dc2002

We are going to Charleston the beginning of April. We would love to find a restaurant (informal) walking distance to a beach we can take a walk on and explore after dinner with our girls (6, 8, 11) Poe's seems promising (on Sullivan's) but not sure of the proximity or if there are better options.

Also would love to hear about some inexpensive things to do with the family. I've been scouring the forums and looking online but would love to get some more ideas

TIA!

suewoo

Any of the restaurants on Sullivans are 2 blocks from the beach.

What does your family like to do? Ft. Moultrie is free. So is the Farmers Market at Marion Square.

dc2002

Are they walkable blocks?

We live in Atlanta (well the burbs) and love to go exploring, parks, historic sites etc... My kids love the ocean (though I realize it will be much different than what we are used to when we vacation in Rosemary Beach Florida)

We are planning the ft Sumptner boat tour and a carriage ride (plus my husband and oldest are going to go golfing one morning while I take the other two to the kids museum) I am thinking of seeing the angel oak tree, doing the walk across the bridge, the waterfront park and the city market. Just want to make sure I'm not overlooking anything We aren't planning on the aquarium since we are members of the one here.

suewoo

Yes they are walkable. People do it all the time.

Ft. Sumter is fine if you're not expecting much. Ft Moultrie is more interesting. The Angel Oak is beautiful and the drive out there is nice. You might want to check out the tea plantation while you are on that side.

The walk across the bridge might be long for the younger children. Just park on the Mt P side, walk up to the top and walk back down. Have lunch at Shem Creek afterward.

You might want to rethink the aquarium. There's a really interesting sea turtle rescue program there that lets you get up close.

No idea what Rosemary Beach is, so I can't compare.

dc2002

Thanks Sue! Sounds like a great idea about the bridge. I'm not that excited about the ft Sumptner tour but my husband wants to go. Sounds like I will put Ft Moultrie on my definite list!

The aquarium here is the biggest in the world. We have actually spent the night at it and got to do special up close tours of the exhibits. Although I'm sure the sea turtles would be amazing we need to concerve our $ and afraid after our aquarium the family would be disappointed in the one there and would be a waste of $ for us.

(Check out Rosemary beach! We love it there

Brian_in_Charlotte

I like the Charleston aquarium, but it is expensive, so makes sense for you to skip it.

I agree that the Sullivan's Island restaurants are your best bet for casual dinner and walk on the beach. If the wait at Poe's is too long, either Taco Mamacita or Home Team BBQ are good choices. You can map them to see how close to the beach they are. Sullivan's also has benefit of being the closest beach to the Historic District (assuming that's where you're staying).

dc2002

Thanks Brian! Home team BBQ is already on our list because kids eat free on Tuesdays so that will be perfect (I think most of the restaurants I have picked out are on Sullivan's island for some reason!)

We are staying at the Hampton Inn in the Historic district. Choices are limited when you have 5 people per room :/

suewoo

I'm a big hampton fan. I think you'll like that one.

There are lots of neat restaurants on Upper King, which is right out your door. Closed for Business is owned by the same people who own Poe's. Virginia's on King is nice and Stars Grill Room is fun. Lots of college students frequent that part of town, so things get crowded later on.

dc2002

Thanks Sue! I was actually able to get. Restaurant.com certificate for Virginia's on King We are all so excited to finally get to Charleston! Been wanting to go for a long time