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28 Best Things to Do in Charleston, South Carolina

Planning a trip to the Holy City? Here are 28 of the best things to do in Charleston, South Carolina.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

Planning Your Perfect Charleston Itinerary

Can’t-miss attractions, top things to do in charleston for history lovers, for foodies, for families with kids, for couples.

• For Groups of Friends

Consistently ranked among the best cities in the United States by Travel + Leisure readers, Charleston is a vacation treasure trove, with an incredible food scene made up of old-school favorites and inventive newcomers, a prime location surrounded by water and near beautiful beaches, and plenty to see and do. As a South Carolinian who lived in Charleston for several years, I've seen and done it all in this Lowcountry destination, but in order to round up the best things to do in Charleston, I also tapped local experts from a few of my favorite hotels, including David Hood, head butler at The Spectator Hotel, and Jason Horbal and Mike Wilson from the HarbourView Inn.

"For history lovers, the historic downtown has much to see and do. Between the walking tours, historic homes, and museums, there is plenty to see that will keep you busy for days. For others, outside of downtown, there are beaches, yachting, fishing, golf, shopping and so much more. Charleston also offers some of the best cuisine in the South," says Wilson, front office manager at HarbourView Inn.

With something for every type of traveler, here are 28 of the best things to do in Charleston, South Carolina.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

If you’re short on time with just a day or two to explore Charleston, there are a few must-see spots to check out. Thankfully, several of the city’s top attractions — including King Street, the Battery, Rainbow Row, and Charleston City Market — are all located within walking distance of each other and can easily be seen in one day. If you’re spending several days in the Holy City, I recommend visiting those can’t-miss sights before diving deeper into Charleston history and culture with a museum visit or tour (more on our top picks below). And if you have time, rent a car and explore the surrounding areas; you can lounge on the beach at Sullivan’s Island, go golfing on a renowned Kiawah Island course, or search for shark teeth on Morris Island. 

Stroll along Waterfront Park and the Battery.

Start in Joe Riley Waterfront Park, where you'll see the iconic Pineapple Fountain, and walk down along the water before strolling over to Rainbow Row, made up of several candy-colored Georgian-style row homes. Continue down East Bay until it becomes East Battery, another scenic street with views of the harbor and historic houses.

"Charleston has a very European city feel to it, balancing small-town intimacy with cosmopolitan amenities and offerings (probably part of the reason why Charleston, South Carolina and Spoleto, Italy have been "sister cities" for nearly 50 years). I enjoy strolling around the downtown peninsula, in the heart of the historic district, where travelers can experience a variety of dining, history, art, culture, and more, all on foot," says David Hood, head butler at The Spectator Hotel.

Related:   Charleston Travel Guide

Walk down King Street.

A visit to Charleston is incomplete without a stroll down the main drag, King Street. On Lower King, find antique shops packed with all sorts of vintage wares; Middle King features a mix of locally owned shops and high-end boutiques; and Upper King is home to some of the city's best nightlife and dining.

Take a ghost tour.

Get acquainted with the spooky side of the city and learn about some of its eternal residents on a ghost tour. Bulldog Tours has options ranging from a visit to the haunted (and historic) old jail to a paranormal investigation of the USS Yorktown .

Pick up a sweetgrass basket.

There are few souvenirs as iconic as a Charleston sweetgrass basket. Created by Gullah artisans with designs ranging from functional to intricate, you can find these baskets, woven from local marsh grass, throughout the city (with many sellers in the Charleston City Market ).

Visit the International African American Museum.

After more than two decades of planning, the International African American Museum (IAAM) opened its doors on June 27, 2023 at Gadsden's Wharf, one of the nation’s most prolific former slave trading ports. The landmark project aims to showcase the breadth of African American history through nine core exhibition galleries, a special exhibition gallery, and contemporary art throughout the space. In addition to more than 700 artifacts from the 17th century to the present day, the building also houses the Center for Family History, a genealogy and ancestry resource center. On the ground level, the African Ancestors Memorial Garden will spotlight the shoreline where hundreds of thousands of enslaved Africans first set foot in America, creating a new space for reflection, programming, and learning opportunities for all.

Learn about U.S. history on the USS Yorktown.

While the historic city is perhaps better known for its significance during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, you can learn about World War II, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum , where you'll find the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier, a destroyer, and a submarine, along with other educational exhibits.

Explore Fort Moultrie and Fort Sumter.

The two forts that make up the Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park tell the story of Charleston's role in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Fort Moultrie, located on Sullivan's Island, was in use from 1776 to 1947, while Fort Sumter, found on an island in Charleston Harbor that's only accessible by boat, was the site of the start of the Civil War.

Visit the Old Slave Mart Museum.

In a city known for its former plantations and antebellum homes, it's important to recognize the true human history. The Old Slave Mart Museum is located inside a building that was used as an auction gallery where enslaved people were sold. Here, you can learn more about the history of slavery in Charleston.

See the Angel Oak.

Considered the largest Southern live oak tree east of the Mississippi River, the Angel Oak on Johns Island is one of South Carolina’s treasures. The tree is estimated to be at least 400 years old, which is evident given its sprawling branches that shade an area of over 17,000 square feet. A new 44-acre preserve featuring boardwalk trails, a play area for children, and educational information about the tree is underway, so visitors will have even more to look forward to in the future.

Learn about Gullah history and culture.

The Gullah are African American people from the Lowcountry regions of South Carolina and neighboring states, and their history and culture (and language, also called Gullah) are important parts of the Charleston story. Join Gullah Tours to learn more about Black history in the city, stopping at significant places like Denmark Vesey's home, quarters where enslaved people once lived, and more.

Start your day with biscuits.

Start your day with a warm, indulgent biscuit. Choose from nationally acclaimed Callie's Hot Little Biscuit (which has two outposts downtown) or head across the river to Mount Pleasant for Vicious Biscuit , a personal favorite. At the latter, I order The Vicious, a cheddar and jalapeño biscuit stuffed with fried chicken, their signature maple sausage gravy, house cowboy candy, and a drizzle of maple syrup.

Shop local at the farmers market on Saturdays.

Saturday mornings are best spent in the heart of downtown Charleston at the farmers market on Marion Square. Find local produce, artisan crafts, and snacks to enjoy while you browse.

Eat your way around the city's best restaurants.

"Charleston’s robust culinary scene has inspired visitors to experience a few of the city’s most popular dining hot spots that have made best restaurant lists time and time again, and for good reason," says Jason Horbal, assistant general manager at HarbourView Inn . Charleston has long been known as a foodie destination, with a mix of newcomers and established favorites. My top recommendations include Wild Common for the incredible tasting menu, Fig for elevated Southern dishes, Hank's Seafood Restaurant for tasty seafood, and Halls Chophouse for steaks followed by bread pudding. That said, Horbal also encourages visitors to ask locals (including the knowledgeable staff at your hotel) for any under-the-radar favorites. "My favorite thing to do in Charleston is discover the lesser-known, hidden gems of restaurants that tend to fly under the radar," says Horbal.

And order these classic Charleston dishes.

On your culinary tour of the city, there are a few local dishes that visitors must try (and they're featured on the menus of many restaurants). Try fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and hush puppies (delightful balls of deep-fried dough, often served as a starter or a side), all washed down with a glass of sweet tea.

Sip some local brews.

Local breweries abound in Charleston, so try one (or a few) of the beers from the likes of Edmund's Oast Brewing Co. , Holy City Brewing , and Westbrook Brewing , or head to the Firefly Distillery , known for their fan-favorite sweet tea vodka and fruit-flavored moonshine.

See the local marine life at the South Carolina Aquarium.

This waterfront aquarium is home to more than 5,000 animals and the Sea Turtle Care Center, which aids sick or injured turtles. The AZA-accredited aquarium highlights the marine life found throughout South Carolina, from the mountains to the coast.

Cheer on the Charleston RiverDogs.

Charleston is home to a Minor League Baseball team — the RiverDogs — so those looking for a sporty outing can snag tickets to cheer them on. (Fun fact: Actor Bill Murray is a part-owner of the team.)

Visit Charles Towne Landing.

Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site , located in West Ashley, is home to the site of the first European settlement founded in South Carolina (in 1670). Here, you can explore the gardens, visit the original settlement area, and even see animals that lived in the area when it was settled. "It has a perfect mix of history and scenery, and you can really get a sense of what Charleston and the Lowcountry are all about with its self-guided history trail, bike rentals, strolling through the alley of live oaks, and visiting its 12-room exhibit hall," says Hood.

Watch eagles, falcons, and owls take flight.

The Center for Birds of Prey at the Avian Conservation Center offers visitors an opportunity to learn about birds of prey in a beautiful setting. Situated on a 152-acre campus just north of Charleston, the center includes a medical clinic for injured birds and a facility for research, conservation, and educational programs. The center offers tours and flight demonstrations every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, allowing visitors to observe the flight techniques and hunting styles of eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, and vultures.

Search for shark teeth on Morris Island.

Only accessible by boat, Morris Island is an 840-acre uninhabited island in Charleston Harbor. Used as a strategic location during the American Civil War, the island has a rich history, but few physical traces of its battleground past remain. Instead, you’ll find a secluded beach studded with shells, fossils, and shark teeth. Tour operators like Adventure Harbour Tours offer guided excursions that focus on searching for beach treasures and learning about the island’s ecology – and you may even spot some dolphins along the way.

Take a sunset cruise.

Getting out on the water — river, harbor, creek, or ocean — is a must when you visit Charleston. One way to take advantage of the waterfront location is a sunset cruise through the harbor aboard a catamaran or tall ship .

Admire art from near and far.

Head to the Gibbes Museum of Art to see works ranging from 18th-century paintings and decorative arts to contemporary pieces from local artists. After that, you can visit some of the many galleries throughout the city — perhaps you'll even find a piece to take home as a souvenir. I recommend art lovers time their visit to the yearly Spoleto Festival, which welcomes artists from around the globe for a 2+ week performing arts extravaganza.

Stroll the Shem Creek Boardwalk.

Shem Creek, located in Mount Pleasant, is home to several waterfront seafood restaurants, and you can walk along its boardwalk to take in views of the water, marsh, and boats (and breathe in that fresh, salty air).

Lounge on the beach.

Downtown Charleston is just a short drive from the area's three popular beaches: Folly Beach, Isle of Palms Beach, and Sullivan's Island Beach. Each has soft, white sand and a distinct feel: Folly has lively bars and restaurants just steps from the shores, Sullivan's Island — my personal favorite — is more residential, and Isle of Palms is somewhere in between, with easy public access via Isle of Palms County Park.

Related: The 13 Best Beaches in South Carolina

Beaches We Love: T+L’s Top Coastal Escapes

For groups of friends , hit the links at acclaimed golf courses..

Thanks to the South Carolina Lowcountry's comfortable weather and fantastic courses (many offer beautiful views of the marsh and water), you can golf year-round in and near Charleston. One of the area's most famous courses is the stunning Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort.

Paddle around on a kayak tour.

Take a kayak tour through the marshes and creeks around Charleston to get close to the area's incredible marine and wildlife. Charleston Outdoor Adventures is one of several tour operators in the area — just don't forget your sunscreen.

Walk the Ravenel Bridge.

Charleston's famous bridge connecting Mount Pleasant and downtown Charleston, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, has a path for pedestrians. You can walk across its entirety — or just a section — for sweeping views of the harbor (if you're not afraid of heights).

Hop around the rooftop bars.

Get a new perspective on the Holy City — and see the many church steeples that give it that nickname — with a visit to one (or a few) of the rooftop bars around Charleston. Options include Fiat Lux at the Hotel Bennett (my favorite), Citrus Club at The Dewberry, Pavilion Bar at the Market Pavilion Hotel, The Rooftop at The Vendue, and Élevé at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston.

Visitor Guide

Book your vacation, the official charleston visitor guide – spring 2023.

Welcome to the Official Charleston Visitor Guide for Spring 2023! This comprehensive guide showcases the best of Charleston and is designed to help you make the most of your trip. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you'll find plenty of things to see and do in this charming city, which is steeped in history and Southern hospitality. From historic landmarks and breathtaking beaches to world-class restaurants and charming boutiques, Charleston has something for everyone. So get ready to explore and let this guide be your companion on your journey. We hope you have an unforgettable Charleston experience!

Charleston's nonstop flight list is growing.  Check if your airport is on the list.

Request a mail-in Visitor Guide  via CharlestonCVB.com

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3 Days in Charleston: The Perfect Long Weekend Itinerary

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you buy or book through one of these links, I may earn a small commission .

Planning a trip to fabulous Charleston, South Carolina, a peninsula where the church spires are the tallest structures? Charleston’s manageable size allows you to see a lot in a short time, making it the perfect choice for a quick getaway. In fact, 3 days in Charleston is just enough to experience the best of this Southern city.

Charleston is one of the first places I ever traveled to with my husband, and I’ve been smitten ever since. Dubbed “The Holy City” due to its many and varied places of worship, there is beauty and history down every palmetto-filled lane. Originally founded as Charles Town in 1670, there seems to be a story behind every structure.

That said, Charleston is also quite cosmopolitan, with top notch restaurants and a vibrant arts scene. Filled with romance and style, it’s also a popular honeymoon and bachelorette party destination.

Charleston’s charm continues to lure me back, and I can’t seem to stay away for too long. To help you see why this city is so alluring, I’ve curated the perfect 3-day Charleston itinerary below. Are you ready to eat some amazing food while exploring one of America’s oldest cities?

Super Romantic Things to do in Beautiful Charleston Budget Breakdown: Comprehensive Guide to Saving Money in Charleston Celebrating Fall in Charleston, SC Charleston, SC to Savannah, GA Ultimate One Week Road Trip

The Perfect 3 Days in Charleston Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the Holy City

I created the below sightseeing walk ( link to map ), which shows you the best of Charleston’s famous sights in one morning. The walk is two miles long and takes about forty minutes to complete without stops. However, I recommend taking extra time to visit sites of interest along the way or simply lingering a little longer at the prettiest spots.

Warning – your camera storage will be full of photos by the time you’re done.

Start at the corner of Market Street and Church Street, right by the Historic Charleston City Market. If you want, pop into the market to grab a bite at Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit and peruse stalls selling local goods before you set out.

Follow Church Street to Cumberland Street. You will see the iconic stone spire of St. Philip’s Church ahead of you. Fun fact – there are rules limiting new building height to ensure the church spires remain the tallest structures in the skyline.

Philadelphia Alley

Turn left onto Cumberland Street and you will quickly run into one of my favorite little paths: Philadelphia Alley. It is one of Charleston’s most beautiful alleyways, lined with greenery and prettily exposed brick walls where the painted plaster has worn away. Follow this lane to Queen Street.

Once on Queen Street, if you look to your right, you’ll see the unique petite façade of the French Huguenot Church. With its pink colored stucco and black iron details, it is a National Historic Landmark for being the last remaining independent Huguenot Church in America.

Now, turn left and walk all the way down Queen Street to the Joe Riley Waterfront Park.

Joe Riley Waterfront Park

When you arrive at the park, follow the path through the green space on your right to the Pineapple Fountain. This is one of the most famous photo spots in Charleston, and a lovely place to take a rest on the surrounding benches. 

I absolutely loved staying at The Vendue during our first trip because this stylish artsy hotel is just steps away from this park, and ideal for morning walks with coffee along the river. This boutique “art hotel” has its own rotating gallery where complementary wine is served each evening, and my favorite – free cookies at night!

Rainbow Row

Continue following the path to the end of the park until it drops you off onto N Adgers Wharf. Follow this to E Bay Street, and turn left.  In just a few steps the famous colorful houses of the Rainbow Row will come into view on your right. This right here is the most iconic photo spot in Charleston .

The Battery

Continue along E Bay Street and follow it all the way along the Cooper River. The street turns into E Battery Street, becoming very scenic with one beautiful historic mansion after another on your right and the tidal river on your left. 

The street ends at The Battery, a greenspace that was once a Civil War defensive post. Pause here for a moment before continuing back the way you came via Church Street.

Church Street

Head back via Church Street, a pleasant route that passes many quintessentially charming Charleston historical homes. Look for plaques that denote the Charlestonians and notable guests who’ve passed through, as well as significant events that took place in the houses. 

A couple interesting landmarks to note:

• More adorable paths, including Stolls Alley and Longitude Lane
• Heyward-Washington House , which once hosted President George Washington
• Carolina Antique Maps and Prints for my fellow map devotees

The “Four Corners of Law”

When you reach Broad Street, take a left towards Meeting Street. You’ll find yourself at The Four Corners of Law : the City Hall, State House, Federal Post Office and Judiciary System, and St. Michael’s Episcopal Church . Robert Ripley of Ripley’s Believe It or Not!  cleverly assigned this name after his visit, referring to City Law, State Law, Federal Law, and God’s Law.

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church , with its tall white steeple, dates back to 1761 and is one of the most striking churches in Charleston. Both President George Washington and General Robert E. Lee have worshipped here in pew Number 43.

Travel Savvy Tip

If you’d prefer to have a guide, join one of Charleston’s many walking tours. There are plenty of themes to choose from, whether you want history, ghosts, or cocktails. We loved Two Sisters Tours for a general Charleston overview. 

We also enjoyed this pub tour that made four different stops while telling stories of Charleston’s past, including which pubs are haunted. It introduced us to the city, while giving us some ideas for bars and restaurants to revisit later. 

Pop into the Blind Tiger Pub on Broad Street. This gastropub serves local craft beer and tasty eats like their duck sandwich with truffle fries. I should add, during a mother-daughter trip, the shrimp and grits was my mom’s favorite meal she ate in all of Charleston.

Old Slave Mart Museum

Make a left back onto Church Street, then a right onto cobblestone Chalmers Street for two more stops. 

First, you will run into the Pink House Gallery, with its striking façade of tropical pink stucco and a charmingly wonky tile roof. It is allegedly the oldest masonry residence in Charleston, having been built between 1690 and 1712.

Walk a touch further down the street to the Old Slave Mart Museum (originally Ryan’s Mart) on your left. The building came into use for this purpose during the 1850’s when outdoor slave auctions increasingly drew outcry from visitors to the city, and were subsequently banned. At one time, this entire block was largely a slave mart district with several of these establishments in business.

There aren’t many artifacts inside, but for $8 the Old Slave Mart Museum thoroughly describes the interstate slave trade in America. This is opposed to the transatlantic slave trade , which was nationally outlawed in 1807. After that, focus shifted to interstate trade, since by that time there were sadly enough enslaved people in the South for the industry to sustain itself.

Rest up before dinner, or take advantage of your hotel’s complementary wine happy hour (many Charleston hotels offer this). I adored sipping merlot by the fountains in the gorgeous courtyard of this hotel , which basically had unlimited free wine.

If you have a car, I highly recommend heading to Sullivan’s Island to dine at The Obstinate Daughter . I’m still dreaming about the Shrimp Roll and Old Danger Flatbread from this chic coastal restaurant.

If you don’t have a car, check out The Rooftop at the Vendue for some lighter fare. It is open for lunch and dinner every night and provides romantic views of Charleston’s spires and steeples.

Related: Savannah vs Charleston – Which Coastal Southern City is Better?

Day 2: Fort Sumter

Don’t worry – no more lengthy walking itineraries today! Rather, we are heading to the riverfront. 

Visit a Café

Start your day with coffee from an adorable Charleston café. Clerks Coffee Company , located in the Hotel Emeline , is modern, bright, and has a small breakfast menu with items like a breakfast sandwich or avocado toast. 

Liberty Square

With coffee in hand, take a leisurely mile walk or Uber down to Liberty Square. This is where the ferry to Fort Sumter takes off, as well as where you can see some of the best views of Charleston’s Arthur J. Ravenel Bridge.

Get in line to tour Fort Sumter on either the 9:00am, 12:00pm, or 2:30pm ferry. You can grab your tickets here .

Fort Sumter

A two-hour-and-fifteen-minute tour of Fort Sumter is easy to squeeze into 3 days in Charleston and is a must if you’re into history. After all, Fort Sumter is the site where the Civil War began when it was fired upon by Confederate troops.

The pleasant half-hour ferry ride allows you to sit on the top deck or below deck inside. In good weather, I highly recommend sitting outside for fresh air and gorgeous views of the Charleston waterfront.

Once at Fort Sumter, you have one hour to explore. The tour starts with a brief presentation from a National Park Ranger, but after that you can roam about. 

There are numerous informational signs, canons, and other artifacts that tell the story of the Union’s struggle to retake Fort Sumter from the Confederacy throughout the war. For four years, the fort took a beating until it was abandoned in 1865 when Union General William T. Sherman captured Charleston. The fort was restored after the war, but you can still find a couple old shells stuck in the walls.

Walk or Uber a mile down E Bay Street to grab lunch on the water at Fleet Landing . This nautical restaurant was built in a retired naval building and delivers tasty Southern seafood dishes with views of the Cooper River. 

During the mother-daughter trip, I devoured their Fried Green Tomato “BLT” and we split a bowl of rich, velvety She Crab Soup. It was the perfect warming dish to eat on the patio with the cool breeze coming off the water.

House Museum

It would be remiss not to check out at least one of Charleston’s many house museums. I recommend the Aiken-Rhett House Museum for $15, which can also be bought as a combo ticket with the Nathaniel Russell House for $24. 

The Aiken-Rhett House belonged to the Aiken family for 142 years before being sold to the Charleston Museum. All but one room has been preserved as it was found, furnishings and all, rather than restored. This makes the house seem stuck in time, and it’s easier to visualize each room as the Aiken once saw it.

Your ticket includes a self-guided audio tour of the house, beginning with a walk through the slave quarters that remain almost completely unchanged since the 1850’s. I personally found that this tour did a better job giving insight into the daily lives of the enslaved people who lived and worked there than any other house tour in Charleston. In fact, it’s a glaring example of how this ugly practice once extended beyond the plantations into the city.

Dine Out in Style

You must experience Charleston’s sophisticated dining scene during at least one of your 3 days in Charleston. Two of the nicest places in town are FIG and Husk, and they are quite different vibes.

Husk feels more traditional, located in what was once an elegant old Charleston home in a quiet section of Queen Street. They feature upscale Southern fare, with specials like homemade cheese-its topped with pimento spread. Sadly, our experienced was dampened by a somewhat dry and chewy pork entrée.

FIG has a more modern feel than Husk in a livelier part of town, but in a smaller, more intimate setting. They still use traditional, locally sourced ingredients, but in bright modern ways. The lamb tartar was crazy good, the gnocchi is a must-order, and there was even a dish that came with “freshly-dug” potatoes. 

One more option my husband and I always fondly remember is our dinner at Circa 1886 . This fine dining establishment is built inside the original carriage house of the historic Wentworth Mansion . 

Whichever you choose, make reservations far in advance. Especially for FIG – the best times virtually disappear the moment they are released four weeks out.

Day 3: Visit a Plantation

Brunch at magnolia’s.

Have a delicious brunch at Magnolia’s before heading out for the last of your 3 days in Charleston. This classy establishment takes traditional Southern staples up a notch. Some examples are country fried steak and banana pudding stuffed French toast.  In other words, just plain good southern comfort food.

Visit a historic plantation

There is no better way to truly understand Charleston’s deep and complicated history than by visiting a plantation. There are several plantations all around Charleston, and you can find a cluster of them along Ashley River Road. 

I recommend heading that direction for a hauntingly beautiful drive under canopies of live oaks and wispy Spanish Moss. Two excellent choices along this route are Middleton Place and Drayton Hall.

Middleton Place

Middleton Place’s sprawling manicured grounds surround the property’s remaining brick structure (it’s counterparts were destroyed during the Civil War). As most of the family’s belongings were hidden from Union Troops, you will see many such items during your tour. In fact, everything in the house either belonged to or is on loan from the Middleton family.

A visit does not come cheap, at $32 ($28 online) for just the grounds and an additional $15 to tour the house. That said, you’ll get to interact with passionate volunteers who love answering questions. When I visited with my mom, we were pulled aside to join a presentation on slavery that was so captivating, it hardly felt like thirty minutes had passed.

Drayton Hall

For an experience you cannot replicate elsewhere, visit Drayton Hall , or the nation’s “oldest preserved plantation house still open to the public”. 

While rather sparse on the inside, Drayton Hall is another rare building that has been preserved (rather than restored) in its current state since the mid-1800’s. With few modern reminders around you, you might actually believe you’re standing in another era (until someone’s phone buzzes).

Old Exchange

If you still have energy for one more museum at the end of your 3 days in Charleston, visit The Old Exchange . This historic building was originally built in 1771 and has served various purposes. 

Over time, The Old Exchange has changed hands between British, U.S., Confederate, and local ownership. It is incredible to think how much it has witnessed in Charleston over 2 ½ centuries – hurricanes, fires, earthquakes, and multiple wars. That’s quite a lot!

Have the final meal of your trip at R. Kitchen . This creative joint does two seatings: 6pm or 8pm. The menu changes daily and has five preset courses at $70 a person.

You’ll share this intimate space with the kitchen while sipping wine, tasting the day’s dishes, and celebrating an awesome trip. As this experience is popular, be sure to make reservations in advance.

Plan Your 3 Days in Charleston

Ensure your Charleston trip planning goes smoothly with these tips:

Getting to Charleston

• Drive: It’s handy to have a car with you to do day trips from Charleston, such as to a plantation or beach. However, it’s not needed if you plan to stay downtown during your 3 days in Charleston, as the city is totally walkable. Not having a car will also save you the nightly parking rate that virtually all downtown hotels charge.
• Fly: If you choose to fly to Charleston, you will be landing at Charleston International Airport . From there, it’s only about a 20 minute Uber ride or drive downtown. As far as rental cars, these are easy to pick up at the airport and driving around Charleston is a fairly stress-free experience.

