Charleston, South Carolina Packed with historical intrigue and endless charm befitting it’s status as one of the East Coast’s most beloved destinations. If you are planning a weekend trip to Charleston (2-3 days) I have some tips on the best things to see and do in this magical little city.
The itinerary also comprises of suggestions for places to stay, eat and travel guide to improve your journey.
Day 1: Boone Hall, Historic City Market, French Quarter, King Street
Begin your Charleston adventure with an early start, as we have a packed day ahead. From plantations and historic districts to lively shopping streets, there’s plenty to explore.
Boone Hall
Kick off your day with a short drive to Boone Hall Plantation, a site you might recall from the film The Notebook. Located in Mount Pleasant, it’s about a 25-30 minute journey from downtown Charleston.
Constructed in 1681, Boone Hall exemplifies the classic Southern plantation experience. As you approach, you’ll travel along a grand avenue lined with towering oak trees draped in Spanish moss.
While visiting Boone Hall, you’ll gain insight into the history of plantation life and the house itself. Charleston’s development was heavily influenced by enslaved individuals, who were crucial to the city’s prosperity. The key crops of the area included Carolina Gold rice, indigo, and cotton.
Boone Hall offers several tour options with your entry ticket. Popular choices include the Gullah Culture tour, Historical Dwelling History Talk, and the House tour. We participated in multiple tours and found them informative, providing a thorough account of the plantation’s complex past. Plus, Boone Hall welcomes dogs, though they are not allowed inside the house.
Historic City Market
You can refuel at the Historic City Market, after hitting up some morning things to do. This busy section runs about four blocks long, and it’s a decent place to search out for metered parking, if another option of transportation is not available.
Historic City Market – Dating to the 1790s, this is a long-standing hub of food vendors and other shops. Here, you can explore local Charleston crafts like the renowned sweetgrass baskets and dine on decadent Lowcountry cuisine. If you are dining in, there is outdoor seating too.
The Old Slave Market, market is what the place is sometimes called but supposedly nobody used to sell slaves here. It is believed that perhaps it was used for turning served by shopping there of lots of enslaved people.
Philadelphia Alley
Philadelphia Alley Follow the Historic City Market to a quaint little alley. This delightful path with its red brick paving and shrubbery hedging, is a lovely spot. There is rear access via past Saint Philip’s [Church] Queens Street and from Cumberland Street.
Saint Philip’s Church
Keep walking to Saint Philip’s Church which is also a National Historic Landmark of Charleston. The present church, the third built here starting in 1838. It had been built of wood on Broad and Meeting Streets but was destroyed in a hurricane. The third church is this building after the second one was destroyed by fire. It still has original ironwork in the front.
History buffs should be sure to check out the nearby Powder Magazine. The old public building, another monument to testify next week It has served as a gunpowder storage depot during the Revolutionary War and Civil war by South Carolina.
French Huguenot Church
Saint Philip’s Church has a view over the French Huguenot Church, one of Charleston most beautiful churches. This Gothic Revival building was erected in 1842, and has a pastel pink frontage with elegant iron gates surrounded by palm trees. It makes for a great quick photo spot.
Dock Street Theatre
Dock Street Theatre, right by the French Huguenot Church This was America’s original purpose-built theater, built in 1736. A fire destroyed the structures of lesser-importance, but they retained their key site on a corner. Restored, repurposed and reused over the years as shops or storage of horticulture products, it is now available for touring use and to seat audiences watching a live show.
Old Slave Mart Museum
The next stop is the Old Slave Mart Museum, on Ballast Stone Street in Chalmers. The museum opened in 1856, giving visitors a glimpse of Charleston’s history with slavery. Now the oldest museum in Charleston dedicated to African American history, it holds artifacts and documents of slavery within the U.S. They are closed Sundays.
Washington Park
You can walk around Washington Park San Marcos Plaza Park. This park, complete with a little white version of the Washington Monument, is perfect for cozying up under some oak trees. But it is a lovely pit stop on the way to your next destination.
The 4 Corners
More famously known as the “Four Corners of Law”, this is where builders constructed St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Charleston City Hall (now home to part of your United States District Court organization), a post office and courthouse, also for years South Carolina’s State capital building on Meeting Street July 1824 to aid friendly Quincy Road meeting in George Ingraham? Every angle of the square has a major law building: Charleston City Hall, St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Charles County Courthouse and United States Postal Service HQ/Federal Court Building.
