Discover Charleston
112 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Historic Downtown Charleston
Rich in architectural history, Historic Downtown Charleston features iconic Rainbow Row, well-manicured gardens, and beautiful Spanish moss draped trees, making it a photographer's haven.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Features beautiful gardens, a serene pond, and a picturesque white bridge. It's an ideal spot for nature and landscape photography.
The White Bridge at Magnolia Plantation
A serene spot with a picturesque white bridge and still ponds, perfect for capturing mirror-like reflections and peaceful landscapes.
Downtown Charleston (Rainbow Row)
An iconic part of Charleston known for its colorful historic homes, offering opportunities for architecture and street photography.
Bulls Island
Part of the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, Bulls Island is accessible by ferry and offers pristine beaches and marshes for landscape and wildlife photography.
Charleston Historic District
Charleston's historic district is renowned for its well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century architecture, making it a paradise for photographers interested in capturing the city's rich history and architecture. The district offers vibrant colors, ornate details, and a romantic atmosphere.
Tunnel of Oak Trees on Botany Bay Road
This picturesque oak tree avenue is a famous spot for photography, especially during golden hours. The moss-draped oaks create a striking backdrop for portraits or landscapes.
Charleston's Rainbow Row
A colorful strip of thirteen 18th-century houses, known for their vibrant hues, located on East Bay Street. This iconic spot offers a unique blend of architecture and color, making it highly sought after by photographers.
Angel Oak Park
Famous for its ancient oak tree, this park is a must-visit for nature and historical photography.
Avenue of Oaks, Boone Hall Plantation
A historic plantation with a majestic avenue of ancient oak trees, perfect for capturing Southern charm and architecture.
The Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park
A focal point of Waterfront Park, known for its unique pineapple-shaped fountain. It offers a lively and photogenic setting with the Charleston Harbor in the background.
Botany Bay Beach (Boneyard Beach) - Edisto Island
Botany Bay is a 4,687-acre wildlife preserve featuring a unique beach known as 'Boneyard Beach,' where sun-bleached standing and fallen trees line the shore. It is a highly sought-after location for nature and landscape photography due to its rugged beauty and historic significance.
Arthur Ravenel Junior Bridge
An iconic cable-stayed bridge connecting Mount Pleasant to Charleston, offering stunning vistas of the city and harbor.
Botany Bay Plantation
Located on Edisto Island, this 4,600-acre preserve is known for its historic avenue of oaks and pristine natural landscapes, offering plenty of opportunities for nature and landscape photography.
Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
One of the top photo destinations in the Charleston area, featuring an iconic oak tree-lined avenue. It's rich in history and offers stunning natural and architectural photography opportunities.
Magnolia Plantation
A plantation with stunning gardens, including a picturesque white bridge over a serene pond. It's ideal for landscape and nature photography.
Angel Oak Tree
Located on Johns Island, the Angel Oak Tree is a historical site and a natural wonder. It's estimated to be between 300 to 400 years old, making it one of the oldest and largest live oaks in the United States. The tree's massive branches and sprawling canopy provide a unique backdrop for photography, especially during the golden hour.
Boneyard Beach, Edisto Island
A beach with unique driftwood formations, perfect for artistic and nature photography. The erosion has left behind a 'boneyard' of trees, creating an otherworldly landscape.
French Quarter and Battery District
This area of Charleston is renowned for its historic architecture, quaint streets, and vibrant nightlife, offering a blend of urban and architectural photography opportunities.
Botany Bay Plantation (nearby Kiawah Island)
Located on Edisto Island, this plantation offers stunning views of old oak trees and pristine coastline, making it a great spot for nature and landscape photography.
Top of Ravenel Bridge
Accessing the top of the bridge requires a hike or a stop at the midpoint during a bike ride. It offers panoramic views of the Charleston area, making it ideal for capturing cityscapes and scenic views.
Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park
An iconic fountain located in Joe Riley Waterfront Park, known for its vibrant colors and unique design.
St. Michael's Church
This is the oldest church edifice in Charleston, offering a rich historical backdrop with its original design intact. The churchyard is the resting place of significant historical figures, and the bells provide an interesting photo opportunity. It is a National Historic Landmark and perfect for capturing architectural and historical elements.
The Mills House
A pink-painted hotel that serves as a unique architectural subject. It is especially popular for its vibrant color and shaded lighting throughout the day.
Angel Oak
A historic tree on Johns Island, known for its massive size and unique shape, offering opportunities for nature and landscape photography.
The Battery
Located at the southern tip of the Charleston peninsula, The Battery offers stunning views of the harbor and historic architecture, making it perfect for capturing cityscapes and landscapes.
The French Quarter
A historic neighborhood filled with architectural landmarks, charming alleys, and cobblestone streets. It offers a blend of colonial and European architectural styles.
