Summer in the Holy City is breathtakingly romantic, but it is also spectacularly humid. When the midday sun is at its peak and so is the temperature, there is no need to hide in your hotel room. Charleston is packed with sophisticated cultural hubs, hands-on boutiques, and frosty culinary treats that make escaping the heat feel like an absolute indulgence.

For guests staying at the historic Planters Inn, sanctuary from the midday sun is never far away. Here are eight refined—yet thoroughly delightful—ways to cool off in style, mapped directly from your home base.

The Sea Turtle Care Center™ at the South Carolina Aquarium

While the South Carolina Aquarium offers gorgeous, sweeping views of the harbor, the real magic happens deep within its air-conditioned walls. Skip the standard tourist track and head straight to the renowned Sea Turtle Care Center™. This state-of-the-art rehabilitation facility gives you an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at rescued sea turtles on their journey back to the wild. Watching the dedicated veterinary team work their magic is incredibly moving, intellectually engaging, and easily one of the most memorable experiences in the city.

• The Vibe: Heartwarming, inspiring, and worth every single minute.

• Walkability from Planters Inn: 15-minute walk (0.8 miles northeast). A flat, straightforward walk toward the waterfront area.

Artisanal Indulgence at Gustard’s Custard

When the temperature spikes, skip the basic ice cream cone and treat yourself to something truly elite at Gustard’s Custard. The new darling of the local culinary scene, Gustard’s serves up freshly churned frozen custard that is noticeably richer, smoother, and more velvety than traditional ice cream. They feature a constantly rotating menu of playful, seasonal flavors.

• The Vibe: Effortlessly casual, comforting, and deliciously premium.

• Walkability from Planters Inn: Drive required (approx. 2.7 miles north). Located up on Heriot Street, this short drive is entirely worth the detour.

Olfactory Artistry at Candlefish

For a hands-on escape that engages all the senses, Candlefish is an absolute must-visit. The boutique is famous for its striking "Library of 100 Fragrances," a massive archive designed to help you pinpoint your exact scent profile. To truly beat the heat, book a spot at one of their legendary, BYOB candle-making workshops. Under the guidance of a master chandler, you will mix, pour, and take home two custom-scented soy candles—the ultimate bespoke souvenir to remember your trip.

• The Vibe: Chic, experiential, and delightfully creative.

• Walkability from Planters Inn: 4-minute walk (0.2 miles). An incredibly easy stroll just a few blocks away into the heart of King Street.

Elevated Refreshment at The Co-Op Frosé & Eatery

Few local institutions understand summer survival quite like The Co-Op. This vibrant, high-energy spot earned its legendary reputation for a single, glorious creation: house-made Frosé (frozen rosé). Offered in a rotating lineup of bright, creative flavors, it is the ultimate icy antidote to a humid afternoon. Pair it with one of their massive gourmet sandwiches, and you have the perfect excuse to sit back, sip, and recharge before tackling the rest of the city.

• The Vibe: Lively, iconic, and unapologetically refreshing.

• Walkability from Planters Inn: 2-minute walk (under 0.1 miles). Located right on the same block, you barely have to step into the sun to secure your frozen refreshment.

Literary Solace at Buxton Books

If your idea of a perfect afternoon involves quiet reflection and a lack of humidity, Buxton Books is your personal paradise. This beloved independent bookstore is a haven for the culturally curious, featuring beautifully curated shelves that celebrate rich Southern literature, history, and contemporary fiction. With its cozy, inviting layout and a calendar packed with exclusive author events, it is the kind of place that practically begs you to linger with a good book until the sun goes down.

• The Vibe: Intimate, intellectually rich, and deeply comforting.

• Walkability from Planters Inn: 6-minute walk (0.3 miles south). A lovely, scenic walk straight down toward the historic French Quarter.

Elegant Repose at Benne’s

Situated right at your doorstep, Benne’s is a gorgeous, upscale café designed for luxurious recharging. While our artisanal espresso drinks and delicate pastries are showstoppers, the true headliner here is a slice of Peninsula Grill’s legendary Ultimate Coconut Cake (seen in photo above). Savoring this world-famous, multi-layered confection in a beautifully chilled, inviting café setting is the ultimate afternoon pick-me-up.

• The Vibe: Refined, indulgent, and effortlessly elegant.

• Walkability from Planters Inn: 0-minute walk (Steps away). Located directly on property, meaning zero outdoor walking required.

Visual Splendor at The Gibbes Museum of Art

Culture enthusiasts will find their ultimate refuge within the grand galleries of The Gibbes Museum of Art. Housing one of the nation's premier collections of American art with a distinct Southern perspective, the museum beautifully marries historic architectural grandeur with striking modern exhibitions. Wandering through the quiet, cool, and sun-dappled galleries offers a serene, reflective break from the bustling streets just outside.

• The Vibe: Serene, prestigious, and aesthetically captivating.

• Walkability from Planters Inn: 3-minute walk (0.1 miles south). Located just a stone's throw down Meeting Street, making it one of our closest cultural neighbors.

Historic Charm at Broad Street Art Galleries 

Escape the midday heat while discovering one of Charleston's most charming cultural experiences. Historic Broad Street is home to Gallery Row, where beautifully restored storefronts showcase everything from traditional Lowcountry landscapes to contemporary works by nationally recognized artists. Whether you're a serious collector or simply browsing, it's one of the most elegant ways to spend an afternoon downtown.

• The Vibe: Historical elegance with a fresh, dynamic, contemporary edge.

• Walkability from Planters Inn: 7 minute walk (0.3 miles south). Situated along Broad Street, it’s an easy stroll in the shade from Planters Inn.

Transportation Options

In the case of inclement weather or truly scorching heat, there are plenty of options to catch a ride. In lieu of your standard Ubers & Lyfts, Bike Taxis are a fun, local Charleston option that you can often catch right outside the hotel. 

• Charleston Pedicab

  • Phone: (843) 577-7088

  • Website: https://charlestonpedicab.com

  • One of Charleston's largest pedicab fleets offering on-demand rides, reservations, weddings, private events, and advertising. Operates throughout downtown Charleston year-round.

• Charleston Bike Taxi

  • Phone: (843) 532-8663

  • Website: https://biketaxi.net

  • Locally owned since 2008. Serves King Street, Market Street, the French Quarter, Waterfront Park, and most of the downtown peninsula. Call or text for pickup.

• Charleston Rickshaw

  • Phone: (843) 723-5685

  • Website: https://charlestonrickshaw.com

  • Charleston's original bike taxi service (est. 1989). Offers on-demand rides, scheduled pickups, weddings, private events, and group transportation throughout the Historic District.