King Street Shopping District Charleston
Charleston's premier shopping district, blending historic charm with diverse retail, dining, and lively events like Second Sunday.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Street closures make for easy strolling
King Street Shopping District Charleston
Best Time
Street closures make for easy strolling
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Charleston's premier shopping district, blending historic charm with diverse retail, dining, and lively events like Second Sunday.
"King Street offers a delightful mix of shopping, dining, and historic charm, especially vibrant on Second Sundays."
🚶♀️ Walkable Exploration
King Street is best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes to enjoy the shops and sights!
📅 Check Second Sunday Dates
Plan your visit for the second Sunday of the month for a unique pedestrian-friendly experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
King Street Boutiques
King Street
Discover unique fashion, home decor, and gifts in charming, independent shops. A true Charleston shopping gem.
Second Sunday Street Festival
King Street (Queen St to Calhoun St)
Enjoy a car-free King Street with street vendors, live music, and a lively atmosphere. A must-do monthly event!
+1
Historic Charm & Architecture
King Street
Stroll past beautiful historic buildings and soak in the Southern charm that defines Charleston.
+1
Diverse Dining Options
King Street
From casual cafes to upscale restaurants, King Street offers a culinary adventure for every palate.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace Second Sunday on King Street
+2Navigating Charleston's Retail Heart
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walkable Exploration
King Street is best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes to enjoy the shops and sights!
📅 Check Second Sunday Dates
Plan your visit for the second Sunday of the month for a unique pedestrian-friendly experience.
🛍️ Explore All Sections
King Street has distinct areas; explore from historic to Upper King for varied shopping.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture the charm! Look for unique storefronts and architectural details.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walkable Exploration
King Street is best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes to enjoy the shops and sights!
📅 Check Second Sunday Dates
Plan your visit for the second Sunday of the month for a unique pedestrian-friendly experience.
🛍️ Explore All Sections
King Street has distinct areas; explore from historic to Upper King for varied shopping.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture the charm! Look for unique storefronts and architectural details.
☕ Grab a Coffee Break
Numerous cafes offer a perfect spot to rest and refuel while shopping.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally praise King Street for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse shopping options, and charming historic architecture. The 'Second Sunday' event is a particular highlight, offering a unique pedestrian-friendly experience. While some find a good mix of stores, others note a fair number of vacant units in certain areas. The parking situation is generally seen as manageable and reasonably priced.
"The parking garage has an attendant and costs $1.75—well worth it for a little extra security. Coming from out of state, where many malls are nearly empty and lack name-brand stores, this was a great surprise! There are lots of popular stores and a good number of shoppers, even on a Saturday evening. The mall has three levels arranged in a circle, so you can see down to each floor. If I’m ever back in town, I’ll definitely visit again!"
duongpro87 vu
"The mall is larger than I expected. Parking was a flat rate of $1.75 (not sure if that’s just the Sunday rate), and there was plenty of space. Inside, there’s a good mix of standard mall shops, though a fair number of units were vacant. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised."
nhung vu
"This mall has three spacious floors with play areas for kids in the center. They already have Christmas lights and a light show every hour. The mall is massive, with plenty of parking—$1.75 for all-day parking."
Nhung Vu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
King Street is easily accessible in downtown Charleston. Many visitors find it convenient to walk from nearby hotels or use ride-sharing services. Parking garages are available, with one noted for its attendant and reasonable rates.
Yes, there are parking garages available along King Street. One review mentioned a garage with an attendant costing $1.75, which was considered well worth it for added security.
Absolutely! King Street is very walkable, especially on the second Sunday of the month when it's closed to traffic. It's a great way to explore the shops and soak in the atmosphere.
Walking is highly recommended to fully experience King Street. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll want to browse the many shops and admire the architecture.
While specific public transport routes aren't detailed, downtown Charleston is generally navigable. For the most direct access, ride-sharing or walking from accommodations are popular choices.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required to visit King Street. It's a public street and shopping district, open to everyone.
There are no entry fees to walk along King Street. You only pay for any purchases you make at the shops or dining establishments.