Historic Downtown Charleston, South Carolina
Historic Downtown Charleston is a premier location for photography enthusiasts due to its blend of colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, lush parks, and water vistas. This area features iconic landmarks such as Rainbow Row, Waterfront Park with the famous Pineapple Fountain, The Battery promenade, and gardens with century-old live oaks draped in Spanish moss. The site offers rich textures and vibrant colors, ideal for architectural detail, street photography, urban landscapes, and historical ambiance. The charming mixture of residential and commercial buildings adds authenticity and variety. Photographers can capture both wide scenic views and intricate artistic shots of the historic facades and natural elements reflecting Charleston's Southern charm.
Charleston Battery
This historic site offers a mix of architecture and natural beauty, with views of the Charleston Harbor.
Botany Bay Plantation Ruins
These historic ruins include 1840s outbuildings and offer a glimpse into the past. They are a great spot for capturing historical and architectural photography.
Drayton Hall
A historic plantation house with well-preserved colonial architecture, offering unique opportunities for architectural and historical photography.
Mount Pleasant Pier
A scenic pier offering beautiful views of the Charleston Harbor. It's ideal for sunset photography and waterscapes.
Rainbow Row
Famous for its brightly colored houses, Rainbow Row offers a unique and vibrant backdrop for street photography and architecture shots.
Daniel Island Waterfront Park
This park offers stunning water views and picturesque boardwalks surrounded by Spanish moss. It's a magical setting during golden hour, with the sun casting a warm glow over the water and the moss-draped trees.
Osprey Point
A scenic point overlooking the marshes and waterways, offering opportunities for landscape and wildlife photography.
Edisto Beach State Park
Located on the coast of South Carolina, Edisto Beach State Park offers scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean and marshlands. It is ideal for nature and wildlife photography, with opportunities to capture beach scenes, marsh life, and recreational activities.
Ravenel Bridge (Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge)
This iconic cable-stayed bridge offers stunning views of the Charleston Harbor and is a great spot for landscape photography, especially during sunset.
St. Philip’s Church
A historic church with a distinctive steeple offering iconic views of Charleston’s skyline.
White Point Gardens
Located at the southern tip of the Charleston peninsula, White Point Gardens offers beautiful views of the Ashley River and the harbor. It's an excellent spot for capturing sunsets, water scenes, and historical architecture.
Hibernian Hall
A historic building with a striking black and white tile floor, offering a unique subject for architectural photography. It is particularly appealing on rainy days.
Cypress Gardens
Cypress Gardens is known for its beautiful cypress and tupelo trees, marsh views, and picturesque walking paths. It's a great location for nature and landscape photography.
The White Point Garden
A scenic park at the southern tip of the peninsula, offering beautiful water views, thick tree coverage, and historic architecture. Perfect for nature and architectural photography.
Waterfront Park
Situated on the Cooper River, this park features a beautiful green space shaded by live oak trees. It is ideal for capturing waterfront landscapes and architectural elements of surrounding buildings.
Morris Island Lighthouse
The Morris Island Lighthouse is visible from Folly Beach and offers a striking image against the Atlantic Ocean's backdrop. It's best captured from the beach or during a sunset.
Bedon's Alley
A hidden gem offering Italian/European vibes with tall trees and beautiful lighting. It is ideal for capturing candid and street photography.
Live Oak Trees at Edisto Beach State Park
The park is famous for its majestic live oak trees, which are perfect for capturing unique portraits or landscapes. These trees are draped in Spanish moss, creating a dramatic setting.
White Point Garden (in Charleston)
A beautiful park in Charleston, offering scenic views of the Ashley River and combining historical and natural elements.
Maritime Forest at Botany Bay
The maritime forest is filled with pine, palm, and live oak trees, offering a unique setting for nature photography. It is a good spot to capture the beauty of the forest and its inhabitants.
Morris Island
A small island accessible by kayak or boat, offering unique coastal landscapes and wildlife photography opportunities.
South of Broad
A residential area known for its beautiful architecture and picturesque streets. It includes White Point Garden, offering great views of the Charleston Harbor.
Waterfront Park (Charleston)
Waterfront Park includes the iconic Pineapple Fountain, a picturesque spot for capturing joyful moments and city life. It offers scenic views of the harbor and is a lively spot during festivals.
Charleston Harbor
Charleston Harbor offers stunning views of the city skyline and the harbor, making it ideal for urban and waterscape photography, especially during sunset.
Charles Towne Landing
The site of the first English settlement in Charleston, offering a mix of historical and natural photography opportunities with its scenic walkways and gardens.
Daniel Island Waterfront Boardwalk
A scenic boardwalk along the waterfront, offering stunning views of the marshes and surrounding waters. Perfect for capturing coastal landscapes.
Joe Riley Waterfront Park
A scenic park along the Cooper River that offers beautiful views of the Charleston skyline. It is ideal for capturing waterfront landscapes and architectural elements.
