Things to do on a Rainy Day in Charleston
Welcome to Charleston! Yes, that does look like rain. If you’re visiting the Holy City and see storms in the forecast, don’t fret - there’s plenty to do indoors. While we offer our tours rain or shine - sometimes the rain adds a certain romantic something, and we love the quieter streets - we know not everyone enjoys a stroll under a storm. These are some of the things we like to do when the weather drives us inside, but we still want to be out and about - and ways to get the most out of your trip to Charleston, no matter the weather.
Travel Back In Time
While nothing beats strolling through Charleston’s historic streets, when the weather necessitates a change of plans, know that there are plenty of indoor options to get your history fix! Dive into the arts and visual culture of Charleston at the Gibbes Museum, whose collection is housed a stunning Beaux-Arts style building. We love the soaring ceilings and mosaic floors of the second floor gallery, and checking out the current exhibition. Make sure to explore the permanent collections, such as the miniatures and 19th-century photographs, and the incredible portraits and furniture from the homes of Charleston’s prominent historic families.
Alternatively, check out the oldest museum in America - the Charleston Museum was founded in 1773, and its collections comprise art and artifacts from all over the world. Discover natural history collections that emphasize the local flora and fauna, and see eclectic pieces from the museum’s earliest days. Wander through rooms dedicated to artifacts and interpretation from every era of South Carolina’s history.
Step into another world in one of Charleston’s house museums, and explore historic interiors, rich interpretations of everyday life in the Holy City, and various approaches to historic preservation. We love to explore the Aiken-Rhett House, an 1820s house that has been preserved as found, displaying the toll of time on one of the city’s grand homes. Archaeological efforts have uncovered a wealth of artifacts that offer rich interpretations of the daily lives of the enslaved people who were kept here to work in the house.
For another take on historic preservation, stroll through the outrageously opulent rooms of the Nathaniel Russell House, which has been restored to the richly decorated style of its heyday. Peek into the daily lives of one of the wealthiest families in Charleston while wandering through an outstanding example of Federalist architecture. Both house museums can be visited via the Historic Charleston Foundation, whose interpretations we admire as a complete telling of history that does not shy away from our nation’s darkest practices.
Cozy Up With Coffee
When those summer afternoon rains start to fall, we love to duck into a local coffee shop to wake back up and get stuff done. Coffee connoisseurs can enjoy artisanal creations and a bright, clean space at Second State Coffee, located on Beaufain St.
Or stop in at Kudu Coffee, where you’ll find a cozy space, delicious coffee drinks, massive croissants, and craft beers on tap. (When the weather clears up, we highly recommend taking your sips out to the courtyard!)
Take a Deep Breath
Reconnect with your mind, body, and breath with a session at Grayce Yoga. Build strength, gain flexibility, and create a soothing space for and within yourself through a guided practice. Located in a beautiful, tranquil space above Williams-Sonoma on King Street, Grayce Yoga offers an enlightening escape on a gray day.
Learn more about their practice here.
Get in a Groove
Charleston offers plenty of opportunities for live music, and while the city loves an outdoor performance, a climate prone to frequent heavy rains demands indoor options, too. We love the energy of a show at Music Farm, where you’ll find local bands and traveling acts alike - check out their upcoming shows here.
Alternatively, catch a show at Charleston Music Hall. This venue on John St. offers a variety of shows, including live music, comedy performances, film screenings, and more. Check out their upcoming events here - this summer includes film screenings, stand-up shows, cover bands, touring musicians, and more!