Where to Stay During 3 Days in Charleston

Stay in Charleston’s Historic District for the most centrally located hotel options. This compact area of downtown Charleston contains many of the city’s most popular sights and incredible eateries all within walking distance. Here are two Charleston stays I adored:

• The Vendue: Charleston’s fabulous art hotel was newly renovated during 2023. My husband and I stayed here on our first visit and absolutely loved that it was just steps away from the waterfront park. Also, with unique perks like their own rotating gallery and rooftop bar, our already stylish trip felt even more so. Plus, you can’t beat free nightly wine and cookies.
• Indigo Inn: This hotel couldn’t be any more well-located and is about a minute from popular spots like FIG and the City Market. Though the rooms aren’t super modern, they are clean, comfortable, and moderately-priced. My favorite perk was the Indigo’s gorgeous courtyard, where we enjoyed complimentary breakfast and wine each day.

When to Visit

• Spring : In March through May, find pleasant temperatures ranging from 60-80 degrees. This is the perfect weather for walking all over Charleston as the flowers bloom around you. Tip: Come in late Spring to avoid crowds and inflated prices.
• Summer: In June through August, Charleston is sweltering with temperatures in the high 80’s. Find yourself a shaded porch with some cold iced tea. And don’t forget sunscreen!
• Fall: Peak season stretches from September through November. Similar to spring, temperatures are comfortable and prices are higher. Halloween time is also perfect for doing a ghost tour, as most old buildings in Charleston are rumored to be haunted. Tip: Crowds start to thin towards the end of November.
• Winter: In December through February, expect cooler, but not cold weather, as temperatures mostly stay between 50-60 degrees. This season also brings better prices and thin crowds (except around Valentines Day).

Now you are all set to take a deep dive into the Lowcountry over 3 days in Charleston. This itinerary will have you walking and eating your way though all that the Holy City has to offer. If you are anything like me, Charleston will charm you right back into returning to discover even more new places time and time again.

Are you traveling to Charleston soon? What are you excited to see in the Lowcountry?

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Just loved your walking tour of downtown Charleston! Thanks for all the details!!

Aww yay! Thanks Kim, I really appreciate this feedback. I mapped this route out for a trip with my mom, and we simply loved it!

If I go to Charleston (looking into it now), I will follow your itinerary! Everything sounds wonderful. Love the restaurant recommendations too! 😉

Quick question: if we have extra time, is there a beach/coastal area (outside of town) that you’d recommend?

Thanks Karen! I had so much fun putting this together 🙂

There are two coastal areas nearby that I’d recommend: – Isle of Palms, which has a very stunning, lengthy beach. – Sullivan’s Island, which is a little beach town with some awesome eateries like The Longboard and Obstinate Daughter. There is also the Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse to check out.

Enjoy your trip!

Your information is very impressive and interesting!! I have never been to Charleston, and I’m really curious in what part of the city to stay. You mentioned the historic district – is that better than hotels by the river? And how about traditional B&Bs? I will have a car and will be there mid April. I appreciate any advice you can give me – as you sound like a veteran! 😃

Thank you! Yes, I’ve been several times, and it’s one of my favorite cities :). I’ve never visited in April before, but hear that time is lovely with plenty of flowers blooming!

The historic district is actually a very large area that begins on Calhoun Street and extends to the southern tip of the peninsula. That is where you’ll find the bulk of the historic homes and strollable lanes. There are plenty of nice hotels and B&B’s in this area. The ones I’ve mentioned above are lovely and in great locations. I’ve also stayed in the 1837 Bed and Breakfast, which was super quaint and adorable, but a bit of a walk to popular sights. The John Rutledge House Inn is one of the top rated historic inns in Charleston, and offers lots of charm in a great location. Hope that helps!

We are going to be in Charleston November 21-23 this year. We are traveling with our 10 year old son. Do you have any suggestions for dinner that is not too elegant or expensive that a family would enjoy? He has a rather diverse palate (aka doesn’t do a kids menu anymore). Also, it will be my birthday!

What a great birthday trip! One of my favorite casual restaurants for seafood is Fleet Landing, which has a cool location right on the river. Also, the Blind Tiger Pub is very casual, but it’s affordable, in a great location, and their food is really good. My favorite restaurant in Charleston is located on Sullivan’s Island: The Obstinate Daughter. It has a chic, beachy feel, and their pizzas are so good!

Thank you for this very helpful ininerary . What is your though on the tour pass? is it worth getting? or better to just pay admission/ tour cost tothings we visit

You’re welcome! It could be worth it to get the tour pass, if you are willing to build your itinerary around things included on the pass. However, for this particular itinerary it would probably not be worth it. This is because much of the sites on Day 1 are free to check out, for Day 2 Fort Sumter is not included on the pass, and neither of my two recommended plantations are included on the pass.

I would probably not purchase it for myself because I don’t like to jam 4-5 tours and sites into each day, and prefer more like 2-3. Plus, I wouldn’t want to be limited to only the sites on the pass in order to get its full value. But everyone is different, and if you don’t mind sticking to the tours and sites that are included, it’s definitely something to consider.

Hi Theresa,

I hope you are well. I chanced upon your website as I am looking to make a trip to Charleston and Savannah at the end of March this year, and came across this article. Just like you, I am a former accountant and I enjoy traveling! Your itinerary for a 3 day trip to Charleston looks thorough and is extremely well put together. My husband and I are slow travelers; vacations for us equate to exploring a town or city by foot and really getting lost in the culture. We enjoy long ramblings and lots of pit-stops to sample the local cuisine and always – wine! I don’t create checklists of things we must visit, and am certainly not one of those people who has to visit a site to capture the perfect Instagram worthy picture. However, I certainly understand that there are some sites that are a definite ‘must-see’.

My question – would you recommend this 3-day itinerary for slow travelers or would you suggest adding an extra day? Also, can Charleston be explored entirely on foot or would you recommend a rental car? Appreciate any response.

Thank you for taking the time to curate this thoughtful and enjoyable travel blog. I will be exploring further.

Hi Joy, thank you so much for this kind comment! I’ve been to Charleston several times now, and never tire of wandering it’s gorgeous streets. I’ve intentionally not jam-packed this itinerary to allow plenty of room to either slow down or add more sights, so I think it’ll be perfect for you!

It can be helpful to have a rental car for driving to nearby plantations or beaches (but perhaps no beach in March). You also might consider adding a fourth day for sights such as the Angel Oak, visiting more wine bars, or doing a themed walking tour (pub, ghost, historical). Hope that helps!

I will be going to Charleston May 22-25 and was thinking of going to Folly Beach but will not have a car. What are your thoughts on that? Also, do you know anything about the luxury dinner cruise? Also, will prices be really exaggerated at this time?

Hello! In May the weather should be beautiful for visiting Folly Beach! Without a car, the best way to reach the beach is via taxi or Uber/Lyft, as there really aren’t any great bus options currently. As far as the dinner cruise, I have not personally done it, but again, May is a gorgeous time of year to be on the water!

May is high season in Charleston, so hotel and flight prices could be a bit higher. However, tours and restaurant prices should be pretty consistent year-round.

Hi! So my wife and I going to Charleston for our 10-year wedding anniversary. We arrive on a Thursday afternoon and leave on a Sunday morning. The Thursday evening we arrive, I booked us a dinner at The Charleston Place, so we have two full days in CHS. How would you cut this down to only having two full days?

Hello! It would depend on your priorities, but definitely do Day 1. Then you would need to choose between seeing Fort Sumter or driving out to a plantation. Personally, I think it’s easiest to just stay in downtown Charleston for both days, since there is plenty to do. If you see Fort Sumter, you won’t need to worry about having a car since you can walk to the riverfront to catch the ferry.

I cannot for the life of me seem to find the website for Middleton Place. Would you mind sending? Your itinerary looks wonderful, and I have booked a few things based on your recommendation. I just need this one last piece of information. Thank you so much. MJ

So sorry about that! Here is the link for purchasing tickets: https://www.middletonplace.org/visit/tours-and-packages/tickets-middleton-place.php

I’ve also added it above!

Thank you for such detailed information. We are planning a trip to Charleston and Savannah. You have recommended 3 days in Charleston, have you visited Savannah as well and if so how many days would you suggest that we plan to see Savannah. Thank you Penny

Hi Penny! Yes, I have visited Savannah. I would recommend a similar timeframe of 2-3 days. The city of Savannah itself is worth at least 2, but there are also some sites outside the city like Bonaventure Cemetery that warrant staying an extra day.

Do you have any rec on taking a carriage tour of city .. which outfit? Or renting bikes to pedal around the city.. any rec on who to rent from? Love your 3 day itenetary…. Isiting in august for 4 days!

Thank you! You can’t go wrong with Palmetto Carriage Works , or the oldest carriage tour company in Charleston. Tours run every 30 minutes from 9am to 5:00pm.

For bikes, I would check out Bilda Bike in downtown Charleston. Sometimes hotels have bikes available for use as well.

My husband and I just did a 3 day trip to Charleston and I essentially followed your itinerary exclusively. IT WAS AMAZING! Every recommendation you made was fantastic. We loved our trip – thanks for your help!

This is so wonderful to hear! I’m so glad you enjoyed your trip 🙂

Thank you so much for the walking tour map. We visited Charleston in May for our 25th wedding anniversary. This was the first thing we did after we arrived. It was a wonderful walk. Your map made it easy to follow and ensured we were able to see all the highlights. We used the information on your website to read up on each place we visited. I just shared your map with my daughter. She is currently planning a Charleston trip.

Thank you for your comment Christie! So happy to hear the map was helpful and that you had a wonderful trip!

Hi! This is so great! Thank you for this!! My husband and I are visiting Charleston in April and will only have 3 days there. I love your walking tour and wanted to plan on Day 1. I am also missing the beach so much and would like 1-2 days of the pretty beach towns after one day of exploring Charleston– with our limited time, which beach would you recommend? We’d like to stay nights 2 and 3 on the beach (any hotel recommendations?). Thanks for any additional info.

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Home » North America » Charleston

CHARLESTON Itinerary • MUST READ! (2024)

Charleston – or Charleston SC, as the more rhythmically inclined tend to call it  –  is the oldest and largest city in South Carolina. It was founded in 1760 and thrived as a port city for much of its history.

Today, it is a city with a rich colonial and post-revolutionary legacy. It is known for its well-preserved historic architecture and has a reputation for being particularly friendly to tourists.

In fact, it has been voted as “America’s Most Friendly City” by several magazines and journals throughout the years. Most notably, it was chosen as the World’s Best City by Travel + Leisure in 2016.

There is no shortage of things to see and do in Charleston. Other than being a treasure trove of American history, it is host to numerous festivals, cultural events, and sporting events. Its southern food legacy is second to none, and the city also boasts a fine reputation for high-end cuisine.

Any visitor about to plan a trip to Charleston SC should consider sketching a basic itinerary of how to spend two, three or more days here. The Charleston itinerary we’ve drafted below takes in the best of many worlds within Charleston.

We’ve added important historical and cultural must-dos, but also included elements of fun and unusual for your vacation in Charleston. Here’s what you can add to your to-do list when planning a trip to Charleston.

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Best Time To Visit Charleston

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Charleston can be hot in the middle months of the year. The main factor to note here is the humidity, which can reach up to 100% on some days, especially in the height of summer.

The best time to travel to Charleston if you’re looking for milder temperatures is from March through May, and again between September and November.

The early period of the year is popular, especially around Easter time. Another argument for Spring is the legendary flora of South Carolina. You’ll hear many a visitor speak of the incredible gardens and flowers blooming at this time of year.

All of this might mean that accommodation is more in demand and slightly pricier, but the alternative is to visit in the rainy months between June and August. Those are also the hottest months, so if you’re up for a warm summer rain feel on your holiday, it might suit your Charleston itinerary after all. But be aware that high humidity is a major comfort factor in the Carolinas.

This month-by-month breakdown of average conditions in Charleston through the year will paint a fair picture of what you can expect when you visit Charleston at any given time of the year.

With a Charleston City Pass , you can experience the best of Charleston at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

If you hear someone refer to Charleston as “The Holy City,” it’s not because they mistake it for Rome. The city’s downtown skyline happens to be characterized by several church steeples and towers, earning it the nickname.

The downtown area is also locally referred to as The Peninsula. It is a popular tourist draw, with many hotels and tourism-focused goings-on. One of its most prominent structural features is the Arthur Ravenel Jr Bridge.

The French Quarter offers a flavor of its own. Historically, it was home to several French merchants who traded and settled here. Today, it boasts a strong art and fine dining character to its visitors.

Across the Arthur Ravenel Jr Bridge is the suburb of Mount Pleasant, which also has more than a fair share of historical and cultural points of interest, like the naval a maritime museum, housing the decommissioned aircraft carrier – the USS Yorktown . In the “Old Village” located here, you can find the oldest house in the district, which was built in 1755.

Many of Charleston’s surrounding areas and neighborhoods seem to have several unique draws. Regardless of where in the Charleston area you decide to base yourself, there is much to explore.

Thankfully, there are also several accommodation options in Charleston to choose from, depending on your Charleston itinerary and budget. This guide presents a few options for you if you’re looking for the best place to stay in Charleston.

Best Hostel in Charleston – Charleston’s NotSo Hostel

Downtown is where you want to be in Charleston. The NotSo hostel is centrally located, occupying a row of houses built in the mid-1800s. Great value is extended to a free breakfast, and the 8-sleeper dorm rooms keep it spacious and calm enough to relax. This is the perfect backpacker home base from which to explore the Charleston attractions.

Best Airbnb in Charleston – Comfortable and Spacious Lodge

This uniquely comfortable and well-appointed studio is ideal for first time visitors to Charleston seeking comfort at the heart of the city. Fitted with a small kitchen, this charming place has everything you need to feel home. Its convenient location means that you’re just a short walk from everything, from the markets to the busy restaurants. We’d consider this place one of the best and most comfortable Airbnbs in Charleston – definitely worth the stay!

Best Budget Hotel in Charleston – Sleep Inn Charleston – West Ashley

Though a little way out of central Charleston, The Sleep Inn in West Ashley is a great jump-off point to access the major attractions of the region. It’s ideally suited for those looking for beautiful scenery and culture, and highly rated by traveling couples. The breakfast bar comes highly rated and there’s nothing wrong with a free daily newspaper to keep up with local news.

A 2 day itinerary in Charleston can be a treat if you plan it right. You’ll want to have a bit of flexibility, depending on which time of the year it is (some time at the beach may be an option). But there are still some things you shouldn’t miss if you can help it.

Greater Charleston’s areas are separated by waterways, so it’s a good idea to break up your days by sector to avoid having to travel too much between stops. That way you can opt to walk between your points of interest as they may be close enough. And walking is always best when exploring a city, and especially when touring Charleston.

Charleston has a good bus service, but the DASH shuttles are especially useful. They are free, and they stop at most of the major tourist interests. Normal buses are fairly cheap, and you can purchase one-way, single-day, or three-day-passes at various stations and stores.

Cabs are around but tend to be less common outside of downtown or the airport. Also check to see if your Charleston accomodation offers shuttles services to and from major tourist areas.

Here’s a tip: You should try to walk and occasionally catch a bus or DASH, but no trip to Charleston will be complete without a boat ride of some sort. So, plan and budget for this – we’ve included at least a few in your suggested Charleston itinerary.

Historic City Market | Battery and White Point Garden  | Fort Sumter | King Street

Let’s jump straight in to a bit of market activity for a taste of the local wares. Then we take in our first bit of wartime history, some fascinating marine life, and the (first) promised boat trip, which every itinerary for Charleston needs. We can round out day one of your Charleston itinerary with some fun and relaxation on the old main drag (or main street, if you prefer). Even if you have just one day in Charleston, this is the best way to spend it.

Day 1 / Stop 1 – Historic Charleston City Market

• Why it’s awesome: It’s a huge market that sells most things.
• Cost: Free, but you’ll want to buy something.
• Food nearby: If you’re not interested in the market food, try Charleston Crab House down the street.

No Charleston SC travel guide will omit the historic market. The Charleston City Market was first established in 1807 and could well be Charleston’s most visited tourist attraction. It’s open 364 days a year (the market is closed on Christmas day).

If you get to spend a weekend in Charleston between April and December, there is a weekend night market, operating on Fridays and Saturdays up until 10:30 pm.

The award-winning main market hall houses more than 18,000 square feet of trade. In addition to the main hall there are three open-air sheds, where small entrepreneurs can offer their products. There are thousands of foods, furniture, traditional and rare items to be browsed, eaten, and purchased.

If you’re buying, purchase a traditional sweetgrass basket to carry your loot. These beautiful artifacts have been woven here for more than 300 years. They are made from local bulrush and decorated by Gullah artisans – many of whom come from generations of basket weavers. It’s a true piece of history to take home with you. Don’t forget to read our haggling guide to get the best price.

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Battery and White Point Garden

• Why it’s awesome: Combines beautiful views, relics, memorials and monuments.
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: The Brown Dog Deli for retro-style sandwiches, a few blocks north.

After a bustling market visit and maybe some picnic snacks in your basket, take a languid stroll through the Battery.

The Battery is a promenade that is structured as a defensive seawall. During the civil war, an artillery battery was stationed there (hence the name). It is bordered by two rivers and has a collection of historic antebellum homes in the area.

White Point Garden sits adjacent to the battery and is a beautiful, monument-laden park. Several war-time cannons and statues detail Revolutionary, Civil and World War icons.

People can often be seen relaxing on the grass under the tall oak trees, or on the benches that line the walkways. It’s an ideal place to stop for a mid-morning snack from our market haul.

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Fort Sumter Education Center and Boat Trip

• Why it’s awesome: It’s a major part of US Civil War history.
• Cost: Weekdays Ferry: $15 for kids, $23 for adults.
• Food nearby: Stock up on a snack at the Saffron restaurant and bakery before you head to the island.

South Carolina was the first state to secede from the union at the start of the Civil War. As the state prepared for war, Fort Sumter was among those ordered to be fortified. The fort is found on a man-made island in the main shipping channel, strategically placed to counter any naval approach to the city.

The Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center is located at Liberty Square in Downtown Charleston.

The center allows visitors to relax outdoors with views of the harbor if they like. Inside, a museum displays several exhibits detailing the build-up to the Civil War. Specifically, it outlines the involvement of Fort Sumner – the building and its role in the war.

From here, visitors can board a boat or ferry to visit Fort Sumner – it takes about 30 minutes. You may be lucky enough to witness a volunteer or ranger talk when you’re at the fort. They are not formally scheduled, but you are free to join in if a talk is being delivered.

Insider Tip: If you switch things up and choose to take the first boat of the day, you may get to assist the rangers raising the flag at the fort.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – King Street

• Why it’s awesome: This is the heart of Charleston’s social life.
• Food nearby: Food court and many other options.

You’ll spend the rest of the evening here, in the heart of Charleston’s downtown, and among the visitors enjoying the vibrant entertainment scene. King Street is generally considered the main leisure street of downtown Charleston. Here you’ll find the shops, bars, restaurants, and loads of interesting people.

The lower end towards The Battery is known for its antiques, boutique shops and eateries. Every second Sunday, this part of the street is closed to vehicles to allow for a street-party atmosphere. The upper end of King Street is known for its contemporary sensibilities and late-night life.

Many of the bars will be open until 2 am. Be careful not to overindulge, we’ve got a full day 2 planned so you can fill up your Charleston itinerary.

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Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge | Memorial Waterfront Park | USS Yorktown CV10 | Fort Moultrie | Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse

Welcome to day two. Today we’ve got a refreshing walk along a famous bridge, a visit to a warship, a look at the other important fort that protected Charleston, and some beachfront fun. Pack your swimming costume – it might be a beach day!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge

• Why it’s awesome: A beautiful feat of engineering offering gorgeous views.
• Food nearby: Stock up on Taco Boy on Morrison Drive if it’s not too early.

We’re going to be spending the day outside of downtown Charleston, and we will use the famous Arthur Ravenel Jr Bridge to get to our other day 2 stops.

The bridge itself is famous for being among the longest cable-stayed bridges in the world at around 2.5 miles. It is also commonly known as the Cooper River bridge, as its eight traffic lanes cross the waterway.

The bridge is popular with pedestrians and cyclists, as it includes a 12-foot wide line dedicated to them. The annual Cooper River Bridge Run is held here every April. Runners run a six-mile route from Mount Pleasant to downtown Charleston.

The bridge offers beautiful views of the harbor and the Atlantic, especially for pedestrians and bikers. It’s well worth skipping the bus or the car if you’re up for a brisk early morning walk.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park

• Why it’s awesome: A beautiful, relaxing break with harbor-side view after a bridge walk or cycle
• Food nearby: Grab a cooling ice cream at the River Watch Cafe

Step off the bridge and enter the crown jewel of Mount Pleasant. This is a great spot to grab a rest after that walk across the Cooper, as the lush lawns and playground invites you to slow down before you push on for the rest of the day.

The walk along the 1250-foot pier is highly recommended. The pier extends a long way out into the river, and you can often see dolphins, rays and other local fish with the naked eye.

If you missed the opportunity to buy a seagrass basket at the market the day before, you can try the visitor’s center here. The centerpiece is a monument to Charleston war veterans who were killed in action.

There’s often some entertainment on offer on the weekends. But mostly it’s just a place to take in the views, watch the fishermen on the fishing pier, and zone out for a while on one of the many swings dotted about.

Visitors with kids can also explore the playground and adults can opt to try a short hiking or cycling trail in the park surrounds.

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The USS Yorktown CV10

• Why it’s awesome: It’s a real-life aircraft carrier!
• Cost: $24 for adults, with discounts for kids, pensioners and service-people.
• Food nearby: The café on the flight deck serves some basic sandwiches, hot dogs, and snacks.

Next stop is Patriot’s Point, and the decommissioned USS Yorktown, now a museum ship. The Yorktown was a major player in the second World War, assisting US armed forces in the Pacific campaign. It continued its service during the Vietnam War, and finally decommissioned in 1970.

For anyone interested in the workings of an operational navy ship, the visit to Yorktown is a must-do. A refurbished “engine room experience” lets you hear and feel the roar of the ship’s engines, interactive displays that explain a little about how it all works, and even a hologram display of a sailor operating some of the machinery.

If you have children, they will not be bored. Flight academy videos, a virtual reality space mission, and the Puddle Jumpers educational experience teaches all about aircraft, aviation history, and even basic aerodynamics!

Besides the tour of the decks, you can visit a fascinating replica Apollo 8 capsule , which plays video and audio of that space mission. What’s the connection, you ask? The Yorktown was tasked with the capsule recovery in 1968.

Day 2 / Stop 4 – Fort Moultrie

• Why it’s awesome:  It’s a little slice of history.
• Cost: $7 for adults, kids under 16 free!
• Food nearby:  Pack a picnic to enjoy on the lush grounds here.

There have actually been three Fort Moultries in Charleston’s history. The first was used against the British in the 1770s and commanded by its namesake Colonel William Moultrie. The second Fort Moultrie was destroyed in 1804 by a combination of neglect and a hurricane.

The third version of the fort was built shortly after, and eventually used during the Civil War. The fort was even included in defensive upgrades during World War II. It is now a part of the National Park Service.

Together with Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie successfully defended Charleston in important conflicts, and its legacy is preserved as an important aspect of Charleston and American history.

Though it is smaller and less popular than Fort Sumter, Moultrie has been refurbished to represent different periods in its history. There are five areas in all that represent periods from World War II, all the way back to the original construction.

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse

• Why it’s awesome: A photographer’s playground and a gorgeous swimmable beach pack a hefty one-two punch.
• Food nearby: Poe’s Tavern offers burgers and nachos-fare in a Poe-themed setting.

The Sullivan’s Island lighthouse is one of the most modern lighthouses in the USA and is also charmingly known as the Charleston Light. It’s especially unusual in that its building is triangular, making for quite a unique approach to combat the strong winds that have on occasion battered this part of the country.

Though the lighthouse itself cannot be accessed by visitors, the structure creates a picturesque landmark that has been the subject of many tourist photos. The area immediately surrounding the lighthouse is popular with visitors who love to walk around the area admiring the tall palmetto trees and dunes. They may encounter the historic Sullivan’s Island Life Saving Station.

The area around the lighthouse offers access to one of Charleston’s best beaches. Sullivan’s Island beach is a broad beach with tide pools and a sandbar that creates great conditions for swimming. The stretch is also frequented by kiteboarders or those road tripping through the USA . In any event, it’s a great location to end off our 2 day itinerary in Charleston

Charleston’s NotSo Hostel

Downtown is where you want to be in Charleston. The NotSo hostel is centrally located, occupying a row of houses built in the mid-1800s.

• Linen Included

Nathaniel Russell House | Charleston Waterways | Theater or Comedy | Ghost Tour | Charleston Pro Sports

If you get to spend more than 2 days in Charleston, there are a few other interesting places you may want to investigate. Try these to add to your Charleston trip itinerary.

Nathaniel Russell House

• An intriguing look into the lifestyle of the ultra-wealthy of the 19 th Century.
• Take a guided tour, or self-guided tour with an app.
• It is regarded as one of the most important neoclassical pieces of architecture in the USA.

There are several historical museum houses in Charleston. One of the most well-known is the Nathaniel Russel House, located on Meeting Street.

This historical house was built by a merchant and slave trader in 1808. The museum today demonstrates the lifestyle of the social elite back in the 19 th century. To offer some idea, it is said that the house cost $80,000 to build, compared to the average value of $262 for a house at the time.

Russell owned slaves, 18 of whom lived and worked at the house during his time. Their stories are also explored through educational panels and artifacts found throughout the house and in their kitchen. This part of the tour is especially impactful, and the details of the restoration here are moving.

