Psst. Hey, you! Charleston’s hidden courtyards are one of the destination’s best kept secrets, and we’re sharing them with you! Slip away from the hustle and bustle of the city and discover lush garden settings tucked away in quiet corners. From healthy eateries to charming inns, scroll on to explore our guide to Charleston’s magical hidden courtyards.
1
The Parsonage
The Parsonage is a beautifully renovated circa 1846 residence located in Charleston’s Ansonborough neighborhood. The space is available for weekly rentals and boasts three bedrooms, a bridal dressing room, double piazzas, an English-style garden and additional outdoor space for gatherings and events.
2
Zero George
Zero George is a collection of five restored historic residential buildings set in a private landscaped courtyard with accommodations featuring contemporary decor and furnishings. Designed with the sophisticated traveler in mind, this boutique hotel is a blend of historic architecture and casually elegant guest rooms and suites with adjoining open-air piazzas.
3
The Palmetto Cafe
Dine al fresco in The Palmetto Cafe courtyard or indoors in a luxurious garden-style setting. Combining fresh ingredients with American Lowcountry cuisine, this breakfast and lunch spot offers the best of the best, including pineapple-blueberry compote French toast and Lowcountry shrimp and grits.
4
Kudu Coffee + Craft Beer
Sip seasonal lattes and soak up the sun with your favorite read in Kudu's courtyard patio. Choose from a wide selection of 20 taps of craft beer and enjoy live music on the weekend!
5
Peninsula Grill
Beyond Peninsula Grill's beguiling entryway awaits a romantic garden courtyard, flickering copper carriage lanterns, a glass of champagne and a slice of the famous Ultimate Coconut Cake, called “A little slice of heaven…” by The New York Times. Prepare for an unparalleled experience you won't soon forget.
6
Skinny Dip
Skinny Dip isn't your average chic boutique. This King Street shop is filled with curated collections of established and emerging designer ware, as well as a pieces by local Charleston makers. However, it's the second floor oasis that truly sets this gem apart. Enjoy a latte on the beautiful outdoor patio or sip a glass of frosé at the 20-foot coffee and wine bar. Skinny Dip also offers both co-working and event space and has become known as a favorite gathering spot for both locals and visitors with their ongoing events calendar featuring everything from barre classes to wine tastings to creative DIY workshops.
7
Kings Courtyard Inn
Kings Courtyard Inn offers 41 rooms that surround two inner lush garden courtyards. Not only is it within walking distance of Charleston’s historic homes, gardens and churches, but also just a block away from the Charleston City Market.
8
The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery
Harbinger's plant-based, from-scratch kitchen features locally-sourced and seasonal dishes to savor either on the outdoor patio or inside (which is a plant lover's paradise). From the Wholy City Quiche to the Sweet Potato + Chickpea Salad to the mouth-watering vegan sweets (try the PB + Black + Blue bar; trust us!), Harbinger is a health enthusiast's heaven!
9
Basic Kitchen
Slip into the garden courtyard at hip and healthy eatery Basic Kitchen and sip on fresh juice, fruit smoothies or tropical-inspired mocktails and cocktails. Chef Air Casebier, former chef at HUSK, is behind the menu of seasonal and local produce featuring nourishing fare including avocado toast, sweet potato fries and brown rice bowls.
Other Insider’s Guide Posts
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