April 2nd, 2024 | By: Grace Kim
This post contains affiliate links. By clicking on these links, I may earn a small commission that won’t cost you anything, but it helps me continue to run this website.
There is no surprise as to why Charleston continues to get voted as the #1 visited tourist destination in the U.S. from many trusted publishers. From learning about it’s rich history, visiting museums, and trying delicious Southern dishes, Charleston is the perfect city to visit for all types of travelers. Whether you’re planning on visiting with your significant other or with your family, there are so many fun things to do in Charleston. Stroll through King Street or end the day with a beautiful sunset at Ravenel Bridge and before you know it, you’ll thank yourself for checking off Charleston from you USA bucket list.
As someone who grew up in New Jersey, I can’t believe it took me so long to make my way down South to explore Charleston. Visiting Charleston wasn’t so high on my USA bucket list since it felt “close to home”, but I am already thinking of going back! We did a road trip from New Jersey to Charleston and within 2 days, we made it over to Charleston. From the moment we arrived to the day we left, Charleston exceeded all expectations. From indulging in the incredible dining scene to photographing the most vibrant city in the U.S. and visiting some of America’s most important museums, Charleston was one for the books. Our days were just so packed as there was so much to do!
So if this is your first time visiting Charleston, let’s start planning! How many days is enough for Charleston? What’s the best time to visit Charleston? I’m here to share with you everything you need to know before you Charleston visit, and my top recommendations to make your trip unforgettable.
Best Time to Visit
While it’s typically warm in Charleston all year around, visiting in February was perfect. Locals say it was a bit cold but as someone coming from colder weather in New Jersey, the weather was great. It wasn’t too hot or too cold, still allowing me to visit all the top attractions with no problem. But if you’re looking for warm weather, the best time to visit Charleston is anytime between February to May.
Since Charleston is also on the coastline, temperates range between 78°F – 86°F during the summer but will drop to around 38°F to 46°F in the winter.
How to Get Around?
Charleston is an extremely walkable city, as a lot of the popular tourist attractions are relatively close to each other. Having a car is helpful, but it is not needed as the city is extremely walkable. The most walkable area of Charleston is in Radcliffeborough as it’s bordered between Upper King Street and The Medical University of South Carolina.
If you happen to bring your car and are planning on driving through Charleston, most hotels will have some type of valet/parking system. There is also metered parking but if you’re parked along a busy street, such as King Street, note that metered parking is very controlled.
During your visit, if you’re also looking to explore outside of the downtown area, such as Angel Oak Tree or Folly Beach, the best way to go about it would be to rent a car. They are both located about 30 minutes away from downtown in opposite directions, so having a car allows you to be flexible with your time as you’ll have the freedom to explore even more of what Charleston has to offer.
Where to Stay?
From a mix of modern to tradition, Charleston has amazing places to stay and depending on your style of traveling, some may suit you more than another. During my 3-day trip to Charleston, I stayed in 3 different hotels, all in different areas, and every hotel had it’s own, unique charm to it. You’ll also notice a lot of hotels in historical, traditional-styled buildings, preserving it’s history. From so many beautiful hotels to choose from, here’s a list of some of the best hotels to stay in Charleston:
The Palmetto Hotel
Located only steps away from the iconic Pineapple Fountain and Joe Riley Waterfront Park is The Palmetto Hotel. It’s located in a very centralized location with very accommodating staff. Their rooms have beautiful, aesthetic vibes to them as we loved their complimentary breakfast, and downstairs bar with a great selection of cocktails.
Wentworth Mansion
In 1997, the Wentworth Mansion was transformed into a boutique hotel from a historical home, offering 21 guest rooms with suites, modern comfort, and complimentary parking. What’s also great about their services is not only their daily breakfasts, but also their afternoon wines! There seems to be nothing but positive reviews from the location to incredible staff located in the charming Charleston Village neighborhood.
What’s also great is that it holds restaurants within the property, which is great for couples, families, and even celebrations, like a birthday or a bachelorette. Dine in at Circa 1886 Restaurant, located in the carriage house of Wentworth Mansion, and enjoy the evening with amazing food and wine selection.
Market Pavillion Hotel
This beautiful, historic hotel is a 3-minute walk away from the Charleston City Market and Waterfront Park. Whether you’re a local booking a staycation or you’re visiting outside of town, there are so many things to do at Market Pavillion Hotel that it makes it hard to leave the property. Booking a couple of nights here is perfect for couples as the rooms and suites are spacious, along with having restaurant selections on-site, a stunning rooftop pool, and an extensive array of drinks.