Dock Street Theater
This historic theater provides a rich cultural backdrop for photography, with its classic architecture and vibrant street life.
Redux Contemporary Art Center
The Redux Contemporary Art Center is a vibrant spot for capturing contemporary art and urban scenes. It features a variety of exhibitions and offers a unique backdrop for photography.
Capers Island
A nature reserve with pristine beaches and marshlands. Perfect for nature and landscape photography.
Hampton Plantation State Historic Site
Located near Awendaw, this historic site offers opportunities for architectural and historical photography, with a focus on colonial-era buildings.
Edisto State Park
Located slightly further from St. George, this park offers scenic views of nature, including forests and wetlands. It is ideal for nature and wildlife photography.
Legare Street
Known for its picturesque architecture and live oaks, Legare Street offers a charming backdrop for street photography and portraits.
Daniel Island Marina
A bustling waterfront area with boats and modern architecture, offering scenes of coastal life and scenic harbor views.
Boone Hall Plantation
This plantation is famous for its Avenue of Oaks and offers a picturesque setting for capturing historic architecture and beautiful natural landscapes.
Fig Island Shell Ring
A prehistoric shell ring located on the Botany Bay Plantation, offering unique opportunities for historical and nature photography.
Magnolia Cemetery
A historic cemetery with beautiful gardens and architecture, offering opportunities for nature and historical photography.
Ashley River Road
A scenic road offering opportunities for landscape and architecture photography, capturing historic plantations and natural landscapes.
Charleston Crab House - Market Street
Charleston Crab House at Market Street offers a distinctive blend of historic Charleston architecture and vibrant urban street life, making it a rich subject for photography. The restaurant features an open-air balcony providing views of the bustling Market Street and the Charleston City Market area, with classic Lowcountry seafood motifs and iconic southern charm. Photographers can capture the interplay between the building's historical facade and daily activities around, including horse-drawn carriages, outdoor diners, and authentic street scenes that convey the energy and character of Charleston's Historic District.
Gibbes Museum of Art
Located in the heart of Charleston, the Gibbes Museum of Art offers a unique blend of architectural beauty and cultural richness, making it a perfect spot for capturing artistic and urban scenes.
Unitarian Church Graveyard
The Unitarian Church Graveyard is a historic site with ancient gravestones and moss-covered trees, offering a unique setting for capturing historical and atmospheric shots.
Dock Street Theatre
The historic Dock Street Theatre, originally built as a hotel in 1809, is a photogenic spot with its neoclassical architecture. It's a great location for capturing urban and architectural photography.
Daniel Island Trails
Scenic trails offering opportunities for nature and wildlife photography, with beautiful views of the surrounding environment.
White Point Garden
This park features beautiful gardens and historic monuments, making it a serene spot for nature and portrait photography.
King Street
This bustling street in downtown Charleston is perfect for capturing street photography, with its vibrant shops and historic architecture.
Charleston City Market
This bustling marketplace offers a lively setting for street photography, with its historic architecture and vibrant vendors.
Freshwater Ponds at Botany Bay
These ponds are part of the wildlife preserve and offer serene views of natural habitats. They are a great spot for capturing wildlife such as birds and alligators in their natural environment.
American Alligator Population Zones
Located within the Francis Marion National Forest and Cape Romain Refuge, these zones offer opportunities for wildlife photography, particularly of alligators.
Edisto Island Serpentarium
This serpentarium is home to a variety of reptiles and amphibians, offering unique opportunities for wildlife photography. It features alligators, snakes, and other species native to the region.
Audubon Swamp Garden
Located within Magnolia Plantation, this garden offers serene natural settings and diverse wildlife, ideal for nature photography.
Hampton Park
Located just outside of Historic Charleston, Hampton Park offers a serene natural setting with beautiful gardens, oak trees, and a pond, making it ideal for nature photography and portraits.
Bedon’s Alley
A charming alleyway with tall trees offering Italian/European vibes.
Longitude Lane
A quiet, ivy-covered alley off Church Street, Longitude Lane offers a peaceful and historic setting. It's ideal for intimate portraits due to its secluded nature.
Graffiti Limo - Party Bus Headquarters
Graffiti Limo is a renowned party bus and limo service located in Charleston, South Carolina, known for its vibrant vehicle designs and lively party atmosphere. The location offers a bold, colorful visual aesthetic that is ideal for photography focused on urban culture, vibrant street art, and dynamic event transport scenes. Photographers can capture the distinct graffiti-style art on the buses, the lively ambiance of arrivals and departures, and the juxtaposition of party culture vehicles against the more industrial or suburban backdrop of Wading Heron Rd. The spot’s unique features include highly graphic, eye-catching exteriors on the vehicles, a dynamic play of light at night with vehicle lights and street lamps, and candid moments of groups enjoying their rides.