Much of the house is elaborately detailed and restored to an accurate representation of what it would have been like in Russell’s time. Truly, no effort or expense seems to have been spared in the effort to restore the house to its intended glory. The museum offers regular tours, or a self-guided tour, for which an app can be downloaded before your visit.

If you’d like to explore more museum houses, you may want to try the Joseph Manigault House, Magnolia Plantation, the Aiken-Rhett House or Heyward-Washington House.

Paddle Board the Charleston Waterways

• Sunset and night-time options.
• Can be weather dependent, so check reports.
• Paddleboarding is easy- just a few tips and you’ll be well on your way.

Paddleboarding is simple to learn and doesn’t require much in the way of lessons. The paddleboarding around Bohicket marina offers daily group paddles on the calm Bohicket Creek, where you can look at the abundant wildlife (both aquatic and terrestrial) and enjoy a leisurely drift along the waterway.

Of special note are the sunset paddles, which take you on a dreamy jaunt at a very special time of the day. The spectacular sunset is unforgettable and quite romantic if you’re with a significant other. Each month around the full moon, there are special outings to take advantage of the bright nights. All the paddles last around two hours.

The hosts can usually accommodate paddle-boarders of all skill levels, and you can choose from locations like Shem Creek, Kiawah, Seabrook Island and more.

Stand up paddleboarding is one of the best full-body workouts you can have, so this can be fun and beneficial. One of our favorite variations of the standard paddle outing is the SUP yoga class, a real yoga class on the water. If you can master this level of balance, you have our eternal respect.

Take in Some Theater or Comedy

• Makes for great date nights.
• Participate in a comedy murder mystery.
• The Dock Street Theater opened in 1736!

They say that adversity breeds character. If this is true, Charleston’s difficult history of war and slave trade perhaps contributes to its love of theatrical fun. This is one of the best places to visit in the USA for performances. The Charleston comedy scene is vibrant and offers not just standard stand-up comedy, but audience-involving theatrical venues and productions.

Try the Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theater, where funny murder mysteries rule. The series of hilarious whodunnits entertains audiences most days of the week, and they’re interactive. You could volunteer to play a character if you dare – will you survive? Weirdly, the theater has a shop, which sells mystery-themed books and trinkets.

If you prefer an improv style, Theater 99 might be more up your alley. Here, the performers might do a completely improvised play, based on audience suggestion. Or the troupe will participate in a game show where only the funniest survive. The best part is the prices – USD $5 on a Wednesday, and $12-14 on weekends.

The Dock Street theater is in the French quarter of Charleston. Charleston Stage is the resident theater company at Dock Street and produces around 100 performances every year. It’s interesting to note that the original theater was established in 1736. Unfortunately, it was later converted to a hotel.

This iteration of the theater offers a great dinner and show package for two if you’re able to splurge a little and would be a great romantic evening out.

Creep Along on a Ghost Tour

• “Guaranteed” spirit sightings!
• A fun way to learn more about the city’s rich history.
• Top guides provide great storytelling entertainment.

What’s a southern town without a ghost tour? There are several haunted tours available in Charleston, drawing inspiration from the tall story to the downright unnerving tale. Some claim that Charleston is the most haunted city in America. Based on the number of services offering terror trips, it isn’t hard to believe.

The cobbled streets of downtown Charleston are a perfect setting for the after-dark walks that lead you to various haunted sites. Expert guides will relate stories of legendary duels, or spirits of soldiers drifting through the streets. No wonder one of the most popular ghost tours is the pub crawl.

Walk through creepy locations like the Provost Dungeon, where many souls died, the Mills house hotel, where victims of the great 1861 fire still seek redemption, or The Pirate House, where Blackbeard abandoned fellow pirates to their fate.

There are even tours of cemeteries. Tours range between one and three hours… if you can last that long. For a town so preoccupied with its ghosts, it’s perhaps ironic that they call it the Holy City.

Insider Tip: You may have taken us up on that suggestion for a show at The Dock Street Theater. Take care. Take utmost care…

Support some Charleston Pro Sports!

• There should be a game on at any time of the year.
• Pro Soccer, and Minor League baseball are played in the city.
• Laidback but competitive family-friendly atmosphere.

There are no major or top league pro sports teams based in Charleston, but there are a few minor league and second-tier options if you’re looking for a sports fix on your Charleston itinerary. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as tickets can be more affordable and the atmosphere less ultra-competitive. Since you’re on holiday, the idea is to relax and enjoy, after all.

If you’re a sports fan with an afternoon to spare in Charleston, you may want to check if there’s a Minor League baseball game on. Take yourself out to the ballgame complete with all the traditions: hotdogs, crowd mini-games and more. The Riverdogs play their games out of Joseph P Riley Jr Park.

There’s a pro soccer team in Charleston, called the Charleston Battery. They’re a championship team – winning the USL Pro Championship no fewer than four times. The team plays out of MUSC Health Stadium. Their fan clubs are at all the games and are colorfully referred to as The Regiment, Queen Anne’s Revenge, and the Charleston Barra Brava.

Hockey fans can check out the minor league South Carolina Stingrays, though technically they play out of North Charleston. Still, it’s another option if you feel you’d like more places to visit in Charleston.

Games are played at the North Charleston Coliseum, so you may need to commit to a drive or cab to get there. There’s a good chance you can catch something sporty over three days in Charleston or more, especially if you’ve planned a trip over a weekend in Charleston, SC.

While Charleston has some of the country’s most historic districts and sights, it also experiences the growing pains of any major city. Some neighborhoods may not be as safe for visitors as others, but fortunately, common sense should keep any potential trouble at bay. Be sure to use common travel safety tips .

The busiest streets in Charleston are King, Market, meeting and East Bay streets. You’ll find lots of tourists here enjoying the nightlife and hospitality of the eateries and bars. As with any city, it’s a good idea to stay in well-lit and well-attended places, especially at night.

Avoid deserted streets or neighborhoods, especially when walking alone. Your hotel or visitor’s center will be happy to advise on cabs or alternatives.

Charleston does occasionally experience some brushes from hurricanes – though it generally does not experience the full impact of them. Every few years the city will feel the strong winds and heavy rains, though.

It’s useful to apply a safety-first approach when visiting between July and November. Keep an eye on the weather forecasts and check with your accommodation desk for best advice in the event of any emergency.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Charleston

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Many of the day trips available for a good Charleston itinerary, center around walking and boat rides. They look to reveal the historic side of the city but can also look to inject a little fun. If you have between two and five hours to spare, one of these may be well worth a spare afternoon’s entertainment.

Charleston: Middleton Place Excursion & Low Country Cuisine

Middleton place was home to Henry Middleton and his son Arthur. The former was a president of the First Continental Congress, and his son was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Much of the family’s possessions reside in the museum here. You can also explore Eliza’s house, a monument to the enslaved people who built the property.

The tour includes transport from Downtown Charleston and a delicious lunch of traditional Low Country foods like pulled pork, crab soup, and shrimp.

Charleston: Historic City Tour and Harbor Cruise

For a broad and balanced view of the city, get the best of both worlds! Board a coach at the Charleston Visitor Center for a 90-minute ride through Charleston.

The ride is narrated with interesting facts and tidbits. It passes by most of the city’s most important landmarks and then to Charleston harbor, where you will board a boat cruise. The cruise offers another 90-minute narrated experience, this time from the water. It’s a different way to see the city – including its shoreline attractions – from the other side of the fence, so to speak.

Charleston: Chefs’ Kitchen Tour

Foodies will love this varied food tour. You’ll get to visit five restaurants and chat to their chefs, who will reveal (some of) their ideas and inspirations for their menus. The stops are varied. There’ll be coffee and doughnuts from a bakery, traditional restaurants, biscuits and more.

The kitchen tours are enthralling, and you’ll spend a good half-hour at each stop – plenty to get good value from the visit. Of course, there’ll be samples to enjoy along the way, and the knowledgeable guides really seem to know their stuff when it comes to food in the Holy City.

Charleston: French Quarter Guided Walking Tour

The French Quarter in Charleston is the nation’s oldest. Many of the city’s oldest top attractions fall within what was the original walled city. Highlights include the old French Huguenot Church, St. Michaels, and other historical buildings. This two-hour Charleston walking tour will also drift past a cemetery where some of the signers of the Declaration of Independence are buried.

The tour involves at least two hours of walking, so wear appropriate shoes , and the guides advise you to carry some water, a hat, and sunglasses if it’s hot. That said, the tour will go ahead whether it rains or not. Only the harshest weather conditions may force a cancellation.

Charleston: 3-Hour Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Here’s a great way to spice up your Charleston itinerary. If you want the freedom of exploring the town on your own, with the game-like fun of… well, a game, try the Scavenger Hunt Adventure.

It’s a downloadable adventure that takes you around the city’s landmarks via your cell phone. You get to unlock clues and solve puzzles that lead you onto the next stop, and you get to do it in your own time.

The three-hour time frame is merely a guide. It is designed as a walking tour, so prepare to hike for around two and a half miles. If you have a friend or two along, you only need to purchase one adventure on one phone, unless you plan to compete against each other.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Charleston itinerary.

What is Charleston best known for?

As the oldest city in South Carolina it’s known for it’s incredible historic architecture as well as for being super friendly!

How many days do you need in Charleston?

2-3 days is the perfect amount of time to get a good feel for the city and to see it’s main sights.

What are some things to do in Charleston when it rains?

Head indoors to the Charleston City Market, dating back to 1807 it sells almost anything you could ever imagine!

What are some family things to do in Charleston?

The kids and grow ups alike with froth visiting the USS Yorktown CV10, a real life aircraft carrier turned museum! Cool!

This Charleston itinerary offers a taste of each of the city’s important aspects: history, naval legacy, food, nightlife, and even a few local leisure options. Thanks to the free city transport options and the proximity of many of the historic Charleston landmarks, you’ll find Charleston easy to navigate and varying in its charms.

There are also plenty of day trips from Charleston around the city and the outer-lying districts. If you have more than one day in Charleston, whether it’s a weekday or over a Charleston weekend getaway, we hope this itinerary for Charleston, SC is useful in your visit to the Holy City.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Mary Beth Skylis

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The 21 Best Things to Do in Charleston

By Allston McCrady

People gravitate to Charleston for many reasons: its buzzing restaurants , eclectic art scene, curb-appeal homes, and proximity to the water—not to mention the rich history and overall southern charm. Those components all combine to make it one of our readers' favorite cities year after year. Here, we've combined them all into our list of the best activities and the top spots to hit the next time you're there—spanning old and new, we've got all the essentials that will ensure you remember your trip to this Lowcountry gem, pay homage to its past, and have plenty of souvenirs to bring home. Whether it's your first visit or your tenth, you'll never run out of new and exciting activities to try in this city—from fine art museums and live music to the meals and hotels not to miss. These are the best things to do in Charleston.

Read our complete Charleston travel guide here .

This gallery has been updated since its original publish date.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Gibbes Museum of Art Arrow

This stately Beaux Arts building in the heart of downtown Charleston houses a permanent art collection spanning four centuries. You can browse the museum shop on the ground floor at no cost (a nice way to duck the weather), or pay to head upstairs for an immersive view of Charleston’s artistic past and present. The Gibbes is not a huge museum: you could walk through it in under an hour, but it’s better to linger, to savor your favorites, and to read the insightful commentary. Not all paintings are Charleston-centric in subject matter, but as a whole they tell a Charleston story: a pastel portrait dated 1711 created by America’s first known female artist; aristocratic oils depicting Colonial residents in silk and lace finery; ornate silver monogrammed teapots hammered with palmetto imagery for a wealthy Antebellum patron; glazed stoneware hand-signed by its enslaved maker. There are watercolors and etchings from Charleston’s 1920s and 1930s artistic “renaissance,” sweetgrass pieces fashioned by Gullah weavers, and the vivid and surreal paintings of celebrated local artist Jonathan Green. 

Bluegrass Brunch at High Cotton Arrow

Brunch at High Cotton restaurant is a hot ticket—reservations recommended, unless you manage to beat the church crowd and stampede there early. It’s a convivial place divided into four separate dining areas: a cozy, darkly paneled bar where the bluegrass players set up, a rear “French Quarter” room opening to a patio, the more formal “East Bay Room” (the quietest seating, musically), and the grand, sunny main dining room surrounded by street-facing windows. The food is a smorgasbord of southern flavor—fittingly, as brunch is should be an indulgent ritual–and highlights include crispy fried oysters, buttermilk fried chicken over Belgian waffles, and the like. Meat lovers go for steak & eggs (twin filet mignon) or the burger with sunny-side-up egg and béarnaise. Bring your family (cinnamon rolls and beignets for kids). Bring your friends. Tap your toes to the upright bass, and feel your mood lift.

Self-Guided Walking Tour Arrow

Sure, you could hop on a horse carriage , or into a pedicab, or join an official walking tour, all excellent ways to explore the city. But sometimes you want to explore at will, without a historical lecture in your ear, and the best way to do that is on foot. This is a walking tour that clocks in at just under two miles in length, and it's a must-do for anyone visiting Charleston. Start at Waterfront Park , whose pier juts out into the harbor, to scope out the original Colonial city wall, then make your way to the East Bay, where you might just catch a regatta in progress. Ogle over the live oaks at White Point Gardens, and walk south to north on Legare (pronounced Lah-GREE) for the best vantage points of what are arguably Charleston's most beautiful homes—and stop at 14 Legare, the "Pineapple Gates House" for pics. End at Goat.Sheep.Cow , where you can have them arrange a picnic spread that you can take to nearby Washington Square, and feast on expertly curated cheese under the shade of a live oak tree.

Center for Birds of Prey Arrow

Up the coastal highway sits an extraordinary sanctuary for birds of prey, a non-profit that takes in injured eagles, falcons, owls, hawks, pelicans, etc., treats and releases them. Clearly the staff and volunteers have hearts of gold and perform an essential service, but luckily for the public, it’s also a captivating place to visit. Eighteen miles northeast of Charleston, you pull off at the giant metal bird sign, where a winding dirt road leads you back, deep into the maritime forest, to the preserve. You learn about threats to different avian species worldwide, about breeding and reintroduction programs, about migratory instincts and built-in sonar and other trivia. Meanwhile, wild red-tailed hawks and bald eagles pass high overhead. Education Director Stephen Schabel says that his record for bald eagle sightings in a single day was forty!—and that if he doesn’t spot at least eight, he’s doing something wrong.

Caitlin Morton

Laura Kiniry

CNT Editors

Chloe Sachdev

Two Sisters Tours Arrow

These two sisters, whose family has been in Charleston for seven generations, know the city better than almost anyone. Mary Helen Dantzler and Therese Smythe retired from careers as lawyers, then followed in their mother’s footsteps (a venerable tour guide herself). If you book a tour, you’ll get one sister or the other. They don’t work in tandem. They tried that once, but you know how sibling dynamics go. So they work solo. You can join a group tour for $25 per person by signing up on their website, or call to arrange a private tour for a higher fee. We gathered in Washington Square for roughly a two-hour walk through the cobblestone streets and hidden alleys of Charleston. For a balanced, local’s introduction to Charleston, from grand houses to former slave quarters, this is it.

The Caviar Bar at Zero George Arrow

Boutique hotel Zero George is known for the epicurean wizardry of its executive chef, Vinson Petrillo. But while many come for the tasting menu at the hotel’s ground floor restaurant, The Caviar Bar is something separate and exclusive. By reservation only, you’ll walk through wrought-iron gates into the garden courtyard, up the steps of the beautifully restored 1804 house, to an open piazza, where you are led to your marble-topped table. Flickering votives, ornate banisters, birdsong, palm trees and maples, all set the scene, while soft jazz crooners set the mood. This is an impress-your-mate, impress-your-date spot for sure: cozy, posh, romantic, refined. With only two seatings per evening, you share the veranda with a handful of other well-dressed couples, some of them guests of the hotel, maybe even the devoted local couple who comes weekly. It’s not really intended for the pre-theater crowd (even though the Gaillard Auditorium is a block away) because you really shouldn’t rush the experience to make a show on-time

High Wire Distilling Arrow

High Wire, Charleston's first distillery since prohibition, has been drawing people in with its distinctive spirits and  cypress-paneled tasting room, and a tour is a fantastic way to take in everything it has to offer. Each tour is limited to 16 people, and they fill frequently. You’ll get a close look at a succession of custom mills and gleaming tanks, including a giant copper pot still with a Jules Verne-style window. You’ll learn the science behind milling, mashing, heating, agitating, fermenting, and distilling—the almost magical process that turns liquid to vapor and then into liquid again. For the grand finale, you get to sample the artisanal hooch in the tasting room, either as flights or in cocktails designed for you to replicate easily back home. For a full tour of the distillery floor, reservations are highly recommended. Pro tip: walk-ins can opt for an abbreviated tour from the comfort of their bar stool.

Hotel Bennett Arrow

This is a grand hotel, so naturally there are multiple restaurant concepts onsite for fresh variety. La Pâtisserie is a sunny and gorgeous space for morning coffee, tea, smoothies, and pastries by French Pastry Chef Rémy Fünfrock, plus daily artisanal sandwiches and desserts galore (try the strawberry sponge cake). Rooftop lounge Fiat Lux is great for afternoon and evening cocktails (both spirited and non) plus charcuterie boards, elevated nibbles, and some pretty amazing rosemary duck fat fries. Perhaps the most over-the-top experience is Hotel Bennett’s weekend Afternoon Tea (by reservation), a fantastic ritual that unfolds in the ground floor oval Camellias Bar, named so because you are literally surrounded by glittering wallpapered accents of giant camellias. A jacketed server pours flights of sparkling rosé at the flower-studded bar, then walks across softly-hued pink marble to deliver towers of savory canapés to each table, followed by another tower of sweets prepared by the aforementioned French pastry chef—all washed down with your choice of a wide selection of leaf teas and herbal infusions. Plus the bar moonlights as a swanky destination for champagne, oysters, and caviar.

Cypress Gardens Arrow

Those of you who remember the romantic rowing scene from The Notebook , or the haunting swamp hideout for Revolutionary hero Francis Marion in Mel Gibson’s The Patriot , have already previewed this singular locale. Hollywood location scouts choose Cypress Gardens for its wildly picturesque blackwater swamp, but also for its well-managed accessibility. For $5, you can let a local guide do the paddling for you as he points out wildlife and historical trivia in a wonderfully thick southern accent. Or you can opt to paddle yourself; just follow the little white arrows that suggest a route around the vast bog. Don’t worry if your boat bounces off a cypress tree or two (it’s hard to steer clear of them all). Duck as you pass under two walking bridges, and keep your eyes out for seasonal birds, alligators, and turtles who have crawled out to sun themselves. Before or after you boat, you should walk at least part of the 3.5-miles of trails encircling the water. It’s beautiful any time of year—each month features different fascinations: camellia blooms and bald eagles in winter, azaleas and wild violets in spring, lily pads and booming frog choruses and droning cicadas in summer, rust-colored foliage and screech owls in fall, plus the egrets and otters.

The Charleston Museum Arrow

As museums go, there’s nothing stuffy or old-school about this one, even though it just celebrated its 250th year of existence. The formidable modern structure houses relics from Charleston’s past, and weaves a story from the 18th century to the present. Visitors wander through history, both cultural and natural, listening to recordings by locals. It’s a great place to ground yourself, and to catch your breath in the museum’s restful inner courtyard.

Ibu Movement Arrow

Like magic, a small street-front doorway and single staircase serve as a portal to 50 different countries. Textiles from 50 countries, that is, but you feel transported. The one-of-a-kind, second-floor boutique was born of founder Susan Hull Walker’s passion for craftsmanship (she weaves), for travel, and a mission to empower female artisans around the world. Ibu is an Indonesian-Malay term honoring women. So when you buy the thing you never knew you needed and suddenly can’t live without, you are not only giving a deferential bow to its maker, you're also doing a small part to help disrupt poverty and fund financial independence for a global sister.

Sullivan's Island Beach Arrow

Located at the mouth of the Charleston Harbor, the beaches on this island are ones that have been loved for generations, as is evidenced by some of the gingerbread cottages in the historic part of town. But what makes these beaches special, compared to Charleston's other beaches , is their wide expanse of sand, peaceful waves (because of sandbars), and natural paths through vegetation that not only make you feel as if you're stepping back in time, but protect the shoreline during storms and build a sense of anticipation for that first glimpse of blue water.

Citrus Club Arrow

Citrus Club serves well-curated small plates and fanciful cocktails to adults only (21-and-up). You don’t have to be a guest of the club's home at The Dewberry Hotel to access the it, but you will need to check in with the concierge by the elevator to receive a temporary keycard granting you access to the sky. The 8th floor elevator door spills you into a pristine white lobby hung with local artist Douglas Balentine’s charcoal beach figures. A host leads you to your table. While the indoor space and velvet bar stools are terrifically chic, the outdoor terrace is Citrus Club’s calling card. Guests tuck into posh little nooks separated by potted olive trees, lemons, limes, and a smattering of palms. Uninterrupted breezes travel from prevailing corners of a 360-degree view. You can see clear from river to river with a piña colada in hand.

Kiawah Island Golf Resort Arrow

Kiawah Island bills itself as a “stone’s throw” from historic Charleston, S.C. and if so, we'd like to meet the person who can throw that stone. Realistically, the 21-mile drive takes about 45 minutes. The leisurely drive through a tunnel of oaks takes you onto the barrier island which, although close to the mainland, feels worlds away. On your agenda: self-pampering, resort fine dining, tennis, kayaking, and world-class golf. If that sounds about right, Kiawah is well worth a day’s excursion or overnight; The Sanctuary is the only Forbes 5-Star and AAA 5-Diamond hotel in the state.

Robert Lange Studios Arrow

On a typical daytime visit, this gallery and working artist studio feels terrifically spacious and calm, with indie acoustics on the playlist and paintings covering contemporary subjects are on the walls. One dynamic exception occurs on the first Friday of each month, when lots of area galleries (see King Street for more) stay open into the evening, offering up drinks and hors d’oeuvres for what Charlestonians call the “Art Walk." On that night, RLS is elbow-to-elbow indeed, with easily a thousand people passing through to sip wine and discuss paintings, or to play with the interactive “stack your own rocks” table upstairs.

Preservation Society of Charleston Arrow

If you seek an authentic Charleston keepsake, this store off King Street has you covered. Think of it as a souvenir shop with taste and soul. Every item they source is locally made, with the exception of books that may have been published elsewhere, and pecans from a farm two hours north. The independent boutique was founded by and is still run by one of Charleston’s prominent preservation groups, thus the name. After your initial walk-through, head to the back room for comfy couches, old wood floors and tapestry rugs, a gaggle of great books to peruse, and air-conditioning! 

King Street Arrow

Although more chain stores have moved into this multi-block shopping stretch in the last few years, it's still a walker's paradise. If you love to avoid looking like "everyone else," then get fully outfitted at Hampden Clothing, Worthwhile or Ibu Movement , then accessorize with a blingy bauble (heirloom, preferably) from Croghan's Jewel Box or Joint Venture Estate Jewelers. Scent thyself with high-end spritzes from Cos Bar or Blue Mercury, shop for silver and the coffee table or curio to display it at George C. Birlant or the other antique shops, then accessorize your home with a piece of artwork from a variety of galleries, ranging from Hagan Fine Art to classics from the Audubon Gallery.

Mrs. Whaley's Garden Arrow

Unlike Charleston's historic homes, the city's private gardens are rarely open to the public, with throngs of visitors buying tickets for bi-annual house and garden festivals and tours. But here’s a secret: Emily Whaley’s garden at 58 Church Street stays open year-round, on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons. And it's just the way Mrs. Whaley would've wanted it. In 1997, the feisty octogenarian known as “Cheeka” to friends and family wrote a book of musings, opinions, gardening thoughts, and memories, all woven together into a conversational memoir titled Mrs. Whaley and Her Charleston Garden . The book made the New York Times bestseller list, and 20 years on, the author's private oasis is still attracting visitors. Slip your $10 through the front door mail slot, then swing open the gate and walk back: you'll feel the breeze rustle through shade plants, see the bumblebees nudge climbing roses, and the acanthus sending up spiky purple blooms.

Coastal Expeditions Arrow

Greater Charleston is both surrounded by and interlaced with saltwater marshes, and kayaking is a great way to appreciate that. You can either rent kayaks (singles or doubles) or standup paddle boards to venture solo (with tips on where to go), or book guided tours of varying lengths with Coastal Expeditions. It is quite common to see surfacing dolphins feeding in pairs and groups, with the occasional summer manatee making an appearance.

Charleston Bike Taxi Arrow

Why Uber when you can take a bike taxi? They're an open-air way of being chauffeured from Point A to Point B, with unobstructed views of the city. We can all agree that fewer cars on the road are a good thing. Less noise, less pollution, quieter streets. Ten years ago, there weren’t that many pedicabs in Charleston. Now there are three companies. We like this one because of its professionalism, polish, promptness, and easy-to-spot telltale yellow cabs. You can flag one down, or call to be picked up.

In the Kitchen with Chef Bob Waggoner Arrow

This is as much dinner party as it is cooking class, visible to the street by a large surround of glass. Chef Waggoner hands you a glass of brut rosé Champagne, and there’s a bit of small talk, but then you get right to it, following his rapid-fire directives. You hone knife skills, learn to “blanche and shock,” to cut on the bias, to score fish and get a proper sear and finish it off in the oven, to caramelize and deglaze, to reduce and emulsify. There’s no published schedule for what you’ll be cooking on any given night. It’s up to the chef, and what looks best at the market that particular day. When we were there that included vermillion snapper on a bed of fennel, shallots, asparagus, green peas, and flat parsley, sautéed in a saffron-orange-butter-white-wine reduction, garnished with sunflower sprouts. Multiple wine pairings are included in the evening’s flat price. 