Hotel Emeline
Providing free bikes, private parking, a garden, and a fitness center, Hotel Emeline has so many fun activities to choose from. One being that you can enjoy an Italian dinner and drinks at the bar before the start of the night. Hotel Emeline is also located in a prime location, as it’s walking distance to the Charleston City Market, the French Quarter, and King Street.
21 Best Things to Do in Charleston, SC
Charleston has an array of fun and free things to do. Some of my favorite things to do in Charleston includes exploring art galleries, walking through the cobblestone streets, and dining at local restaurants. Our days were packed, as we were averaging over 10,000 steps a day! So whether you’re planning on visiting Charleston for the weekend or for 2 days, here’s the perfect itinerary to make your trip unforgettable:
1. Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour
Charleston’s Old South Carriage Tour is one of the more popular tours as you’ll be viewing 30 blocks and 300 years of historical Charleston. During your tour, your horse carriage tour will cover churches, mansions, and markets. During the warmer months, I recommend going on the tour once it gets cooler in the evening so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the views! Â
2. Downtown Charleston Food Tour
Save your appetite as you’re going to be stuffed eating your way through the Downtown Charleston Food Tour. You’ll be learning all about Charleston’s food history across four local restaurants, serving you local, traditional dishes.
*Note that the tour does not accommodate vegan, dairy, lactose-free, or soy-free diets.
3. King Street
A trip to Charleston is not complete without strolling through King Street. You’ll find yourself walking up and down the streets multiple times as it is connected to many museums and attraction spots. King Street is known to be Charleston’s most popular street as this 300 year old street has endless amounts of shops, restaurants, museums, cafes and stores to wander through.
*Note that parking on King Street is limited to 2 hours. So if you’re planning on exploring Charleston for the day, parking in a garage might be a better option since meters are pretty controlled and parking tickets cost around $15.
4. Charleston City Market
If you’re looking to shop for souvenirs, Charleston City Market is the place for you. Charleston City Market is the biggest market in Charleston as there are so many local artists and small businesses selling goods and services to choose from. These range from baskets, paintings, photographs, pastries and sweets. Whether you’re browsing for one-of-a-kind gifts for others or for yourself, you’ll find everything and more at the Charleston City Market.
5. Joe Riley Waterfront Park
Joe Riley Waterfront Park offers nothing but beautiful waterfront views of Charleston. You’ll find locals starting off their day going out for a run along the waterfront, or ending off the day during sunset. There are so many Instagrammable photo opportunities here around the gardens, fountains, and swinging benches along the harbor.
You’ll also find a beautiful walkway of trees that will make you feel like you’re in a fairy tale! Taking a stroll through Joe Riley Waterfront Park for sunrise was one of my favorite and peaceful activities during my 3-day trip to Charleston.
6. Pineapple Fountain
Located right by Joe Riley Waterfront Park is where you’ll find the iconic, Pineapple Fountain. It’s a focal point to Charleston, as the pineapple represents hospitality. So don’t forget to swing by, take a selfie, and admire this tropical beauty. My favorite time to visit during sunrise as colors were bursting along the harbor.
7. Charleston Harbor Luxury Dinner Cruise with Live Music
End off an evening at one of Charleston’s top historic sight while enjoying a panoramic dinner cruise through the Charleston Harbor. If you’re traveling to Charleston to celebrate your bachelorette or with your lover, you won’t regret this luxury dinner cruise experience. You’ll be served a 3-course meal with a full service bar, live music, and amazing service while enjoying a beautiful sunset.
*Note that tickets will most likely sell out, so make sure to book your reservation at least a few days before arriving to Charleston.
8. Rainbow Row
Charleston’s most charming and oldest homes can be found at Rainbow Row. This iconic street attracts hundreds of visitors everyday for it’s cobblestone streets, architectural history, photo opportunities, and vibrant hues. Since it is one of the busiest attraction spots in Charleston, I recommend getting here as early as you can to avoid the crowds and photoshoots.
9. French Quarter
Whether you’re visiting Charleston for the day or for a long weekend, you don’t want to miss out on visiting the French Quarter. It’s a small district in the south part of the city as there are so many local shops selling some of the most unique goodies to take home. You’ll also get beautiful views of historical buildings as it’s in the heart of a lot of tourist attraction spots and popular hotels. We bought a couple of candles and sweaters from the local shops and have been loving all our purchases!