Mosquito Beach Historic District
Mosquito Beach Historic District on Sol Legare Island in Charleston, South Carolina, is a culturally rich site offering unique photographic opportunities that blend historical architecture, natural landscapes, and cultural heritage. It was a prominent African American recreational area during segregation, featuring historic buildings like the Pine Tree Hotel and Island Breeze restaurant, along with scenic tidal creeks and coastal views. Photographers can capture evocative compositions reflecting the legacy of the Gullah-Geechee community, the rustic charm of lowcountry architecture, and the interplay of light on waterways and vegetation. The area’s quiet, less-commercialized character provides authentic, atmospheric imagery distinct from crowded tourist spots.
Daniel Island Clubhouse
A modern clubhouse with a blend of golf course views and elegant architecture, suitable for capturing golf scenes or formal events.
Pineapple Fountain
A unique fountain located in Waterfront Park, offering a colorful and lively spot for capturing urban and artistic photography.
Charlestowne Landing State Historic Site
This historic site features a beautiful waterfront area and a colonial-era replica village, making it suitable for capturing historical portraits and landscapes.
Smythe Park
A serene park featuring a lake and beautiful trees, ideal for capturing nature and wildlife photography. The interplay of light and shadow creates intriguing opportunities for photography.
St. Michael’s Alley
This alley behind St. Michael’s Church is quiet and historic, offering unique architectural details and a peaceful ambiance. It's a great spot for capturing intimate moments and portraits.
Parish Church of St. Helena
A historic church in nearby Daniel Island, offering a charming architectural backdrop for photography.
Daniel Island Golf Course
A scenic golf course with well-manicured greens and beautiful views, suitable for capturing golf scenes or nature photography.
Melton Peter Demetre Park (Sunrise Park)
Located on James Island, this park is a hidden gem for photography, especially during sunrise. It offers serene views of the marsh and surrounding landscape, making it ideal for capturing nature and sunrises.
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
Charles Towne Landing marks the first English settlement in South Carolina. It offers a scenic river walk, historic sites, and a nature center, making it suitable for historical and nature photography.
Charleston Adventure Forest Zip Line Canopy Tour
Located near Awendaw, this zip line course offers aerial views through the forest canopy, ideal for drone or elevated photography.
Johns Island County Park
This park offers a mix of nature trails and scenic vistas, ideal for capturing wildlife and landscapes. The park's diverse ecosystems provide a variety of photographic opportunities, from birds to scenic views.
Daniel Island
A scenic island with historic sites and natural beauty. Ideal for street and architectural photography.
Edisto Island Town
This small town offers quaint settings for street photography, with historic homes and a relaxed atmosphere. It is a great place to capture candid moments and local culture.
Daniel Island Boulevard
A bustling main street lined with shops, restaurants, and modern buildings, offering opportunities for street photography and urban landscapes.
Daniel Island Town Center
A bustling area with shops and restaurants, offering opportunities for street and urban photography.
Magnolia Plantation’s Peacock Cafe
Located within Magnolia Plantation, this cafe offers a picturesque setting with gardens and a serene pond. It's a great spot for capturing the beauty of the plantation's natural surroundings.
Daniels Island Residential Streets
The residential streets offer a mix of modern and traditional architecture, with beautiful landscaping and scenic views perfect for capturing urban life and architecture.
Charleston Tea Garden
Located on Wadmalaw Island, the Charleston Tea Garden is a picturesque spot for nature photography, offering views of tea fields and a glimpse into local agriculture.
Garden of the Senses
A serene garden with a variety of plants and peaceful paths, suitable for capturing intimate portraits or nature scenes.
Chalmers Street
Chalmers Street is a charming cobblestone street lined with historic buildings and shops. It offers a unique setting for capturing urban and architectural scenes.
Boone Hall Farms Market
A local market offering fresh produce and a rustic setting, ideal for capturing the area's agricultural heritage.
Etiwan Park
Known for its walking trails and scenic natural beauty, this park provides opportunities for nature and wildlife photography.
Steamboat Landing
A scenic waterfront area with potential for waterscape photography, offering views of marshlands and possibly wildlife.
Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park
This park offers a unique blend of urban and natural scenery, with a small lake and walking paths. It's located near the Charleston RiverDogs stadium and offers a different perspective on the city.
Daniel Island Community Park
A park with open spaces and recreational facilities, suitable for family and candid photography.
Sewee Outpost
A general store with a rustic setting near Bulls Bay, offering opportunities for street and architectural photography amidst a natural backdrop.
Center Park
A community park with open spaces and recreational facilities, suitable for family and candid photography.
Rivertowne Country Club
A scenic golf course with rolling greens and beautiful views, perfect for landscape photography or capturing relaxed sports moments.
Barfield Park
A smaller park with natural scenery and local wildlife, offering opportunities for nature photography.