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Perfect 3 Days in Charleston: A Step-by-Step Itinerary

Charleston is one of our favorite U.S. cities and is well-worth a 3-day visit. Spending 3 days in Charleston SC is an enjoyable experience for couples, families, or friends as Charleston has so much to offer from its rich history, southern charm, culinary delights, beautiful beaches, boutique and antique shopping, and more.

Day 1: Explore Charleston Historic District

Take a horse carriage ride and tour.

In the morning, take a one-hour Charleston Historical Downtown Carriage Tour daytime horse carriage ride and tour through South of Broad, the Residential District of Historic Charleston, to learn about buildings, history, architecture, flora and the people that make up the “Holy City”.

Take a historic Charleston guided walking tour

We highly recommend taking an informative 2-hour Historic Charleston guided sightseeing walking tour at 10AM (or 2PM) for the highlighted sites and history of Charleston’s Historic District. This tour covers Charleston City Hall, French Quarter (inc. Dock Street Theatre, St Philips Church, The Slave Mart Museum, The Powder Magazine, the French Huguenot Church, and the Pink House), Rainbow Row, and Battery & White Point Gardens.

Or, explore historic Charleston self-guided at your own pace

The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon is a must-visit. Don’t forget to sign your name on the “Declaration of Independence” on a table upstairs. A guided tour of the Dungeon runs every 30 minutes. Make sure you plan your time around that.

The Old Exchange is one of the earliest and most significant places in Charleston’s history. The staff here is very informative and will give you a lot of history on the city. Pay an early visit to the Old Exchange on your trip and walking tour so you understand how Charleston was established.

We didn’t get to visit the Old Charleston Jail , as it was temporarily closed. We were told that no one knows if it will open to the public again.

Walk to the French Quarter to visit Dock Street Theatre, St Philips Church, the Old Slave Mart Museum, the Powder Magazine, the French Huguenot Church, and the Pink House. You can get the combo ticket to the Old Slave Mart at the Old Exchange for a small discount.

Rainbow Row , one of the most photographed sites in Charleston, is a must-visit. The Rainbow Row is located in the “South of Broad” neighborhood which includes many historically significant homes including the antebellum mansions located along the famous “Battery”.

Find the Pineapple Fountain at the Joe Riley Waterfront Park.

Explore the residential area “South of Broad” including The Battery with views over the harbor to Fort Sumter.

Make your way back to the French Quarter and end your day at the Historic Charleston City Market to shop for souvenirs and local delicacies to take home with you.

Dine in Style

You walked a lot today. Treat yourself to a Low Country fine dining experience at one of our favorite restaurants in Charleston Historic District: HUSK, Peninsula Grill, or Anson. Or head further north on King for Chubby Fish, The Ordinary (in a 1920s bank), or The Grocery. There are many choices but we recommend making reservations early for all top-rated restaurants in Charleston.

Day 2: Visit Fort Sumter for Civil War History

Visit fort sumter.

Fort Sumter is a must-visit for history lovers. Fort Sumter is a significant historical site as it is where the Civil War started. Plan half a day for this tour even though the tour itself lasts just 2.5 hours.

Enjoy the pleasant 30-minute ferry ride to Fort Sumter and see Charleston on the water from distance. Once arriving at Fort Sumter, spend about an hour to explore.

Dine waterfront at Fleet Landing

Enjoy an early dinner at Fleet Landing Restaurant and Bar for a waterfront view and some yummy fried oysters and calamari before your evening ghost walk and tour. Nearby Gru Cafe offers great food for a medium budget. 167 Raw Oyster Bar offers a casual environment and fresh seafood. Then, head for the evening ghost tour to walk off those calories.

Take an evening ghost walking tour

When you are in Charleston, you cannot miss taking at least one Charleston ghost walk and tours. Most tours run between 6PM or 9PM and last around 1.5-2 hours. We took Charleston’s Pleasing Terrors Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour and had a great time with Michael who has also a podcast on Charleston ghost stories. This tour is popular and likely to sell out. You can also take an evening horse carriage tour if walking after dinner doesn’t sound appealing.

Or, take an evening horse carriage tour

If ghost stories don’t interest you much, instead, take a 35-minute evening horse carriage ride through the Commercial District . We recommend tours offered by Old South Carriage or Palmetto Carriage.

Have a nightcap at one of Charleston’s unique bars

If you feel hungry and still have energy after the ghost walk, head to one of Charleston’s unique bars. The Church and Union was renovated from a church into a restaurant and wine bar. The setting is so unique and impressive. Another option is to see the Holy City’s evening skyline from The Rooftop at the Vendue bar.

Day 3: Visit A Historic Plantation or Two

To fully appreciate Charleston, you cannot miss visiting at least one of Charleston’s historic plantations dated back to the 17th century. These plantations will give you a glimpse into layers of history through the lives of early settlers and families.

We recommend touring one or two plantations on your way into or out of Charleston, and even spend a night near the plantations to fully appreciate the beauty of the Lowcountry. It is up to you to visit a plantation at the beginning or end of your Charleston visit.

Angel Oak Tree

On your way out of Charleston to the plantation, take a 30-minute detour to Angel Oak Tree for an iconic photo opportunity of a giant oak tree covered in Spanish moss. Angel Oak tree in the Angel Oak Park is considered to be the largest live oak tree east of the Mississippi estimating to be 300 to 400 years old. The tree is 65 feet high with a circumference of 25.5 feet, shading an area of 17,000 square feet.

You really need to be there to grasp the size and age of this tree. What you will see if only half of the tree as the missing half has to be cut due to disease.

The Middleton Place

One of our favorite plantations is the Middleton Place just 30 minutes north of Charleston. Two of America’s Founding Fathers called Middleton Place home – Henry Middleton, a president of the First Continental Congress, and son Arthur Middleton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

If you are not planning on having dinner at the Middleton Place Restaurant, make sure to have a three-course Lowcountry lunch at the restaurant. It offers traditional Lowcountry favorites made from fresh, local, organic ingredients, harvested from the onsite organic farm and gardens. In my opinion, the restaurant lived up to its fame made by chef and cookbook author, Edna Lewis.

After lunch, walk off some lunch calories on this beautiful 65-acre plantation. It takes around 2.5 hours to see the most significant places.

• Take a 30-minute self-guided tour of the gardens and grounds
• Followed by a narrated 45-minute House Museum tour (runs every 30 minutes and costs $15 in addition to the $29 property ticket)
• Take 15 minutes for a break and visit the Plantation Chapel, Parterre, and the Butterfly Lakes
• Take a one-hour self-guided tour of Eliza’s House and the Plantation Stable Yards

Spend the night at The Inn at Middleton Place which offers a blend of modern design, sweeping river views, and stunning natural surroundings. Guests of the Inn receive complimentary access to the Middleton Place’s 65 acres of America’s oldest landscaped gardens, house museum, working stable yards, and organic farm. That is a saving of $29 to visit the Middleton Place in 2022. Be sure to go to the Inn before visiting the plantation so the hotel staff can give you the ticket.

If you are staying at The Inn, be sure to make a dinner reservation for the Middleton Place Restaurant . Take note that the restaurant may not be open on Mondays for dinner. Check latest schedule before you go.

Optional: Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

If you are an early riser, enjoy a bike ride along the beautiful Ashely River imagining visitors approaching from Ashley River to enter the Middleton Place in the old days.

After breakfast at The Inn at Middleton Place, head to Charleston’s most visited plantation, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens. Magnolia Plantation & Gardens sits just 5 minutes down the Ashley River from the Middleton Place.

Magnolia Plantation was founded in 1676 by the Drayton family. It is the oldest public tourist site in the Lowcountry, and the oldest pubic gardens in America.

Visiting Magnolia Plantation & Gardens can be expensive if you want to explore more than what general admission covers. However, the ticket covers 7 days of visit, so spend more time here when your schedule allows longer stay.

We recommend visiting Magnolia Plantation & Gardens during spring and fall when most flowers bloom in order to fully appreciate the beauty of one of “America’s Most Beautiful Gardens” rated by Travel + Leisure Magazine.

How many days in Charleston for first-time visitors?

For first-time visitors who want to hit the higlights and get a taste of Charleston, we recommend 3 days or a long weekend. Charleston is a city you can pay many visits to and never get bored.

If you want to have some beach time, add another day or two to relax on a beach outside Charleston.

When is the best time to visit Charleston SC?

Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit Charleston although Charleston is good to visit year-round. Pollens can be severe in mid to late spring and may bother people with strong seasonal allergy reactions. The summer can be hot and very humid to make outdoor experience less pleasant.

A warm window in late winter offers a great opportunity to head to Charleston for less crowds and lower hotel rates. We jumped on a mid-February trip when the highs reached almost 80 degrees and the lows were in 60s for pleasant evening walks.

How to get to and around Charleston?

Most people visit Charleston by plane or by car. For those who fly into Charleston, hiring a taxi or Uber for a short ride from the airport to the Historic District is better than renting a car during your stay in the Historic District . You can get around the Historic District on foot easily. Parking is also expensive in the Historic District.

In our suggested itinerary, you will spend two days in the Historic District and don’t need a car. The best way to explore the Historic District is on foot or by bicycle. So, comfortable shoes are your best friends on cobblestone streets. You can pick up a car rental for a day to do activities outside of the Historic District or follow a guided tour for a plantation.

Where to stay in Charleston SC?

We recommend sprending at least 2 nights in Charleston’s Historic District. For the 3rd night, you can remain in the same hotel or move to The Inn at Middleton Place.

If you have a car, you may not need to move it for the two days you explore the Historic District and Fort Sumter. Keep in mind that parking could cost 20-40 dollars per night.

Best places to stay in Charleston Historic District:

• The Mill House Wyndham Grand Hotels is in a desirable location on King’s Street with easy access to most attractions, the shopping district on King, and many restaurants and bars.
• The Vendue is in the heart of all actions and right by the Waterfront Park in French Quarter. The hotel also has a rooftop bar attract many people to visit for a view of the Holy City’s skyline and beautiful Waterfront Park.
• 20 South Battery is a splurge in a historic house beside the White Point Park in The Battery. The location is a little further away from the touristy area so it is perfect for someone seeking a natural surrounding.
• The Inn at Middleton Place is a romantic retreat as we mentioned earlier. Spend a night or two here to visit the plantation, enjoy the nature, and eat at The Middleton Place Restaurant.

There is so much to see and do in Charleston SC. You can easily spend a week in Charleston to add many historic and natural sites to your itinerary. But we hope this 3-day Charleston SC itinerary gives you a taste and important highlights of Charleston that will draw you back in the near future.

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Home > United States > 4 Days in Charleston, SC: The Perfect Itinerary

4 Days in Charleston, SC: The Perfect Itinerary

By Dymphe / January 17, 2023

If you're going to spend 4 days in Charleston , that's incredible! Charleston is a lovely city in South Carolina that's amazing to visit.

Charleston is one of the prettiest cities in the United States . That's because of all the colorful places, cobblestone streets, and more. And besides that, there are many great things to do in Charleston!

4 days is the perfect amount of time to explore the city. In 4 days, you can explore all highlights, see incredible sights, and have a great time! It's an amazing amount of time if you want to get to know the city and enjoy it.

This 4 days in Charleston itinerary is perfect for your trip to the city. The itinerary includes the best things to do, amazing places for food, and more!

Table of Contents

Getting to Charleston

There are several ways to travel when you want to spend 4 days in Charleston. You can do so by airplane, bus, car, or train.

One of the best ways to reach the city of Charleston if you are coming from a far place is by airplane.

Charleston International Airport has many routes to a variety of destinations. So it can be very convenient for your 4 days in Charleston.

For example, you can come here from lots of places within the United States. Some of the busiest routes are ones to Atlanta, Charlotte, and Baltimore. Besides that, there are connections to various other countries, such as the UK.

From the airport, you can reach the city center of Charleston by car, bus, or taxi. By car, this takes about 20 minutes. Moreover, the journey by bus takes about 1 hour. Going by taxi is another way to reach the city center. This is a fast option, but it is also the most expensive.

There are bus companies with routes to the city of Charleston.

For example, the company Greyhound has routes to several places. One of their routes goes from Savannah to Charleston, but they have a lot of destinations.

Going by bus is a cheaper way to get to Charleston, but it also often takes longer.

Traveling by car is often the most convenient method if you are coming from a nearby place. That's because it is a fast way and you can decide for yourself when you are going to the city! So that's great for your 4 days in Charleston.

There are various train connections to places in the state of South Carolina and beyond.

This is a great way to travel if you are coming from a place that is too far for driving by car, but too short for an airplane.

Travel Tips for Spending 4 Days in Charleston

Here are some tips to make your trip of 4 days in Charleston even better!

Because the buildings of the city are very pretty, you should bring a camera with you. That way you can take a lot of pictures when you are here!

Another tip for visiting Charleston is to walk everywhere! That way you can better experience everything the city has to offer, as the locals also do that! You can see so much more when you walk everywhere.

Itinerary for 4 Days in Charleston

Now, let's start with this 4-day Charleston itinerary. This guide is perfect if you want to have an amazing time in the city!

Day 1: Seeing Highlights of the City on the First Day of Your 4 Days in Charleston

During the first day of the itinerary, you are going to see some sights and highlights of the city.

Breakfast at Toast

Let's start with breakfast. A great place for this in the historic center of Charleston is Toast ! This is a great place if you are going to explore the city center afterward.

This place has fresh southern food that is very delicious. Your breakfast will be great for sure when you are here!

There is a large variety of dishes here.

For example, there is French toast that is great! Also, they have great sandwiches. And they have fresh fruit.

What's great as well is that the service at the restaurant is very good! It's a perfect place to start your 4 days in Charleston with breakfast!

Visit the Historic District of Charleston

After breakfast, it is time to start exploring the city of Charleston.

One of the best places to do this is at the Historic District of Charleston.

This is a great place to wander around. There are lots of shops and stores here, which is great! For example, if you want to shop in Charleston, you should go here!

Another great thing about the city center is the architecture of the buildings you find here. There are lots of beautiful houses in various colors. This is great to see, and lovely for a relaxing stroll!

Also, there are palm trees that line the streets with historic buildings. This is a unique sight to see and a great introduction for your 4 days in Charleston!

Go to the Battery

When walking through the Historic District, you should also go to the Battery.

This is a promenade along the coast of Charleston. It is a great place to walk and look at the sea! It's definitely a must-see when you're 4 days in Charleston.

Another great thing about the Battery is the large number of antebellum homes that you can find here.

These are houses that have antebellum architecture. This is an architectural style that was popular from the creation of the US till the Civil War.

These are very large and classical homes that are wonderful to see!

Walk Through White Point Garden

Now it is time to go to White Point Garden. This is a public park that you can find at the southernmost point of the Battery.

This park is amazing to visit. There is a lot of grass, and there are old oak trees that are very beautiful.

Another great thing about the park is that you can find here many wartime monuments. There are cannons from the Civil War and there are statues.

What's great as well is that there are many benches in the park. This makes it a good place to hang out!

Also, from the park, you have a beautiful view of Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter, where you are going later!

Have Lunch at the Historic Charleston City Market

The Charleston City Market is a historic place that is great when you are 4 days in Charleston.

You find this place in the historic center of Charleston as well.

What's great is that you find many places with great food here. That means that there is definitely something that you like here!

For example, you find here Callie's Hot Little Biscuit. This is a place where you can get biscuits, sandwiches, and more food! This makes it a great place for lunch in the city center!

Another great place for food at the city market is City Market Grocery. This is a coffee shop that also serves sandwiches, salads, fruit, smoothies, and more.

See Rainbow Row

After lunch, you should definitely go to Rainbow Row.

This is one of the most beautiful places in the city of Charleston.

You find here Georgian row houses that look very pretty! These houses have pastel colors that are great to see! Together they form a rainbow, which is the reason for the name of the street! The colors make the street very unique.

As it's very pretty, it's on this 4-day Charleston itinerary.

There are some myths about why the houses have the colors they have.

One of the most fun is that drunken sailors painted their houses to remember which house was theirs. That way they could go to the correct house when they returned from the port.

Go to the Mary Martin Fine Art Gallery

The Mary Martin Galleries of Fine Art are great to visit when you are in the city center of Charleston.

You can discover a lot of new art here, which is great during your 4 days in Charleston.

The art you can see here is from a large variety of genres. But the galleries focus on painters and sculptors.

The Mary Martin Galleries of Fine Art want to feature artists who create original work. This is great to see when you are here.

If you like to discover new artworks that you haven't seen before, then go here! You'll enjoy it here for sure!

Dinner at Prohibition

Now it is time for dinner on the first day.

One of the best restaurants in the city is Prohibition .

The atmosphere of the restaurant feels like the 1920s, which is great! That's because there is lovely vintage decor.

Besides that, the food of the place is great as well!

They have great main dishes that are very tasty! Furthermore, they have delicious desserts that are great to end your meal with!

Also, they have good cocktails.

What's also great here is to have the Chef's Tasting Menu. You can have this every Friday and Saturday. And it contains the Chef's choice of food that is great to try!

Day 2: Exploring More of the City

Today, you will learn a lot about history and you'll see an amazing sight outside of the city center.

Breakfast at Beech

To start your second day in Charleston, let's get some breakfast!

One of the best places for breakfast is Beech. You find this restaurant at 315 King Street.

Beech focuses on serving fresh and healthy food in a fast way. They base their menu on several healthy ingredients.

Some of their best food for breakfast is their bowls. A great bowl is the Beech Bowl, this includes acai, granola, banana, strawberry, and more!

Also, they have great bagels and toast if you like that more for breakfast! And they have even more. You'll love it here for sure!

Also, this is a great place to get cold-pressed juices and smoothies. This is very delicious!

See art at the Charleston Museum

The Charleston Museum is a great museum to visit when you are 4 days in Charleston. That's why you should go here next.

At this museum, you find a great collection of many things. Historic objects, natural history artifacts, and more!

For example, you find here an exhibition focused on furniture from Charleston. Furthermore, there is a part of the museum that focuses on Egyptian objects. And one section is about rocks and minerals that you can find all around the world.

Also, the museum has two historic houses that are worth visiting! These houses have awesome architecture, and they look great from the inside

Furthermore, the Charleston Museum is one of the oldest museums in the United States. Knowing this makes visiting the museum even better!

You can visit the museum every day of the year, except for a few holidays.

Go To Marion Square and the Charleston Farmers Market

Marion Square is a lovely small greenspace that you find in the city center. It is next to the Charleston Museum, so it is easy to get here.

This is a great place to relax and to hang out.

Furthermore, during the summer there is more to do here.

During that time, you can find here the Charleston Farmers Market on Saturdays! This is a great place to go when you going to Charleston for 4 days.

Furthermore, several festivals take place at Marion Square. For example, you find here the Spoleto Arts Festival. Also, it is a great place to visit during Christmas, as there is always a tree here. In fact, there was a Christmas tree during the holidays for the last 100 years.

Lunch at Caviar & Bananas

After visiting Marion Square you can have lunch at Caviar & Bananas .

They use only the best ingredients that come from both local and global sources!

This place is great if you want a delicious salad! They have a large variety of this!

Also, Caviar & Bananas is the perfect place if you want to have a delicious sandwich.

What's great is that you can create your own sandwich or salad here. You can choose exactly what you like most to create the most delicious food!

See the Angel Oak Tree

During the afternoon you should definitely go to the Angel Oak Tree .

The Angel Oak Tree lies about outside of the city center of Charleston. You find the tree in Angel Oak Park together with other trees.

What makes this tree special is that it is about 400 to 500 years old. This is amazing, as that's older than the United States!

Besides that, the tree looks very cool! It has branches that go horizontal and that are very large. This looks very impressive.

You can reach the Angel Oak Tree from the Historic District of Charleston in about 25 minutes. The tree lies about 12 miles (or 19 kilometers) from the city center.

Walk Through Johns Island Park

Close to the Angel Oak Tree, you find John Island Park. This is a great place with nature and lots of things to do. You can walk here from Angel Oak Tree!

You find a lot of nature here, which makes it ideal for a relaxing time!

Furthermore, there are all kinds of facilities here. That's also why it's in this 4 days in Charleston itinerary.

For example, there are places where you can do sports. There is a tennis court, a baseball field, and a volleyball field.

Furthermore, there is a playground, there are benches, and there are restrooms. So it is a very convenient place to visit!

Dinner at El Mercadito & Taqueria

El Mercadito & Taqueria is a place that you can find close to Johns Island Park.

This makes it a very convenient place to have dinner at the end of the second day!

At El Mercadito & Taqueria you can get delicious Mexican food. Their tacos are very delicious!

What's also great about this place is that the service here is also very good!

Of course, you could also go back to the historic center of Charleston to have dinner. You find there many great restaurants that are wonderful for dinner!

Day 3: Seeing Nature, Sights, and a Beach During Your 4 Days in Charleston

It's time to see nature, learn about history, and head to the beach!

Breakfast at East Bay Meeting House

You can have a very good breakfast at East Bay Meeting House , so I recommend going there on this third day!

You find this place in the French Quarter of Charleston. This is convenient if you are going to Waterfront Park after this place.

This place is a Parisian cafe with elements from the Southern United States. You can find a lot of different French food here.

For example, you can have here a quiche with spinach or with portobello mushrooms.

Also, you can have French toast here and they have delicious homemade granola.

When you have breakfast here, I also recommend having orange or cranberry juice!

Walk Through Waterfront Park

Waterfront Park is a small park that you can find along the Cooper River. It is at the Historic Center of Charleston.

This is a great place to go for a relaxing time! So if you want to relax during your 4 days in Charleston, you should go here for sure! There are many beautiful trees, which is nice!

Furthermore, you have a wonderful view of the river, which is great as well. Also, the view at sunset is great as well!

One of the most iconic landmarks at Waterfront Park is the Pineapple Fountain. This is a unique fountain that looks like a pineapple.

See the Fortifications of Charles Town

Let's start with the next activity on this 4-day Charleston itinerary! Before Charleston was Charleston, it was Charles Town.

During that time there was a constant threat from other countries, such as France and Spain. Furthermore, Native Americans and pirates also formed a threat.

That's why the people of the city built a fortification wall around the settlement to defend it.

Next to Rainbow Row, you can see a sign with information about the wall. Furthermore, there is a section of the wall here.

This is a great historic sight in the city of Charleston, that you should not miss out on!

What's great is that it is easy to walk here from Waterfront Park.

Visit the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is a great museum in the city of Charleston. You find it on the other side of the Cooper River.

This is a great place to learn about naval and maritime history.

You find here all kinds of exhibits that are very interesting.

One of the highlights of the museum is the USS Yorktown. This is an aircraft carrier built during the second world war. It's great that you can see an aircraft carrier from up close.

Also, you find the Medal of Honor museum on board. You find here information from all those who received such a medal.

Besides that, there are many other vessels from the Navy here.

Lunch at Woody's Pizza

In the mood for great pizza for lunch? Then head over to Woody's Pizza ! This is a place next to Folly Beach, which is the next stop of this itinerary.

Their pizza is great and they have a large variety of pizza. You can choose which size of pizza you want, or you can have only one slice.

Also, this is a great place for subs and salads. So if you like that more, then you can have that here!

Go to Folly Beach

This afternoon, you should definitely head to the beach.

The nearest beach near Charleston is Folly Beach. You can get here in about 25 minutes by car. The distance from the city center of Charleston to Folly Beach is about 12 miles (or 19 kilometers).

Folly Beach is a great place to relax when you are spending 4 days in Charleston.

It is a great beach that is very relaxing to hang out at!

Furthermore, there are many amenities at the beach, which makes it a great place to visit! And there are lots of restaurants next to the beach. So I'd definitely recommend having a drink here as well.

Walk Through Folly River Park

If you still have time left after going to Folly Beach, you should definitely go to Folly River Park.

This is a park that is perfect to relax after a beach day! Walking through it is a wonderful activity to end your afternoon with.

You find here lots of trees that are very beautiful and that provide a lot of shadows.

From Folly Beach, you can walk to the park in about 6 minutes, which is great! When walking there from the beach, you walk next to lovely restaurants. These a great for dinner after visiting the park.

Dinner at Loggerhead's Beach Grill

After relaxing at Folly River Park, go to Loggerhead's Beach Grill !

You find this restaurant on Folly Beach and you have a wonderful view from here. Also, the atmosphere of the place is very laid-back, which is great!

This place is great if you are looking for good burgers for a fair price. But they also have other food!

Also, if you only want to have a drink here, you can do so too!

Furthermore, there is daily entertainment at this place, which makes your experience better!

Day 4: See More Places in Charleston

During the last day in Charleston, you will see some more beautiful sights in the city of Charleston. It's a great day of this 4-day Charleston itinerary!

Relax at Washington Square

Washington Square is a lovely public park in the city center of Charleston.

You find it next to the City Hall

There are beautiful trees, plants, and grass fields. Furthermore, there are several walking paths for a relaxing walk.

Besides that, there are benches in the park, which makes this a perfect place to relax!

Also, there is a statue in the park!

Brunch at Café Framboise

After going to Washington Square, I recommend having brunch at Café Framboise .

Café Framboise is a restaurant that you find in downtown Charleston. You find here a great French menu with lots of great brunch items!

One of their best brunch dishes is the La Avocado Classic. This is toasted Challah bread with avocado puree and chili flakes, together with a salad.

Also, you can have a quiche here. And this place is great if you are looking for salads, gourmet sandwiches, and paninis!

See the Gibbes Museum of Art

Now it's time to go to another one of the best museums in Charleston.

The Gibbes Museum of Art is an art museum in the city with a lovely collection.

You can find it inside a historic building in the Historic District of Charleston.