10. White Point Garden
Located on the southern tip of the peninsula is a peaceful area overlooking the Charleston Harbor. You’ll find families taking a stroll and runners early in the morning. There are benches after taking a leisurely walk, as well as amazing views of the Ravenel Bridge and Fort Sumter. We started off one of our mornings at White Point Garden, had a peaceful walk, and enjoyed our time being a local for the morning.
11. Angel Oak Tree
Located around 30 minutes away from Downtown Charleston is the majestic, 400 year old, Angel Oak Tree. This live oak is one of the oldest living organisms in the US that stretches over 17,000 square feet. Hundreds of visitors come to marvel at the tree each day, as you’ll learn all about it’s significance and cultural symbolism on site.
I recommend getting here either right at opening or an hour before closing because it will get busy with limited parking spots. Parking is free, but you may need to walk a bit if visiting during rush hour.
Hours of operation:
- Monday – Saturday: 9am – 5pm
- Sunday: 1pm – 5pm
12. Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour
Looking to go back in time and learn about the transformation of Charleston? Going on a Historic Guided Walking Tour is one of the quickest and informative ways to learn about the upbringings of the city. You’ll be visiting some of the most popular attraction spots in Charleston, such as, Charleston City Hall, the Old Exchange Building, and more.
This is a great activity if you’re visiting as a family, as you’ll have a licensed guide for 2 hours. So wear comfortable shoes, bring snacks and water, and enjoy strolling through the charming streets of Charleston.
13. Folly Beach
Located on the other side of the Ravenel Bridge is where you’ll find one of Charleston’s quaint and relaxing beaches. Folly Beach is a popular destination for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts as you’ll find picturesque views of the Atlantic. Spend an afternoon surfing, sunbathing, fishing, and shop from the handful of boutique shops in the town. Great seafood is served at restaurants such as The Crab Shack, as you can watch a beautiful sunset while indulging in some of the tastiest crab to end the night.
14. Broad Street
While wandering through Charleston, you’ll most likely end up walking through Broad Street. Broad Street is one of Charleston’s main streets lined with historical buildings, cafes, and upcoming restaurants. The buildings are just as colorful, if not more, than Rainbow Row, offering a cultural mix of architectural styles.
Broad Street is home to iconic buildings, such as the Old Exchange Building, Charleston City Market, and the Four Corners of Law. Wander along these cobblestone streets, dine in at restaurants like Sorelle, and buy souvenirs at local antique stores to complete your trip.
15. The Charleston Place
Known as one of Charleston’s most luxurious hotels, The Charleston Place is located in the heart of downtown Charleston. There are so many things to do on site, such as getting spa treatments and finding favorite restaurants like The Charleston Grill that you’re not going to want to leave! It’s a favorite for both travelers and locals alike, as you’ll get the best Southern hospitality experience during your stay. My favorite was relaxing in the court area, with great snack and drink options around a beautiful fountain.
16. Charleston Farmers Market
Cross your fingers that you’re visiting when the Charleston Farmers Market is up and running. You’ll find everything from fresh produce, handmade jewelry and goods, food trucks, and live entertainment and events. Strolling through the Charleston Farmers Market is a favorite from many locals, as you’ll get nothing less than high-quality products of produce and fresh ingredients to stock up on for the week.
The market is also extremely family friendly with so many fun activities for children, such as face painting, interactive exhibits, and storytelling. These activities make it relaxing for families to spend a beautiful Saturday evening with great vibes, delicious food, and fun activities.
*Note to check the official schedule as hours may vary depending on the season and events.
Hours of operation:
- Saturdays from April to November: 8:00am – 2:00pm
17. Ghost Tour
Embark on an evening ghost tour to learn more about the mysteries of Charleston. Enjoy a 90-minute Ghost Tour by wandering through the streets of the old city as your tour guide educates you on all the tales, supernatural occurrences, and spirits. Surprisingly, Charleston is known to be one of America’s haunted cities and you’ll find exactly why on this tour. Plus, you’ll get exclusive after-hours access at the famous haunted Unitarian Church Graveyard. So, if you’re not scared of ghosts, enjoy this fun activity to do in Charleston and get spooked out from its supernatural lore.
18. Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise
Spend the day out at sea on an 84-foot-tall classic ship on the Charleston Harbor for an unforgettable cruise experience. Enjoy watching dolphins peaking through the waters, while the crew sails past some of the city’s most iconic historical sites.This experience is extremely family friendly as you’ll be gliding through iconic views of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and Fort Sumter.Â
19. Magnolia Plantation Admission & Tour
Located about 30 minutes away from Downtown Charleston is where you’ll find the beautiful, Magnolia Plantation. This plantation is one of the oldest plantations in the South as you’ll enjoy a narrated nature tram ride through the Audubon swamp gardens. Included in the tour is round trip transportation from Charleston to Magnolia Plantation so you don’t have to worry about how to get to the site. Once you’re there, you’ll learn all about the wildlife and if you’re lucky, you might be able to spot wildlife such as alligators, turtles, and herons.
20. Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour
Enjoy the only tour operator in the city that includes a round trip ferry service into Fort Sumter. Visiting Fort Sumter should be high on your Charleston bucket list as you’ll be able to witness the site that symbolizes the beginning of the American Civil War. The tour departs at two locations: Liberty Square and Patriots Point. Listen to stories on this iconic ferry ride, get access to bookstores and museums, buy souvenirs for family and friends back home, and enjoy a scenic cruise back from the island.
*Note that it is likely that the Fort Sumter Tour will sell out, so booking in advance is recommended.
21. Secret Speakeasy Cocktail Class
Looking to sip on some of the best tasting cocktails in Charleston? You’re in luck because you’ll be able to chat all things cocktails and mixers during the Secret Speakeasy Cocktail Class. During this class, you’ll go through a 2 parts learning and 3 parts drinking class at a speakeasy in the heart of Holy City. Many have found their new favorite drinks from this class, as you’ll go behind bars to mixing up Charlestons’ favorite cocktails.
Where to Eat in Charleston
From trying the best shrimp and grits to eating my way through dozens of oysters and bakeries and cafes, Charleston’s food scene is unmatched. Charleston has a plethora of restaurants to choose from as I would make another trip just for the food. Here’s a list of my favorite and recommended restaurants you must dine in at during your visit to Charleston:
Breakfast + Coffee
- The Rise Coffee Bar is part of The Restoration Hotel that has kombucha, breakfast sandwiches, and the best cold brew I’ve had in Charleston. There’s both indoor and outdoor seating but they are both very limited so swing by for breakfast and coffee before the morning crowd to grab yourself a seat to start your day.
- Harken Cafe is located right by the French Quarter with a great selection of fun drinks and amazing food. The cafe has a rustic feel to it with great design as both travelers and locals find Harken Cafe to be a favorite. The cucumber salad was delicious, the staff was super friendly, and it is located in a very centralized area.
- Highfalutin Coffee Roasters is about a 10 minute drive away from downtown, but it is a great cafe for digital nomads and remote workers. There are a handful of tables inside with great WiFi, cappuccino’s, and an outdoor seating area to enjoy at during warmer months.
Brunch
- babas on cannon was my absolute favorite brunch spot in all of Charleston. Everything from the coffee selection to the food options were nothing less than amazing. I had the best grilled cheese in my life, along with an iced matcha latte with oat milk. Just make sure to arrive at a reasonable, early time since it will get packed with very limited seating.
- Basic Kitchen has some of the cutest and most aesthetic vibes, serving American-styled dishes. I love how there were so many healthy options to choose from, as the Basic Bowl was my dish of choice.
- Millers All Day serves everything from crab to their signature fried chicken, and a variety of snacks for sharing. Their breakfast is served all day, along with shots of bourbon to take in the evening. There are two locations, Downtown and James Island, with large seating areas for larger parties and bachelorette groups.
Dinner
- Southbound is a newer restaurant in Charleston that has a unique menu with wood fired dishes curated by passionate chefs. The restaurant has two floors of indoor seating and at The Terrace, which is their outdoors seating area. My favorite dishes were the Dry Aged Steak Tartare as my appetizer and an Ube dessert. The ube was unbelievable. I recommend making reservations in advance to get the best seat in the house. We made our reservations on Resy and had a smooth and amazing experience from the kindest staff.
- Sorelle is located right on Broad Street, with a comprehensive Italian menu. There is both indoor and outdoors seating with great ambiance. The Tartufo Nero was my favorite, obviously because it had black truffle in the mix!
- Citrus Club is located inside The Dewberry Charleston with stunning views of the city. I recommend dining during sunset because the views are unbeatable. Depending on the season, it may be harder to grab walk in seating since the hotel may have an event going on, as it is a popular wedding location. But since the service, food, drinks, and atmosphere are great, it might be worth the long wait.
Nightlife and Entertainment
From plays, musicals, bars, comedy acts, and so much more, Charleston’s nightlife is lively with a handful of venues and places to choose from. For live music, check out venues like The Royal American and The Music Farm to sing and dance along to with hundreds of others. Or, enjoy a theatrical performance at venues like the Dock Street Theatre to end the night.
