Make The Restoration Charleston your downtown home base, then split your time between storied streets and quiet, open beaches. Here’s a simple guide to city walking tours and fall and winter beach visits. What to book, what to expect, and a few tips to make it easy.
Best Walking Tours To Book
- Bulldog Tours: A classic, two-hour guided walk through the Historic District with licensed guides. Expect staples like Four Corners of Law, Rainbow Row, and The Battery, plus plenty of context along the way.
- Walks of Charleston: Culture-forward history tours that typically include Rainbow Row, the French Quarter, and The Battery. This tour is good for visitors who want a deep, story-driven overview.
- Compare a wider list: If you’re still deciding, scan a “best of” roundup to see timing, routes, and ratings in one place.
Walking Tour Tips
- Tours usually run 1.5 to 3 hours depending on route and depth.
- Small-group or private tours are great if you want more Q&A or custom routing.
- Self-guided options work well if your timing is tight or you prefer to wander.
- In cooler months, some tours run less frequently, so be sure to check schedules and book ahead.
Fall & Winter Beach Stays
Charleston’s beaches are peaceful in the cooler months and are perfect for long walks, shell hunting, and sunset photos even if you’re not getting in the water.
- Folly Beach: Laid-back vibe, great pier sunsets, and lots of casual spots to warm up after a stroll. Check the local visitor site for seasonal happenings and practical info.
- Sullivan’s Island: Wide, uncrowded sand and photo-ready dunes. Overview guides are helpful if you’re choosing between islands.
- Isle of Palms: Family-friendly and spacious shoreline. Nice for long walks with plenty of room to spread out.
Beach tips for the cool season
- Water temps turn chilly by late fall and winter, so plan to walk, not swim (average winter water temps hover near the low 60s °F, with late-fall averages in the upper 60s).
- After rain, waterfalls, and marsh colors pop on nearby nature walks, so trails and boardwalks can be slick. Make sure to wear good shoes and watch edges.
- Around the holidays, sunsets arrive earlier which is great for golden-hour beach walks before dinner.
Our front desk can help you pick a tour, check seasonal schedules, and point you to the best stretch of sand for the day’s weather. Book your stay with The Restoration Charleston today.
