Picture-Perfect Spots in Downtown Charleston

Charleston is a city full of unique southern charm and colonial architecture. Visitors and residents can capture the beauty of the Holy City in photographs taken of the area’s most visually stunning and historically significant landmarks.

Whether you’re viewing historic downtown Charleston rentals or taking a stroll along the city’s famous avenues, bring your camera to capture all the sites the city has to offer.

Explore seven picture-perfect spots in downtown Charleston and learn why these make excellent locations to photograph the city.

1. Rainbow Row

You’ll find a charming row of townhouses on East Bay Street just a short walk from Charleston’s historic Battery. The facade of each home is painted in whimsical pastel shades. In addition to the colorful scenery, Rainbow Row possesses an interesting historical background that makes it one of the most visited places in Charleston.

The houses in Rainbow Row were built around 1740 for Charleston merchants. These merchants used the lower section of the townhouse as a shopfront and the upper level as a home. However, after the Civil War, the area became a rundown slum until 1931. That same year, Charleston resident Dorothy Porcher Legge purchased a home on the street’s east end. Mrs. Legge painted the exterior of her home a bright hue to rejuvenate the area, and other residents soon did the same.

You can capture the magic of Rainbow Row by taking a picture in front of this street of brightly colored homes. Take a photo from across the street or shoot your picture from an angle to get as many colorful houses in the frame as possible.

2. The Pineapple Fountain

People have been snapping fun, quirky pictures at the aptly named Pineapple Fountain since 1990 when the landmark opened. Children and adults frolic in the fountain’s waters and cool off from the heat in the warm summer months.

The fruit plays a symbolic role in the region and has roots in the time of colonists and traders. Those returning from the rough Caribbean waters placed a pineapple on their doorstep as a message of their safe return. The pineapple symbolizes southern hospitality and embodies Charleston virtues like friendliness, warmth and sweetness. These elements characterize the city and its residents, making the Pineapple Fountain an excellent choice for a Charleston photo shoot.

3. Folly Beach

Anyone wondering “Is Charleston, South Carolina a good place to live?” The beauty of Folly Beach provides a resounding YES! Known to locals as the Edge of America, Folly Beach is located on Folly Island, a short drive from the center of Charleston.

Folly Beach provides plenty of inspiration, whether you’re a professional photographer or enjoy snapping pictures of interesting locations. The sunset offers a beautiful palette of colors that make any photo unique while leaving you awed by the mesmerizing backdrop.

When visiting Folly Beach, take a photo of the white sandy shoreline at sunrise or sunset. Alternatively, you can snap a picture of the hilly banks and native plant life. You may also want to capture a photo of the new Folly Beach Pier, which is slated to open in the spring of 2023.

Source: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com

4. Ravenel Bridge

Replacing the Pearman Bridge in the summer of 2005, the Ravenel Bridge is one of the most famous Charleston landmarks. The 2.5-mile-long suspension bridge with the diamond-shaped towers grants passage to almost 80,000 vehicles daily. Built to withstand 7.4 Richter earthquakes, the Ravenel bridge offers safe transport over the Cooper River while creating a stunning contrast in the Charleston night sky.

Runners, cyclists or those who love to walk can cross the bridge using its bike and pedestrian lane. Stop and take photos while ocean freighters and other ships pass underneath on their way to the Charleston port or the Atlantic.

5. The Angel Oak

On Johns Island, you’ll find the Angel Oak, a unique, centuries-old tree perfect for snapping a romantic or mesmerizing photo. Standing 65 feet tall, the Angel Oak appears almost otherworldly, with its broad canopy of leaves and gnarled branches. The tree is estimated to be around 300 to 400 years old and is the largest living oak tree east of the Mississippi River.

The Angel Oak’s twisting branches shade a 17,000 square foot area, and its longest limb measures a staggering 89 feet long. Near the tree, there is a designated area where you can bring a pet on a leash. However, food, drinks, tripods, blankets and other items aren’t allowed near the tree, so leave them behind when you approach the tree’s base.

Source: meunierd/Shutterstock.com

6. St. Michael’s Church

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church is the oldest surviving religious building in Charleston. Built in the mid-18th century, St. Michael’s survived fire, war and even an earthquake to become a cornerstone of the community. Its Colonial period-style architecture is distinct, featuring a classical portico, Tuscan column and towering steeple. Legend has it that George Washington and Robert E. Lee visited the church almost 70 years apart, adding to its rich history.

You can take a gorgeous picture outside the church on the portico to capture the unique facade. Alternatively, you can capture the inside of the space, which features a checkerboard floor and intricate woodwork.

7. Chalmers Street

Chalmers Street lies in the heart of Charleston’s French Quarter. Its cobblestone street and rows of trees prove fitting companions for the old houses, including the Pink House. The Pink House is believed to be one of the oldest homes in Charleston.

The house got its name from the Bermuda stone used to build it. Bermuda stone is a type of soft limestone that makes up the soil composition in Bermuda. This material played a part in the colonial economy of Charleston and was used to build several historical buildings. The stone gives off a faint pink hue, which is how the Pink House got its name.

While taking photos of specific houses or groups of houses on Chalmers Street is compelling on its own, snapping a picture from Church Street can give you a wider shot. This way, you can capture several of these historical facades in one picture to commemorate the beauty of the buildings.

Take the Perfect Picture in the Holy City

Charleston offers the perfect blend of antebellum and modern architecture with a beautiful natural canvas as a backdrop. There is no shortage of picture-perfect spots to capture with your phone or professional camera. Every possible vantage point and time of day can give you a visual masterpiece to share with the world or cherish as an artwork in your home.