Best Places to Enjoy the Boat Life
With all the chaos of land and air travel during the summer months, traveling by water is definitely an ideal alternative. From exploring historical sites along the Intracoastal Waterway, to anchoring at a nearby beach for a quick picnic with friends, boating presents you with a world of opportunities to enjoy a memorable day on the water.
If you are looking for some popular spots to dock your boat in between cruising and exploring, look no further! We’ve got your list of the top spots around the Charleston coast right here.
Bohicket Marina
It doesn’t get much better than Bohicket Marina. This beautiful marina and market is located between the idyllic islands of Kiawah and Seabrook. It is also home to 200 wet slips, 90 dry storage slips and a walkable market that is filled to the brim with delicious restaurants, quaint shops and plenty of opportunities for relaxing.
Charleston Crab House
Family-owned and operated for more than 27 years, the Charleston Crab House is definitely worth a spot on your itinerary. Offering amazing views of the Wappoo Creek in James Island, this restaurant boasts some of the freshest seafood around.
Ripley Light Marina – California Dreaming
Located just across the Ashley River from downtown Charleston, the Ripley Light Marina is one of the best spots to leave your boat for an afternoon and pop over to California Dreaming for a leisurely lunch or early dinner. The marina offers 220 slips and a state-of-the-art Wiggins forklift that can handle boats up to 20,000 pounds.
The Marina Variety Store
No matter the time of day, the Marina Variety Store is open for business. Enjoy casual, southern-style breakfast and seafood-focused lunch and dinner right on the water. Open since 1963, this spot is known for serving up some of the freshest seafood around — and it’s one you will want to keep going back to time and again.
Isle of Palms Marina – Morgan Creek Grill
Dock your boat at the accommodating Isle of Palms Marina and pop over to the Morgan Creek Grill for a quick bite. This spot offers panoramic views of the Intracoastal Waterway and surrounding Lowcountry marshes. What’s extra special is that you can choose your experience. You have the option of fine dining in the restaurant’s dining room or casual open-air dining on the restaurant’s Upper Deck and Creekside bar.
Boathouse at Breach Inlet
Built on the site of an old ramshackle bait shop right by the bridge that connects Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms, the Boathouse is one of the most popular places to tie up your boat and dive into some delicious southern cuisine. Covered from floor to ceiling with history, the Boathouse is a favorite for locals and tourists alike and offers visitors spectacular views from the top of its rooftop deck.
Anywhere in Shem Creek
Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant is a hot spot for boaters, kayakers, paddleboarders and really anyone who enjoys delicious dockside dining. From Red’s Ice House and Tavern & Table to Water’s Edge and Shem Creek Bar & Grill, there are plenty of options to satisfy every type of craving. Shem Creek is also home to Charleston’s local shrimping fleet, so if you don’t feel like docking for hours, you can grab a few pounds of fresh shrimp straight off the boat.
Wando River Marina & Grill
Originally slated to be a private development with no public docks or access, the owners of Wando River Marina & Grill were able to turn it into what it is today: an enjoyable and accessible waterfront experience for everyone. The marina’s slips can accommodate a range of vessels and includes a free pump out and a brand-new fuel dock. If you plan on dining at the Wando Rover Grill next door, you can tie up for free at their designated docks.
St. Johns Yacht Harbor
This newly renovated marina has an ideal location on the Stono River. Whether you want to pop in for a quick refuel at the dock side store or are interested in filling up on delicious eats from Low Tide Brewing, Tattooed Moose or The Fat Hen — all located within a few miles of the marina — you’ll find almost everything you need right at the St. Johns Yacht Harbor.