Charleston, South Carolina, with its rich history, stunning architecture, and coastal charm, is a dream destination for families. Planning a trip can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to dining with children. As a local who loves exploring Charleston with my family, I’m excited to share my updated guide to family-friendly restaurants in Charleston, ensuring a delicious and stress-free dining experience for everyone. While Charleston boasts a vibrant nightlife, this guide focuses on daytime delights and family-oriented evenings, perfect for creating lasting memories. Whether you’re seeking a casual spot for lunch after a beach day or a relaxed dinner setting, Charleston has something to offer every family. Beyond restaurants, this guide also includes recommendations for family-friendly coffee shops, bakeries, hotels, and fun activities, making it your comprehensive resource for a Charleston family vacation.
Charleston’s Top Family-Friendly Restaurants
Finding the right restaurant that caters to both adults and children can be a game-changer when traveling with family. Charleston offers a fantastic array of restaurants where kids are not just welcome, but truly catered to. From casual seafood joints to charming eateries with outdoor spaces, here are some of our family’s most loved and highly recommended restaurants in Charleston:
- Leon’s Oyster Shop: Known for its lively atmosphere and delicious fried chicken and oysters, Leon’s is a hit with all ages. The casual setting and tasty menu make it an easy choice for families.
- 82 Queen: Experience quintessential Charleston charm at 82 Queen. While known for its She-Crab soup and elegant ambiance, they are also incredibly welcoming to families. The courtyard is a lovely spot for a relaxed family meal.
- Edmunds Oast: With a spacious outdoor area, Edmunds Oast is perfect for families with active kids. Parents can enjoy craft beers and a sophisticated menu while children have room to play. The food is exceptional and the atmosphere is relaxed.
- Rancho Lewis: Enjoy the flavors of Texas BBQ in a family-friendly setting. Rancho Lewis offers a casual and fun dining experience with plenty of space and delicious, crowd-pleasing barbecue.
- Bodega: This spot is versatile, offering both coffee and delicious casual food. Bodega is great for a quick and tasty family meal, with options that appeal to both kids and adults.
- Basic Kitchen: Focusing on fresh, healthy ingredients, Basic Kitchen is a wonderful option for families seeking nutritious and delicious meals. The bright and airy atmosphere is also very welcoming.
- Post House: Located in Mount Pleasant, Post House offers a charming inn and restaurant experience. The restaurant is family-friendly with a warm atmosphere and a menu that balances sophisticated and approachable dishes.
- Sullivan’s Fish Camp: For a quintessential Lowcountry seafood experience, Sullivan’s Fish Camp is a must-visit. The casual, beachy vibe and fresh seafood options are perfect for a family outing after a day at the beach.
- Coastal Crust: Pizza is always a family favorite, and Coastal Crust delivers with delicious wood-fired pizzas in a relaxed setting. They often have outdoor spaces and a casual atmosphere perfect for kids.
- Hometeam BBQ (Sullivan’s location): BBQ and kids are always a great combination. Hometeam BBQ on Sullivan’s Island offers a laid-back atmosphere, outdoor seating, and mouthwatering barbecue that the whole family will love.
- Santi’s Mexican Restaurant: If your family loves Mexican food, Santi’s is a fantastic choice. With a vibrant atmosphere and a diverse menu, there’s something for everyone, including kid-friendly options.
While the restaurants above are particularly family-friendly, Charleston also boasts some fantastic spots for date nights or adult evenings out, including Chez Nous, Chubby Fish, Melfi’s, 167 Raw, 167 Sushi, Vern’s, Lowland Tavern, and Shiki Sushi.
Coffee, Bakeries, and Sweet Treats for Families
Starting the day right or enjoying an afternoon treat is easy in Charleston. Many coffee shops and bakeries are wonderfully family-friendly, offering space and treats that kids will adore:
- Harken Cafe: Known for its beautiful space and delicious pastries and coffee, Harken Cafe is a delightful spot for a family breakfast or snack.
- The Harbinger: This charming bakery offers delicious baked goods and a cozy atmosphere. It’s a perfect place to grab a treat to enjoy in a park or back at your hotel.
- Sugar Bakeshop: Indulge in classic Southern baked goods at Sugar Bakeshop. Their cupcakes and cookies are always a hit with children (and adults!).
- The Co-op: Famous for their frosé and sandwiches, The Co-op also offers a relaxed atmosphere that is welcoming to families during the day.
- Bodega: Again, Bodega makes the list for its versatility. It’s a great spot for coffee, pastries, and quick bites, suitable for families on the go.
- Vintage Coffee (in Mount Pleasant): Venture into Mount Pleasant to find Vintage Coffee, a cozy spot with a relaxed vibe, perfect for a family coffee break.
- Brown Fox Coffee Co. (in Mount Pleasant): Another Mount Pleasant gem, Brown Fox Coffee Co., offers a welcoming atmosphere and delicious coffee and treats, making it a great family stop.
Other great coffee and bake shops for adults include The Daily, Second State Coffee, Welton’s Tiny Bakeshop, Babas on Cannon, BIN 152 Wine Shop, and Goat Sheep Cow (downtown market).