The collection of the museum focuses on fine art. In fact, there are more than 10,000 artworks of this kind here. Moreover, the focus of the museum lies in artworks that have a connection with Charleston.

Some of the artists whose work is here include Henrietta Johnston and Jeremiah Theus.

You can visit the museum every day of the week, but there are some holidays with closures.

Go to Fort Sumter National Monument

During this last afternoon of your 4 days in Charleston, go to Fort Sumter!

This is a sea fort that you can fin on an artificial island at Charleston Harbor. Going here is incredible if you like learning about history.

Its history dates back to the year 1814. The city built it during the War of 1812 to protect the harbor against foreign countries.

It played a role in the American Civil War. During the Battle of Fort Sumter, there was a bombardment of Fort Sumter. During this battle, there were a lot of damages.

You can get to the island by ferry which takes 30 minutes. This ferry leaves from Patriots Point.

Dinner at Eli's Table

At Eli's Table , you can have delicious food for dinner at the end of your fourth day!

They have food with flavors from all over the world, which is great! Furthermore, they only use fresh and local ingredients.

One of their best dishes is the Vegetarian Risotto. This dish has fresh vegetables that the restaurant selects daily, which is awesome.

Also, every Thursday there is live jazz here from 7 PM to 10 PM, which is great!

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How to Spend Three Days in Charleston, South Carolina

With beautiful architecture, an incredible and tragic history, along with mouthwatering restaurants, Charleston, South Carolina, is a top travel destination. The downtown area is perfect for walking around and catching glimpses of historic buildings that played a role, for better or worse, in the story of the United States.

There are many urban parks to explore, forts from the Civil War, plus islands and beaches to kick back on and enjoy the warm Southern sun. Charleston enjoys a modern culture but has done an exceptional job preserving its past, which is on full display for you to discover.

Thinking about a trip to the ‘Holy City’? Our 3 days in Charleston itinerary will guide you through the best spots to visit and top eats to enjoy. Let’s get started.

Where to Stay

You’ll be presented with some great districts in Charleston to base yourself on your travels. Staying in the Historic downtown area, aka the French Quarter, is the perfect option, especially for first timers.

You’ll have many attractions, museums and parks within walking distance, along with the best restaurants and nightlife.

Budget travelers should explore their options on the West Side. Still close to the city center, you’ll find some great options that won’t burn a hole in your wallet. 

The shoulder seasons of spring and fall are the best times to visit Charleston, South Carolina. The spring brings ideal temperatures for walking around town, enjoying the coasts and sipping a cocktail on the city’s many rooftops.

When the temperatures begin the dip, fall offers a milder experience perfect for morning walks and getting out on the harbor. To escape the crowds but still have the sun on your back, fall is to time to visit Charleston.

If you’re looking to visit the city on a budget, then winter provides excellent opportunities to save money. There are several holiday-themed festivals that are enjoyable, but be sure to pack a sweater or two.

Summer brings high heat and crowds, which isn’t always the most enjoyable combination. Having said that, with the sun out and atmosphere at its peak, summer is an exciting time to be in Charleston, South Carolina.  

Day 1: History, Markets, and Parks

After arriving for your three days in Charleston adventure, get your bearings by exploring the trendy King Street. Downtown Charleston is the focus of day one, with many historical buildings, boutiques and restaurants to discover along the way.

King Street has risen to become a favorite hangout among locals, with a hearty focus on entertainment and fun. But with over 300 years of history, the stretch of road has been immensely important through every era.  

If you’re looking to get your shopping fix in early on your travels, then you will love window shopping along King Street. There are several eye-popping boutiques and if you’ve time your run nicely, King Street closes to vehicles every second Sunday of the month. Opening up the space to more outdoor dining, pop up markets along with live music and entertainment.

After stretching your legs out and gathering your sense of direction, it’s time to begin your journey through the storied past, both good and bad, of Charleston, South Carolina. Begin your historical adventures by visiting the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon.

This ancient building has a consequential history. Once the building opened in 1771, it began as a customs house, before becoming a military prison during the American Revolution.

The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon was both a place to host prominent members of US society, including the first president, George Washington. While also being used as a public auction site for slaves. Lastly, the building is one of just four that remains where the US Constitution was signed.

To gain a greater understanding of the many uses of the Old Exchange, along with the tales of its past, you must explore the insightful museum. Guides in period costumes will help you take a journey back in time.

From the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, enjoy a short walk back through downtown Charleston on your way to the Old Slave Mart Museum. Both buildings are linked through an ordinance. When a law passed that banned the sale of slaves in the open, ‘marts’ opened up around Charleston and South Carolina. One of the best preserved examples of the slave trade and an important educational experience is the Old Slave Mart Museum.

Auctions were held here between 1856 and 1863 and the museum helps to tell the stories of the victims and their families. The jarring experience will help you understand not just local history but the power of the slave trade in South Carolina. It’s estimated that 40% of enslaved people who were taken to the United States arrived in the city of Charleston.   

Just a quick stroll away from the Old Slave Mart Museum is the Charleston Old City Market. Since the 1700s, the market has been the center of commerce and trade. The market remains a prominent historical landmark in the downtown district and is one of the top things to do in Charleston, South Carolina.

Now catering more towards the tourist crowd, you can still explore the beautiful building while also stumbling across a gorgeous memento. Over 300 local vendors sell their handmade wares inside the market, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Vibrant and colorful, the market is simply a fun place to be, whether you walk away with a cherished item or not.

As the sun falls over Charleston, make a beeline for the stunning Waterfront Park. A haven for locals and travelers alike, the park is on 12 acres with a long stretch directly on the harbor. Stroll along until you spot an old-fashioned park bench and simply enjoy the beautiful late afternoon scenery.

Kids can roam the playground, the several gardens bloom adding fresh colors to the park, and on the harbor, yachts bob up and down as the horizon flashes with orange and reds.

Where to Eat

If you didn’t find a spot to eat on King Street, then you can’t go wrong with Leon’s Oyster Shop. The local favorite isn’t just about delicious oysters, as it serves up classic southern-style chicken and Asian-American cuisine.

End your first down in the city at Chez Nous. Each day, the head chef writes a new menu by hand, meaning the experience is different every time. Enjoy scrumptious European comfort food in a beautiful setting.

Day 2: Plantations, Forts, and Aquariums

With a full day exploring Charleston, South Carolina ahead, start off with a rejuvenating trip through the Charleston Farmers Market. Enjoy some crisp morning air as you browse the fresh produce and experience local culture. Beyond the regional fruits and vegetables, you’ll discover over a hundred local artisans and designers who are backed by some vibrant live music, all morning long.

Located downtown in Marion Square, the city’s farmers market is considered one of the best in the South. As the locals descend upon the market, the atmosphere rises, making it an exciting way to start the morning. The Charleston Farmers Market is open every Saturday from April to November! 

With some fresh ingredients and produce for a delightful midday picnic, jump in the car and make your way to the Middleton Place Plantation. Charleston is home to several historic plantations that have been well preserved to show both sides of early South Carolinian life. 

One of the most beautiful plantations around the city also offers a chance to explore the oldest landscaped gardens in the United States. The well-appointed home comes from a 17 th century European design surrounded by stunning terraces, hedged gardens and pools. 

Regardless of the season, there is something blooming with azaleas in the springtime and rare camellias in the winter. The Stableyards have guides recreating everyday life from blacksmithing, to carpentry, weaving, pottery and what life was like for slaves on the rice plantation.  

Touring the home is the top attraction at Middleton Plantation and a chance to learn more about the slaves that lived on the property and the generations of Middletons who lived in the home. Discover rare books, period furniture and portraits and the untouched rooms of the family who lived here for centuries. 

After returning to South Carolina, head out to the harbor and visit the famous Fort Sumter. You likely would have spotted the historic fort while relaxing at the Waterfront Park, but today you’ll set foot inside the place where the Civil War began in 1861.

On April 12 th of that year, the Confederacy attacked the fort beginning what would be a four-year war between the Confederates and the Union. At the end of the Civil War, the American flag was raised over the remains. To this day, park rangers tell the tales of the fort and how it created the snowball that changed the path of American history.

With so much to see and experience when it comes to history in Charleston, South Carolina, why not sign up for a walking tour ? Alongside an expert guide, stroll between the important historical sites in the city, from mansions, to museums, gardens and Fort Sumter while learning the full story from the 18 th century to the modern day. 

One of the top things to do in Charleston, South Carolina with kids is to visit the state’s top aquarium. The South Carolina Aquarium isn’t just home to marine life either, with exhibits featuring mammals, birds, reptiles and plants that help you discover the natural world around Charleston.

The aquarium is all about being hands on, which is why young and old will have a blast exploring the attraction. Here you can touch sharks, stingrays and starfish while enjoying a series of interactive shows. 

However, the most popular part of the South Carolina Aquarium is the Sea Turtle Hospital. It’s the only one of its kind in the state and is home to Caretta, the famous loggerhead turtle that weighs 220 pounds (100kg).

Keep things simple and delicious by starting your morning at Millers All Day. With cute interior decor, you’ll know you’re dining out in the South, and you can enjoy a delectable Southern-style breakfast without breaking the bank.

On your way back from the Middleton Plantation stop by Hannibal’s Kitchen for lunch. The unassuming orange building is essentially a hole-in-the-wall, but serves up amazing local soul cuisine. Expect some quality soul-style seafood and, of course, some bona fide epic chicken.

For date night, make a reservation at Husk. In a building from the 1800s, enjoy ‘new South’ cuisine that elevates the well-known favorites into a different stratosphere. Under the inviting lights, this is the perfect end to a great day in Charleston.

Day 3: Lighthouses, Food, and Boats

Just 20 minutes from Charleston is one of the most beautiful parts of South Carolina. Sullivan’s Island is home to a historic lighthouse and several beautiful beaches, perfect for some early morning sun and a quick dip in the refreshing water. 

Begin your morning on the island by exploring Charleston Light, aka the Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse. The storybook lighthouse is one of the more modern installations in the US. After opening in 1962, only the beacons in Texas are younger.  

Slim and triangular, the lighthouse is white on the bottom and black on top and owing to its new age design; you don’t have to walk to the top. Instead, you can enjoy an air-conditioned elevator ride to the observation deck at the highest level. 

After soaking up the views, it’s time to head to the beach. Sullivan’s Island is home to many, but Station 18 is the closest. If you feel like doing more than sun baking and swimming, then grab all the gear you need at Sealand Sports . Whether that be surfboards, SUPs or even a bicycle, they’ve got you covered.

Once you’re back in the city, explore a different side to ‘Chuck Town’ with Charleston Culinary Tours . Their main tour will take you to all the top spots in the Historic District along with the City Market, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the best eats in the city.

With your three days in Charleston, South Carolina, coming to a close, there are still a few activities that are well-worth experiencing. Our top picks are the Schooner Pride, The Charleston Museum and Battery Park.

If you’re itching to get back out on the harbor, the Schooner Pride is a stunning 84-foot (26m) sailing vessel. With so much history within the city streets, it’s only fair that the boat itself is historic. With a trio of masts and a classic look, the Schooner Pride is right out of your history books.  

With Charleston Harbor Tours you can not only set foot on the magnificent vessel but also explore the harbor in depth, with the chance to spot dolphins! From the boat, you’ll also have memorable views of the city skyline and a chance to reflect on your amazing time in Charleston.

If you haven’t yet had your fill of history, then explore America’s First Museum. Founded in 1773, the Charleston Museum features a vast collection of permanent exhibits featuring Native American culture and the original European settlers. 

Discover a world of weaponry used in the Revolutionary and Civil War. While another exhibit showcases the quirky collection of a 19 th century world traveler.

Lastly, if you just want to relax and enjoy the sights, then end your trip to Charleston at The Battery. This picturesque urban park was once the sight of a major Civil War battle. Just beside the park is Rainbow Row, home to stately, colorful mansions.

If you’re feeling down about beginning your last day in Charleston, then Daps Breakfast and Imbibe will put a smile on your face. The all-day breakfast joint comes with delightful breakfast wine, fluffy pancakes, generous vegetarian dishes and the popular Big Meaty.

Before leaving Sullivan’s Island, dine at the Obstinate Daughter, one of the top restaurants in Charleston. The restaurant is influenced by Spanish, Italian and French cuisine and offers a worldly take on your favorite southern classics. Book ahead, as the restaurant is always in high demand.

Final Thoughts

Charleston, South Carolina, is a fantastic option for a three-day vacation. The diverse city has something for everyone, whether you’re a fan of history, southern food or amazing architecture.

With markets, museums, parks and restaurants creating a vibrant downtown area, you could spend all three days walking the beautiful streets. But with the harbor, islands and plantations waiting to be explored, balancing the two will help you make the most of your short, but sweet three days in Charleston, South Carolina.

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Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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4 days in Charleston SC The Perfect Itinerary (local spots)

Share the secrets, inspire the journey!

If you’ve read about Charleston, SC before, you probably know that it’s known for its charming and beautiful scenery. This coastal city is also a magnet for visitors from all over the world who are eager to explore its rich culture and delicious cuisine. Whether you’re looking for something outdoorsy or prefer a city-centric experience, 4 days in Charleston SC will offer you the opportunity to do just that.

If you’re looking to explore the South and visit a few of its most beautiful cities, then Charleston, SC is the perfect location. As someone who has visited Charleston, SC on a few separate trips I have learned a lot about the city and know many hidden spots that locals love!

Moreover, Charleston provides an excellent opportunity to immerse in the local culture. The city is one of the best places to experience Southern hospitality and learn about historic plantations, plantation life, and other local themes that give this place such a special charm.

If you’re planning a trip to this enchanting city and want to spend your time here doing as little or as much as possible then you need this 4 days in Charleston SC itinerary!

Some of the links contained in this post are affiliate links, meaning that at no cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

How to spend 4 days in Charleston SC

• Explore King Street and Historic sites like Charleston City Market, Rainbow Row, The Battery or Waterfront Park
• Breakfast, Lunch or Brunch – Callie’s, Miller’s All Day, Brown Dog Deli or Bodega
• Book a tour of your choice or visit a museum or The Aquarium
• Book a Day or Sunset Cruise
• Check out the rooftops at The Vendue or The Dewberry
• Have a drink at Camellia’s Champagne Lounge at The Hotel Bennett
• Dinner at Husk, Fig or Amen Street in downtown
• Take a drive out to Wadmalaw Island to visit Deepwater Vineyard and The Charleston Tea Plantation. Stop by Angel Oak on the way and stop at Low Tide Brewery on the way back.
• Take a drive out to Folly Beach for the day and have breakfast or lunch at Lost Dog
• If you want to visit a Plantation on this day, I’d recommend heading to Magnolia Plantation or Boone Hall which are not far from downtown. There also are plenty of great places to eat in West Ashley and Mount Pleasant. If you’re in West Ashley check out Bear-E Patch for breakfast or Home Team BBQ for lunch or dinner. If you’re in Mount Pleasant check out Tavern & Table or any of the restaurants at Shem Creek.
• Day trip to Kiawah Island
• Breakfast or Lunch at Jasmine Porch
• Golf at one of the many courses
• The Ryder Cup Bar and The Ocean Course Club house for lunch
• Beaches and Cream for ice cream and desserts
• Tomasso or Cherrywood BBQ for dinner

Since this is your last day, I’d recommend reserving it for anything that you did not get to do the other 3 days. For example, if you didn’t get a chance to see all the sites downtown like The Battery or Rainbow row.

What is Charleston best known for?

Charleston is best known for delicious food, great beer and southern charm, no contest! Some of the best restaurants in the world call Charleston home. Charleston is a uniquely beautiful place, with a special charm that is impossible to replicate anywhere else in the country.

Delicious Food: The food in Charleston is phenomenal! There are so many spots for some of the best food that the south has to offer. From seafood to Southern comfort food, there is something for everyone!

Great Beer: There are so many breweries in Charleston that we can’t visit them all! My favorites are Commonhouse Aleworks, Edmunds Oast Brewing Co., Munkle Brewing Co. and Low Tide Brewing! But honestly, there’s so many all around the Charleston area that you really can’t go wrong.

Southern Charm: That southern charm that southern people are so well known for is truly a thing in Charleston! The people of this city are ridiculously friendly and welcoming. It doesn’t matter if you are from out of state or if you have been living there your entire life, they will make you feel at home.

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Is Charleston SC expensive to visit?

It’s all relative but, if you’re staying in downtown Charleston or visiting during a busy time of the year – Charleston can get expensive. But it doesn’t have to be!

Here are some ways to make Charleston SC less expensive:

Don’t stay in downtown charleston, use points and miles for your hotel or accommodations, eat where the locals eat, find the free activities.

There are times of the year where you can get an inexpensive place to stay downtown, but the hotels on King Street are very expensive. Try looking at hotels in the surrounding areas like Mount Pleasant, West Ashley or closer to the airport.

Charleston is a small city, so these areas will be a short drive from the city center. Also, these areas will be closer to some iconic Plantations and other areas of interest.

I will always mention this tip! If you have your heart set on staying in downtown Charleston, you can off set the cost by redeeming points and miles that you get from using credit cards, loyalty programs, shopping portals etc. I have some posts on this!

• How to Plan a weekend trip on a budget: The easy way!
• Easy tips to save on holiday travel.
• Simple ways to save money for your next vacation.

Any restaurants in touristy areas are going to be expensive and they are not always the best just because everyone goes there. It’s the restaurants off the beaten path, the “hole in the walls” that you really want!

There’s honestly so many free things to do in Charleston! Read on for a list!

How many days do I need in Charleston?

4 days in Charleston SC is the perfect amount of time to soak in all the history and experience what the city has to offer. Charleston is a charming city. Whether you are looking to explore the history, culture, or art of the city, or you just want to relax and enjoy the beautiful weather, Charleston is a perfect fit for you!

What is the best month to visit Charleston SC?

The fall months, October through November are probably the best months to spend 4 days in Charleston SC. It will be less crowded in the fall, but the Spring is also a great time to visit. However, I have visited in January and in July and those were amazing as well.

January was a little chilly, but the city was not crowded so we loved it! We stayed on Kiawah Island on the beach and it was magical! I don’t love laying out on the beach when it’s hot, but taking walks on the beach when it’s a little chilly is my favorite!

Although it can get chilly during the fall and winter months (even early spring), when the sun is out it doesn’t matter.

We visited during July 4th one year and had the best time. Charleston had so many great activities and a restaurant on the water at Shem Creek even had their own fireworks. We had a table at Saltwater Cowboys and had a blast!

Basically, you can’t go wrong when visiting Charleston any month out of the year!

Getting to Charleston

The most efficient way to get to Charleston is by plane. We live in South Florida and have both driven and flown to Charleston. Flying is hands down the way to go! Getting to and around Charleston is quite easy. The city is located on the South Carolina coast, near the border with North Carolina.

However, if you do need to drive it’s pretty easy to get to Charleston by car. Charleston SC is centrally located between Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head. It has access to several highways and is a relatively short drive from cities in North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia and Kentucky.

Fly Breeze Airways non-stop to Charleston

We got lucky because Breeze Airways started offering non-stop flights from PBI to CHS. They were the only airline offering a non-stop flight and it was super affordable! This was our first time flying Breeze Airways and it was great. Breeze Airways was founded by David Neeleman who also cofounded Jetblue, so we knew that it would be a breeze (see what I did there)!

Breeze Airways has several non stop flights going in and out of CHS to many cities throughout the country. So, if you haven’t checked out Breeze Airways yet this is your cue!

The easiest way to find flights is to use Google’s free flight tool – Google Flights . You can set flight alerts and book a deal when you see one! Most airlines let you cancel within 24 hours no questions asked and if it’s after 24 hours then you can usually cancel or change your flight without penalty (just pay the difference for the new flight).

Before you book your flight, check out some of my other posts:

• 5 Big mistakes to avoid when booking flights – You’d be surprised how many people make these mistakes that can save them a lot of headache and time. Time is money!
• 5 Best tips for packing a carry on – If you don’t want to pack for a checked bag, this will help you learn how to pack a carry-on like a pro!

Things to Do in Charleston SC

One of the best things about a long weekend in Charleston, SC is that you can experience the city’s rich history and amazing architecture. The city has a long, impressive history, so you’ll want to make sure to visit some of Charleston’s historic sites as well.

The Battery and the Old City Cemetery are both on the National Register of Historic Places, so you can find out more about their history and see why they’re important. You’ll also want to check out the Citadel (Military Academy) and the College of Charleston.

You can also check out some of the city’s many festivals and events, like the Charleston Wine and Food Festival (usually in early March). There’s so much to do and see!

Historic sites:

• The Battery
• Old City Cemetery
• Rainbow Row
• Charles Towne Landing
• Caw Caw Interpretive Center
• The Morris Island Lighthouse
• Angel Oak Tree
• Fort Sumter

Museums and Aquarium:

• South Carolina Aquarium
• The Charleston Museum
• Charleston Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry
• International African American museum – opens January 2023
• The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
• The Old Slave Mart Museum
• The Gibbes Museum of Art
• Mace Brown Museum of Natural History
• Aiken Rhett House & Nathaniel Russell House tours
• Edmunston-Allston house

Plantations, Gardens and Parks:

• Cypress Gardens
• Charleston Waterfront Park (also known as Riley Waterfront Park)
• Folly Beach
• Charleston Tea Garden
• Magnolia Plantation – Charleston’s most visited plantation and the inspiration for books, tv shows and movies.
• Boone Hall – scenes from the movie The Notebook were shot here.
• Middleton Place

Entertainment:

• The Riviera Theatre at The Charleston Place
• Charleston Music Hall – intimate venue that locals enjoy
• Charleston Gaillard Center
• Charleston Pour House

Shopping and Markets:

• Charleston City Market
• Charleston Farmers Markets
• The Historic Charleston Foundation – local artists and vendors, the proceeds go towards preserving the city of Charleston
• Second Sunday on King Street

What are things to do in Charleston, South Carolina, that are free?

4 days in Charleston SC does not need to be expensive. There are so many things to do and see that are completely free . Check out this post from Explore Charleston about free things to do in Charleston and see the list below!

Free and Fun things to do in Charleston SC :

• Charleston/Riley Waterfront Park
• Fort Sumter – no entrance fee, but you do have to pay for the ferry to the island.
• Shem Creek Park
• West Ashley Greenway
• Charleston Tea Plantation
• Stroll down King Street and Historic District
• Marion Square Park

Charleston Tours

You can visit all of the above sites on your own or if you more prefer a guided tour experience then definitely check out Charleston Tours on Viator .

Here are some of our favorites:

• Charleston Harbor Boat Tours
• Charleston Sunset Harbor Tour
• Charleston City Bus Tour

There’s also walking tours, food tours, ghost tours, you name it! We really like using Viator because it’s so easy to book. Most tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before for a full refund! This way if your plans change you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Get cashback when you book through Viator!

Don’t forget to  stack on cashback offers  when you book through Viator. I like to use my Citi Premier card (after activating the offer). And if you like shopping portals, you can stack that onto your purchase.

Shopping portals like  Rakuten  even let you connect a rewards program like American Express so you can earn rewards points. You can even  use points  to book these tours via a credit card portal like Citi Thank you Points or Ultimate Rewards.

If you’re new to shopping portals, check out this  guide to maximizing shopping portals  from The Points Guy. I always check Cashback Monitor so I can see which shopping portal is offering the best cashback!

Visit the Breweries, Distilleries and Vineyards

If you enjoy a good adult beverage then Charleston SC is the place for you! There are so many really great spots in downtown Charleston and the surrounding areas. Chances are that wherever you stay, you’ll have a brewery or distillery near you!

Brewery District Downtown Charleston SC

If you love beer, you need to spend the day down at the Brewery District near downtown Charleston. Every Saturday, there is a hop on/hop off trolley shuttle that will take you to all 10 of the breweries in the district. The trolley runs from 1pm-9pm every Saturday and anyone can ride it.

• Tradesman Brewing Company
• Edmund’s Oast Brewing Company
• Cooper River Brewing Company
• Palmetto Brewing Company
• Baker & Brewer
• Revelry Brewing Company
• Fatty’s Beer Works
• Lo-Fi Brewing Co.
• Munkle Brewing Co.

Our favorites in the district are Edmund’s Oast, Revelry, Fatty’s and Munkle. My husband really enjoyed the vibes at Munkle and Fatty’s. Fatty’s serves Delta-8 infused beer and also has a vending machine with Delta-8 gummies.

Firefly Distillery

Firefly Distillery has some of best spirits that we have ever enjoyed. I’d recommend signing up for a tasting, you get a shot glass and taste 12 spirits! Well, it’s actually 6, but if you have 2 people you can share. They have 2 spirits each round that you can choose from.

I love how some options can be mixed together like the lemonade (made with fresh lemons!) and the sweet tea to make an Arnold Palmer. Some of the spirits taste exactly like dessert, my favorite is the Pecan Pie. It comes in a whiskey or vodka. It’s honestly so delicious!

The distillery is a great place to spend the day as well. They serve cocktails that you can enjoy outside under the pavilion. There’s also monthly events including live music and food trucks. It’s really a fun and family friendly place to be.

Other Favorite Breweries and Distilleries

• Holy City Brewing
• Low Tide Brewing
• Estuary Beans and Barley shares a parking lot with Charleston Distilling Co.
• Commonhouse Aleworks
• Ship’s Wheel – Hard Cider

Commonhouse Aleworks and Ship’s Wheel are located on Park Circle which is a great place for shopping, restaurants and bars!

Deep Water Vineyard

Deep Water Vineyard is a little further out on Wadmalaw Island, but it’s also a great way to spend an afternoon. They grow muscadine grapes which if you’ve never had muscadine wine can be very different, but they have partnerships with other vineyards and serve other varietals as well. They also serve Mead from their brand Bears Bluff Meadery.

