West Ashley draws its name from geography—west of the Charleston peninsula, across the Ashley River—and has ties to the area’s earliest colonized history. In 1670, the first expedition of English settlers sailed up the picturesque tidal channel and stepped ashore on what is now Charles Towne Landing, a 664-acre State Historic Site filled with majestic oak trees. During the 18th and 19th centuries, sprawling plantations, including Middleton Place, Drayton Hall and Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, populated the riverbank. Today, the leafy landscape is an enduring hallmark of the area, with a ten-mile greenway stretching across the community. Located within Charleston’s city limits and connected to the peninsula by a small drawbridge, West Ashley is a charming area filled with unique recreational opportunities, hotels, restaurants and boutiques. Scroll on to discover where to eat, stay, play & shop west of the Ashley.

WHERE TO EAT

1. Pearlz Little Oyster Bar

2. Mex 1 Coastal Cantina

3. TBONZ Gill & Grill

4. Al Di La

Dig in to more mouth-watering bites at these West Ashley restaurants.

WHERE TO STAY

1. The Inn at Middleton Place

2. SpringHill Suites by Marriott Charleston Riverview

3. Residence Inn by Marriott Charleston Riverview

4. Comfort Suites West of the Ashley

Discover more of our favorite spots to stay in West Ashley.

WHERE TO PLAY

1. Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

2. Middleton Place

3. Drayton Hall

4. Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site

Explore more tours and attractions in West Ashley.

WHERE TO SHOP

1. Citadel Mall

2. Embroidery Boutique by Charleston Angler

3. Old Whaling Company

4. Pluff Mud Mercantile