Best Things to Do in Shem Creek {Easy Sunset Itinerary}
Shem Creek is one of the prettiest spots just outside Charleston for a relaxed evening by the water. With waterfront restaurants, a scenic boardwalk, and golden hour views over the marsh, it’s the perfect place for dinner, a sunset stroll, and a little Lowcountry magic.
If you’re looking for a laid-back Charleston evening that still feels a little special, Shem Creek is one of the places that gets it just right.
Just over the bridge in Mount Pleasant, this waterfront stretch is lined with casual seafood restaurants, breezy patios, and a boardwalk that winds along the marsh. It’s the kind of place where you can sit down for dinner, linger longer than planned, and then wander into golden hour without needing a strict plan.
My daughter and I enjoyed a simple evening centered around dinner and a boardwalk stroll at sunset at the end of our afternoon Island Hopping from Charleston adventure and it ended up being one of our favorite moments of the trip. This would be such a romantic way to end a day during a couple’s trip to Charleston, too.
Whether you’re visiting Charleston for the first time or just looking for an easy night out, Shem Creek is a spot you don’t want to miss.
Itinerary
During our early March visit just after the Day Light Savings time switch, the sun set after 7pm. You may want to adjust the itinerary based on the golden hour and sunset timing for the time of year.
This was our itinerary for early March:
- Arrive and Park: See my parking notes below.
- Dinner on the Water: There are several spots to pick from, we chose Sunsets.
- Evening Stroll on the Boardwalk: After our early-ish dinner, we walked on the boardwalk during Golden hour (the hour just before the sunsets.)
- Spot the Captain Wayne Magwood Fisherman’s Memorial: You’ll find this touching tribute on the Magwood Boardwalk overlooking Shem Creek.
- Sunset Drive over Ravenel Bridge: We left as the sun was actually setting and the views were spectacular. You could also choose to stay to see the sun set over the creek if you prefer.
Getting There and Where to Park
Shem Creek is part of Mount Pleasant, a short drive over the Ravenel bridge from downtown Charleston.
You can park on either side of the creek, there is a pedestrian sidewalk that crosses the bridge.
We were able to park in the lot out front of Sunsets restaurant. They have free parking during the day but you need to pay to park after around 4:30 pm.
There is also some paid parking available next to the lot by the Shem Creek Park. If you plan to stay long and enjoy food at the restaurants, do not park in the free park lot. Those spaces are intended for park visitors not using the restaurants.
During busy travel seasons, there is also a parking garage available near the Saltwater Cowboys restaurant.
Map It:
Sunsets
97 Ronnie Boals Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, SC
Shem Creek Park
Shrimp Boat Lane, Mt. Pleasant, SC
Coleman Parking Garage
111 Coleman Blvd. Mt. Pleasant, SC
Where to Eat in Shem Creek
There are several dining options along the water in Shem Creek.
We chose to eat at Sunsets which has both indoor and a waterfront balcony with seating. You can read my review of Sunsets in my Charleston dining guide or check out their menu here.
Saltwater Cowboys also came highly recommended and is on our list for next time. You can view their full menu here.
Tavern and Table has a more upscale dining experience with fresh and elegant main dishes that would be great for a special occasion. You can view their full menu here.
Water’s Edge is on the opposite side of the creek and would be a great choice if you’re parking by the Shem Creek Park. You can view their menu here.
Shem Creek Crab House is the right choice for steampots and crab-specific appetizers and entrees but they have classic southern food and sandwiches and burgers, too. They are located on the opposite side of Coleman Blvd so you’ll want to check out your parking plans before you go. You can view their full menu here.
Stroll the Shem Creek Boardwalk
Once we finished dinner at Sunsets, we walked along the Magwood Boardwalk bridge over the creek and found the Captain Wayne Magwood Fisherman’s memorial.
After his passing in 2020, the local community raised funds for the life-sized statue in his honor. His family worked for more than a century in the Shem Creek fishing industry and he was widely recognized for his advocacy on behalf of the shrimping community.
You can read more about this iconic memorial here.
Cross over the bridge and the boardwalk will loop down towards the water. It then winds through the tall grasses along the shore.
There are tons of beautiful photo opportunities if you time your evening walk during the golden hour, 1 hour before sunset.
We spotted many couples and small families enjoying the evening together and taking pictures and were extremely grateful when someone offered to take our pic.
Spot Pete the Plastic Pelican
As the boardwalk opens back up to the Shem Creek Park entrance, you’ll find a unique statue off to the side.
This is Pete the Plastic pelican, a statue made from tires, bottle caps, and other plastic waste that has been captured from the ocean. He serves as an excellent reminder to leave the beach as you found it and always carry your items back out when your visit is done.
Public Restrooms
There are free public restrooms at the Shem Creek Park entrance if you need them during your visit. We appreciated the option after our walk and before driving back to Charleston.