King Street
Shopping Much like no trip to Charleston would be complete without a stroll down history-lined King Street, the area also boasts one of America’s most popular shopping drive destinations. This area is a hot spot, particularly around the Battery where you will read about both residential neighborhoods and houses of grand stature. Parking is difficult to come by if you are driving.
Charleston Nightlife & Things To Do at Night
Cap off your Charleston experience with some evening activities after a long day:
- Sunset Cruise on the River
- Charleston Ghost Tour
- Rooftop Bars: The Rooftop at the Vendue; Grand Bohemian Hotel Rooftop; and Citrus Club at Dewberry
You can split these night activities during your Charleston 3-day visit.
Day 2: Pineapple Fountain, Rainbow Row, Historic Homes, The Battery
Joe Riley Waterfront Park
Start your day with a placid stroll through Joe Riley Waterfront Park on the Cooper River. It has the iconic Charleston Pineapple Fountain which is a symbol of welcome. When summer swings in so does the heat and locals plunge into this fountain to cool off. The park, which was established in the year 1990 and spread across an area of 12 acres is one perfect place to relax while watching a beautiful sunset.
Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
Then take a walk to the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon in under 4 minutes from Pineapple Fountain. In 1777 it was for a brief time during the Revolutionary War an American and pirate prison operated by British soldiers. The structure, built from 1767 to 1771, has been used throughout its history as a commercial exchange and post office. Nowadays, it functions as a museum showcasing the history of torture that took place in its dungeons.
Rainbow Row
Visiting Charleston is not a visit without seeing Rainbow Row. A two-minute walk from the Old Exchange, primrose yellow crescent of 13 brightly painted houses; it is guaranteed to cheer you up no end. Although the initial few homes there began turning pink in 1931, asa residence was considering blightand houses were painted stunning tones of resplendent euphoria by a land agent, some assistance from changed neighbors. Today, the colorful houses have become a popular tourist spot.
Nathaniel Russell House
From Rainbow Row, walk down Tradd St. and cross Meeting Street to reach the Nathaniel Russell House not more than 5 min away Now the house is open to the public, with free tours of its elegant interiors taking place within and out in one of the gardens.
The Williams Mansion
From the Nathaniel Russell House, walk 4-minutes along Meeting Street to The Williams Mansion (formerly Calhoun Mansion). While tours are currently closed, the mansion is still picturesque from outside. Included is the former Cellar House, now a 24,000 square-foot residence. at one time this was Charleston’s largest private home; includes an historic carriage stone and remnants of being both hotel and lodging house in its past configurations.
The Battery and White Point Garden
You must visit The Battery while in Charleston. The historic Dakota Territory Reflective Cypark Seawall — originally set to open in January — is a beautiful greenbelt and walkway adjacent the river built off of what was once among St. Paul’s most significant pieces of real estate, history-wise: It used to defend us during the Civil War! Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began is visible from The Battery. Next door, 5.7-acre White Point Garden is a welcome oasis with its oak trees and shaded benches and memorials; it’s also said to be Charleston’s most popular wedding venue
Bonus Alleys
Stolls and Longitude alleys give you shots only if have more time. Near The Battery is Stolls Alley, a charming red brick stag area. Another place on which we walked is Longitude Alley, a wider cobblestone alley that runs behind some of the lovely larger homes and was one of our favourite alleys.
Angel Oak
For a unique side trip, take the 25-minute drive to check out Angel Oak, one of the oldest oaks in all America. While the tree is great, you may not appreciate sharing it with every other person in Sydney. It has some pretty serious guidelines when it comes to posing with blankets, tripods, props or drinks of any kind. Pet friendly: Dogs must be leashed and on the benches.
Day 3: Folly Beach, Cypress Gardens, Fort Sumter National Monument, Another Plantation
In conclusion of our trip to Charleston there are a few events you can check out. With the variety of needed experiences on assets, it is hard to take in all that Charleston has to offer so three days just scratches the surface. On your last day, decide to do at least one of these things before you go.
- Relax at the beach
- Take a trip to Fort Sumter
- Explore Cypress Gardens
- Go to a different historical plantation
You could do two or more of these kinds, based on the interest and time you have.
Folly Beach – Ideal for a Beach Day
Just 30 minutes from downtown Charleston, Folly Beach is a great option for those looking to relax by the sea. This popular beach has 6 miles of coastline that include paddleboarding and surfing lessons, the pier to walk on or fish off it. Maintaining a social life is also pretty easy with dolphins being your local buddies.