We loved the vibe at Deep Water, they host events and 4 main festivals every year. You should definitely check them out and visit their website!

Places to Eat in Charleston

Charleston’s food scene is really amazing so this is list is pretty long, I’m sure you will find something to suit your palate.

Downtown Restaurants

Fine Dining – you need reservations

Non Fine Dining

• Daps Breakfast Imbibe
• Baquette Magic – multiple locations
• Brown Dog Deli
• Ladles Soups – multiple locations
• Bodega – sandwiches and coffee
• Miller’s All Day – Brunch, get the banana bread!
• Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit – get there early because of long lines
• Fast & French
• Rodney Scott’s BBQ
• Moe’s Crosstown Tavern – Burgers!
• Blind Tiger
• Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar – Oysters!

Dessert Cafe’s

• Carmella’s Cafe and Dessert Bar – great drinks!
• Kaminsky’s
• Off Track Ice Cream
• Bin 152 – you can try wines by the glass that you would normally only be able to get by the bottle at most other places.

Recommended Charleston Restaurants further from Downtown

• Bagel Nation – multiple locations
• Early Bird Diner
• Xiao Bao Biscuit
• Home Team BBQ – multiple locations
• Nico – Oysters!
• Saltwater Cowboys – great place on the water
• Tavern & Table
• Lost Dog Cafe – Folly Beach
• Bear-E Patch Cafe – hole in the wall with amazing breakfast!
• Bowen’s island
• The Tattooed Moose – multiple locations, definitely a hole in the wall. You come here for the duck fat fries!

Where is a good place to stay in Charleston SC?

You can stay in downtown which can be expensive, but there are a few hotels that I would recommend staying at or at least visiting! I like Hilton hotels, but Marriott has a lot of great hotels in the area as well.

If you don’t stay downtown, you can stay in the surrounding areas like West Ashley or Mount Pleasant or closer to Charleston International airport. The surrounding areas are 15-20 mins from downtown Charleston.

Recommended Downtown Hotels

• The Mills House Hotel is currently part of the Curio Hotel Collection which can be booked with Hilton Honors points!
• Hampton Inn Charleston-Historic district is super cute and also part of the Hilton family! It’s located in the Historic district so it’s a good location for some of the historic sites.
• Hilton Club Liberty Place Charleston is a beautiful Hilton Hotel near the Aquarium and King Street.

Recommended Downtown Hotels to visit

• The Vendue is a gorgeous art inspired hotel with an awesome rooftop bar!
• Hotel Bennett is home to Camellias Champagne lounge which is absolutely gorgeous! It’s also next door to Marion Square where the statue of John C. Calhoun was removed in 2020. The square is located near several landmarks and a great place for a picnic!
• The Dewberry has a great vibe, I’d recommend stopping by for a drink in The Living Room or going up to the rooftop and grabbing a drink at The Citrus Club!
• The Charleston is rich with Charleston history! Have a drink at The Thoroughbred Club and/or have dinner at The Charleston Grill (fine dining). If you’re looking for some upscale shopping, check out The Shops at Charleston Place.

Day Trips from Charleston

One of the best things about a 4-day weekend in Charleston, SC and a long weekend itinerary is that you can spend a day or two and discover the surrounding areas . There are plenty of nearby places to visit, and with the Lowcountry being so close, it’s easy to get out of the city and into natural beauty.

Kiawah Island SC

Kiawah Island is only about 45-60 mins from downtown Charleston, but it’s a day trip affair. The Kiawah Island Golf Resort is definitely worth a visit. There are great restaurants, golf courses, a spa and just an all around beautiful place. The Spa at The Sanctuary is the only 5 Star, 5 Diamond Spa in the state of South Carolina.

The resort has 5 golf courses, one of which is the world renowned Ocean Course. The Ocean course was the home of the 2021 PGA Championship and the back drop for the movie The Legend of Bagger Vance.

The Ocean Course Club house is a great spot to sit for lunch, have a drink and just watch the golfers at the 18th hole with the ocean behind them. They partner with Low Tide brewing to serve their house special “The Ocean Course Ale”. It’s super tasty!

Isle of Palms SC

On our most recent trip to Charleston, we could not get a tee time at Kiawah Island resort, so we drove out about 45-60 mins to Isle of Palms SC to golf at Wild Dunes Charleston’s Island Resort . The course had beautiful scenery and honestly may even be our first choice on our next trip!

Wild Dunes Charleston’s Island Resort is owned by Hyatt Hotels and has 4 different options for accommodations – Sweet Grass Inn, Boardwalk Inn, Residences at Sweet Grass and Wild Dunes Vacation rentals.

Montage Palmetto Bluff SC

The Montage Palmetto Bluff Resort is a gorgeous resort offering golf, dining and experiences like bike riding or a shooting club. It’s definitely worth the drive for the scenery alone. The Montage Palmetto Bluff Resort is about 2 hours from Charleston SC.

Ready for your trip to Charleston SC?

The bottom line of your 4 days in Charleston SC is to slow down and enjoy your time with friends and family. Charleston is a great place to do this, as it’s a small city that’s full of culture and history!

Want to Travel More for Less?

Become a Budget Traveler! Head over to my  start here page  and grab my free budget travel cheat sheet  – it’s packed with valuable tips to help you create your own winning budget travel strategy.

Genni is a travel blogger based in South Florida, founder of Traveling Franklins and Lazy Budget Travel Academy.

Genni has been focusing on Budget Travel and earning Travel Points and Miles since 2015. She has a background in hospitality, working for companies like Hilton and Marriott. She has also worked in hospitality marketing software with clients like Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG.

But her true passion is teaching others how to travel more for less because everyone deserves to take their PTO and explore the world on their own budget!

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17 essential things to do in Charleston, South Carolina

Oct 28, 2021 • 8 min read

The city of Charleston is a unique blend of historic charm and modern entertainment © Getty Images

Charleston has upped its game. Carriage tours still clip-clop through the historic district and ferries still shuttle crowds to Fort Sumter, but new attractions and revamped old favorites are keeping the Holy City relevant – and fun.

Rooftop bars, innovative breweries and small-batch distilleries keep opening their doors while plantations and historic homes are digging deep into Charleston’s diverse and complicated history. And foodies take note: Debates about the city’s best barbecue are just as passionate these days as debates about shrimp and grits. 

This list of Charleston’s best things to do offers a mix of the old and new.

Stroll the Historic District

Historic Charleston feels like one big living museum, and it's easily explored by foot. Antebellum homes, grand churches, weathered cemeteries and brilliant gardens – often tucked behind wrought-iron gates – hug the straight and narrow streets, which were laid out in the 1670s. Highlights include the colorful homes of Rainbow Row and the Battery and White Point Gardens on the waterfront at the southern tip of the peninsula. Pick up a map at the visitor center .

Culinary Adventures

With its seafood shacks, quirky mainstays and a dizzying array of “must-try” restaurants from wunderkind chefs, Charleston has enjoyed a culinary hot streak for a decade. Many menus are built around Lowcountry dishes and seafood, but creative interpretations of old favorites keep the dining scene fresh. Beyond shrimp and grits, top regional fare includes oysters, pimento cheese, fried green tomatoes, she-crab soup, and a Lowcountry boil (shrimp, corn, potatoes, sausage and seasoning).

Tried-and-true stalwarts include Mike Lata’s FIG , oysters at the Ordinary and food that’s both fast & French at Gaulart & Maliclet . Barbecue is also hot, with Home Team BBQ and Lewis Barbecue getting consistent local kudos. Top-notch International options are plentiful too.

Immerse in Gullah Culture

Enslaved people brought from West Africa to the Lowcountry held onto many of their homeland traditions after slavery ended. The resulting Gullah culture (Geechee in Georgia) has its own language and traditions, including amazing storytelling, art and music. Learn their history at McLeod Plantation on James Island, where tours describe the daily lives of enslaved people on a cotton plantation and trace the emergence of the Gullah culture. Their culture is celebrated annually in late May at the Gullah Festival in nearby Beaufort. Gullah Tours visits historic sites in and around Charleston.

Sample locally sourced spirits

Sweet tea is a distinctly Southern beverage, and according to state lore the popular drink was created in South Carolina. The team at Firefly Distillery embraces this heritage with its sweet tea-flavored vodka, which is made with tea from the Charleston Tea Garden. High Wire Distilling uses ingredients and heirloom grains from across the Lowcountry and South Carolina for its popular spirits. Tastings are available at both distilleries. Tours are offered Thursday through Saturday art High Wire. 

Explore Historic Homes

The Historic Charleston Foundation protects historic buildings in the city and advocates for the preservation of gardens, parks and neighborhoods. The foundation manages two historic buildings: The Aiken-Rhett House and the Nathaniel Russell House. Tours of the former, a townhouse that has been preserved but not restored, share details about past owners as well as the enslaved people who worked there. A self-supporting spiral staircase anchors the Nathaniel Russell House, a meticulously restored 1808 Federal Style-house.

First Sumter National Monument

The shelling of Union-held Fort Sumter by Confederate forces in 1861 triggered the Civil War. The fort, which occupies a small pentagon-shaped island in Charleston Harbor, sees a steady stream of visitors, especially in summer. But even with the crowds, it’s easy to immerse in the chaotic confusion of that historic day thanks to the remote setting – a ferry ride is required – and an engaging ranger talk that spotlights the historic clash.

Walk the Arthur Ravenel Jr Bridge

Burn off last night’s shrimp and grits with a power walk over the graceful Arthur J Ravenel Bridge, which links the town of Mount Pleasant and the Charleston Historic District. The 2.5-mile pedestrian path over the cable-stayed bridge rises about 200ft above the Cooper River and provides gorgeous views of both communities. There's a parking lot with access to the pedestrian path in Mount Pleasant. The view from the span is especially nice at sunset.

Tour the only tea garden in the US

Attempts to grow tea commercially in the US began in the 1820s in southeastern South Carolina, where the sandy soil, sub-tropical weather and frequent rainfall were well-suited for tea plants. In the 1960s wild tea plants from one of these early plantations were harvested and successfully re-planted on Wadmalaw Island 30 miles southwest of Charleston. Today Charleston Tea Garden offers tours of its tea factory (free) and trolley tours of its acres of hardy tea plants. 

Get out on the water

Flanked by creeks, marshes, rivers and the Atlantic Ocean, the Lowcountry is an ideal place for paddling trips and boat excursions. Wildlife and gorgeous coastal views abound. Keep it simple with a ride on the Charleston Water Taxi between Charleston and Mount Pleasant or scan for dolphins during the boat ride to Fort Sumter. Adventure Harbor Tours runs sunsets cruises and trips to uninhabited Morris Island. Numerous outfitters offer paddling trips through Shem Creek and Lowcountry creeks and marshes.

Wander the Gardens at Middleton Place

Designed in 1741, the elegant gardens at Middleton Place are the oldest landscaped gardens in America. Today they are also home to more than 100,000 azaleas. One of three historic plantations along the Ashley River northwest of downtown, Middleton Place owes its early beauty to the work of the enslaved people who spent years developing and maintaining the land. Their stories are shared onsite. Lowcountry fare is on the menu at the popular restaurant here.

Ride the Charleston Beer Trolley

A free trolley swings through the Charleston Beer District in downtown Charleston on Saturdays, stopping at ten breweries between 1pm and 9pm. You can visit them by hopping on and off. Revelry Brewery has a fire pit on its rooftop while Edmund’s Oast has 20 house-brewer beers on tap. Check the Charleston Brewery District Facebook page for the current trolley schedule.

Explore Mount Pleasant

For a break from the historic district, board a water taxi at Waterfront Park and cross the Cooper River to Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant. At the Naval and Maritime Museum you can tour the USS Yorktown, an enormous decommissioned aircraft carrier used in WWII. You’ll need your car to visit Boone Hall Plantation and its striking Avenue of Oaks, planted in 1743. The most compelling buildings here are the original slave cabins. Explore charming Old Village then make your way to lovely Shem Creek for dinner by the water. Look for dolphins and party boats.

Find family fun Downtown

If your kids dig spooky attractions, it’s hard to get much creepier than the dungeon at the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon in the Historic District. The British held American patriots in the cramped space here during the Revolutionary War. The 385,000-gallon ocean tank and the sea turtle rehabilitation hospital lure in kids for a closer look at the South Carolina Aquarium . The Kidstory area at the Charleston Museum explores the city’s history with hands-on exhibits. Enormous skeletons of prehistoric creatures keep things real in the natural history gallery. For skateboarding, head to SK8 Charleston , a 32,000ft concrete skatepark in North Charleston.

Visit the Old Slave Mart Museum

In the heart of the Historic District, this small but hard-hitting museum occupies the site of a former open-air market that auctioned African Americans in the mid-1800s. Text-driven exhibits provide an unflinching look at the cruelties and horrors of the slave trade. Compelling oral histories from former enslaved people and a handful of chilling artifacts also make a powerful impression.

History Prep at the Charleston Museum

History hurtles at you from every direction in Charleston, which played a pivotal role in America’s past as a busy port city and center of trade. For a quick history primer, spend an hour or two in the Charleston Museum . Exhibits dedicated to the city’s early development and its role in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars provide helpful background and context. Artifacts highlight diverse experiences, including those of Native Americans, enslaved African Americans and influential politicians.

Sip Cocktails on a Rooftop Bar

Swanky rooftop bars with sweeping views of downtown are plentiful. They are also easy to find – just ride the elevator to the top of the trendiest hotels. Twinkling views of city lights and Charleston Harbor bring crowds to the iconic Rooftop Bar at the art-themed Vendue. You’ll find an infinity pool, illuminated umbrellas and more stunning city views at the Pavilion Bar atop the Market Pavilion Hotel.

Shopping on King Street

King Street is the historic district’s prime shopping corridor. With numerous stores selling home furnishings and housewares, Upper King is considered the design district while Middle King is the fashion district, home of well-known clothing stores as well as high-end boutiques. The southernmost stretch, Lower King, is dotted with antique stores. Pop into Blue Bicycle Books for new and used books, many with a focus on the South.

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10 Best Things for Travelers to Do in Charleston, South Carolina

Find out what makes the holy city so captivating..

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Do as the locals do to find out what makes Charleston so special.

Photo by f11photo/Shutterstock

A city full of history, Charleston might initially come off as a little ye olde . But if you look more closely, the more than 350-year-old harbor city actually lives in the present. Bars reinvent Southern spirits, boutiques showcase new spins on cotton, and the annual Spoleto Festival draws world-class actors, dancers, and musicians.

Charleston’s Lowcountry peninsula is made up of a variety of neighborhoods , each with its own distinctive character and unique history. The city’s natives are friendly, the local cuisine is mind-blowing, and the weather is divine. Every stroll down a street south of Broad or chat with a shopkeeper can reveal a new local truth, a fresh epiphany about the charms of this old town. Figure out how the city became such a hot spot with one of these locally loved things to do in Charleston.

A walk along these eerily beautiful beaches reveals the encroaching ocean tides.

Photo by Randall Vermillion/Shutterstock

1. Visit a boneyard beach

The peninsula is surrounded on three sides by barrier islands with fascinating coastal geography . Subject to erosion and accretion, some of the islands have become home to “boneyard” beaches where the ocean has breached the dune line, overtaking the maritime forest. The resulting ghostly expanse of petrified trees is ripe for exploration at low tide and perfect for photography as the tide shifts and waves flood the former forest with briny water.

Seeing a boneyard beach gives a new perspective to the sandy stretches of Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, or Folly Beach—were it not for the houses, seawalls, and groins fortifying these fragile islands, they’d look like Bulls and Botany Bay islands do today.

The most accessible boneyards are on Bulls Island and Botany Bay Island. The latter can be reached in just over an hour by car, then a short walk (follow signs to Edisto Island, then to Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Reserve ).

As part of the 66,000-acre Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge , Bulls Island and its boneyard beach are accessible only by a 30-minute boat ride. Take Coastal Expeditions’ $55 ferry to this pristine wildlife refuge, where you’ll see alligators and birds galore on a hike from the landing through the island’s interior before emerging on the scenic beach. (You can swim here, too, so bring a suit and a towel.)

Military parades are a weekly occasion in Charleston.

Courtesy of The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina

2. Watch a Citadel parade

The Citadel military college in Charleston’s Marion Square is a key thread of the city’s fabric. Many of South Carolina’s figures, like former U.S. senator Ernest Hollings and novelist Pat Conroy, are Citadel graduates who share a unique camaraderie forged by four years of studying together.

When college is in session, the students parade every Friday afternoon at 3:45 on Summerall Field at the school’s center (what other colleges would call a “quad”). You’ll hear barking commanding officers and troops’ rhythmic chanting as they march and handle their fake guns in unison. It’s a grand tradition and free to the public. Arrive by 3:15 to park and secure a good view. (Note: The parade does not take place if the weather’s bad.)

Do-it-yourself walking tours get you close to the city’s landmarks.

Photo by Cvandyke/Shutterstock

3. Take a walking tour with a local

A ghost tour and a carriage ride are almost mandatory on a first visit to Charleston, and in a city this charming— and with some seriously scare-inducing history —each is worth the time and expense. But if it’s your second visit, or you’d like to go deeper into a particular neighborhood or aspect of the city’s past, take a self-guided walking tour with the Historic Charleston Foundation’s free app (it’s one of the best free things to do in the city ).

If you’re simply not the stop-and-listen tour type, there’s an option for digging into the city’s rich history: Charleston Steeplechase conducts three- to four-mile running tours of the city, which allow you to multitask by seeing various sites while getting in a workout.

Get a briny taste of Charleston with a bucket of steamed oysters at Bowens Island Restaurant.

Photo by Lyndsey Matthews

4. Participate in an oyster roast

As the rule of thumb goes, oyster season spans the months whose names contain an “r,” although in Charleston, September’s waters are still so warm that most locals wait to host their first oyster roast until October. From Halloween until beach season, any gathering you attend with friends outside is likely to be beside a table piled with steaming oysters , with you holding a rag in one hand and a knife in the other, saltines and cocktail sauce at the ready.

Lowcountry oysters grow in clusters of at least a half-dozen shells, all stuck to one another as they emerge from the pluff mud exposed during low tide. These aren’t pretty Massachusetts singles, served raw and chilled with a pinch of lemon. Charleston oysters are meant to be eaten by the cluster, lightly steamed and warm. You stand outside around a homemade plywood table and talk, flinging the discarded shells into a bin.

At Bowens Island Restaurant near Folly Beach, this experience is re-created every day in the humble ground-floor oyster room, where oysters are sold by the bucket. If you visit during winter, check the The Post and Courier or the Charleston City Paper to see if there’s a charity event listed for Bowens Island that week. For a reasonable ticket price, you can attend for access to a flowing keg of local beer, all-you-can-eat oysters, and the good conversation of locals gathered to support a cause they’re passionate about.

The quaint, historic King Street is lined with local shops.

Courtesy of Croghan’s Jewel Box

5. Shop small businesses

King Street is the hub of Charleston retail, although many of the local shops have been pushed out by high rents and replaced by national chains that use the high-profile storefronts as a billboard. Still, legacy holdouts like Croghan’s Jewel Box and Berlin’s Clothing survive, along with independent high-end fashion boutiques like Ibu Movement and Hampden .

To see the local shops on full display, visit on Second Sunday each month, when King Street is closed to cars and transforms into a European-style pedestrian thoroughfare, with street performers and food vendors complementing the sidewalk sales.

That hometown buzz is nearly equaled every Saturday between mid-April and Christmas at the Charleston Farmers’ Market . From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Marion Square has stalls selling produce, cheese, seafood, and meat, plus local craftspeople and artists, food trucks, and live music. (Find souvenirs at the stands of local makers like jewelry designer Jen Cruitt and fragrance creator The Contents Co .)

The music is not the only magic during concerts at the College of Charleston’s Cistern Yard.

Photo by Julie Lynn

6. Listen to music at Spoleto USA

For two-and-a-half weeks in late May and early June, Charleston comes alive during Spoleto USA , an international arts festival that attracts some of the world’s best operas, stage actors, dance troupes, and singers.

Of all the venues and performances, the outdoor concerts held in the College of Charleston ’s Cistern Yard summon a special magic. Spanish moss hangs low from the live oaks in this urban courtyard oasis, setting an idyllic mood to the tunes of Old Crow Medicine Show and Amos Lee. Get tickets early, and know that there’s not a bad seat in the small, walled yard. (If your Charleston trip doesn’t fall during the Spoleto USA festival, visit the Cistern in the evening anyway to experience its tranquility.)

Getting some distance from land can get you a closer understanding of how Charleston was settled.

Courtesy of the Schooner Pride

7. Cruise around Charleston Harbor

Charleston is pretty from street level, but to fully appreciate its location on a narrow, marshy peninsula, you should see it from the water. A cruise around Charleston Harbor offers a perspective on the city’s military history and unique geography and landmarks—the steepled skyline, the Battery, Fort Sumter—that you just can’t experience on foot.

The dreamiest way to see the harbor is under sails. The 84-foot Schooner Pride —a replica tall ship of an 18th-century trading vessel—offers two-hour sunset sailings each evening for $75 per person. If you can round up six people, it’s not too much more to charter Fate, a 50-foot yacht from Charleston Sailing Charters , for a private two-hour tour.

Get your hands dirty to figure out some local cooking secrets.

Courtesy of Zero George

8. Enjoy the restaurant scene (and maybe even learn a thing or two)

Eat out a few times in Charleston and you’ll notice it’s a city of open kitchens. Restaurant owners—who double as the chef in many cases—are proud of their cooking staff and wood-fired grills, so they show them off by opening views of the kitchen to the dining room.

You can learn a lot from the seasonal dishes at Basic Kitchen or even by dining with the chefs themselves at R Kitchen, but to take home some new skills, sign up for a cooking class. Set in an early 19th-century carriage house, the eight-person classes at Zero George led by chef Vinson Petrillo set a high bar for the genre. Class includes a three-course meal and wine pairing for $195.

Nearby on Market Street, In the Kitchen with Chef Bob Waggoner offers a similarly intimate experience for 12 students each night. Waggoner, who led the kitchen at Charleston Grill for 12 years (attracting Michelin stars and nominations from the James Beard Foundation), built this kitchen classroom to share his passion. The $175 classes/dinners sell out months in advance.

Attend a service and learn how the Holy City got its nickname.

Courtesy of Explore Charleston

9. Visit the churches

The Holy City earned its nickname for more than just its steeple-specked skyline—this is a devout population. Seeing the important sites in Charleston usually involves visiting at least a few houses of worship, so why not get a true taste of the community by attending a service?

The big players are the Anglicans and Episcopalians. St. Michael’s white pillars dominate the intersection of Broad and Meeting Streets (check out the Tiffany stained-glass windows behind the altar). On aptly named Church Street, St. Philip’s iconic spire lords over the French Quarter , up the block from the French Huguenot Church , which serves one of the last remaining populations of its denomination in the country.

Catholics can attend mass at the Gothic revival–style Cathedral of St. John the Baptist , which finally got its steeple in 2010, a century after the construction of the rest of the building. In the center of town on Calhoun Street, Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal , the first AME church in the South, has become a symbol of forgiveness and resilience for its response to the horrific 2015 shootings there.

Stay at Emeline for thoughtful details like record players and Charleston guides in every room.

Courtesy of Emeline by Lindsey Shorter

10. Experience Southern hospitality at a beautiful hotel

• Book now: Emeline ; Elliott House Inn

Charleston has plenty of stays offering a local feel , with options ranging from historic mansions to boutique hotels. The city has added quite a few accommodation options over the past few years , including Emeline , opened in 2020. At this historic district hotel, guests can enjoy wood-fired dishes from on-site restaurant Frannie & the Fox before retreating to the music of a Crosley record player in their rooms.

Another choice is the 26-room Elliott House Inn , which predates the Civil War. The stay combines past and present with heirloom armoires and oriental rugs alongside flat-screen televisions and room service. Not to mention, the statue-filled garden courtyard is the best place to take in the warm Carolina nights.

This article was originally published in 2019. It was updated on February 3, 2024, with new information.

Charleston, SC   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Sam Antonio Photography | Getty Images

Why Go To Charleston, SC

Centuries-old mansions, Spanish moss-draped trees, spooky cemeteries , cobblestone alleys: in a word, Charleston. As you walk the gas lamp-lit streets at night and pass horse-drawn carriages, you just might think you've traveled back in time. But just because this South Carolina city is proud to celebrate its heritage doesn't mean it's stuck in the past. Charleston boasts innovative restaurants, interesting shops, contemporary art galleries and the world-class Spoleto Festival USA. 

History pervades almost every aspect of the Holy City, from the majestic homes-turned-museums to the landmarks that promote the city's role in United States history. History buffs can visit Fort Sumter to learn about the Civil War, Middleton Place to hear stories about the plantation owners and the enslaved Africans who worked for them, and Emanuel AME Church to see where Martin Luther King Jr. once delivered a historic speech. Meanwhile, shopaholics looking for locally made goods should peruse the Charleston City Market where they will find sweetgrass baskets woven in traditional Gullah design, among other unique souvenirs. When you're ready for a day at the beach, the city's got you covered there, too. Several neighboring beach towns, including  Sullivan's Island ,  Isle of Palm  and  Folly Beach , offer sun, sand and gentle waves.

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• # 1 in Best Places to Visit in South Carolina
• # 1 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South
• # 3 in Best East Coast Vacation Spots

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Best of Charleston, SC

Best hotels in charleston, sc.