On the other hand, if you’re looking to bar hop, King Street is for you with bars spread from top to bottom. Enjoy sliders and pizza while watching a sports game at Uptown Social or stay classy and dine in at Bourbon N’ Bubbles.
Final Thoughts
From strolling through King Street, trying Southern comfort food, to going on unforgettable tours, Charleston has it all. This walkable city is the perfect place to visit for all types of travelers. From families, couples, and solo, there are endless amounts of things to do and see in this colorful city. Just remember to plan a bit ahead because it can be hard to find vacant hotels and restaurants on the day of.
Exploring 3 days in Charleston was the perfect amount of time to visit. Since the city is so walkable, a car isn’t necessarily needed for this trip unless you’re looking to explore outside of downtown. Charleston has so much to offer as you’ll find so many fun things to do during your visit whether that’s admiring all the historical buildings, stuffing your face with endless amounts of food, or enjoying the countless tours that will educate you all about the upbringings of Charleston.
Save These Pins When Planning For Your Charleston Trip!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston expensive to visit?
Visiting Charleston can be expensive as it is a popular destination. I recommend checking for hotel accommodations and available tours at least 1-2 weeks in advance. We visited in February and didn’t know there was an event going on that weekend, so majority of the hotel rooms were sold out. As a result, we paid around $350-$450 per night on average. However, if we had gone on a different weekend, we probably would’ve spent around $250-$300 per night.
As someone who is used to NJ/NYC prices, the cost of food was average. We paid anywhere between $4-$5 on iced coffee and $4.50 on pastries. Lunch cost around $20-$23 per person with tip. Dinner ranged, depending on how fancy the restaurant was. At a casual, sit down restaurant, look to spend around $25 per person. But if you’re looking to dine in at a fancier restaurant, you’re looking at $50+ per person. This includes ordering an appetizer, main course dish, 1-2 drinks, and tip.
Overall, if you’re looking to visit Charleston for the weekend, you’ll be spending anywhere between $800-$1,000+ for 3-4 days.This depends on if you’re visiting on a budget, and the time of year you’re visiting. Visiting Charleston during the winter months will be cheaper and depending on how much you’re looking to splurge, your total expenses may vary. This is a breakdown of a potential 3-day weekend:
- Hotel + accommodation: $600
- Food + coffee: $150
- Drinks: $100
- Miscellaneous + Shopping: $150
How many days is enough for Charleston?
Depending on how many activities you’re looking to squeeze in, 3-4 days is the perfect amount of time to visit Charleston. Our days were packed during our visit to Charleston and felt that 4 days was a good amount of time.
Yes, you can definitely go for longer if you want to experience more tours and restaurants, but we found that 4 days was the perfect amount of time to visit. But if you’re looking to extend your stay in South Carolina, there are so many other areas and islands to visit that we didn’t get a chance to explore, such as Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island, Kiawah Island, Isle of Palms, etc.
After our time in Charleston, we actually did a quick day trip to Savannah, Georgia. It was about a 3 hour drive and loved the convenience of it from Charleston!
Is Charleston kid friendly?
Yes! Charleston is very kid friendly. We saw a bunch of families and their kids during our visit walking along King Street and Joe Riley Waterfront Park, and shopping at the Charleston City Market. There are a ton of activities to do with kids, such as going on family friendly tours and spending the evening on the weekend at the Charleston Farmers Market. A lot of hotel rooms are also very spacious, which makes it easy for families to book larger rooms and suites during their visit.
Is Charleston good for bachelorettes?
Charleston is one of the most popular destinations for bachelorette parties in the U.S. During our visit, we saw about 7 bachelorette groups in one weekend, but I’m sure there were more. Charleston, South Carolina is a popular bachelorette destination spot for a handful of reasons. It’s convenient because the city is so walkable to get from point A to B, there’s a huge, lively nightlife scene, a handful of beaches to relax at, and so many amazing restaurants for large groups. As long as you’re planning in advance, there are so many options to choose from, such as tours, restaurants, and activities, for large groups that makes Charleston so popular for bachelorette parties.
Is Charleston, South Carolina worth visiting?
Yes, visiting Charleston, SC is definitely worth visiting. Even if you’re only visiting for the weekend, it’s the perfect amount of time to escape your hometown and explore a new city. There’s so much to do, history to learn about, amazing food to eat, and outdoor activities to experience. The hospitality was also great, which made the city that much more inviting.
Charleston is a city I would visit again for so many reasons. From it’s vibrancy, food, and unforgettable things to do, Charleston is a place worth stopping by whether you’re on a road trip or looking for a new city to explore.
