Maritime Center, and you can enjoy cocktails and canapes as you wait for the sun to set over the Atlantic. Don’t forget to charge your phone for a memorable sunset selfie.

3. Cheer on the Riverdogs

Support Charleston’s beloved Riverdogs minor league baseball team with a twilight match at Joe Riley Stadium on the banks of the Ashley River. Grab a bag of South Carolina’s ballgame delicacy, boiled peanuts, and enjoy a cheap (but refreshing) beer as you cheer on the home team from the stands.

Tickets are affordable, making it an excellent family-friendly option. If you take in a game on a Friday night, make sure you stay for the best fireworks display in the Lowcountry. There are 12 fireworks shows scheduled for the 2022 season, each set to a different musical theme.

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4. Go Brewery Hopping

Craft brewing has exploded in Charleston. The city is dotted with several unique breweries that put a local stamp on their beers. If you’re unsure where to go, the Original Charleston Pub and Brewery walking tour is a great place to start. This tour takes you to several of the city’s best pubs and gives you a real dose of southern hospitality.

If you prefer a low-key evening, check out the Revelry Brewing company. Their Gullah Cream ale is made from grits grown on the South Carolina Sea Islands. Taste this local spin on a traditional ale.

5. Paddleboard by Moonlight

The tranquil waters of Charleston harbor are beautiful at night. Seeing the city skyline sparkle and the moon reflected in the water is one of the highlights of any trip to Charleston. One of the best ways to experience this view is a paddleboard trip by moonlight.

Charleston SUP Safaris offers special paddleboarding tours during the full moon, and there’s even a chance some dolphins might stop by to enjoy the view with you. Be sure to check the phase of the moon and weather in advance before you visit to take advantage of this unforgettable experience.

If you can’t visit during the full moon, the company also offers Sunset Safaris. All their tours are available in various levels, from beginner to advanced, so you’ll be able to find a tour to suit your skill level.

6. Hit the Live Music Scene

Charleston’s long history and melting pot of cultures have given the city a unique sound. More than just hometown favorite Hootie and the Blowfish’s Darrius Rucker, the blend of Gullah spirituals, Southern Blues and bluegrass fill the streets of the Holy City at night.

The Charleston Gaillard Center is home to the city’s more refined music scene, while the Bay Street Biergarten is the best choice for some local rock. If you want to combine the views of Charleston at sunset with some fantastic tunes, then the Rooftop at The Vendue is the perfect location. Sip on cocktails and watch the sunset over the harbor while some local bands play on through the night.

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7. Dine on the Waterfront

The combination of spectacular water views and lowland cuisine makes the Charleston food scene special. There are far too many restaurants to try in one trip, but some of the waterfront favorites can’t be missed.

Bowens Island Restaurant is the home of down-home traditional lowland classics like oysters and Frogmore stew. If you want spectacular views and outstanding local cuisine, then look no further than Fleet Landing Restaurant and Bar on Concord Street at the foot of City Market in the historic downtown area.

If you are a low-key person or like a place where food is heavily mixed with fun, check out the Windjammer. This 49-year-old local hangout is one of the oldest in Charleston. Stop by for great burgers, good beers and a little sand volleyball.

Lowland Summer

Charleston is one of America’s great historic cities. The streets, the churches and the weeping willows all tell the story of our nation, from the first European settlers to the first shots of the Civil War to the modern food and drink scene of today.

The city’s warm climate, inviting beaches and legendary hospitality will keep you returning year after year. If you fall in love with all that the Carolina lowland has to offer, check out the homes for sale in Mt Pleasant, SC for a vacation home in the area that allows you to enjoy Charleston year-round. Charleston is the perfect place to call home for a week, a summer or even a lifetime.