Charleston At Night: Charleston’s Best Evening Activities

If you’re lucky enough to visit Charleston at night then you have the opportunity to see this city at its finest – and considering it’s pretty spectacular during the day this is really saying a lot!

When the sun goes down, Charleston really comes alive. With a blend of cultures and styles that can be tasted, seen, listened to, and danced to, you’ll find it hard to justify an early night here!

After spending a week here we could see that Charleston is not just famous for its history architecture. The food here is legendary and honestly, we would have been happy just spending the whole holiday jumping from one incredible restaurant to another!

But there is so much more to a night in Charleston. Here are our suggestions for a night out in Charleston that you’ll really remember.

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Quick Guide To Charleston At Night


Tours Of Charleston At Night

Charleston at night – this post contains affiliate links

One of the best things to do in Charleston at any time of the day is to head off on a history tour to discover Charleston’s rich past.

Nighttime tours are plenty, so you don’t need to miss out on Charleston’s culture if you don’t have time to sight-see during the day. We would recommend booking in advance. It can get really busy, especially during the best times to visit Charleston.

Here are some of the top-selling tours of Charleston by night.


Head Off On A Horse Drawn Carriage Tour Of Charleston By Night

Charleston at night with the sun setting behind an iconic church
Head off on a horse-drawn carriage ride to see Charleston’s sights by night

Horse-drawn carriage rides are one the most popular things to do in Charleston, but not many people know you can do them at night! This nighttime tour of Charleston is one of the most romantic things to do here, and perfect for couples wanting to explore into the evening. Head here for more of the most romantic things to do in Charleston.

✅ Book your evening Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour of Downtown Charleston here


Enjoy A Sunset Boat Tour Of Charleston At Night

the southern belle boat in charleston taking people on an evening tour
Take a historic boat tour of Charleston by night

We loved this tour during the day, and it’s even better at night! Head off on the Carolina Belle, a beautiful traditional Charleston boat.

This fully-narrated tour focuses on Charleston’s history from Civil War sites to antebellum houses and landmarks. You’ll pass under Cooper River bridges, and have the chance to spot dolphins. This is the perfect combination of history and nature and a must-do tour of Charleston at night.

✅ Book your sunset boat tour here


Evening Walking Tour

on a historic walking tour of charleston at night
Evening walking tours are a great night time activity in Charleston

Take a walking tour of Charleston during the evening hours to enjoy cooler weather while learning about the city’s rich history.

As you wander along streets near the waterfront, you’ll hear about Southern culture and present-day life in Charleston before diving into the city’s past, dating back to 1650.

✅ Book your evening walking tour here


Charleston Night Market

The Old Historic City Market is a popular tourist attraction by day, but head there on the weekend and this spot is open during the evening too.

The local vendors here sell all sorts of goodies – arts and crafts, regional delicacies, and local artists play music here adding to the vibrant and charming atmosphere of this historic market.

This is one of the best things to do in Charleston at night if you’re here over the weekend.


Charleston’s Night Time Ghost Tours

a jail in charleston at night
Charleston at night isn’t complete without a tour of its darker past!

If you’re lucky enough to be in Charleston in the evening then make sure you book onto one of the many ghost tours.

Charleston is a city steeped in history, and where there’s history there are tales of darker times and gruesome events.

Charleston is known to be one of America’s most haunted cities for a reason! We’ve found you the best ghost tours this city has to offer so you can get thoroughly spooked in Charleston by night!


Get Spooked On The Pleasing Terrors Tour Of Charleston At Night

Charleston native Mike Brown is the host of the Pleasing Terrors Podcast, which has been downloaded over 1.5 million times in over a hundred countries around the world and has been featured on numerous television and radio shows.

Being kind of a ghost expert he knows every local haunt and promises an entertaining evening in Charleston! Every tour is given by Mike so you know you’re getting the real deal!

✅ Book your Pleasing Terrors Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour now


Charleston’s Evening Graveyard Tour

charleston's oldest graveyard at night
Who dares to visit Charleston’s oldest graveyard by night?

Take a walk through the dark corridors of the Historic District while your local guide tells tales of the ghostly things that haunt Charleston at night. You’ll also gain access to Charleston’s oldest cemetery after hours with an exclusive pass.

✅ Book your Ghost & Graveyard Night-Time Guided Walking tour now


Ghosts of Charleston Night-Time Walking Tour

This ghost tour of Charleston includes a nighttime visit to one of Charleston’s most haunted graveyards! Stroll through the atmospheric heart of the old city while an entertaining local guide tells you of some of Charleston’s most haunted spots!

