Shop and dine on King Street

Exploring King Street in Downtown Charleston

If you spend any time in downtown Charleston during your visit, you'll likely come across King Street, one of the city's primary thoroughfares. The street is lined with restaurants, shops, hotels, and several landmark buildings. In fact, many of the city's top hotels, such as The Restoration Charleston, Hotel Bennet, and The Pinch Charleston, are situated on King Street.

King Street stretches from the southern end of downtown Charleston, beginning at White Point Garden, to the northern limits of the city. It is divided into three unofficial "districts": lower, middle, and upper.

Lower King Street

Lower King Street runs from Broad Street to Market Street and features a variety of antique shops, earning it the nickname "Antique District." One of the oldest and most recognized shops in this area is George C. Birlant & Co. Additionally, this section hosts several art galleries and restaurants, including Millers All Day.

Middle King Street

Middle King Street stretches from Market to Calhoun streets and is a haven for fashion enthusiasts. This part of King Street is home to popular brands like Anthropologie, Kate Spade, J.Crew, and Vineyard Vines, as well as local boutiques such as Candlefish, Hampden, and M. Dumas & Sons.

Upper King Street

Everything past Calhoun Street, from Marion Square to Spring Street, is considered Upper King Street. This area is known for its outstanding restaurants, including The Ordinary, Felix Cocktails et Cuisine, and The Darling Oyster Bar.

Tips for Visiting King Street

If you're planning to explore King Street and your accommodations are not located on the street itself, it's advisable to arrive on foot rather than by car. Metered parking spots are notoriously hard to find on weekends, and navigating the cobblestone streets and crowded sidewalks can be challenging for drivers.

The street is open for strolling any time of day or night, although individual businesses have their own operating hours.