There is no better way to experience Charleston than from the water. In early 2020 (you know, right when the world came crashing down and no one new what was going on or when we would ever see our friends again or if we were going to be stuck in our house until the end of time) Will and I made a big financial decision for our family: we bought a boat.
If you live in Charleston, a city known for tourism and overcrowding, owning a boat opens up so many opportunities to explore islands and waterways away from the crowds and tourists. Will is also an avid fisher and the older boys love beach combing and exploring, so the timing was perfect for us to take the leap. And now we try to take advantage and go out boating any time we get a chance.
Some of our favorite spots to see and visit by water include:
- Morris Island Light house
- Sandy Point Beach (back side of Kiawah island) – visit the old the abandoned sailboat
- the jetties – great for fishing and catching sheepshead
- Capers Island – dock the boat and walk the small trails
- “No Name” Beach also known as Spider Island – fun for a quick beach picnic
- Shem Creek – dolphin and people watching
- the Stono River – best sunset views. there are a few sandbars here at low tide you can pull up to
- ride by Legare Farms off the Stono River to see the farm pigs walking along the beach
- Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge – away from everything and everyone! so beautiful!
- underneath the Ravenel Bridge – great photo opportunity
- view of the battery from the Charleston harbor
- three sisters creeks off the Folly river – great for crabbing and getting lost in the marsh grass
shop Olive and Ziggy’s outfits:
Olive’s denim hat // Ziggy’s blue hat // Olive’s tights // Ziggy’s sweater // Olive’s sweater
(Just FYI, we took the life vests off for a quick diaper change and new dry sweaters and we snapped these photos while the boat was parked and anchored in place. For safety reasons, do not ride around with babies out of life jackets!)
If you are headed to Charleston and want to spend the day on the water you can always charter a boat for a few hours. I have heard good things about Seas the Day or Charleston Sail Tours.
My biggest tip for a boat day with young kids is to be ready to roll with the punches. We have had days in which we stayed out for hours, the babies napped on our laps, the weather was mild, and we found peace just driving around listening to music. Other days, we run out of snacks, everyone is cranky, hungry, too cold, too wet, too “bored” and we head back to the landing sooner than planned. And that’s okay too.
Set your expectations very low. Bring an extra adult along for a second set of hands. Stay under the shade. Re apply sunscreen often. Pack more snacks than you think you will need. Take your time. Soak in the views. Even a bad day out on the water is still better than any day at work. And spending this time with my little family is absolutely priceless.