• # 1 in The Charleston Place
• # 2 in Wentworth Mansion
• # 3 in Hotel Bennett

Best Things to Do in Charleston, SC

• # 1 in The Battery
• # 2 in Charleston Walking Tours
• # 3 in Waterfront Park

Popular Tours

Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour

(7076 reviews)

from $ 50.00

Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry

(1517 reviews)

from $ 39.22

Charleston Harbor Luxury Dinner Cruise with Live Music

(181 reviews)

from $ 87.60

Charleston, SC Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Charleston is from March to May or from September to November when temperatures are mild – but not stifling. Hotel rates, however, will be high, especially around Easter. Also, the city will be thick with crowds "ooh-ing" and "ahh-ing" at the blooming magnolia trees, the Southern fried food and their tour guide's ghost stories. Steer clear of high prices and tourist swarms by visiting in the late fall or early winter.

Weather in Charleston, SC

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Take it slow You're in the South now – life moves at a slower pace. To enjoy an authentic Southern experience, you should take it easy too.

Take to the streets Charleston is known for its excellent (albeit decadent) Southern food. Burn some calories by strolling to dinner or taking a  walking tour .

Don't forget the sunscreen Summer here is hot, hot, hot. The sun scorches and the humidity can be suffocating. Lather on sunscreen, wear your shades and hydrate.

Consider a tour  A great way to get a feel for this city and all its charm is to  take a tour . 

How to Save Money in Charleston, SC

Visit in the winter  You might score a lodging deal by traveling in the offseason, and you'll definitely see fewer tourists. What's more, winter temperatures are hardly inhospitable – they hover between 40 and 60 degrees.

Stay at a bed-and-breakfast  Charleston is full of charming B&Bs and many of them are cheaper than the city's brand-backed  hotels . Plus, you'll likely enjoy extra perks like complimentary breakfasts and evening happy hours.

Make lunch reservations  Get the most bang for your buck by making lunch reservations – rather than dinner ones – at the most expensive restaurants. Many eateries offer reduced-price midday menus.

Culture & Customs

Consider dressing up a little if you don't want to stick out as a tourist in Charleston. Residents have a different take on casual; women wear skirts and dresses while you'll see many men dressed in khakis and polo shirts.

While you're in town, you will also get a glimpse into Gullah culture. Gullah people are residents of low country South Carolina whose ancestors were brought to Charleston in the transatlantic slave trade, and they have preserved their African culture and heritage over time. Their tradition has influenced much of Charleston cuisine, from the food (red rice, okra soup, gumbo) to the "Bruh Rabbit" folk stories (slave fables starring a devilish rabbit) to the songs ("Michael Row the Boat Ashore"). If you're shopping for souvenirs, keep an eye out for the Gullah's handcrafted sweetgrass baskets, which you can find at the Charleston City Market . If you're interested in learning more about Gullah language and customs, consider signing up for a guided tour. Gullah Tours earns high marks from travelers, who applaud the tour guide's vast knowledge of Charleston's Black history.

What to Eat

Charleston is a top foodie destination in its own right. Even if you're not in town for one of the city's culinary events (like the Charleston Wine + Food Festival or Charleston Restaurant Week), you'll still get a chance to sample some low country cuisine at any one of the city's top restaurants.

Travelers and locals alike heap praise on Husk and Magnolias for their contemporary Southern menus and attentive service. Favorite dishes at Magnolias include the down south egg roll, the buttermilk fried chicken breast and the shellfish over grits. On King Street, you'll find locals and tourists headed to Rodney Scott's Whole Hog BBQ to sample ribs and pork sandwiches. For some true low country soul food, try traveler-approved Bertha's Kitchen . Poogan's Porch is a great place for brunch and is set in a charming, restored Victorian house, but if you're in the mood for more casual breakfast or coffee spots, consider The Daily or Second State Coffee . 

Of course, Charleston's location near the ocean makes it a great spot for fresh seafood, and restaurants like Gillie's Seafood , Nana's Seafood & Soul Uptown and 167 Raw – an oyster bar that's popular for its oyster selection and lobster rolls – will deliver. During peak tourist season, waiting for a table at one of these eateries can turn into a long night. If you already know where you'd like to dine while in Charleston, make reservations before you get into town. 

Another way to experience all the culinary delights Charleston has to offer is on a food tour . Many of the city's walking tours also incorporate food.

Along with its impressive food menus, Charleston also boasts a bevy of trendy drinking establishments worth checking out. The Gin Joint , The Belmont and The Rooftop Bar at Vendue are all praised watering holes to consider. Meanwhile, Bourbon N' Bubbles caters to a glamorous crowd.  

Downtown Charleston near the Historic District is generally safe and best known for its Southern hospitality. However, it's still a busy city and visitors should use common sense when exploring. Avoid walking alone at night (especially in the city's many alleyways) and keep valuables close to you.

Getting Around Charleston, SC

The best way to get around Charleston is on foot. That said, you'll probably enjoy the use of a car too. You can rent some wheels at Charleston International Airport (CHS) – or bring your own – and leave it parked in one of the garages that pepper the city. Having a car is especially helpful if you're staying in the city outskirts or if you plan on indulging in some beach time. City buses and trolleys are available too, as are taxis. From the airport, which is located about 12 miles northwest of the downtown area, you can take a cab or shuttle bus. There is a $15 minimum charge for taxis departing from the airport. From the airport, there is also a shared shuttle bus that departs every 15 minutes and costs $15 per person. The price is lower than a taxi ride, but the trip will be longer due to the multiple stops the bus makes.

Waterfront Park is home to one of the city's most photographed sites: the pineapple fountain.

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Stories by Soumya

The Travel Blog of a Culture Addict

One Day In Charleston SC – The Perfect Itinerary + Map!

Last Updated on January 16, 2024 by Soumya

Planning your Southern USA trip and want to squeeze in one day in Charleston, South Carolina?

Do you wish to see the best that Charleston, SC, has to offer in under 24 hours?

Well, you are at the right place because we have just the perfect 1-day Charleston itinerary for you.

You will dig into the Holy City’s centuries-old history, walk through a charming French Quarter, visit a historic public market, and be wowed by amazing antebellum architecture.

Add to this some delicious Southern food, and you have the best way to spend your first 24 hours in Charleston.

You may ask if one day in Charleston is enough.

It is not. However, it is definitely better than no day in Charleston.

There are so many wonderful things to do in Charleston that I am sure you will keep returning for more later. But one day is a great way to get started, explore Charleston’s historic center, and dive into its history and charm.

If you have more time, please check out our long weekend itinerary for Charleston .

Table of Contents

The best itinerary for 1 day in Charleston SC

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link on this post. This will be at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links help me keep this website up and running. Thanks for your support!

Begin the day with breakfast at Toast

I am always up for a good breakfast while traveling. And there’s no better place to begin your day in Charleston than at the Toast.

Voted by The New York Times Magazine as a must-eat place in Charleston, Toast is a winner all the way.

Their breakfast is especially popular. Try their classic breakfast biscuits, stuffed French toast, or Lowcountry omelets – you cannot go wrong with anything here. And do not forget to sample some of the New Orleans Beignets for me. Yummy!

Take a stroll through Charleston’s French Quarter

Once done with your delicious breakfast, head to Charleston’s French Quarter, just 5 minutes from the restaurant.

A small neighborhood in the historic district, the French Quarter, gets its name from many French Huguenots who fled religious persecution and settled there.

Today, the French Quarter is deemed one of the most romantic places in Downtown Charleston.

It is perfect for a leisurely stroll as you sample architectural delights and centuries-old history.

Here are some old buildings you should not miss checking out.

• Dock Street Theater: America’s first theater – designed solely for theatrical performances. It was built in 1736, was remodeled several times, and now serves its original purpose. It is also one of the most photographed buildings in the city.
• St. Michael’s Episcopal Church : The oldest church in Charleston – St. Michael’s white spire has become a Charleston icon over the years.
• St. Phillips Church : This is a historic church on 142 Church Street and a National Historic Landmark. The steeple adorned with several clocks is especially attractive.

✦ Pro Tip : Looking for more Charleston attractions? Check out our post on 25 Best Things to do in Charleston, South Carolina .

Learn about the history of slavery at Old Slave Mart

The Old Slave Mart is located at 6 Chalmers Street and is a must-have on your itinerary, even if you visit Charleston for one day.

One of the first African-American slave museums in the country, Old Slave Mart, is housed in a building that was once a slave auction gallery .

Slave auctions were held here until 1863.

Today, there is a lot to learn here through informative posters, artifacts, and an interview with a former enslaved person. Plan to spend at least an hour here to soak in all the history.

The museum is open 9 am – 5 pm every day of the week except on Sundays.

P.S. Displays at the museum can be disturbing. We did not feel quite right after visiting. The artifacts and stories are very moving. However, these stories need to be told and are ones that we should not ignore. It can be tough to learn about history sometimes but we should learn to prevent such atrocities from happening in the future.

Head to the Pineapple Fountain

Next up on our one day in Charleston itinerary is the beautiful Pineapple Fountain, a must-do when in Charleston .

This famous Charleston icon sits right along the harbor in the middle of a green public space called the Waterfront Park.

Did you know that pineapple is the symbol of hospitality in Charleston? And the fact that there are so many pineapple icons sprinkled all over the city in art, architecture, and even jewelry?

Indulge in a delicious Lowcountry lunch

I can never get enough Lowcountry food when visiting the American South .

All that fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and crab cakes keep calling me back to these places again and again.

Cannot blame myself for stuffing on Southern food , especially when there are such amazing restaurants in Charleston.

I suggest you pick one of these for your lunch.

• SNOB Charleston : Fresh, local ingredients paired with eclectic Southern recipes – that is what the brand of Slightly North of Broad (SNOB) stands for. Besides their delicious dishes, they are known for their charming decor, great service, and nice cocktails. It is highly recommended that you reserve a table in advance – this place gets super packed even on weekdays.
• Magnolias : One of the best restaurants in Charleston for upscale Southern cuisine, Magnolias is known for its crab cakes and fried green tomatoes. Make sure you get your reservation before you go. They have a dress code – business attire or dressy casual.
• Bumpa’s : Looking for someplace cheap? Try Bumpa’s. Guests love their chilled-out vibe, Disco fries, Scotch eggs, and burgers.

Soak in some history and culture

Depending on how you wish to spend your afternoon, you can head to the Historic Charleston City Market, one of Charleston’s historic homes, or Fort Sumter.

Alternatively, you could take a 1-hour carriage tour through the historic district of Charleston . It is a quick and efficient way to learn more and see more.

Charleston City Market

If you want to buy some souvenirs to take back home, head to the Charleston City Market . It is not just a great place for purchasing goodies but for soaking up local culture too.

Do not forget to pick up a sweetgrass basket, a quintessential souvenir from the South. Gullah artisans have been weaving these baskets for more than 300 years now!

Historic homes in Charleston

Even though I love the historic homes of Savannah more, there are some pretty good ones in Charleston, too.

Aiken-Rhett House is one of the finest historic homes in the country . Take a tour to see some gorgeous architecture and dig into decades of antebellum history. The Aiken-Rhett slave quarters, virtually untouched since the 1850s, are especially moving.

Nathaniel Russel House , with its magnificent cantilevered staircase and elaborate plasterwork, is another great option.

Fort Sumter

Learn more about the American Civil War at Fort Sumter, where the first shots were fired. Take a 1-hour tour to explore the ruins of the fort and browse through the souvenir store downstairs.

Be sure to note that there are two ferry departure points: Liberty Square in downtown Charleston and Patriot’s Point in Mt. Pleasant. You must factor in the time needed to get to these departure points when planning for your Charleston 1-day itinerary.

I highly recommend purchasing a Fort Sumter Entry Ticket and Ferry Ride beforehand to avoid messing with your 24 hours in Charleston.

We made the mistake of not buying tickets earlier and could not get on the ferry departing from downtown. We had to ride the one leaving from Mt. Pleasant. Not the most efficient use of our time!

Get pictures at the Rainbow Row

Need some great pictures for your gram? Go, visit the Rainbow Row.

A row of 13 pastel-colored historic houses makes for a pretty photo op.

It is not a surprise that Rainbow Row is one of the most photographed areas in the entire city.

✦ Pro Tip : Looking for a longer itinerary? Read our post on How to spend the perfect weekend in Charleston, SC?

Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront

Around sunset is the best time to enjoy a leisurely walk along Charleston’s waterfront.

There are so many green spaces here that you can just sit down and relax, watch people go by, and take in the calming vibe of the historic district.

Perhaps you would want to go back to the Pineapple Fountain and dip your feet in its cool waters.

If you are hungry, grab a gelato and some pancakes at Belgian Gelato .

Maybe take a walk to the Battery, adore the beautiful antebellum architecture right in front of it, and watch the sun go down the horizon.

End your day with an evening carriage tour

If you still have some energy left after spending this exciting day in Charleston, explore the charming historic district on a private horse-drawn carriage .

Or maybe try a spooky ghost tour in the evening if you have the nerves for it. I was too scared to do one but some of my friends absolutely loved them. Here are some great options.

Feeling hungry after all the wonderful activities in Charleston? End your day with dinner at Husk or 82 Queen .

82 Queen is my favorite place to eat when I am in Charleston. Their she-crab soup is delicious.

An interactive map of how to spend one day in Charleston SC

More than 1 day in Charleston SC?

• Have a look at our Charleston 3-day itinerary .
• Check out our exhaustive list of the best things to do in Charleston .
• Do more day trips. Check out this fascinating list of  10 best day trips from Charleston .
• There are several gorgeous plantation homes around Charleston. Do a tour of Magnolia Plantation or explore Boone Hall and its intriguing history .
• Join a food tour and sample Charleston’s culinary specialties such as stone ground grits, pralines, benne wafers, and gourmet chocolates.

Practical information for visiting Charleston in one day

Best time to visit charleston.

The best time to visit Charleston, South Carolina is during spring (March – May) or fall (September – November). Weather is enjoyable during this time with pleasant temperatures and lower humidity levels.

That said, between September – November is also the hurricane season in Charleston. Not all hurricanes make landfall but some do.

Be sure to check the weather report before planning for a fall trip.

You can also catch the Festival of Houses & Gardens and the Charleston Wine & Food Festival in spring. During fall, you can attend MOJA Arts Festival and Charleston Restaurant Week.

Where to stay in Charleston SC?

Since you will be in Charleston for just one day, I highly recommend you stay in the Historic District. It is a little expensive but very time-efficient. Here are some great options.

• Hampton Inn-Charleston Historic District : This place is located in the heart of Charleston’s Historic District and comes with all modern conveniences, including comfy beds, free breakfast, and a nice swimming pool.
• Francis Marion Hotel : Located just 1km away from the French Quarter and Charleston Museum, this historic hotel boasts of charming rooms and great service.

Find more hotels in Charleston here.

Getting to Charleston SC

You can get to Charleston by flight, train, and car.

If you are flying, check out the complete list of airlines that operate out of Charleston International Airport.

If you are taking the train, check out the Silver Service/Palmetto trains operated by Amtrak.

If you are driving, then you should be looking at  I-26 and US 17.

Getting around Charleston

The best part about this Charleston one day itinerary is that you can literally walk to all the places that I have listed here. Only time when you need a car is if you decide to go to Fort Sumter and need to travel to the ferry boarding points. Or if it is too hot to walk around. Click here to rent a car .

You can also use Charleston’s free downtown shuttle service known as DASH to get to major attractions including City Market and Waterfront Park. Download a free printable map here .

Charleston SC Travel Essentials

• Use Viator and  Get Your Guide  to find great deals and discounts on tours, attractions, and more across the city. I highly recommend it and use it all the time.
• Get a  Charleston Tour Pass  if you wish to see a lot when you are here. This helps you save a lot and is quite popular among visitors.
• Find the best hotels in Charleston, SC here .
• Get a good pair of walking shoes with you because there’s a lot to be seen on downtown walks.
• Carry sunscreen, hat, and lots of water because Charleston can get HOT!

Loved our Charleston one-day itinerary? Pin it for later!

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Charleston travel blog — the fullest charleston sc travel guide for a great trip to charleston city for first-timers.

The beautiful port city of Charleston is South Carolina state’s second largest city and has been rated as America’s No. 1 city for five consecutive years by Southern Living magazine and once you visit here, you will understand at why is that. According to 2018 census data, this city has a population of about 140.000 people. This picturesque city is not only beautiful, gentle, peaceful but also full of fun and lots of things to do from shopping, music, dining to history, culture, … So, what to do and how to visit Charleston? Let’s check out our Charleston travel blog (Charleston SC blog, Charleston SC travel blog, Charleston blog) with the fullest Charleston travel guide (Charleston SC guide, Charleston SC travel guide) to clear the answer!

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You can immerse yourself in the history and majestic beauty of the port city of Charleston. It attracts visitors from all over the world with spectacular views of the unique architectural church, charming cobblestone streets at Charleston Historic District. Moreover, if you love nature, the forests will give you a great sense of relaxation.

Only when you set foot in Charleston and feel with all your heart about a green, clean, beautiful, charming and peaceful city, you can unsderstand the reason why this city is so loved. From the skillfully manicured gardens at Middleton Place to the unbelievably beautiful views of Battery Quarter or French Quarter, or of Waterfront Park or a spooky excursion at night that leaves a lasting impression in memories of the people who came here.

Charleston travel guide (Charleston sc guide): Overview of charleston

Americans have passed on a joke: “10 years old wants to live in Palm Springs, 20 years old moves to Las Vegas, 30 years old must go to Chicago, 40 years old resides in New York, 50 years old thinks about Seattle, and over 60 years old ? – Charleston is the perfect choice.”

Charleston is one of the major cities in the United States with an outstanding economy. Moreover, Charleston is loved by the extremely developed tourism industry. With a long history and rich culture, it has become a solid foundation to help the city rise to the top of America. Every year, many tourists from all over the world come here to visit and relax.

Referring to developed cities, we often think of high-rise building or busy traffic system. However, coming to Charleston, you will be able to see a rare sight in history. The beauty of Charleston is bold classic with colorful houses lined up close together. In addition, the city also looks peaceful with no traffic congestion or air pollution. Because of this specialness that has brought a romantic Charleston that makes everyone want to live here.

Peaceful but not boring. Charleston city has a lot of food shops, restaurants serving a variety of Asian and European dishes, cafes, breweries, fresh fruit and vegetable markets … all of which are satisfied for needs of the people and tourists coming here.

Charleston SC guide: When to visit?

Charleston is characterized by a humid subtropical climate with mild, windy winters and oppressive, hot summers. Winter is not too cold with snow but very little, the average temperature of the year typically varies from 43°F to 89°F (6 – 33 degrees Celsius). Summer is quite cool compared to other states, average temperature is only about 30 degrees Celsius. However, summer is a time of frequent thunderstorms, so there will be many inconveniences. Spring and autumn are considered the best time to visit Charleston.

July is the hottest month of the year with an average temperature of about 32 – 33 degrees Celsius. January is the coldest month with an average temperature of 6 degrees Celsius. Each season in Charleston has its own characteristic featuring via natural scenery and cultural and culinary activities. So, you can visit Charleston all year round.

Charleston is not as dull as many people think. In winter, you can try delicious grilled scallops are served with fine wine. In spring, jasmine and magnolia blossom are in full bloom, when families often have a party in the garden, watching the flowers, enjoying wine and singing happily. The summer has the international art program Spoleto, while the autumn marks with the music festival.

Flower Festival

The Charleston Flower Festival in March every year is one of the most exciting spring events in America. This is the time when hundreds of flowers bloom, creating impressive scenes. Participating in the festival, visitors will admire the beauty of flowers such as azaleas, camellia, rose, jasmine, … Together with the chilly atmosphere and romantic scenery of spring, visitors will be experienced a wonderful land of America.

Charleston SC travel guide: How to get to Charleston?

From Vietnam, you can fly to Charleston with airlines such as Air China (Beijing and New York), Japan Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, ANA (Seoul – Atlanta), EVA Air and China Airlines (Taipei and New York) … Among them, United Airlines is the largest airline in the United States and is the most chosen by many people to book tickets, depending on each airline and the time that the fare will be different. The airfare to Charleston ranges from $516 to $602 depending on different ticket class.

Charleston blog: Transportation in Charleston

The main means of transportation in Charleston are bicycle, bus and taxi. To traveling to more distant locations you can choose the subway. Calling a car as well as getting around the city is very easy so you don’t need to worry. Besides, the traffic system is strict, well-planned, so there is no traffic jam. The tourist streets of the city are always clear and airy. However, if you use public transportation such as buses or subway, or water taxi but you have to walk to the attractions.

In addition, Uber, Lyft services are also very popular. This is a good way to traveling around the city and to get nearby places.

Charleston SC travel guide: Best places to visit and top things to do

Magnolia plantation and gardens.

The most special garden is The Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Only about 20 miles from downtown Charleston, this place becomes a picnic spot for locals. The Magnolia was founded in 1676, opened to visitors in 1870 and is the oldest public garden in America.

You can admiring the gardens – bloom all year round at The Magnolia Plantation and Gardens – and see everything from camellias to azaleas. There is also an old plantation house, giving visitors a clearer picture of life in the 19th century. A tram ride tour will take you through wetlands, forests and marshes, where you can spot out crocodiles, gibbons, herons and turtles. This is the hottest garden in America.

Address: 3550 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29414, United States Hours: 8:30AM–4:30PM

Fort Sumter National Monument

Fort Sumter National Monument is a civil war fort that has been preserved until now and has become a hot tourist destination. The fortress with its majestic beauty, strong standing in the middle of the sea, creates an impressive scene. Coming here, visitors will hear American historical stories and admire the ancient beauty. At the fortress, there is an American flag and statues of heroes who have sacrificed for the country. To get here you have to buy a boat ticket to reach the fort. Seeing the great wonder lying on the sea will definitely be a great experience in your trip.

Address: South Carolina 29412, United States Opened: 1829 Hours: Open 24 hours

Joe Riley Waterfront Park

One of Charleston’s tourist hot spots is Waterfront Park. The 5-hectare park is located next to the Cooper River, bearing a romantic beauty. Waterfront Park is divided into many different areas, convenient for sightseeing. In the center of the park built a fountain overlooking the river, adding to the romance.

Address: Vendue Range, Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States Hours: 6AM–9PM

South Carolina Aquarium

The South Carolina Aquarium is also a favorite spot in Charleston. It’s home to more than 10.000 different species that are cared for and preserved. Coming to the aquarium, you will be overwhelmed by the immense space with many species of sea creatures swimming behind the glass. If you travel with your kids, this is a must-visit place.

The South Carolina Aquarium regularly hosts exhibitions, so you can come and see. Not only that, this place also built a large-scale sea turtle care center. After being raised, turtles will be released to a local beach and they will be returned to the ocean.

Address: 100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston, SC 29401, United States Opened: May 19, 2000 Hours: 9AM–5PM

Walking tour

The best way to get a deeper understanding of a new destination is to take a walk around, and the city of Charleston has a tour for the hikers.

The Charleston Strolls – History Tours (Bulldog Tours) are the pieces of the puzzle that make up a fascinating city of Charleston. While walking in the sun, you will have the opportunity to take a closer look at the impressive architecture of this place. And more surprisingly, you will see beautiful alleys hidden behind rows of tall buildings, garden houses, churches and many ancient American places. If you don’t like walking, you can register for a bus tour or a horse cart tour…

Take a stroll through the Charleston City Market

On your first day in Charleston, you should wake up early and head to the city center to drop by Charleston City Market which was established in 1807 – a Charleston traditional market and one of the oldest public markets in the country.

It opens at 9:30 a.m. every day and spans three outdoor stalls, as well as a great hall. You will find all kinds of unique treasures here, from paintings and photographs, to textiles and clothing, to food and wine…

There are also plenty of breakfast options in and around the market, including Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit , located inside the Great Hall, where you can enjoy homemade cookies, and more.

Address: 188 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States Hours: 9:30AM–6PM/Friday; Saturday: 9:30AM–10:30PM

Bulldog Tour

After you’ve explored the City Market, it’s time to explore the city. And there’s no better way to do that than join a tour called the Bulldog Tour.

Named after the mascot of the city’s famous military university – The Citadel, Bulldog Tours has over 70 years of experience in providing tours for all tastes, whether you’re curious about the history of the city or any other things of the city.

Angel Oak Tree

The short drive to Angel Oak Tree, located on nearby John Island is definitely an experience not to be missed. This is one of the most popular attractions in Charleston. The unique and giant Angel Oak Tree is 1.500 years old oak tree and is believed to be one of the oldest living plants in the country.

Address: 3688 Angel Oak Rd, Johns Island, SC 29455, United States Hours: 9AM–5PM/Sunday: 1–5PM

Explore Charleston on the water and enjoy a meal on the boat

Don’t like the roads? Rest assured, there are many ways to explore the city of Charleston on the water. Get on a boat to watch the sunset and dolphins or a romantic wine tasting cruise in the sunset. And if you like challenge and action, let kayaking off the shores of Shem Creek and you’ll see dolphins and sometimes whales.

Although the city is filled with great places to enjoy a meal, but many travelers enjoy the meal on the boat. SpiritLine Cruises offers a luxurious dining experience on a cruise, including a 2 and a half hour cruise, the meal includes three or four courses that prepared right on board using fresh local ingredients, a full bar, live music and wonderful sunset.

Relax at the beaches

The most interesting and impressive of all is paddling through creeks and swamps while breathing the sea-smelling air. There are great beaches in Charleston like the Isle of Palms, which are for family vacations. Located about 12 miles from the city center of Charleston, this island is nested between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal waterway, offering great views of the ocean as well as engaging experiences such as swimming, walking along the beach, kayaking, boating, … While Folly Beach is more laid-back for young single travelers.

As one of a destination of the city of Charleston that visitors cannot miss is Edisto Beach, an ideal place to hold a picnic and watch the sunset.

Charleston Tea Garden

The Charleston Tea plantation is located about 20 miles to the south of Charleston, South Carolina on the island of Wadmalaw. Owned by the Bigelow Tea Company, the company grows tea and sold under the brand names of American Classic Tea and the Charleston Tea Plantation from the Camellia Sinensis factory.

