Dock and Dine: Five Charleston, South Carolina Restaurants to Visit by Boat

Jonathan Timianko

Aug 22, 2021 — 3 min read

Located almost exactly between Myrtle Beach to the north and Hilton Head to the south, Charleston, South Carolina is a scenic destination for boaters, history buffs and fans of great Lowcountry cuisine. The Battery District and Waterfront Park overlook historic Charleston Harbor where the Ashley River and the Cooper River come together. The Atlantic Ocean is easily accessible between Sullivan’s Island and Morris Island, which is convenient for sightseeing and deep-sea fishing trips from boat docks for rent.

Charleston makes a nice stopover whether you’re traveling the Great Loop, motoring along the ICW or just taking a day trip from a private boat slip rental. Here are a few restaurants to visit by boat while you’re there.

Boathouse at Breach Inlet

Photo: Boathouse at Breach Inlet Facebook

Waterfront on Hamlin Creek, Boathouse at Breach Inlet offers views of the Atlantic and the ICW. The former bait shop has a rooftop deck and serves steak, lobster and local seafood. It’s accessible via boat lifts for rent near Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms.

Bowen’s Island

Photo: Bowen's Island Facebook

If you’re craving Lowcountry seafood, seafood boils and a good old-fashioned oyster roast (and sunset views) jump in the boat and pull up to Bowen’s Island. It’s near Folly Beach on the tip of a 13-acre island where you can enjoy views of the river, marshes, islands and wildlife. The family-owned restaurant (with a James Beard Award-winning owner, by the way) has been open since 1946. The original building burned down in 2006, but it’s been rebuilt.

California Dreaming

Photo: California Dreaming Facebook

California Dreaming has been open since 1987 and features floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the Ashley River. There’s a wraparound deck with a bar where you can enjoy a cocktail and burgers, ribs, seafood platters and steak dishes. Complimentary boat slips are available for dock and dine convenience from private boat lifts for rent.

Red’s Ice House

Photo: Red's Ice House Facebook

Open since 1947, Red’s Ice House overlooks Shem Creek and the stunning views of Charleston sunsets and Lowcountry wildlife. The menu features fresh local seafood, lobster mac and cheese, burgers and wings in an open-air and casual setting. Come by for live music performances and happy hours.

Water’s Edge Restaurant

Photo: Water's Edge Restaurant Facebook

Water’s Edge Restaurant, located on Shem Creek, is the perfect spot to visit from a private boat slip for rent. There’s boat docking space just off marker 130 on the ICW. The Cabana Bar opens out onto 80 feet of dock where you can watch the fishing and shrimping boats unloading the daily catch. Enjoy gourmet seafood, burgers, Lowcountry dishes and filet mignon while watching the sunset.

We hope you’ve found a few restaurants to check out the next time you’re hanging out at a private boat dock for rent. Let us know if we missed anything.

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