Get exclusive after-hour access to the famous Unitarian Church Graveyard. If you don’t spot a ghost here – in one of America’s most haunted spots – then you never will!

✅ Book your Ghosts of Charleston Night-Time Walking Tour here!


Ghost And Bar Crawl Through Charleston At Night

a ghost bar crawl in charleston in the evening
Head off on a spooky evening bar crawl!

This is one for the more rowdy among you, and perfect for any large group celebrations. Head off on a bar crawl through Charleston with a spooky twist!

This tour is not your usual, with participation encouraged and laughs a plenty. And who knows, perhaps you’ll need a beer or two to steady your nerves after a thorough haunting in Charleston at night!

✅ Book your Ghost And Bar Crawl here


Evening Activities In Charleston For The Active

charleston in the evening with the sun setting over the sea
There’s plenty to do in Charleston at night for the active

If you still have the energy to spare from a day of exploring the city then there are several evening activities in Charleston that you should definitely give a go! From moonlit paddleboarding to sunset sails, Charleston doesn’t disappoint.


Private Sunset Sail Through Charleston Harbour

a private charter sail in charleston in the evening
Try your hand at sailing at sunset on a private charter

Sit back and relax while a professional crew caters to your every need on your own private yacht sunset sail. Bring your favorite beverages, a picnic, or you can also request gourmet catering to fit your desires.

This is one of the best activities in Charleston at night, and you’ll get to tour the whole of Charleston harbour as the sun goes down. The people that run this sailing experience are keen to cater to your every need so if you have any special requests then just make sure you contact them after booking!

✅ Book your private 2-3 Hour Charleston Sailing Charter


Try Moonlit Paddleboarding

The perfect evening activity in Charleston for anyone that loves the outdoors. This moonlit paddleboard experience is one of a kind, giving you the chance to enjoy South Carolina’s coastline in a way not many do.

Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and turtles as the sky becomes full of stars. This really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

✅ Book your full moon stand up paddleboard tour now


Bowling At The Alley

bowling in charleston at night

Pull on your bowling shoes and get your swing perfected. It’s time for some healthy competition! The Alley is the only bowling alley in Charleston, and it doubles up as an arcade and a casual restaurant too.

Spend the evening in Charleston having some good old-fashioned fun!


Charleston Waterfront Park

Charleston’s Waterfront Park is a top spot in Charleston at night. And the really great thing about this – it will cost you absolutely nothing! 

Take a stroll under the oaks, or sit on the swinging bench on the pier and watch the moonlit sea. It’s the perfect evening activity in Charleston if you want to stretch your legs!


Entertainment In Charleston At Night

people being entertain at the theatre in charleston at night
Get entertained in Charleston at night

Charleston has a huge art scene with plenty of options to be entertained into the evening. You’ll find comedy nights and plays, cinemas, and live music. Charleston is a great place to be entertained in the evening.


A Laugh A Minute At Theatre 99

Charleston’s top venue for comedy, Theatre 99 will have you laughing your way into the night in Charleston. This comedy night pulls out all the stops, with top-class performers and a range of different styles of comedy, there’s something here for everyone.


Get Entertained At The Dock Street Theatre

The historic Dock Street Theatre can be found in the French Quarter of downtown Charleston, and is the ideal place to spend an evening in Charleston.

The first ever performance at the Dock Street Theatre was The Recruiting Officer, which opened on February 12, 1736. Isn’t that crazy!? The theatre has had a rich history since then, so watching a show here is also like taking in a slice of this city’s past.


Head To The Movies For Your Evening In Charleston

The Terrace Theatre is an old-fashioned movie theatre, perfect for date nights in Charleston or a night out with friends.  It plays a range of movies and has been voted the best movie theatre in Charleston for seven years in a row! We can really see why!

Matinee: $8.00
Evening: Adult : $11.00, Seniors (65+), Military, and Students (with Valid ID) : $8.00


Catch A RiverDogs Baseball Game

Nothing screams America like baseball, so if you’re looking for a fun filled evening out in Charleston then look no further! The Riverdogs are Charleston’s minor league baseball team and you can watch them play at the Joseph P Riley, Jr. Park.

If you make it on a Friday night you’ll be treated to a fireworks display after a home game. The perfect thing to do in Charleston at night!


Charleston Concert Venues

Charleston has several major concert venues, all offering a great night out. Music Farm is a concert venue found in downtown Charleston that plays some big names (and some smaller names too). Head there for a night of entertainment and dance away the night in this incredible city.


