Rainbow Row is a famous stretch of 13 pastel-painted historic houses on East Bay Street in Charleston, South Carolina, and one of the most photographed landmarks in the city.
The name comes from the pastel color scheme applied during restoration in the 1930s–1940s.
Preservationist Dorothy Haskell Porcher Legge bought and renovated the Othniel Beale House (around 99–101 East Bay) and painted it a striking pink, neighbours followed suit, creating the rainbow effect.
The row represents the longest cluster of Georgian row houses in the United States. Originally, many  functioned as commercial spaces on the ground floor with living quarters above, typical of 18th‑century Charleston waterfront architecture. 
 
Interesting facts...
An urban myth is that the colours were chosen so drunk sailors know which lodging to return to after a night out. The colours are actually modelled on Caribbean houses.
 
Addresses run from 79 to 107 East Bay Street, between Tradd Street and Elliott Street, in Charleston’s historic district.