King Street in Charleston: what Upper, Middle and Lower King are known for, Second Sunday street closures, the Saturday market and where to park.
Last checked Oct. 16, 2026. Facts come from the City of Charleston’s King Street Profile, city calendar and parking page, and from the King Street Business Improvement District. Any city question: Citizen Services Desk, 843-724-7311.
King Street is Charleston’s main shopping street, running up the length of the peninsula. The city says retail anchored by King Street draws more than 7 million visitors a year, with a mix of fashion, art, antiques, home goods and restaurants from local, regional and national businesses. Its business district runs from Broad Street north to Line Street.
Who to call
- King Street BID and Ambassadors: 843-729-0194, kingstreetbid.com
- Parking meters and city garages: Revenue Collections Parking Division, 843-724-7375
- Any city question or problem on the street: Citizen Services Desk, 843-724-7311
- Police, non-emergency: 843-743-7200
Lower, Middle and Upper King
The city’s King Street Profile splits the street into three stretches. The figures below are from its Q3 2024 report, the latest the city has posted.
| Section | From and to | Occupied storefronts | Local businesses | Biggest category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lower King | Broad Street to Market Street | 97% | 56% | Apparel (42%) |
| Middle King | Market Street to Calhoun Street | 94% | 38% | Apparel (51%) |
| Upper King | Calhoun Street to Line Street | 87% | 68% | Restaurants (36%) |
In practice:
- Lower King, south of Market Street, is the most fully let stretch, and most of its shops are local.
- Middle King, between Market and Calhoun, has the most national brands: 45% of its storefronts, against 26% on Lower King.
- Upper King, north of Calhoun past Marion Square, is where most of the restaurants and bars are, and has the highest share of local owners. See our guides to live music and nightlife and date night.
Second Sunday on King
Once a month the city turns King Street over to people on foot. On the second Sunday of each month, King Street is closed to cars from Calhoun Street to Queen Street from noon to 5 p.m., according to the city calendar. On the monthly schedule, the next two are Sunday, Nov. 8, and Sunday, Dec. 13; check the city calendar the week before, as dates can move around holidays.
Marion Square and the Saturday market
Marion Square, at King and Calhoun streets, is the 10-acre square that splits Middle and Upper King. The Charleston Farmers Market, run by the city’s Office of Cultural Affairs, fills it on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. from April through Nov. 21, with holiday markets in December. Full details, including the West Ashley market at Ackerman Park, are on our farmers markets page. The square also hosts the city’s Christmas tree; see Christmas parade and tree lighting.
Parking
The city runs three garages right on King Street, all listed on its parking page:
| Garage | Address | Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Majestic | 211 King St. | Credit card |
| Marion Square | 399 King St. | Credit card |
| Midtown | 558 King St. | Cash and credit card |
- Street meters run Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. They are free on Sundays and city holidays.
- No street parking at night on weekends: parking on King Street between Spring and John streets is banned from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
- Disabled parking: drivers with a state placard or plate park free at city meters and in city garages, under state law. Private garages do not have to offer this.
- The Visitor Center, 375 Meeting St. between Ann and John streets, is a block east of King Street.
More on parking, CARTA buses and the free DASH trolley in our getting around guide.
The King Street Ambassadors
The King Street Ambassadors, in teal, navy and orange uniforms, work the street seven days a week: picking up litter, removing graffiti from public fixtures within 24 hours, giving directions and connecting people who need help with social services. They are paid for by the King Street Business Improvement District, which covers every property fronting King Street between Line and Broad streets and is run by the nonprofit Charleston Downtown Alliance.
What this means for you
- Want to walk King Street without traffic? Go on a Second Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
- Driving in on a Sunday? The meters are free.
- Out on a Friday or Saturday night? Use a garage; the street spaces from Spring to John streets are off limits after 6 p.m.
More: Black Friday and holiday shopping, brunch and free things to do.
Frequently asked questions
When is Second Sunday on King Street?
On the second Sunday of each month, King Street is closed to cars from Calhoun Street to Queen Street from noon to 5 p.m., the city says, so people can walk in the street. The next ones fall on Nov. 8 and Dec. 13.
Where should I park for King Street?
The city runs three garages on King Street itself: Majestic at 211 King St., Marion Square at 399 King St. and Midtown at 558 King St. Street meters are free on Sundays and city holidays.
What is the difference between Upper, Middle and Lower King?
The city splits King Street into Lower King (Broad to Market streets), Middle King (Market to Calhoun) and Upper King (Calhoun to Line). Apparel stores lead in Lower and Middle King; restaurants make up the biggest share on Upper King.
Can you park on King Street at night?
Not on the busiest stretch on weekends. Street parking on King Street between Spring and John streets is banned from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
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