Come for the View, Stay for the Food

There’s something quite special about eating fresh seafood overlooking the water it is harvested from as well as the stunning views that define this corner of the world. Charleston’s harbors and marshes set the stage at these waterfront dining spots where every bite comes with a view.

Bowens Island Restaurant

Bowens Island Road, Folly Beach

@bowensislandrestaurant

A hidden gem serving up authentic seafood in a laid-back, rustic setting. Just follow a sandy road off James Island to the edge of a winding branch of the Folly River, where multiple decks offer stunning Lowcountry sunsets.

Come for the view: Bowens Island is a haven for wildlife—pelicans, egrets, hawks, herons, oystercatchers and black skimmers abound. Spot fiddler crabs, dolphin and maybe even a fisherman reeling in a fresh catch off the dock!

Stay for the food: This is the place for a no-frills Lowcountry feast. Spring favorites include fried seafood platters, raw oysters, steamed oysters (when in season), Forgmore Stew and even lighter fare like a seasonal salad with peaches, tomatoes and basil. The soft-shell crab season typically runs from late March to early June.

Charleston Harbor Fish House

32 Patriots Point Rd., Mt. Pleasant

@chasharborfishhouse

Set on the tip of Patriots Point at Charleston Harbor Resort, with easy access by land or sea, The Fish House boasts breathtaking views. Inside, reclaimed wood accents create a relaxed yet refined seaside atmosphere.

Come for the view: Enjoy a direct harbor view teeming with wildlife. Brown pelicans, great egrets and Great Blue Herons frequent the dock, while bottlenose dolphins are often spotted from the upstairs Bridge Bar. Beyond nature, take in close-up views of the USS Yorktown, the iconic Arthur Ravenel Bridge, and Charleston’s historic skyline.

Stay for the food: A must-try is the Peach Hot Honey Shrimp, blending sweet chili, honey, lime and banana peppers. The Crab-Stuffed Grouper shines with sweet potato and Brussels sprouts hash, finished with a drizzle of brown butter sauce. And, of course, there’s the signature Shrimp & Grits—local grilled shrimp and bacon lardons in a rich tomato broth.

Fleet Landing

186 Concord St., Charleston

@fleetlanding

Jutting over the marsh with oversized windows for unobstructed Charleston Harbor views, Fleet Landing is truly iconic. Celebrating 20 years in 2024, it remains a go-to for seafood and Lowcountry cuisine, beloved by locals and visitors alike—and one of the peninsula’s few waterfront dining spots.

Come for the view: “Some of our most beloved menu items are our shrimp & grits, crispy whole fried flounder and fried green tomatoes,” says co-owner Weesie Newton.

Stay for the food: “Being right on the water has its perks—dolphins, brown pelicans and American oystercatchers are frequent visitors, best spotted from our patio or raw bar.”

Islander 71

80 41st Ave., Isle of Palms

@islander71iop

With views of the scenic Intracoastal Waterway, and direct access by car or boat, this family-friendly restaurant offers indoor dining as well as a dedicated outdoor space with games for kids.

Come for the view: Enjoy a front-row seat to the Lowcountry’s vibrant ecosystem—dolphins play just beyond the docks, herons and egrets wade in the shallows and brown pelicans glide overhead before diving for fish. Ospreys frequently soar above, scanning for their next catch.

 Stay for the food: Spring favorites include She Crab fries, seasoned to perfection and topped with creamy She-crab soup for a rich, Lowcountry twist and Bettie Jane’s Crab Cakes, served with sweet corn, blistered tomatoes and lemon crema.

The Kingstide

32 River Landing Dr, Daniel Island

@thekingstide

Overlooking the winding Wando River, The Kingstide is Daniel Island’s only waterfront restaurant. Its two-story design is bathed in natural light, and the interiors balance rustic charm with refined elegance, offering a fresh take on coastal style.

Come for the view: There are plenty of great opportunities for wildlife and bird sightings, especially pelicans which often fly overhead. The nearby docks are the perfect place for dolphin watching and local walking trails provide additional habitat. You never know what you might spot from the rooftop bar or downstairs porch!

Stay for the food: As the weather warms up, the spring menu features a ceviche highlighting local snapper with red onion, ginger, jalapeño, cilantro and an ají citrus dressing, served with corn chips. Seafood towers, that offer a selection of raw and cooked seafood with accompaniments, come in two sizes: "Lowtide" for two or "Kingstide" for two to four.

Linnette’s at The Dunlin Auberge Resorts Collection

6000 Kiawah River Dr., Johns Island

@dunlinauberge

With ingredients from the best of local purveyors on the table, and the stunning Kiawah River just beyond, this marshfront eatery at The Dunlin Hotel dips its toes into elevated home-style cooking, Southern style. A medley of shades of green and white decor playfully invites the outside in for a seamless experience.

 Come for the view: Watch dolphin play, turtles glide and shorebirds hunt, all surrounded by a plethora of lush flora and fauna in indoor or on the balcony overlooking the marsh

Stay for the food: Seasonal favorites include wood-fried offerings, cornmeal crusted flounder and ricotta cavatelli, perfectly crafted for spring.

Locklear’s on Little Oak (Lolo’s)

2293 Folly Rd., Folly Beach

@lolos_follybeach

Right before you get to the Edge of America, this shack-style spot on Folly Road offers a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere with waterfront views of Oak Island Creek.

Come for the view: Watch dolphins frolic in the creek while egrets and ospreys skillfully dive for fish. As the day winds down, settle in for one of Charleston’s most spectacular sunsets.

Stay for the food: Known for its lightly breaded, freshly-caught fried seafood, this spot also shines with classic Lowcountry dishes like Shrimp & Grits. And don’t leave without a slice of their homemade Key Lime Pie—it’s a local favorite!

The Wreck of The Richard and Charlene

106 Haddrell St., Mt Pleasant

@thewreckrcshemcreek

Named after the trawler wrecked on the very spot on Shem Creek during Hurricane Hugo in 1989, this legendary seafood spot boasts an outdoor bar and patio perfect for sunset watching. Outerbanks fans might recognize it as a Pogue hangout from the show.

Come for the view: This treasured nook on Shem Creek offers a postcard-perfect scene—docked shrimp boats, kayakers gliding through the water and the Ravenel Bridge glowing in the darkening skies. Pelicans perch like statues on the docks, while dolphins occasionally surface, adding to the magic.

Stay for the food: The fried shrimp is the undeniable favorite, sourced just steps away by Tarvin Seafood—now that’s local! Can’t pick just one protein? The seafood platter features fish, shrimp, oysters, and scallops for the ultimate taste of the Lowcountry.