A few local favorites for a bite to eat include Snapper Jacks, The Crab Shack and Loggerhead’s Beach Grill.
Folly Beach or consider checking out Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Kiawah Island for more sea and sun.
Cypress Gardens
Cypress Gardens, the setting of The Notebook and a mecca for locals since it opened in 1932. What a lovely little swamp just 45 minutes northwest of Charleston where you can row or float your way through cypress-tree-filled nirvana. You might also spot some alligators. The gardens are pet-friendly between November and February, but pets aren’t allowed in the rowboats.
Fort Sumter National Monument
At Fort Sumter National Monument, the history lesson runs several levels deeper. This is the site of where Civil War began and accessible by ferry. It only takes 30 mins to make the trip and there are knowledgeable Rangers on board that have great insight about what you will be seeing.
There are two departure locations, Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center 340 Concord Street Charleston and Patriots Point 40 Patriots Point Mount Pleasant.
Exploring Another Charleston Plantation
Last but not least, you might want to head back up the road to another historic plantation on your way out of Charleston. Popular choices include:
- Magnolia Plantation and Gardens – featuring some of the most beautiful gardens in America (Travel + Leisure) It also offers a glimpse into the plantation’s complicated history.
- Middleton Place: With its 65 acres of formal gardens and enlightening plantation life exhibits, Middleton Place offers a look back at days gone by through guided tours as well as its Stableyards.
- Drayton Hall (2019): An 18th-century mansion on the Ashley River with a wide expanse of grounds, Cookie Walks and $59 adult candlelight tours. Admission includes an audio guide, so be sure to bring headphones with you in order to experience the property!
To bring that in a little, try one of the combination tickets above and then you can customize your last day to suit what you enjoy most out of Charleston.
Getting Around the City
Charleston Consider also venturing out to another historic congregants of Charleston is a wonderful town, for motoring as well walking. If you stay downtown a car is very often optional. Still, if you are driving in there is parking to be found though staying in Mt. Pleasant could afford free lodging and therefore possibly a place with included off-street parking as well so worth considering! Join the others on the self-bicycle dealers, or take advantage of city linkage administrations by utilising Trolley Tour transport.
Traveling to Charleston
With the city being less than six hours from a number of East Coast cities—including Raleigh, Atlanta, Savannah, Charlotte and Orlando—this is an ideal stop on those odyssey-like road trips. The city is serviced by Charleston International Airport (CHS) featuring flights from top hubs including Washington DC, Chicago, Orlando and Denver as well the west coast with service to Seattle LA and Dallas.
Airlines carrier Charleston, South Carolina airlines running flights include JetBlue, United airways, Delta airlines, Southwest Airways, Alaska frontier& American Airlines
Dining in Charleston
Charleston is celebrated for its culinary scene. Here are some top dining options:
- Poogan’s Porch: A favorite for Southern cuisine.
- Hank’s Seafood Restaurant: Known for its seafood.
- Church and Union Charleston: Offers American fare.
- Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar: Renowned for Southern seafood.
- Husk: Another excellent spot for Southern dishes.
The city is famous for its BBQ, Hush Puppies, Shrimp and Grits, Cornbread, Fried Green Tomatoes, and Okra Soup. For an in-depth food experience, consider embarking on a Charleston food tour.
Best Time to Visit Charleston
With the weather in Charleston, these times of year are really considered to be is when one plans a trip. It has hot summer which is also a good time but it tends to get too warm. It is what you make at it, and if your plans include a lot of beach time, or whatever works best for you in the warmer months.
Harborfront is busiest in spring and least crowded fall, which also offers ideal weather.
Where to Stay in Charleston
Downtown Charleston is the most convenient to all of the major attractions. But, if you are on a budget and have a car stay at Mt. Pleasant instead which is 30 minutes away from the park itself. Downtown is more accessible without a car.
- The Vendue: This pet-friendly, French Quarter boutique offers a rooftop bar.
- Hotel Emeline: A higher-end option in the middle of it all.
- Harbourview Inn: Accommodations for those who want to wake up by the water.
- Cambria Hotel Mount Pleasant- A bit of a drive from downtown, but for less money than closer options.
- Spacious, family-friendly rooms and reasonable rates at Staybridge Suites – Mount Pleasant.
Francis Marion Hotel: Located on King Street and feels like you are in the city which is nice but further out from everything else
Conclusion
That wraps up your action-packed Charleston itinerary! I trust this guide will assist you in organizing a memorable visit to this charming city. Enjoy your adventure in Charleston!