Address: 6617 Maybank Hwy, Wadmalaw Island, SC 29487, United States Hours: 10AM–4PM/Sunday: 12–4PM

Aiken-Rhett House Museum

Aiken – Rhett House was built in 1820 and almost unchanged since 1858 and turned into a museum later. This is the place where visitors can admire and explore ancient architecture, which have been preserved for hundreds of years, one of Charleston’s most stately mansion.

Address: 48 Elizabeth St, Charleston, SC 29403, United States Hours: 10AM–5PM

Charleston travel blog: Where to stay?

Below we recommend more best cheap, budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• French Quarter Inn , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $255/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Belmond Charleston Place , a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $329/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Harbourview Inn , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $219/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Andrew Pinckney Inn , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $102/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Town & Country Inn and Suites , a top rated 3-star hotel with room rates from $102/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Charleston SC guide: What and where to eat?

Seafood at Magnolias restaurant

Going to the sea but not eat seafood is a pity. Moreover, the culinary culture in the city of Charleston today is overheating and Magnolias restaurant played a huge role in the city’s culinary renaissance, which has been going on over the past decade. The restaurant Magnolias showed Charleston’s culinary style was influenced by South Carolina’s coast natives, Georgians and British, French, and African immigrants. Try fried chicken and sausage sauce, Charleston crab cake and green tomatoes sautéed with caramelized onion powder.

Address: 185 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States Hours: 11:30AM–9PM

Street food at Marion Square

Well don’t forget, every Saturday morning, lots of farmers, and food vendors will head to the beautiful Marion Square in Charleston Farmers Market (Address: 329 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403, United States). I love going there early when the stalls are just set up, with the aroma of coffee and culinary flavors spreading in the air.

All farm produce at the market must be grown in South Carolina; except banana! It’s great to wander, sip, and sample local’s favorite dishes like ice blended and jelly on toast. If you are traveling with your family, this market is also very interesting. And there are many stalls all over the place, and local craftsmen sell everything from jewelry to hats.

FIG restaurant

Charleston has also become a gourmet culinary paradise. FIG, one of the city’s most notable restaurants, was named one of America’s best restaurants in 2016 by Eater. The chef of this famous restaurant, Mike Lata, was also nominated the James Beard Award for Chef Excellence this year.

Address: 232 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States Hours: 5–10:30PM/Sunday: Closed

King Street

The north of the city also becomes a culinary venue. According to Travel + Leisure, the King Street is also famous for a variety of eateries, venues with fine cocktails and excellent hotels.

Hominy Grill

Going a little further to the north you will find a popular breakfast spot called Hominy Grill. Here you will find dishes with the traditional and signature flavors of Charleston such as tiger prawns, fried chicken and catfish.

Address: 207 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29403, United States

Texax BBQ is the famous barbecue dish in Charleston. For a delicious barbecue, the chef has marinated the necessary spices and grilled at high heat. When you eat, you will feel the aroma and richness of the meat. Along with the barbecue is grilled ribs that are also extremely attractive. You will be served with vegetables and sauces to make the meal more perfect and full.

You can try Texas BBQ at Lewis Barbecue (Address: 464 N Nassau St, Charleston, SC 29403, United States/Hours: 11AM-9PM).

Apple pie is a familiar dish on the American dining table. Traveling here you should also enjoy this special cake for a new flavor. Round shape apple pie with eye-catching motifs will attract you at first sight. Plus, the cake has a mild aroma and a sweet taste that melting in your mouth.

Charleston SC travel guide: Shopping

If you come to Charleston and want to shopping, let go to King Street paradise, where there are many prominent fashion stores with all brands in the world. You can find everything you need without having to fly to New York to find.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Charleston you can refer to

• Charleston: Fort Sumter Entry Ticket and Ferry Ride
• Charleston: 90-Minute Historic City Highlights Tour
• Charleston Harbor: Luxury Dinner Cruise
• Charleston: Magnolia Plantation Tour and Transport
• Charleston: 1-Hour Carriage Tour of the Historic District
• Charleston: Historical Walking Tour
• Charleston: Speakeasy Sagas Prohibition Pub Crawl
• Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage
• Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise
• Charleston Harbor: Narrated Harbor Sightseeing Cruise

Above is the fullest Charleston SC travel guide. We hope this guide will help you planning and have a wonderful trip to the coastal city and one of most beloved destinations in the US. Happy traveling!

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Top 20 Charleston Travel Tips and Tricks to Know Before You Visit

Charleston, South Carolina, is one of the best places I’ve lived. And I spent years bouncing around like a tumbleweed. As of last year, Charleston, SC, is where I have lived the longest since I lived at my parents’ full-time in high school.

Like a lot of other people that live here, I visited a couple times, loved it, and decided to move here. The steady influx of outsiders has changed the traditional delineation of Charleston society between locals and outsiders, or people “from off”.

There are still some Charleston travel tips and tricks to know before you step foot here to help you blend-in. Follow the below (and be conscientious) and you’ll avoid being one of those tourists that people here hate.

Table of Contents

Read on for tips to fit in and experience the Charleston area more like a local. All advice is from someone living here. If you are thinking about moving to Charleston, SC , be sure to read my list of things I wish someone had told me before I moved here.

18 Top Charleston Travel Tips from Someone Who Lives Here

To start this article, I brain-dumped everything I could think of. After that, I procrastinated from actually writing by categorizing my Charleston travel tips.

First, some general Charleston, SC, society and community tips.

1) Charleston is more casual than you’re expecting, though manners are expected

Flip flops are not frowned-upon here. While sneakers won’t get you into more than a few King Street bars and clubs, you’ll go pretty far with a nice pair of shorts and a polo shirt. In the warm months, anyway, of which there are a lot.

That said, you’ll be rewarded for your politeness. Throw a nice, “yes, ma’am” or “no sir”, and Charlestonians will be a lot more helpful to you than the guy who brusquely behaves as if he’s the most important person in the city.

Curious how polite Charlestonians get across their distaste without being blunt? The most common tactic includes saying terms like, “bless your heart”. A classic Charleston insult will leave those untrained to not realize they’ve been slighted until a good 10 minutes later.

You’ve been warned.

2) People here are just friendly. They have no ulterior motive. Embrace it.

I moved here from the New York City area. There, you typically only talk to people you’ve gone out with for the night.

Adapting to the fact that strangers are legitimately being warm and friendly was a transition. But when someone wishes you a great day, they genuinely mean it.

Don’t get nervous if a stranger on the street makes eye contact and smiles. They’re not trying to hit on you, and you’re not about to get mugged. At least while you’re in Charleston, throw cynicism aside and reciprocate!

3) There are a few topics that may be uncomfortable to bring up with strangers and acquaintances

I grew up in a WASP-y New England household that followed the traditional rule of taboo topics with non-blood relatives:

The above topics are good ones to avoid here as well.

Charleston is one of the most progressive cities in the Carolinas (it vies with Asheville, NC, for the title). That said, you still don’t necessarily want to get into a heated conversation about Trump or what church you attend with a stranger, do you?

A couple other topics to throw on the list here include the following:

It’s been 150 years since the end of the War Between the States (to quote a local, as the Civil War was definitely not civil). And the South, including Charleston, is still grappling with a past that was ugly for most of its inhabitants. Ask too many questions, and most locals will start to get uncomfortable.

There are some great places to get all your questions answered, though. The former Slave Market and McLeod Plantation are 2 historic sites managed by the city of Charleston. Both are more focused on the African-American experience than the storied white planters’ lives.

As Charleston’s economy diversifies, this question isn’t as taboo as it used to be. It stems from recent days where everyone who lived in Charleston worked in hospitality, especially food and bev. It was just a boring topic for most, more than anything.

4) Be careful behind the wheel

There’s really no way around it: people here are scary drivers. As the majority of people here learned to drive somewhere else, no one seems to know what to do in relation to others on the road. Or maybe defensive driving is just a foreign concept here.

Either way, driving can feel like dealing with anarchic mayhem.

Avoid driving whenever there’s any sort of inclement weather: rain and snow especially.

Drivers here also seem to sit in the passing lane for some reason. In case you’re wondering, it’s illegal here too, but people either don’t learn that in driving school or don’t care. On the plus side, the lane farthest from the passing lane in a 3-lane highway usually flows the easiest.

5) A Southern city, Charleston society does still revolve around church

I remember learning in a study of Southern Baptism in college that the South largely only has one center for community activity: the church.

And I would say that applies in the Holy City.

Even if you’re visiting for a long weekend, checking out a local church congregation is often a pleasant way to get a more local experience. Avoid some of the older churches that feature more traditional locals that aren’t welcoming to newcomers. Instead, check-out some of the open and affirming churches, or just one that’s used to visitors (and young people):

• Circular Congregational (where I go, open and affirming, and they offer free tours after most 11 am services)
• Unitarian Church in Charleston (open and affirming)
• Grace Church Charleston (open and affirming)
• City Church

There are also Catholic churches throughout Charleston if you’re Catholic. St. John the Baptist downtown is a beautiful cathedral. Non-Catholics are welcome to attend, and you can follow along with the standing up, sitting down, and kneeling cycles. Just be sure not to go up for communion if you’re not confirmed. Or cross your arms and put your hands on your chest and the priest will bless you instead.

And now, on to Charleston travel tricks and tips specific to Downtown Charleston :

6) Ditch your car when you’re downtown

Charleston, SC, is one of those few Southern cities that developed before the advent of cars. As such, everything downtown is easy to reach walking. I can walk from my house up by Hampton Park all the way to White Point Gardens and the Battery in about an hour. Pretty much everything is an easy walk from everything else.

7) Free parking is easier to find here than most American cities

You may need to drive around the block, or be ready to add another 5-10 minutes walking to your trip, but free parking is free parking. Pay attention to the signs, though, as they all clearly say how long you can leave your car in a spot before you get a ticket. And the city is a stickler for those rules, so ignore them at your own risk.

If you don’t feel like playing the find free parking game, including remembering to move your car every 1 to 4 hours depending on what neighborhood you’ve parked, just find a garage. Almost all parking garages downtown are owned and managed by the city, so they’re inexpensive as far as downtown parking garages go.

I like a challenge, though.

8) Know how to pronounce streets before you ask someone for directions

I told a friend about this rule, and he snorted and told me how pretentious I sounded.

But it’s not about being pretentious, it’s about knowing what the heck someone just said to you when they’re giving you directions.

Below are a list of attractions and street names that largely stem from French Huguenot family names. The Huguenots that settled here eventually lost their language and distinct identity in the community. But the names survived. They’re just not pronounced in the French, or American way.

They’re distinctly Charlestonian.

That said, there’s some disagreement even among Charlestonians as to proper pronunciation. Whatever.

• Barre: BARE – ee (street)
• Beaufain: BYOO – fain (street)
• Clemson: CLEM – zun (local university)
• Gaillard: GILLY – yard (performing arts center, an old lady actually yelled at a friend for mispronouncing this one)
• Hasell: HAY – zul (street)
• Huger: u – GEE (street)
• Legare: le – GREE (street)
• McLeod: muh – CLOUD (plantation)
• Prioleau: PRAY – low (street)
• Sumter: SUMP • tur (monument and town)
• Vanderhorst: VAN – dross (street)

9) Take a tour or two, but be sure to explore on your own

Walking tours are informative, and carriage tours cover a lot of ground in an hour. But you’ll never get a feel for the city just by taking a tour. Get lost downtown. The parts of Charleston you’ll be focusing on are all very safe, so wandering around is encouraged.

10) Don’t stand in line for any of your meals

I don’t care how many New York Times articles were written about a restaurant, or how many ads in the airport you’ve seen. There are so many great options here in Charleston, it’s a waste of time to go anywhere with a line. Feel smug about those tourists standing, waiting, in front of those famous restaurants on Market and Meeting street. Instead, continue on to any of the fantastic Charleston restaurants scattered nearby and throughout the area.

The only downtown Charleston restaurant I can think of that’s actually worth a wait time is Hominy Grill. They don’t take advanced reservations, which explains the typical wait for brunch. But that place is amazing.

11) Watch out for flooding

If you’re in downtown Charleston, flooding is a real thing. The city was settled for its prime location on the water, not for how high above sea level it is.

No matter what anyone says, flooding in downtown Charleston is getting worse. And a perfect storm of a lot of rain coinciding with high tide consistently means driving through flood waters.

Swing by the Preservation Society of Charleston shop on King and Queen Streets and find a map in the store. The one I’m thinking of shows the streets of Charleston overlaid on the natural layout of the peninsula. Look it over and take note of streets and neighborhoods that are built on filled-in marsh, or that used to be creeks and streams.

You could also skip that and check out The History Behind Flooding in Charleston, South Carolina story map in the NOAA GeoPlatform Map Gallery.

My recommendation sounds more like a scavenger hunt, though.

Well-known downtown streets and areas that used to be streams and now consistently flood include but are not limited to:

• Market Street (they keep people from parking here now, after too many cars suffered serious damage from flooding seawater)
• Water Street (the name should give that one away)
• Around Colonial Lake
• Between East Bay Street and the Charleston harbor
• Calhoun Street near MUSC

Most of King Street follows a ridge that is the highest point of the peninsula if you’re out when it starts to flood. That said, Huger and King Street is typically the first place to flood in my neighborhood when it’s really bad.

12) Leave Bill Murray alone

Yes, Bill Murray spends a lot of time in Charleston.

And he’s invested in more than a few businesses in the area, including:

• The Charleston Riverdogs baseball team that plays at the Joseph P Riley baseball stadium
• Harold’s Cabin, a downtown Charleston casual restaurant in my neighborhood
• Rutledge Cab Company

And pretty much everyone who lives in Charleston has a story of a run-in with him at some point. And the stories of him crashing weddings, photo opportunities, and whatnot are all (mostly) true.

But leave the guy alone.

He’s just trying to live his life, like everyone else around here. Try to empathize and think about how annoying it must be to get constantly recognized and asked for autographs or selfies.

If he starts talking to you or gets in your photo, fantastic. But don’t force it. It’ll make for a better story, anyway.

And on to the rest of the Charleston area, including the nearby sea islands and beach towns near Charleston . Because there’s a lot more to the area than just downtown Charleston.

13) Don’t buy sweetgrass baskets in the City Market, or even downtown

The sweetgrass baskets for sale are beautiful, and have an interesting history. Enslaved Africans brought to what is now the United States carried the tradition of making baskets of grass from West Africa. These people found similar materials in Lowcountry marshes and continued the tradition here.

But sweetgrass basket sellers in the Historic Charleston City Market have to pay for that prime real estate, and they pass that cost onto their buyers. Head across the bridge to Mount Pleasant and drive along Route 17 towards Georgetown. You’ll pass a long stretch of sellers with more variety and better prices.

14) There’s so much more to Charleston than the peninsula

Most tourists come, explore downtown for the weekend, and leave. But there are so many more unique aspects to Charleston and the Lowcountry that make it so special.

Getting around once you’re off the peninsula is harder if you don’t have a car, but renting a car to explore the area is well worth it.

And bicycling around the Charleston area is pretty easy. Because there’s not a ton of elevation. You’ll still need to watch out for all those crazy drivers.

Cross the Ravenel Bridge over the Cooper River to Mount Pleasant to explore:

• Old Town Mount Pleasant
• Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens
• The Pitt Street Bridge
• Sullivan’s Island
• Isle of Palms

Or cross the Ashley River to check out:

• The Avondale neighborhood in West Ashley
• James Island
• Folly Beach
• Johns Island
• Wadmalaw Island
• The Ashley River Road plantations: Magnolia Plantation , Drayton Hall , Middleton Place

Or go north to spend some time in:

• Park Circle
• Or the parks further north of town

Speaking of which…

15) There are a lot of bridges here. Go over them whenever you can.

A colleague mentioned the other day that one of her favorite parts of living in Charleston is being able to see the water so often. And she’s right: even just a typical commute to work offers splendid views from bridges of Charleston harbor, or any of the rivers that separate various sea islands from each other and the mainland.

There’s also more than one bridge to nowhere here in Charleston. If you have the time and the transportation, check out the one on the Upper Peninsula of Downtown Charleston. The more well-known (and arguably more romantic point of interest) is the Pitt Street Bridge in Old Town Mount Pleasant.

16) There are more beaches than just Folly Beach

For some reason, Folly Beach and Isle of Palms are the most well-known beaches near Charleston for tourists. And on those beaches, tourists seem to think they need to cluster at certain points.

But all the area beaches are public. Usually parking is the hassle, but even that’s not that bad. Just make sure that you find a spot that keeps your tires off of the tarmac. And that there’s not a “No Parking” sign or something like that, obviously.

17) Charleston gets stupid expensive during event weekends

Unless you’re coming for an event, avoid Charleston like the plague during them. Check out a list of annual events in the article regarding the best time to visit Charleston . Don’t get me wrong, the events are fun to attend and they’re typically at the best non-beach weather times of the year here. But hotel rates especially go through the roof during those weekends.

And locals get tired of you asking to crash on their couch.

Just saying.

18) Is this your first weekend visit to Charleston? Don’t visit Fort Sumter

Fort Sumter is big for history buffs, especially anyone interested in Civil War history. And even if you’re not into the history of it, the ride to and from Fort Sumter on the ferry is a pleasant and relaxing way to see the Charleston harbor.

Between the ride out to Fort Sumter, the hour or so scrambling around rocks, and the ride back to Charleston, you’ve got the majority of an afternoon eaten up right there. And there are so many other things to experience in the short time you’re here.

Fort Sumter’s (probably) not going anywhere. Go see it on your second visit, and check-out Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island instead. Then, you can head straight to the beach afterwards.

19) Don’t want to drop a fortune visiting plantations? Find some inexpensive alternatives

The plantations are worth a visit. Each of the famous ones are worth the money to visit once:

• Magnolia Plantation
• Drayton Hall
• Middleton Place

Except it’s not absolutely necessary, if you want to save some funds for your next visit.

Instead, check out some Charleston plantations run by the city of Charleston or the National Parks service that are much cheaper to visit:

• McLeod Plantation
• Charles Pinckney National Historic Site

That said, you get what you pay for. I quite like McLeod, personally.

20) Leave the wildlife alone (especially the gators)

The Lowcountry is part of a huge biosphere that includes the coastal plains of the United States. It’s rapidly disappearing, and enjoying any number of Charleston outdoor activities can help you get a glimpse of the fascinating ecosystems that make up our area.

But please, leave the wildlife alone. Animals that get fed by people often lose their ability to find their own food, and risk starvation when that source is cut-off.

Even worse, gators should have no reason to get accustomed to humans.

Because they’re scary.

Speaking of which, don’t get close to alligators. They may not move as you inch closer, but they can run faster than you if and when they decide to grab you.

Gotcha. Now What?

Hopefully this list of Charleston travel tips will help you feel more prepared for your visit.

If you want someone to tell you what to do next to plan your visit to Charleston (you’re welcome), start with:

• Figuring out how to get here
• Find a place to stay in Charleston , be it a bed and breakfast , hotel , or vacation rental
• Check out the best things to do in Charleston and the Lowcountry
• Decide on what restaurants you definitely want to experience. Some of the most famous ones book up well in advance, like FIG and Husk.
• Plan a day trip or two near Charleston if you’re planning on being here more than a few days. The Lowcountry (and inland South Carolina) is delightfully unique.

And you should be good to go.

Besides packing, obviously.

Welcome in advance to Charleston!

Related Hipster Charleston Guides You May Enjoy:

• The Best Time to Visit Charleston, SC: Top Choices
• Charleston Travel Tips
• 7 of the Top Bakeries in Charleston, SC
• A Hipster’s Guide to Park Circle, in North Charleston, SC

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French Quarter Inn: Charleston’s Version of Old World Charm

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Wild Dunes Resort, Isle of Palms: Dive into Beachfront Bliss

About the author.

An avid traveler, Colin Pearson loves to settle in an area and discover every little bit of that spot. And having lived on various places on three continents, Charleston, South Carolina, is one of his favorite places he's ever lived.

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The Best Time to Visit Charleston

TripSavvy /  Bailey Mariner  

The Weather in Charleston

• Peak Season
• Hurricane Season
• Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston 's colorful historic homes and cobblestone streets, world-class museums, and nearby beaches make it a popular destination. And while the weather is moderate year-round, the best times to visit Charleston are from March to May and from September to November. In the spring, the flowers are in full bloom, the heat and humidity haven't set in, and hurricane season hasn't begun. Come fall, there are fewer crowds, cheaper hotel rooms, and ideal temperatures.

Whenever you decide to make your journey, use this guide to plan your next trip.

Located on the South Carolina coast, Charleston has a subtropical climate , which makes temperatures and conditions favorable almost all year. In winter, highs are in the mid-50s and rarely dip below freezing, even at night. Summers can be hot and humid, with temperatures soaring into the upper 80s and low 90s—especially in the city proper. This is a good time to take advantage of nearby beaches, but you'll want to pack an umbrella: August is the city's wettest month. Spring and fall offer the most favorable weather, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s, sparse humidity, and little rain.  

Peak Season in Charleston

There are two peak seasons in Charleston. The first is in spring, from March to May. This is when the magnolia trees and azaleas are in full bloom, the temperatures are mild, and annual events like the Charleston Food & Wine Festival and Spoleto Festival USA are in full swing. The city is a particularly popular destination during the Easter holidays and spring break, so expect hotel rates to soar and attractions to be crowded.

The second peak comes in the fall (between September and November), when the temperatures cool off, the humidity is less stifling, and the city is ideal for walking and exploring.

Hurricane Season in Charleston

Because of its location on the Eastern Seaboard, the city is at risk for hurricanes. Hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30 annually, with peak time between August and October. However, South Carolina has a lower risk of hurricanes than Florida or other states on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. On average, only 11 percent of all hurricanes making landfall since 1851 have hit South Carolina; only six of them were Category 3 or higher.

While odds are unlikely you'll encounter a hurricane during your trip, most hotels and airlines will refund or rebook your trip if you do. You can also purchase hurricane insurance as an extra precaution.

Winter in Charleston

Winter is off-season in Charleston, with crowds dissipating after the holidays and remaining sparse through early spring. Expect cheaper hotel rates, fewer tourists, and relatively mild temperatures, with highs in the upper 50s and lower 60s and lows in the mid-40s. If you plan to do a lot of walking, layer and pack a warm jacket: It can get quite breezy and chilly, especially by the waterfront.

Events to check out:

• Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island : This can't-miss event features a 3-mile driving tour through a display of lights, s'more roasting stations, carousel and train rides, and other activities for the whole family. It takes place during the holiday season from mid-November through the end of December.
• Southeastern Wildlife Exposition : A three-day event in February that includes conservation education, sporting events, art exhibitions, and other events dedicated to wildlife and nature.

Spring in Charleston

With ideal temperatures and the entire city in bloom, spring is peak season in Charleston. Hotel rates are at their highest here, and you'll fight crowds for popular attractions; buy your tickets and make your dinner reservations in advance.

• Charleston Food + Wine Festival : Held the first week in March, the festival features culinary demonstrations, food and beverage tastings, and educational sessions with some of the country's top food personalities like Katie Button and Edward Lee.
• Festival of Houses and Gardens : For a few weeks in March and April, tour some of the city's finest private homes and gardens at this annual festival. It also includes culinary demonstrations, walking tours, and musical performances.
• Charleston Jazz Festival : A weekend-long celebration in April that hosts internationally-renowned musicians like Regina Carter as well as local blues, Brazilian, and other artists.
• Spoleto Festival USA : This performing arts festival takes place in venues throughout the city over three weeks in May and June. From opera and chamber music to dance, jazz, theater, and more, the festival is a one-of-a-kind celebration of the arts.

Summer in Charleston

Summers can be oppressively hot and humid in Charleston, but air conditioning is plentiful, and the nearby beaches offer some respite from the weather. You'll still find larger crowds through the 4th of July holiday, but in general, the city is less crowded and rates are lower during this time of year. Pack rain gear for August as it's the city's wettest month.

• Celebrate Independence Day at Patriots Point : This has the area's largest fireworks display. Purchase a ticket to watch them aboard the historic USS Yorktown, or pack a cooler and plop a chair down on the land nearby (there is a small parking fee).
• Freshfields Village Starlight Cinema Series : Enjoy movies under the stars at this free film series. The event takes place at Freshfields Village on Kiawah Island. Check the schedule to see what's playing and at what time.

Fall in Charleston

Fall marks another peak time to visit Charleston, when temperatures cool off and summer beach visitors retreat for the school year. You can expect comfortable temperatures in the 60s and 70s well into November, but do be aware of hurricanes and tropical storms.

• Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch : From a corn maze to a petting zoo, rock climbing wall, and hayride, Boone Hall offers autumnal fun for the whole family throughout the month of October.
• Preservation Society of Charleston's Self-Guided Monthly Fall Tours : Explore the city's finest homes and gardens ranging from 18th-century homes to modern dwellings via these tours in October.

The best times to visit Charleston are from March through May and from September through November. In the spring, temperatures are mild and you avoid hurricane season. In the fall, crowds dwindle and hotel and airfare rates are cheaper.

Charleston is best enjoyed over a three-day, long weekend. The city's manageable size allows you to experience the most pertinent sites—like top-notch restaurants and vibrant art galleries—with a short trip.

Charleston is known for its deep-rooted history, complete with a historic downtown area and market, the Old Slave Mart Museum, and Patriot's Point.

Weather Spark. "Average Weather in Charleston, South Carolina, US." Retrieved February 18, 2021.

National Weather Service. "Tropical Cyclone History for Southeast South Carolina." Retrieved February 18, 2021.

Your Trip to Charleston: The Complete Guide

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