Top Health-Centric Charleston Services and Activities to Stay Mentally and Physically Healthy
While Charleston doesn’t always get recognized as a “health-centric city” and more often the “fried-chicken-and-booze-city,” the wellness scene is actually getting bigger and better! There are more healthy spots, hobbies, activities, and services popping up each day and it’s time you take advantage of them to optimize your life in the Holy City. Below is a clean sweep of my favorite health-centric spots for mental and physical self care.
I challenge you to start filling your calendars with self-care appointments, swap your bottomless brunch with an outdoor outing every so often, pick one evening each week to visit a park, get your produce from local farmers, get involved in a new sport, swap the evening phone scrolling with a hobby that engages your creative mind. Your life will get better and better.
With love,
Charleston’s Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Gabrielle McGrath MS RDN
Self-care healing work
Well Rounded Healing
- Acupuncture and sound bath meditations
- (843) 779-5423
- 163 Rutledge Ave Suite 201, Charleston, SC 29403
- Book an appointment
Stressed? Looking to get pregnant? Chronic pain? This one’s for you. This is an incredible wellness center if you’re searching for healing services that encompass mind, body, and spirit. Always value health practitioners that consider the whooole body! Well Rounded has a team of experienced practitioners and therapists, offering holistic therapies.
Healing Gallery
- Massage therapy, cupping and more
- 843-637-3237
- 56 1/2 Queen St, Charleston, SC 29401
- Book an appointment
The Healing Gallery is THE CUTEST wellness hidden gem in the heart of Charleston’s French quarter on beautiful Queen Street. Create a magical Saturday routine of walking The Battery and then going to get some Acupuncture, Therapeutic massage therapy, cupping therapy, and/or pop into a yoga class! Wander down their garden walkway and find yourself in a tranquil oasis that will leave you feeling peaceful. My first-ever yoga instructor (after moving to Charleston) and dear friend, Kassidy Adams, works here and I could not recommend her more. Kassidy is a licensed massage therapist and yoga instructor. Kassidy also runs Sun And Sol Yoga on Folly Beach, a magical outdoor yoga studio located at the Regatta Inn on Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday nights throughout the Summer. You cannot miss out attending one of these to bring some sunset, healing vibes into your week!
Soul + Fire
- Reiki, human design readings, and/or guided meditation. Single Soul Sessions offered.
- 843-367-8870
- 349 Folly Rd Suite 2B, Charleston, SC 29412
- Book online here
Have you recently hit a point where you WANT MORE OUT OF LIFE? I get it. You have to go visit Soul + Fire, who offers healing methodologies and soul-igniting work. If you feel like you are ready to commit to yourself, heal and release the past, this is for you. It is time. Jess empowers you to identify past traumas, rewire your brain from toxic patterns and behaviors, and heal from the inside out. After working on nutrition goals with hundreds of individuals across the country, I know we could all use a little bit of this work in our life to reach our fullest potential.
Harbor Wellness Co.
- Holistic chiropractic services
- 1131 Queensborough Blvd #101, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
- 843-972-3174
- Book online here
How LUCKY we are in Charleston to have such as dedicated, holistic, comprehensive, experienced, caring team of Chiropractors. Harbor Wellness Co. provides services designed to nurture the mind, body, and spirit. With a dedicated team of experienced practitioners, Harbor Wellness Co. offers an array of holistic therapies all tailored to cater to individual needs and preferences. A dear friend of mine, Dr. Kaitlyn Carroll, is the cofounder + is a Prenatal Chiropractor specializing in Webster Technique for expecting mothers and postpartum recovery. This technique is used to optimize the natural physiology of the woman’s body, especially during the end stages of pregnancy. It is a great way to prepare for pregnancy, labor & delivery along with postpartum healing! I have worked with so many prenatal, pregnant and postpartum women on their nutrition journey, and 10/10 times I recommend that they work with a chiropractor that specializes in Webster Technique.
Activities, events, and areas to check out:
Find a local Pickleball court
Find local parks and lessons near you here
Nature’s Adventures on Shem Creek
- 1 Shrimp Boat Ln, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
- 843-568-3222
- Website
Do you love exploring nature? Getting outdoors? Get a high off of some fresh air while learning about the waters of Charleston? Highly recommend these outdoor experiences for some nature and adventure time, any day of the week. Make this a family outing on the weekend or plan your next date night paddling the waters of CHS. This company specializes in guided kayaking and paddleboarding tours through the waterways of Shem Creek. It’s a unique and immersive way to connect with the natural beauty of the area while learning about its rich ecosystem.
