A Guide to Shopping in Charleston

Just a short walk from Wentworth Mansion®, Lower King Street offers a quieter shopping experience where historic storefronts house respected antique galleries, estate jewelers, and specialty shops. This is the perfect place to browse at a leisurely pace, where beautifully curated collections invite you to discover pieces with stories spanning generations.

Longtime institutions such as George C. Birlant & Co. have helped establish Charleston as a destination for collectors, while Croghan’s Jewel Box, a family-owned jeweler since 1919, is renowned for vintage estate jewelry, fine diamonds, and its iconic Charleston Rice Bead Collection. Nearby on Cumberland Street, the Serena & Lily Design Shop offers coastal home decor housed in a thoughtfully restored historic building. Visitors can also explore eco-friendly Italian paper totes at Uashmama.

Even if you’re simply window shopping, Lower King offers an appreciation for craftsmanship, history, and timeless design that feels uniquely Charleston.

From Market Street to Calhoun Street, King Street becomes Charleston’s premier fashion district, where nationally recognized brands blend seamlessly with some of the city’s most respected independent retailers.

Gentlemen will find exceptional tailored attire and classic Southern style at M. Dumas & Sons, Jordan Lash, and traditional haberdasher Grady Ervin & Co. Women’s fashion thrives at flagship boutiques like Hampden Clothing and The Finicky Filly, while French label Sézane brings European flair to the strip. Step into Candlefish to browse their signature fragrance library of 100 hand-poured candle scents.

Whether you’re refreshing your wardrobe or searching for the perfect gift, Middle King offers an exceptional shopping experience around nearly every corner.

Upper King showcases Charleston’s creative energy through a collection of independent boutiques, bookstores, home décor shops, and lifestyle retailers. The neighborhood has evolved into one of the city’s most vibrant districts, where local businesses, award-winning restaurants, and creative spaces invite visitors to linger long after they’ve finished shopping.

Browse the shelves at Blue Bicycle Books, discover contemporary Southern style at Beckett Boutique, or sample colonial-inspired teas and historic blends at Oliver Pluff & Co. (located just off King on John Street). Between shops, you’ll also find many of Charleston’s acclaimed cafés and restaurants, making Upper King an enjoyable place to spend a relaxed afternoon.

Charleston’s artistic heritage extends well beyond its museums. Broad Street, often known as Gallery Row, is lined with galleries representing local, regional, and nationally recognized artists. Traditional Lowcountry landscapes hang alongside contemporary works, sculpture, photography, and mixed media, creating one of the city’s most inspiring places to explore.

If your visit coincides with the First Friday ArtWalk, galleries remain open into the evening, welcoming visitors to meet artists, enjoy refreshments, and experience Charleston’s vibrant arts community in a relaxed setting.

For more than two centuries, Charleston City Market has served as one of the city’s most recognizable gathering places. Today, visitors will find local artisans, specialty foods, handcrafted goods, and one of Charleston’s most treasured traditions—authentic sweetgrass baskets woven by Gullah artisans using techniques passed down through generations.

Browse handcrafted gifts from local makers, meet the sweetgrass basket weavers whose artistry has become a symbol of the Lowcountry, then stop by Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit for one of Charleston’s most beloved Southern treats before continuing your exploration of the Historic District.

One of the many advantages of staying at Wentworth Mansion® is Charleston’s exceptional walkability. From the Mansion, guests can stroll to King Street’s boutiques, Broad Street’s galleries, and Charleston City Market before returning for wine and hors d’oeuvres on the sunporch, dinner at Circa 1886 Restaurant, or sunset views from the rooftop cupola.

Looking to discover even more within walking distance? Explore our 15 Minutes From Your Door guide for additional shops, restaurants, historic sites, and local favorites just steps from the Mansion.