Rainbow Row is one of the popular tourist attractions in Charleston, South Carolina and one of the most photographed parts of the city. I’ve seen a lot of photos of this attraction on Instagram so I added it on our list of things to see on our recent trip to Charleston to celebrate my birthday.
Located on East Bay Street, these series of thirteen colorful historic houses that were restored in the 1930s and 1940s is named Rainbow Row because of the pastel colors that they were painted with.
We were just driving around this area when I took this photo that’s why I only got to snap a few shots and I didn’t get to capture all thirteen houses. These photos sure don’t do justice on how adorable these row of houses are. The colors are definitely more vibrant in person. The weather was overcast that time, too as you can see in these shots.
As per Wikipedia:
Common myths concerning Charleston include variants on the reasons for the paint colors. According to some tales, the houses were painted in the various colors such that the intoxicated sailors coming in from port could remember which houses they were to bunk in. In other versions, the colors of the buildings date from their use as stores; the colors were used so that owners could tell illiterate slaves which building to go to for shopping.
The real fact, however, is that the colors of the houses helped keep the houses cool inside in this era before air conditioning was economically viable for the masses.
Rainbow Row, an iconic site, was really a nice thing to see in Charleston.
Have you been to Charleston before? Have you seen the Rainbow Row? Tell me about it!
Gorgeous! I’d love to go here one day. You can get some neat photos.
What cool looking houses. This is an area that I need to check out.
I love that Rainbow Row is still around. I remember when we first saw it on a vacation back in the 90’s. My mom got a print to frame of all those colorful houses.
I have been a couple of times and haven’t seen this. I just added it to my list for the next time I go!
I love old houses and the fact that these may have been brightly colored for years is awesome!
They looked gorgeous, maybe more gorgeous in person. Thanks for sharing about this place. Can’t wait to wander around there.
It looks so pretty there. I would love to see the coloured houses myself someday.
What a beautiful place to visit. I would love to see that someday as well. Those photos are so lovely.
I grew up in Summerville outside of Charleston and still have a painting I did of Rainbow Row in school. Charleston is amazing and such a beautiful place full of rich history. I miss it so much 😉
I have never been to rainbow row before but I love how colourful it looks! So vibrant
I’ve never been here before, but I’d love to visit someday! Those houses are so colorful. I love it!
Beautiful, I would love to visit Charleston some day. It is in my wishlist.
This place reminded me of Hong Kong’s most instagrammable spot, Rainbow Estate! 😍Thanks for sharing the details, hun 🙂 Beautiful shots 👌🏻
You’re welcome!
One of my best vacations was traveling to Charleston and visiting Rainbow Row. It reminds me of Boat House Row in Philadelphia. It is a great place.