Outdoor and Pop-Up Yoga Classes
Outdoor classes are seasonal and always changing so checkout Eventbrite to see upcoming outdoor yoga near you.
Classes are often hosted at:
- Firefly Distillery w/ Reagan Sobel
- Colonial Lake Park
- Waterfront Park Daniel Island
- The Sanctuary Store
- Lululemon Mount Pleasant
- Lakeside Dock in Freshfields Village
- Sun And Sol Yoga on Folly Beach, a magical outdoor yoga studio located at the Regatta Inn on Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday nights throughout the Summer
Farmers’ Markets
Saturday Farmers Market at Marion Square in Downtown Charleston
- 329 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403
- Open Saturdays from 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Limited Market: March 4 – 25, 2023 (Farmers & Food)
- Regular Season Market: April 8 – November 25, 2023
- Holiday Market: Saturdays & Sundays, 9 AM – 3 PM (12/2 – 12/16)
Sunday Brunch Farmers Market
- 1977 Maybank Hwy. Charleston, SC 29412 (behind the Pour House)
- Year round: Open Sundays from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m
Holy City Farmers’ Market in North Charleston
- On the marsh front lawn at Holy City Brewing
- 1021 Aragon Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405
- Opens weekly from 4:00 – 7:00 PM
West Ashley Farmers Market at Ackerman Park
- 55 Sycamore Avenue, Charleston, SC 29407
- April – October: Open Wednesdays from 3:00- 7:00 PM
- *October: closure shifts to 6:30 PM
Second Sunday
Second Sunday in Charleston is a beloved local tradition that takes place on the second Sunday of each month.
Do you love walking and shopping? This one is for you. King Street transforms into a pedestrian paradise every second sunday of the month. A portion of King Street is closed to traffic, allowing residents and visitors to leisurely stroll, shop at boutique stores, and enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities. The city’s vibrant culture is showcased, from street musicians and artisans to local vendors offering everything from handmade crafts to delicious Lowcountry cuisine. It is a fun way to get those steps and fresh air in on a Sunday.
Nature, Parks, and Historical Attractions
James Island County Park
871 Riverland Dr, Charleston, SC 29412
Ok… This Country Park is incredible. If you live in the area and haven’t been, make it a priority. It’s $2 to get in!!! It’s a picturesque oasis offering a wide range of outdoor activities and natural beauty. I love biking around the park but you could also bring your dog to their dog park, go paddle boarding, go fishing. This sprawling park spans over 600 acres and features lush green spaces, serene lakes, and scenic trails for hiking and biking. They even have a campground and a climbing wall!
Hampton Park
30 Mary Murray Dr, Charleston, SC 29403
One of my top spots in all of Charleston. This park is just magic. You feel incredible energy just walking through this serene park. You could walk in and around the park, workout in it (they have little workout stations throughout it), relax and read, bring the pup, rollerblade or bike around, play sports, or even have a picnic. It’s stunning urban oasis that spans 60 acres and is renowned for its lush greenery and beautiful gardens.
Pitt Street Bridge
100 Ann Edwards Lane, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
Pitt Street Bridge, located in Mount Pleasant, is a lovely historical landmark and a picturesque destination for walkers and nature enthusiasts. This former trolley bridge has been transformed into a scenic pedestrian bridge that offers stunning views of the marshes, creeks, and surrounding landscapes. It is one of my all-time favorite spots at sunset in Charleston. The birdwatching is like no other.
I personally love to park and grab a coffee and baked good at Gala Cafe & Bakery, then walk down to the end of Pitt Street, where you will reach Pitt Street Bridge for a beautiful, long weekend morning stroll. Or you can park at Post House Inn, do the same walk, and end the evening with a delicious dinner at the Inn.
The Battery // White Point Garden
2 Murray Blvd, Charleston, SC 29401
Walking around Battery Park in Charleston is a journey through history and beauty. The Battery wall stretches along the shore of the Charleston peninsula, bordered by the Ashley and Cooper Rivers which come together to form the Charleston Harbor. The Battery is bordered by historic antebellum mansions and offers majestic views of Fort Sumter, Castle Pinckney, the USS Yorktown, Fort Moultrie, and Sullivan’s Island lighthouse. It is great place to walk, jog, and sightsee majestic oak trees, historic antebellum mansions, breathtaking views of Charleston Harbor, the iconic Rainbow Row, and the stately Civil War-era cannons that line the waterfront.
