There are countless things to do in Charleston, but some of the most memorable are just a short walk away. Staying near the Battery places you close to historic homes, waterfront paths, and many of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
This guide highlights a few of our favorite nearby places to spend your time. Each one is easy to reach and well worth the walk!
There’s something special about staying on the Battery, where the city’s beauty and history feel especially close. Harbor views, grand homes, and quiet streets define this part of Charleston.
At 20 South Battery, that experience feels even more distinctive. As the only place to stay on the Battery, it offers a rare chance to wake up in one of Charleston’s most historic settings. Many favorite things to do in Charleston are within walking distance, making it easy to slow down and enjoy the neighborhood.
Some of Charleston’s most iconic scenery begins right here. White Point Garden and the Battery sit just beyond the gates, offering harbor views and one of the most beautiful places to walk.
📍 About a 1-minute walk from 20 South Battery
Set beneath centuries-old live oaks, White Point Garden offers shaded paths, harbor views, and a peaceful place to begin the day. The park spans more than five acres and was established in 1837, though its story began earlier as Oyster Point.
Pirates were once executed here, and the site later served as a Civil War fortification. Historic cannons and monuments still shape the landscape today. It’s just steps away, making it easy to pause and take it in.
📍 About a 1-minute walk from 20 South Battery
Just across the street from us, The Battery in Charleston offers one of the city’s most iconic waterfront walks. Staying here places you within that setting, surrounded by grand homes and Charleston Harbor views.
Its name comes from the artillery batteries once positioned here to defend the city. A walk here reveals sweeping views, historic architecture, and a deeper sense of the city’s past.
Some of Charleston’s most notable homes are just a short walk from the Battery. Each offers its own perspective on the city’s history and architecture.
📍 About a 2-minute walk from 20 South Battery
Located along the Battery, the Edmondston-Alston House is known for its harbor views and well-preserved interiors. Built in 1825, it has hosted notable figures, including President Andrew Jackson. Its waterfront setting remains largely unchanged, making it especially memorable.
📍 About a 3-minute walk from 20 South Battery
The Williams Mansion offers a striking glimpse into Charleston’s Gilded Age. Built in 1878 by George Walton Williams, the home is known for its grand scale and ornate interiors. Its decorative arts collection adds to the experience and reflects the craftsmanship of the period.
📍 About a 7-minute walk from 20 South Battery
Built in 1808, the Nathaniel Russell House is known for its refined Federal-style architecture and preserved interiors. Its graceful design reflects one of the country’s most important neoclassical homes. Inside, the experience feels quieter and more intimate, offering a closer look at early Charleston life.
📍 About an 11-minute walk from 20 South Battery
Few landmarks are as recognizable as Rainbow Row in Charleston. This stretch of pastel homes along East Bay Street dates back to the 18th century and has become one of the city’s most photographed sights. A walk past Rainbow Row offers a lighter, more colorful side of Charleston’s history.
The city’s history and culture extend beyond its homes. Museums, markets, and public spaces offer a deeper look at Charleston.
📍 About a 14-minute walk from 20 South Battery
The Gibbes Museum of Art features American works with a strong connection to the South. The 1905 Beaux-Arts building blends historic architecture with modern gallery spaces. Rotating exhibitions highlight regional artists and local heritage.
📍 About a 14-minute walk from 20 South Battery
The Old Slave Mart Museum reflects an essential part of Charleston’s history. Located in a former slave auction gallery, it is one of the few remaining sites of its kind. Exhibits provide important context and a deeper understanding of the city’s past.
📍 About a 13-minute walk from 20 South Battery
The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon dates back to 1771 and remains one of Charleston’s most significant historic sites. Visitors can explore the building and its underground dungeon, offering insight into the city’s colonial and wartime history..
📍 About a 16-minute walk from 20 South Battery
The Charleston City Market has been a gathering place since the early 1800s. It features local vendors, handcrafted goods, and traditional sweetgrass baskets. It’s a lively place to browse and take in the city’s energy.
Some of the best things to do in Charleston begin just beyond our gates. Staying here makes it easy to experience the city at your own pace, with its most memorable places within walking distance.
At 20 South Battery, each day begins and ends in one of Charleston’s most iconic settings. Plan your stay and enjoy the beauty, history, and ease of being right where it all begins!
Photo Credit: © Susanne Neumann from Getty Images via canva.com, © RiverNorthPhotography from Getty Images Signature via canva.com
