What to Do South of Broad in Charleston
South of Broad, Charleston, is one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods. In addition to being one of the most visited areas of the Holy City, it also happens to be one of the most visually stunning.
Some of the most important historical events in Charleston took place on this small plot of land.
Not only is it home to some of the most iconic architecture in the city, but it’s also one of the best areas to enjoy stunning views of Charleston Harbor.
Discover everything there is to do South of Broad — and the best ways to get around the neighborhood.
Where is South of Broad in Charleston?
South of Broad refers to the neighborhood in Downtown Charleston that sits on the southernmost tip of the peninsula.
As the name suggests, everything “South of Broad” is south of Broad Street and runs east to west, just south of the French Quarter.
You can get here by car or by bus, but the best way to visit this neighborhood is on foot. Since this area is quite congested and the streets are somewhat narrow, parking is difficult — and it’s easier (and more enjoyable) to check out the sites on foot, anyway.
It should only take about an hour to walk the perimeter of this neighborhood, but you’ll want to budget extra time if you want to stop and enjoy the architecture, landmarks, and side streets.
Best Ways to Visit South of Broad
You could always visit South of Broad Street in Charleston on your own, but if you do, you might miss out on some of its charm — including the stories of its most famous inhabitants.
Regardless of whether you visit with a knowledgeable guide or by yourself, you’ll probably want to take a few hours to wander its main thoroughfares and hidden passages.
Guided Walking Tour
Our favorite way to show visitors South of Broad is on a guided walking tour. We offer two types of walking tours that visit this neighborhood, including public and private tours.
Our public tours include our Charleston History Tour and our Alleys and Hidden Passages Tour. Both tours offer some background about the neighborhood and a deeper dive into its architecture, history, and most famous residents.
The Charleston History Tour will take you to the most iconic sites South of Broad (as well as some in other areas of the city). Our Alleys and Hidden Passages Tour will take you past many of these same sites but focuses primarily on the narrow maze of back alleyways behind the homes of Charlesoton’s most prestigious citizens.
Guests on Walks of Charleston’s Alleys and Hidden Passages Tour
Self-Guided Tour
If you want to visit South of Broad on your own, you could always follow a self-guided tour. The stops in the sections below will take you past the most important, photographic, and interesting sites in the neighborhood.
You may also want to budget time to stop at a few of the neighborhood’s charming eateries and enjoy some Lowcountry fare.
Of course, we haven’t listed everything there is to do south of Broad Street in Charleston — but we’ve covered the most iconic sites in the neighborhood, including White Point Gardens, Rainbow Row, and Waterfront Park.
Things to Do South of Broad Charleston
Since South of Broad sits at the tip of Charleston’s downtown, it’s packed with plenty of sites.
Some of the most popular things to do South of Broad include White Point Gardens, Rainbow Row, the Nathaniel Russel House, Waterfront Park, and the Williams Mansion.
Several of these sites are also featured on our Alleys and Passages Tour and our Charleston History Tour.
White Point Gardens (The Battery)
At the southern tip of Charleston’s downtown neighborhood sits White Point Gardens (often referred to as “The Battery” locally).
This small park offers views of the Charleston Harbor and its history dates back to the late 18th century.
Once home to a defense artillery, The Battery played a major role in the Civil War in Charleston.
Rainbow Row
One of the most iconic attractions, located South of Broad, is Rainbow Row. You simply cannot plan a trip to Charleston and omit to visit this row of pastel-colored homes.
These homes were refurbished in the 1930s and the 1940s and painted bright colors. Today, they’re one of the most visited sites in all of Charleston.
Although you cannot enter any of these homes, you can enjoy these Charleston homes’ colorful exteriors from the street.
Rainbow Row
Nathaniel Russell House
The Nathaniel Russel House, located at 51 Meeting St, is another iconic attraction located South of Broad, Charleston.
This house is considered one of the most historically important examples of neoclassical architecture in the U.S.
Once owned by slave owner and businessman Nathaniel Russell, today the structure is home to a museum that is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Waterfront Park
Another one of the most popular sites in Charleston, Waterfront Park, is also (partially) located South of Broad.
Waterfront Park is home to the Public Pier as well as the pineapple fountain — one of the Instagrammable sites in Charleston.
If you plan on taking the Charleston Water Taxi (or another boat ride), there’s a good chance you’ll leave from this pier.
Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park in Charleston, SC
The Williams Mansion
The Williams Mansion, also located South of Broad in Charleston, is a great example of Gilded Age architecture.
Built between 1875 and 1876, the Williams Mansion was designed for George W. Williams, a Charlestonian businessman.
Over the years, the property transferred ownership and was divided; however, it has since been transformed into a public museum.
Visitors can tour the home and the grounds, which will reopen after refurbishments in 2025.