9 Things for Autistic Adults to Do in Charleston, SC
If you’re an autistic adult who lives near or will be visiting Charleston, South Carolina, you might be interested in some of these places to go and things to do.
Do you love the water?
If you’re one of the many autistic adults who absolutely loves the water, then you’re sure to love Charleston, SC. It’s right on the Atlantic Ocean. Many autists (and also many of the neuro-majority, too,) find deep joy and relaxation in watching the repetition of the surf rolling in and out at the shore. If this is true for you or anyone in your family, check out these Charleston, SC places to visit near the water.
Folly Beach
At Folly Beach you’ll find six miles of wide, wonderful seashore. The active people in your party may enjoy biking along the beach, surfing in the sea, kayaking, and biking while enjoying the smell of the salt, the sound of the surf, and the crisp ocean air. The Beach is located on E. Arctic Avenue in Folly Beach, SC, 29439, just minutes away from Charleston. You may be pleased to hear that there is no smoking allowed on the beach, as well as no alcohol, glass, or open fires. It’s a safe place for humans, as well as a protected habitat for endangered sea turtles. Beach Sea Oats and grass protect the fragile sand dunes.
If you get hungry while you’re at Folly Beach, check out one of these:
- The Pineapple Hut, a food-truck-like snack shack, specializes in Pineapple Dole Whip that is 100% vegan, fat-free, gluten-free, and cholesterol-free. Get in touch by email at [email protected].
- Planet Follywood, an eclectic local hangout, offers inexpensive bar food and late night live music or karaoke. Find them at 21 Center St. Folly Beach, SC 29439.
- Lost Dog Cafe was voted Charleston’s Best Folly Beach Restaurant. They boast a large breakfast menu with busy baristas at the coffee bar. If you don’t want to wait, try to get there before 8:30 AM. They’re located at 106 W. Huron Avenue, Folly Beach, SC 29439.
This is just a small snapshot of everything available to see, eat, and do at Folly Beach. Check it out for yourself if you’ll be near Charleston, South Carolina.
Kiawah Beachwalker Park
With ten miles of absolutely lovely, pristine coastline, Kiawah Island is one of the most beautiful barrier islands you’re likely to find. Although much of it is privately owned, anyone can enjoy the soft sand and breathtaking scenery at Beachwalker Park. You’ll find it at the southwestern tip of the island, between the Bohicket River and the ocean, at 8 Beachwalker Dr., Kiawah Island, Charleston, South Carolina, 29455.
At Beachwalker Park you can take a stroll on the boardwalk (with accessible ramps) that meanders through palmettos, pines, live oaks, and yucca plants. If you’re hungry, check out the snack bar, or bring your own lunch to the picnic area. (There are even some grills, if you get there early enough.) You’ll find dressing areas, restrooms, outdoor showers, and beach access with lifeguards. You can even rent beach chairs and umbrellas. Your dogs, on a leash and under control at all times, are welcome within Kiawah Beachwalker Park. It’s a great family fun day any time you’re in the Charleston, SC area.
Isle of Palms
South Carolina’s beautiful Isle of Palms is well known for its beautiful beaches, and opportunities to explore nature. Those who are interested may fish, boat, or golf, or explore the salt marshes. Hungry? Check out Sea Biscuit Cafe for breakfast or lunch. When you’re ready for dinner, you’ll find excellent seafood dining at The Windjammer or any one of the other local restaurants. When you’re on the Isle of Palms (IOP) you’re not far from Capers Island State Park and The Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, with pristine beaches and untouched maritime forests. The Isle of Palms is located just a short drive from historic Charleston and Mt. Pleasant, SC, at Palm Boulevard, Isle of Palms, SC 29451.
