8 Spots to Watch the Sunset in Charleston

Ain’t no sunset like a Lowcountry sunset, especially in the fall. The perfect combo of salty sea breeze, lapping waves, and pink streaked skies will have you all up in your feelings. Here are 8 different spots that will take you all over the city as you chase those magnificent hues- a great break between all the great food and drink you are undoubtedly consuming.

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Sunset Cay Marina

Sunset Cay Marina

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Well, the name gives it away, but rightfully so! Located on the quieter, south end of Folly Beach, this is a popular marina for local islanders to dock their boat and take in the cotton candy skies at sunset. Walk on down to the nearby County Park that juts out at the end of the island to fully grasp why Folly Beach is nicknamed “The End of America.”

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Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park

Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park

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Walk out to the end of the pier directly underneath the Mt. Pleasant side of Ravenel Bridge to take in views of downtown and the bridge at sunset. There is plenty of free parking, bathrooms, and even a small cafe to pick up ice cream in the summer or hot chocolate in the winter. If you happen to be in town on a Thursday in the fall, not only can you watch the sunset from the pier, you can do so while taking a Starlight Yoga class put on by Charleston County Parks.

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The Bridge to Nowhere

Adverse Cemetery

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This is the closest map marker to The Bridge to Nowhere and where you can park along the street. Located on the upper peninsula in the Wagener Terrace neighborhood at the corner of Mechanic and Petty Street is quite literally, a bridge that leads to nowhere. Construction on this bridge began in 2008 and was meant to lead to a new mixed use development that was put on hold following bankruptcy claims tied to the Recession. Today, this bridge remains much loved by locals who want a quiet spot to picnic, drink a beer in their lawn chair, or possibly propose to their partner! Grab a pint from neighboring Cooper River Brewing or The Brew Lab after.

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Pitt Street Bridge

Pitt Street Bridge

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This public, palm tree lined park was formerly the bridge that connected Mount Pleasant to the beaches on Sullivan’s Island. Today it has a long fishing pier and benches that provide great views of the water, Ravenel Bridge, Fort Sumter, and the downtown skyline. You can park along the road at the entrance of the park, and don’t be surprised to share spots with a brigade of golf carts owned by residents of the Old Village neighborhood. Check out their tiny, historic downtown district that was recently made famous thanks to the filming of Outer Banks and have a meal or cocktail on the patio of the Post House Inn.

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Sullivan’s Island Station 18 ½ (lighthouse end)

Sullivan's Island Lighthouse

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A walk along the beach on Sullivan’s Island at sunset is possibly my all time favorite Charleston activity. There is street parking and an ADA accessible ramp at Station 18 1/2, close to the lighthouse. Then, if you venture far enough down the south end past the lighthouse, you will be rewarded with views of the Ravenel Bridge and Holy City skyline in addition to a spectacular sunset reflection along the water.

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Brittlebank Park

Brittlebank Park

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Brittlebank Park is located on the quieter, west side of downtown near West Edge and the medical district. I used to work in an office facing this park and let me tell you, I saw some of the pinkest, prettiest sunsets of my life. Seriously, sometimes I even worked late in order to be there for them. Walk along the pier, sit under the trees, and if you still aren’t relaxed enough, you can always check out the popular Woodhouse Day Spa across the street. Free parking along the park!

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Joseph P. Riley Jr. Riverdogs Ballpark

Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park

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In Charleston, you go to a baseball game for the sunsets. Ok, also the cheap beer and possibly Bill Murray sightings… but mainly the sunsets! The RiverDogs baseball stadium is located on the peninsula, caddy corner to the Ashley River and surrounded by marshland, so MAKE SURE to go out back to watch the sunset while attending a minor league game. Plus, Bill Murray is part owner and self-appointed “Director of Fun” for the Charleston RiverDogs baseball team and often attends the games.

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Boathouse Restaurant at Breach Inlet

The Boathouse at Breach Inlet

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Go for a waterfront meal or just walk along Breach Inlet to watch the sunset directly over the creek and marshlands. You will often be able to spot dolphins swimming along the shore and be directly across from the launch site of America’s first submarine, the HL Hunley.

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For any questions, always feel free to reach out to me via email (emma@travelfilled.com) or DM me on Instagram (@travel.filled)

Emma Cregg

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Charleston Summer Bucket List

There are so many ways to fill a perfect summer day in Charleston- even those of us who live here have a hard time fitting it all in! This list is a compilation of some of my favorite local pastimes and summer treats - all perfect ways to round out that travel itinerary while planning a last-minute summer trip to Charleston or thinking of one for the future. Also, we’ll use the term "summer" flexibly here- Charleston’s warm weather means most of these activities can be enjoyed throughout the year ;)

History • Relaxation • Beach • Adventure

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Emma Cregg

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Bonjour, y'all! I’m Emma, a southerner who moved to Paris and now splits my time between the City of Light and Charleston, SC. After years of planning trips to both spots for friends, family, and the occasional stranger I befriended on a plane, I made things official and launched Travel Filled, my travel blog and planning business. I used to work for the City of Charleston and now travel and work with cities all over the country (aka total local government nerd, proudly nicknamed the Leslie Knope of my grad class). That makes me incredibly enthusiastic about finding and sharing local specialities and hidden gems. I’m constantly seeking out new cultural experiences, running routes, good pescatarian spots, book and coffee nooks, and the perfect cocktail. I plan trips for all sorts of folks, but am especially passionate about connecting with culturally curious women looking to fill up their travel cup through a blend of authentic experiences and treat yoself moments and are just too busy kicking ass in their daily lives to plan it all on their own!

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