King Street itself is always open as a public thoroughfare. Individual shop and restaurant hours vary, but most are open daily, typically from late morning to early evening.
For a less crowded experience, weekday mornings are ideal. If you enjoy a lively, festive atmosphere, consider visiting on the second Sunday of the month when the street is closed to cars.
Yes, the most notable event is 'Second Sunday,' held on the second Sunday of each month, where King Street is closed to vehicles, allowing for a pedestrian-friendly shopping and dining experience.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
King Street offers a wide variety of stores, including popular national brands, high-end boutiques, local artisan shops, and specialty stores for fashion, home decor, and gifts.
Yes, King Street is a culinary hub with numerous dining options, from casual eateries and cafes to upscale restaurants serving diverse cuisines.
Definitely! Many boutiques and shops on King Street offer unique, locally-made items and Charleston-themed souvenirs that make for great mementos.
You'll find a mix of well-known retailers like Nike, Banana Republic, and American Eagle, alongside charming independent boutiques.
King Street is perfect for window shopping, with beautifully decorated storefronts and a vibrant atmosphere, especially during the holiday season.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for charming storefronts, historic architecture, and the vibrant street life. The yellow stairs at Harvest Moon Home are a popular photo op!
King Street is incredibly photogenic, offering a blend of historic Charleston charm, colorful boutiques, and lively street scenes.
Generally, yes, but it's always polite to ask permission from the shop staff before taking extensive photos inside a store.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) offers beautiful light. Weekday mornings also provide fewer distractions for photography.
The historic buildings, unique shop facades, and during Second Sunday, the bustling street scene itself are great photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1When exploring King Street, look for shops with unique items that might appeal to younger visitors. Many cafes offer kid-friendly snacks and drinks. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as there will be plenty of walking involved. Consider a stroll down the historic parts of King Street for a dose of Charleston's charm.
🛍️ Budget-Conscious Shoppers
Keep an eye out for local shops that might offer unique finds at more accessible prices. 'Second Sunday' can also be a great time to find deals from street vendors. Consider focusing on window shopping and enjoying the atmosphere if your budget is tight.
+1couples
+1Cap off your shopping excursion with a delightful meal at one of King Street's many restaurants, perhaps opting for a place with outdoor seating to enjoy the Charleston evening. The historic architecture and vibrant atmosphere make for a memorable date.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Evolution of King Street
+1Recent years have seen shifts in the retail landscape, with some traditional malls facing challenges. However, King Street has maintained its allure by adapting and offering a unique blend of local charm and popular brands. The introduction of events like 'Second Sunday,' where the street is closed to vehicles, has further enhanced its appeal, creating a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly environment for locals and tourists alike.
+2The Charleston Town Center, while a different retail entity, also represents the changing face of shopping, transitioning towards mixed-use development. This reflects a broader trend of urban centers reimagining their retail spaces to include more civic and entertainment functions, a concept that King Street embodies through its lively atmosphere and community events.
Experiencing Second Sunday on King Street
+2During Second Sunday, visitors can freely stroll, shop, and dine without the usual concerns of traffic. Street vendors often set up, offering unique crafts and goods, and the general ambiance is one of community and enjoyment. It's an ideal time for leisurely exploration, allowing you to pop into shops, enjoy outdoor dining, and soak in the vibrant Charleston culture.
+1This event is a fantastic way to experience King Street from a different perspective, making it more accessible and enjoyable for families and shoppers alike. It's a testament to Charleston's ability to blend its historic charm with modern, engaging community events.
+1Culinary Delights of King Street
Many restaurants and cafes offer outdoor seating, allowing you to enjoy the Charleston ambiance while you dine. Some establishments are known for their unique atmospheres, like SouthBound, described as a hidden gem with a cozy feel. For those seeking specific culinary experiences, Charleston boasts renowned BBQ joints, though some of the most talked-about might be slightly off the main King Street drag, like Palmira Barbecue.
When exploring King Street, be sure to factor in time for a meal or a refreshing drink. The dining scene is an integral part of the King Street experience, complementing the shopping and sightseeing perfectly.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit