Where Are The Best Places to Watch a Charleston Sunrise?
All right early birds, get ready to set those alarms and get that coffee brewing. I am taking you down the list of the five best places to watch the sunrise in Charleston.
#5 The Copahee Sound
The Copahee Sound is an area in Northern Mount Pleasant that makes up a large part of the intercoastal waterway. Take a right off of Highway 17 on Gadsdenville Road and you will find yourself at a beautiful vantage point for sunrise. You can sit up on the point or walk the back rural road along the sound and take in the expansive marsh view teaming with wildlife. Take a deep breath and smell the salt air and the pluff mud. For those of you new to the area, pluff mud is an acquired aroma. You'll love it eventually.
After the big ball of fire rises in the sky, I recommend heading north to Awendaw for a sausage biscuit at the famous Sewee Outpost. This gas station / general store is a favorite amongst locals. Load up your cooler and shop for local sauces, fishing apparel, or just about anything outdoors you can think of.
#4 Folly Beach
The edge of America is an amazing spot to take in the day's first rays. Take a stroll along the beach or walk to the end of the pier. This Eastern most tip of South Carolina does not disappoint. You can breathe in the ocean air and watch the local surfers hitting their favorite breaks as the sun makes its way above the horizon. Pro tip, once you've had your fill of sunrise, go refill your coffee at Burt's Market.
#3 The Battery and White Point Gardens
This historical landmark seawall provides panoramic views of the Ravenel Bridge, Sullivan's Island and historical Fort Sumter. An area that's normally hustling and bustling with a mixture of locals and tourists is filled with peace and quiet during this time. Once the sun has risen, I recommend taking a walk through the historic side streets amongst the historic homes and mansions.
#2 The Ravenel Bridge
Put on your running shoes and workout clothes, you're going to work for this view. The Ravenel Bridge is a famous cable stayed bridge that expands 2.71 miles over the Cooper River. This beautiful man made marvel connects downtown Charleston to Mount Pleasant. The best view is at the bridge's highest point.
Once you catch your breath, you can take into 360 degree view of the low country. You can see Patriot's Point Marina, the Charleston Harbor and the gorgeous peninsula skyline as the sun begins to bathe the church steeples with sunlight. Depending on which way you're heading, I recommend grabbing an acai bowl from Tres Palmas on the Mount Pleasant side. If you're heading back downtown, I recommend Huriyali for a healthy breakfast or the Harbinger Cafe and bakery to help replenish those calories you burn conquering the bridge.
Watch our Lively Charleston episode on the top 5 sunrises!
#1 Isle of Palms and Breach Inlet
Pack up your canines, kayaks and coffee cups, we are heading to a dawn patrollers paradise. Nestled between Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms, Breach Inlet provides an amazing opportunity to dolphin watch, stroll along the water's edge, cast a line into the surf and unleash your pooch.
Isle of Palms allows your dog to be off leash during the sunrise hours from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. in the peak spring and summer months. There is no better place to watch the sun break the horizon.
Once the sun is up and you've shaken the sand off your feet, head on over to two of my favorite breakfast spots. Café Paname is a hidden local favorite that is owned and operated by a classically trained French baker. Can you say chocolate croissant?
And another option, although I recommend both, would be The Co-Op for a dose of fun and funky flair offering options from their deli to get you prepared for your day with all day frosé.
Hopefully this helps shed some light on a new way to start your day.
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