Eating Out In The Evening In Charleston

delicious food from one of charlestons top restaurants
Charleston’s top picks

Eating out in Charleston is always a treat. Charleston is famous for it’s delicious low-country cuisine, and has some of the best restaurants in America. The food isn’t always cheap, but you won’t be complaining when you get a taste!


Husk

Husk is the restaurant that kicked off chef Sean Brock’s empire and it focuses on mostly Southern cuisine. It’s the perfect place to get a real taste of the area, so if you only have one night in Charleston then this is the place to head.

The menu changes regularly but you can expect to enjoy dishes like deviled eggs with pickled okra and okra stew with Carolina gold rice.


Charleston Grill

Said to be one of the most esteemed Charleston restaurants, the Charleston Grill is another of Charleston’s best. They won the Forbes Four Star Award and the AAA Four Diamond Award for food excellence, so it’s the perfect place to sample the best of Charleston’s food scene.

The Charleston Grill mixes top-quality cuisine with the sound of jazz, for a truly authentic feel.


Le Farfelle

Mmmm Italian. Italian food is definitely the food of love. It’s not very local though, so you might want to try some proper Lowcountry dishes before heading here (check out the other options listed here)! Nestled downtown in quaint Harleston Village, we love its outside dining, incredible food, and outstanding cocktails!


Fig

a plate of low country cuisine in one of charleston's best restaurants
Eating out in Charleston at night is always a treat

FIG is one of the most popular restaurants in Charleston, but you’ll have to book this restaurant about a month in advance to stand any chance of getting a table! If you do manage to get a seat here then you can expect traditional low-country cuisine done to an extremely high standard.


The Best Bars In Charleston At Night

Head to a bar for your evening out in Charleston

If there’s one thing Charleston does almost as well as food, it’s drink! There are countless incredible bars in Charleston, from sophisticated wine bars to themed prohibition joints. We’ve got some of Charleston’s best below!


Watch The Sunset From A Rooftop Bar

The Vendue is Charleston’s top spot for watching the sunset and has been awarded ‘best rooftop bar’ by Charleston city paper since 2007! The views over the city at sunset are one of a kind and it would criminal not to visit while you’re here. Head here to kick off your evening in Charleston.


Bin 152

Bin 152 is Charleston’s oldest wine bar and it doesn’t disappoint. They offer 40 different wines by the glass and over 200 wines by the bottle.  They have 40 different cheeses and charcuterie all served with freshly baked bread. If you want a more sophisticated night out in Charleston then this is the place to head to!


Doar Bros

Doar Bros is a hip cocktail bar run by renowned female mixologist Megan Deschaine. There’s a large range of delicious cocktails on the menu, so if you want to make a night of it then this is the perfect place to head!


Prohibition

two beer bottles clinking together
Head here for happy hour

Prohibition, a speakeasy-style bar in the heart of Charleston, offers $1 oysters on the half shell, plus $5 snacks, classic cocktails, and select beers Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. It’s also great fun in the evening and the perfect place to pass away a night in Charleston!


Where To Stay In Charleston At Night

The best places to stay on an overnight trip to Charleston
The best places to stay on an overnight trip to Charleston

HarbourView Inn

The HarbourView Inn is a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Charleston. It’s one of the top picks for location and the perfect place to stay for a short trip here.

The hotel has views of Charleston’s habourside, including the famous pineapple fountain. It’s a short walk to the market, great local shops and some of the best restaurants in Charleston.

✅ Find out more information and check availability and prices here


John Rutledge House Inn

spending the night in charleston
There are so many great places to spend a night in Charleston

The John Rutledge House Inn is exactly what the name suggests – the former home of John Rutledge. If you’re here for just one night in Charleston then you should consider staying here, if for no reason other than bragging rights!

The building has been designated a National Historic Landmark and is beautifully maintained to make you feel as though you’re stepping back in time, but with all the modern comforts you’ll want in a hotel.

✅ You can find out more information and check availability and rates here


Andrew Pinckney Inn

This restored boutique hotel is definitely one of the best places to stay in Charleston if you’re here for the night. The bathrooms are particularly luxurious with Italian Travertine porcelain tiles and granite countertops, giving them a real spa-like quality.

✅ You can find more information and check availability and rates here.


And if all those options for things to do in Charleston at night aren’t enough, then just wandering the moonlit streets in the heat of summer is more than enough to keep you entertained.

Let us know in the comments what you’re favourite thing to do in Charleston in the evening is, and if you enjoyed this article then follow us on social media for more travel inspiration, and feel free to share this post! It really helps us out.

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3 Comments

  1. Check out historic charleston supper club on state street. Had a fabulous meal and 350 years of history of food and wine. Great fun!!

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