Rainbow Row

The Basics

Situated in near Waterfront Park in the heart of Charleston’s historic district, Rainbow Row features on just about every Charleston walking tour and carriage ride, along with other popular points of interest like the Dock Street Theatre, White Point Gardens, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, and the Waterfront Battery. Once commercial buildings, the houses today have all been converted to private residences—meaning you can only gawk at them from the outside.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Rainbow Row is a must-see for architecture lovers and first-time visitors.

• Don’t forget your camera; Rainbow Row make for one of Charleston’s best photo ops.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes, especially if you’re visiting as part of a walking tour.

• Guided tours that stop at Rainbow Row last anywhere from 80 minutes to three hours, depending which you’ve chosen.

How to Get There

Rainbow Row is located on the stretch of East Bay Street between Tradd and Elliot streets in Charleston. It’s located a short walk from Waterfront Park, and it’s easily accessible on foot from just about anywhere in the historic district.

When to Get There

For the best light for your photo—and sparser crowds to interfere with shot—plan to visit early in the morning or around sunset. In summer, expect hot, humid weather with highs in the upper 80s.

Why the Pastel Colors?

No one’s sure just why the Rainbow Row houses got their signature sherbet-hued paint job. One theory posits that the houses were painted like this so drunken sailors returning from the port could easily find the right one. Another suggests the colors once indicated the type of goods sold within each house, making it easier to attract illiterate shoppers.

Where is Rainbow Row located within Charleston?

Rainbow Row is located on East Bay Street in Charleston, between the cross streets of Elliott Street and Tradd Street, one block west of the Public Pier in the Joe Riley Waterfront Park. House numbers 83 through 107 are the official Rainbow Row homes.

Can visitors enter the homes on Rainbow Row, or are they private residences?

Despite being designated historic landmarks by the National Park Service, the houses on Rainbow Row are privately owned and are not open to the public. It’s common for tourists to take photographs of the homes, but please be sensitive and don’t disturb those who live there.

What other attractions or landmarks are near Rainbow Row in Charleston?

There are multiple attractions and landmarks near Rainbow Row, including the Deas-Tunno House, John Fabre Jr. House, and the Walled City of Charles Town. Within walking distance are the Heyward-Washington House, Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, Edmondston-Alston House, and Pineapple Fountain.

Are there guided tours available for Rainbow Row?

Yes, Rainbow Row guided tours are available. Look for guided walking tours of historic Charleston, including architecture tours. There are also bus tours that pass by the colorful houses, but there are no hop-on hop-off bus services in the city.

Is Rainbow Row accessible for visitors with disabilities?

Yes, Rainbow Row is part of East Bay Street, which has a wide sidewalk that wheelchair users can safely access and navigate. There are dedicated pedestrian crosswalks at the corner of East Bay Street and Tradd Street, located just south of the houses.

What is the history behind Rainbow Row?

Rainbow Row is a row of 13 Georgian townhouses that were built in the 1700s,but fell into dilapidated disrepair by the 1900s. In 1931, these colorful houses became national historic landmarks after a local preservationist purchased and restored some of them. Today, Rainbow Row is considered a keystone in Charleston culture and history.

Ways to explore

Situated near Waterfront Park in the heart of Charleston’s Historic District, Rainbow Row features on just about every Charleston guided tour and carriage ride, along with other popular points of interest such as the Dock Street Theatre, White Point Gardens, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, and the Waterfront Battery. You can also take in these candy-colored private homes at your own pace with a self-guided audio tour or scavenger hunt experience, or join a themed tour that includes a stop here as part of a Revolutionary War-focused itinerary.

Accessibility

East Bay Street is level and paved, making it easy to navigate with a wheelchair.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera and battery pack, water bottle

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, hat

Not allowed

Be respectful of the residents of these private homes when snapping photos.

Amenities

The surrounding neighborhood offers a wide variety of shops and restaurants.

Address 

Rainbow Row is located on the stretch of East Bay Street between Tradd and Elliot streets in Charleston. It’s a short walk from Waterfront Park, and it’s easily accessible on foot from just about anywhere in the historic district.

Driving

Take East Bay Street south from downtown Charleston. There is free and metered street parking along East Bay Street and the surrounding cross streets.

Public transportation

You can easily walk to Rainbow Row from most sights in historic Charleston, or take local buses 20 or 211; both stop within a city block of the colorful homes.

Best times to visit

Visit during the daylight hours to best admire the painted facades lining Rainbow Row and snap photos.

Best days to visit

The street is always open to the public, though traffic along this popular shopping and dining street may be heavier on weekends.

Best months to visit

The colorful homes are partially obscured by trees from spring through fall, so visit during the winter months for clearer views.

Special events

There are no events specific to Rainbow Row, but the entire city comes to life each spring for Spoleto Festival USA and the Charleston Wine + Food Festival.