If the history of Charleston is your SPIN
Many autistic adults share the SPecial INterest (SPIN) of history. If this is an interest you share, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to explore local history in Charlottesville, SC. Here are a few
Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour
So much of the history of Charleston, SC, never made it into the history books. This exceptional walking tour brings to light inspiring stories and enthralling folktales, previously told in whispers, buried, and unearthed in oral stories and old newspapers. These tales include heroic stories of resistance before, during, and after Reconstruction. It’s recommended that you make advance reservations to join a walking tour Monday – Friday at 3:30 PM, and 9:45 AM on Saturdays. Private tours or alternate times are available by appointment. The tours meet in Tour Charleston Headquarters and Buxtom Books at 160 King Street, Charleston, South Carolina.
Charleston’s Hidden Alleyways & Historic Sites Small-Group Walking Tour
You are invited to travel back in time when you join a small guided walking tour of Charleston’s Hidden Alleyways and Historic Sites. You’ll be able to explore some of the city’s most enchanting hidden passageways and hidden alleyways. The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, a building with a 300-year history, is one of the highlights of this tour. Enjoy the visual sensory experience of the beautiful Rainbow Row, the longest group of colorful Georgian row houses in the nation. Philadelphia Alley is another historical landmark. You’ll get your questions answered in this small, guided walking tour which offers personal attention.
Black Cat Tours
If you’re curious about Charleston’s haunted, dark, and odd history, you’ll want to check out Black Cat Tours. This is a black-owned business with a strong commitment to quality over quantity. The owners are Mark R. Jones and Rebel Sinclair, authors, historians, and investigators. If you prefer to step slightly out of the mainstream for your tour and want a personal touch rather than “walking with a herd,” this is for you. Mark has written five books about Charleston’s history, and Rebel has written two historical novels about the city’s romance, tragedy, and spirits. Learn more and get in touch to arrange for your tour on their website.
For the Animal Lovers in Charleston
So many autistic adults I know have a special talent for communicating with animals of all kinds. Tremendous respect for and love of all of God’s creatures is a common value. If you are one of them, there are many places in Charleston, SC, where you can meet animals, explore their wildlife habitats, and enjoy bird watching. South Carolina’s many types of habitats, such as palmetto beaches, cypress forests, mountains, and sand dunes, provide homes for a range of wildlife, from bears to dolphins.
The Animal Forest at Charles Towne Landing
On the Animal Forest Trail, you’ll see native animals in a natural habitat setting. You may even bring your own pets as long as they are under physical restraint on a leash not longer than six feet. Keep your eyes open for local South Carolina animals. Just so you know, the SC state animal is the Whitetail Deer, the state amphibian is the Spotted Salamander, the state reptile is the Loggerhead Sea Turtle, and the state bird is the Carolina Wren. How many will you spot on your trip to Charles Town Landing Animal Forest?
South Carolina Aquarium
Conservation is at the heart of the South Carolina Aquarium. They’re committed to conserving water, wildlife, and wild places. Research, education, and community engagement all come together to support the focus on positive change for the planet through conservation. Because all seven species of sea turtles are identified as either threatened or endangered, the aquarium’s mission focuses on this issue. Key to this mission is the aquarium’s Sea Turtle Care Center, where their aim is to protect sea turtle populations and aid sick and injured sea turtle populations.
If you are able to visit Charleston, SC, you will surely find a wealth of experiences that suit your own and your family’s needs and interests.
Get Support as an Autistic Adult in Charleston, SC
Wherever you live throughout the state of South Carolina, you can find the life coaching and online therapy services that you need. All without leaving your home. Take these steps to get started:
- Start with a free, 30-minute online consultation with one of our understanding therapists and life coaches. Our Practice Manager, the marvelous Meagan, can get you started.
- Email her at [email protected] or call her at (503) 850-2361 and ask for a free consultation. She’ll take it from there.
- Let Adult Autism Assessment come alongside to help you live your life to the fullest
Other Neurodivergent Services We Offer in South Carolina
We offer a variety of services in South Carolina besides life coaching and online therapy. Our trained mental health professionals also provide adult autism assessment and ADHD testing. As well as dating coaching and time management coaching.