Ravenel Bridge
Arthur Ravenel Jr Bridge, Charleston, SC 29403
This iconic Ravenel Bridge! This 2.5 mile bridge connects the historic downtown district to the town of Mount Pleasant. It is the perfect place for a relaxing stroll or bike ride (quite the leg workout on the way up LOL). For the easiest parking, I suggest you head to Waterfront Park in Mount Pleasant, near the Visitor Center. From there, you’ll be able to find the pedestrian path easily. There’s one lane for bikers and another for walkers. The Ravenel Bridge walking path is 2.5 miles long, making it a 5-mile round trip. Of course, that doesn’t mean you have to trek across the whole thing. Many visitors stop at the halfway point of the bridge, about 1.2 miles up, and turn back. Either way, you’ll enjoy a scenic route over Charleston Harbor!
West Ashley Greenway
Spans 8.2 from Albemarle Rd. & Croghan Spur to McLeod Mill Rd. nr. Main Rd./SR S 10-20 Charleston
Are you a biker, rollerblader, jogger or walker?! You need to visit the smooth West Ashley Greenway. It takes you on an 8-mile ride from suburban Charleston west to the scenic Lowcountry wetlands that surround this charming city. I would consider an easy route with no hills and average of 4 hours 30 min to complete if walking. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. Speaking of dogs…
Dog Parks
There are 10 off-leash dog parks in Charleston.
Dog parks are a fun way to meet cute pups, meet some potential friends, get fresh air and allow your dog to get some exercise. Of course, avoid if your dog is more on the reactive side (like my cutie) and don’t risk putting your babe or other doggos in an uncomfortable situation. It’s not their fault if they don’t love to socialize with strangers! Many dogs (and humans) don’t like to!
Use the link below to get an overview of each one, see pictures, print directions, and even read reviews from other dog owners.
Start a new hobby:
Surf lessons with Isla Surf School
- 301 W Ashley Ave, Folly Beach, SC 29439, United States
- 843-813-7897
- Website
Charleston’s top rated surf school offers a variety of Folly Beach surf lessons and surf camps.
And then once you get some practice… checkout the Charleston Surf Club facebook group to join the community!
Running Clubs Around Charleston
Join this local nonprofit organization with more than 700 members in the Charleston area working to promote, encourage, and organize running activities in the community. Become a member and check out the club calendar.
Register to become a member of the Fleet Feet running club, originally created in 1976, and receive perks like discounted entry to runs and weekly events.
It’s happy hour o’clock. Exercise with this local group meeting every Thursday at the Hampton Park gazebo for a three to five-mile run ending at a local bar or pub. Peep event dates and check out team leaders on Strava.
Need a Sunday routine? Meet at the main parking lot of Hampton Park at 8:30 a.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day and 9 a.m. for the rest of the year for a scenic eight-mile loop. Pssst: Completing the full distance is not required. View the route.
Team up with the Park Circle Pacers at Commonhouse Aleworks for Tracktice Tuesday, Thirstday Thursday, or Sunday Runday — all skill levels are welcome.
Art Classes at Blair Center For The Arts
- Located in Mt. Pleasant and West Ashley
- Register for classes here
The Blair Center for the Arts (formerly Creative Arts of Mount Pleasant) is an art center that engages and inspires our community through interactive art education for kids, teens, and adults. They offer painting, photography, mixed media, crafting, and more classes to help you discover and nurture your inner artist.
Dance Classes at Peace Love Hip Hop
- Beginner Hip-Hop: Tuesdays from 7:30pm-9:00pm
- Intermediate/Advanced Hip-Hop: Mondays from 7:30pm-9:00pm
- No Registration Required. Only $15 at the door or $120 for 10 Passes.
- Learn more about the studio here
Peace Love Hip Hop classes are for those who want a fun, constantly changing workout that leaves you feeling sexy, supported, and surrounded by friends. Come join the party – you will work hard and move in ways you never thought possible.
Ongoing inspiration and support:
Connect with Charleston Registered Dietitian Nutritionist: Gabrielle McGrath MS, RDN
- Book a free 45 min strategy call with her
- Follow her on Instagram for ongoing inspiration, education and recipes
- Join her free Facebook community group
- Work 1:1 with her
Releasing your empowered self in a body, mind and environment that makes you feel your BEST takes an expert who knows what you’ve been through and the way forward. When I say I know your struggle, trust me, I’ve been there. And I can’t wait to help you feel your best. I’m Gabrielle, registered dietitian nutrition coach living in Charleston, SC and founder of Wellpower Method, LLC: A simple program to help you finally release your empowered self. I work with individuals virtually, all over the country!