Family-Friendly Hotels in Charleston
Choosing the right accommodation is crucial for a comfortable family trip. Charleston has several hotels that are particularly well-suited for families:
- Hotel Bennett: With luxurious amenities and a fantastic location, Hotel Bennett is also surprisingly family-friendly. They often have special amenities and services to cater to families.
- Mills House: This iconic pink hotel is not only beautiful but also welcoming to families. Its central location makes it easy to explore Charleston with kids.
- Post House Inn (in Mount Pleasant): If you prefer a quieter setting outside of downtown, Post House Inn in Mount Pleasant offers a charming and family-friendly inn experience.
- The Dunlin (Kiawah River): For families seeking a resort experience with nature and outdoor activities, The Dunlin on Kiawah River provides a wonderful escape with family-oriented amenities.
For those seeking more adult-focused hotels, consider The Dewberry (known for The Citrus Club rooftop) and Zero George (a quintessential Charleston boutique hotel).
Fun Activities for Kids in Charleston
Charleston is brimming with activities that will entertain children of all ages:
- Charlestowne Landing + The Animal Forest: Explore the birthplace of Charleston and wander through the Animal Forest, where you can see animals in their natural habitat. It’s educational and fun for kids.
- Charleston Aquarium: Discover marine life at the Charleston Aquarium. It’s a manageable size for a family visit and offers engaging exhibits for children.
- Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry: A fantastic interactive museum designed specifically for children. It’s perfect for younger kids to learn through play.
- USS Yorktown Ship Tour: History comes to life aboard the USS Yorktown. Kids will be amazed to explore this aircraft carrier and learn about naval history.
- Sullivan’s Island or Isle of Palms Beach Day: No trip to Charleston is complete without a beach day. Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms offer beautiful beaches perfect for family fun.
- Charleston Fun Park or Frankie’s Fun Park: For indoor entertainment, these fun parks offer arcades, go-karts, and other attractions to keep kids entertained, especially on a rainy day.
- Shark tooth hunting at low tide off the Pitt St Bridge (in Mount Pleasant): A unique and adventurous activity for families. Searching for shark teeth at low tide is an exciting and free activity.
Family-Focused Activities in Charleston
Beyond kid-specific attractions, Charleston offers many activities that the whole family can enjoy together:
- Charlestowne Landing: Beyond the Animal Forest, Charlestowne Landing offers walking paths, historical exhibits, and beautiful scenery, making it a great place for a family outing.
- Holy City Brewery: Surprisingly family-friendly, Holy City Brewery has a large outdoor space where kids can play while parents relax and enjoy local brews.
- Walking Tour with Walk + Talk CHS: Make history engaging with a walking tour. Walk + Talk CHS offers tours that are interesting for both adults and older children.
- Kayaking on Shem Creek: Explore the waterways of Charleston with a family kayaking trip on Shem Creek. It’s a fun and active way to see wildlife and enjoy the outdoors.
- Fish Charter: For a memorable family adventure, consider a fishing charter. It’s a great way to experience Charleston’s coastal environment and create lasting memories.
Shopping in Charleston: Family Style
While shopping might not be the primary focus of a family trip, Charleston has some charming shops that are worth exploring, including options for everyone in the family:
- For Women: Explore boutiques like Beau & Ro, Hampden Clothing, Lake Pajamas, Minnow, Loeffler Randall, Nette, Monkees (Mount Pleasant), Out of Hand (Mount Pleasant), Elizabeth Stuart (Mount Pleasant), Abide-a-While (Mount Pleasant), Bennie + Coco (Sullivan’s Island), Goldbug (Sullivan’s Island).
- For Kids: Pitt Street Kids is a must-visit for children’s clothing and toys.
- For Men: M. Dumas + Sons and T.D. McMurry Shop offer classic men’s apparel.
Ideal Family Day in Charleston: Sample Itineraries
To help you visualize the perfect family day in Charleston, here are a couple of sample itineraries:
Beach & BBQ Day:
Start with coffee and breakfast, then head to Sullivan’s Island for a beach day. Enjoy the sun and sand, followed by a short walk to Hometeam BBQ for a delicious and casual lunch. Return home for some afternoon relaxation.
History & Hoppy Fun Day:
Visit Charlestowne Landing to explore the Animal Forest and historical exhibits. Afterward, head to nearby Holy City Brewery for lunch and playtime in their spacious outdoor area.
Downtown Exploration Day:
Take a Walk + Talk tour of downtown Charleston, making history come alive for the whole family. Enjoy lunch at 82 Queen or Leon’s for a taste of Charleston cuisine. Finish the day with a visit to the Charleston Aquarium, which is engaging and manageable in about an hour.
Charleston offers a wealth of experiences for families. From delicious family-friendly restaurants to engaging activities and welcoming accommodations, your Charleston family vacation is sure to be a memorable one. Don’t hesitate to ask any further questions in the comments below – I’m happy to help you plan your perfect Charleston family getaway!
