Charleston is one of the premier weekend spots in the Southeast. With great dining options, history around every corner, beaches nearby and an active social scene; it is no wonder Charleston has been listed as one of the top cities in US to visit multiple years in a row.
If you are anything like me, you like to pack every experience into your weekend getaway. Charleston has more to offer than one could possibly do in a weekend, but let me highlight some ways to get the most out of your trip.
Where to stay?
The town is full of fun boutique hotels and inns that are all within walking distance to the nearest attractions. Whether you are looking for a luxurious stay at a hotel with several amenities or a small bed and breakfast full of history, Charleston has you covered. Below are some of my favorite places to stay, listed from $$$ to $.
Hotel Bennett
Located in the heart of the city, Hotel Bennett is one of the top luxury hotels in Charleston. From spacious hotel rooms to a fun food & beverage scene and a top of the line spa, this hotel has it all.
The Pinch
21 East Battery
If you're looking for a more quaint place to stay that oozes the Charleston charm, 21 East Battery B&B is the perfect spot for you. The location is in the middle of one of the top neighborhoods in Charleston and easy walking distance to some of the best sights in town. With its connection to Middleton Place, they even offer a package that would allow you to stay longer at their plantation's inn.
Now if you are part of loyalty programs from hotels chains like Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt; you can find some great deals from their properties downtown like Courtyard, The Lindy Renaissance, Mills House, and Hyatt Place/House.
As a local, my favorite times in Charleston are March, September, October and November. They border our peak season and you will find less traffic, better prices, and more availability!
What to Do?
As one of the oldest cities in the United States, it's best to expect each activity to involve history in some way, shape, or form. My suggestion to fully understand the culture of Charleston, is to embrace it! All the activities I have listed below are within walking distance of downtown and perfect to fill the day without being overwhelming.
Night One
When I first arrive to a new city or town, I like to understand the layout of the town and have an idea about the key spots I want to hit while I am visiting. In my opinion, the best way to start to get a grasp of Charleston is a walking tour. You get a little bit of history, meet some other tourists, and learn the streets quickly.
Bulldog Tours offers a wide range of tours from Historic to Ghost Tours. While I am one who love's a fun ghost tour, it could be a fun evening activity after dinner!
If you prefer to walk with a more leisurely pace and one that takes breaks throughout the tour, I would suggest looking into Chucktown Tours. They are focused to customize the tours best to the different groups they walk with, making each tour unique!
Day 2
To see the most in a full day of Charleston, be prepared to spend a bit of the day walking around. There is a lot to see and do, along with some great spots to take a rest and enjoy the surroundings! I'll list out some of my favorite activities and spots in town below:
One of the best ways to start your activities is to walk through the Farmers Market that runs every Saturday from 8am to 2pm. Bonus if you are staying during the holidays - the park turns into magic with decorations and a Holiday Market!
After enjoying the local vendors or the live music, start heading down King St. Full of boutiques and shopping, this street has something for everyone. Walking down King St will lead you to one of the iconic spots, the Charleston City Market.
The market is full of fun stands supporting local businesses. With most of the market being open aired, it is easy to walk in and out of the shops. There are also several lunch spots located nearby to stop and take a rest!
After a nice lunch, what better is there to do then walk it off? Close to the market is one of my favorite spots in Charleston, the Pineapple Fountain. Located in beautiful park along the harbor, this fountain was open to public after Hurricane Hugo as a symbol of restoration, hope, and hospitality.
As you continue to walk along the water, you easily stumble onto the iconic Rainbow Row. Each house is painted fun colors to represent the large Caribbean influence in Charleston. As you walk through this row of houses, you'll find beautiful gardens, smaller museums, and the stunning architecture of the neighborhood, South of Broad.
At the end of the street, you'll come across the beautiful park, White Point Garden. Overlooking Fort Sumter, this park showcases its powerful part in the Civil War and the battle against the fort in the harbor.
Now while this is enough walking and site seeing to fill the entire day, I highly suggest enjoying the scene of the oldest continuous restaurant/bar in Charleston for your after dinner adventure. The bar features live music most nights and has several levels including 2 roof tops, a bourbon room, a dance floor and the restaurant on the bottom floor.
Day 3
As you start your last day in Charleston, I am sure you might be overwhelmed with the agenda from the day before! My favorite thing to on the last day of the trip is to leave it open for the spots you didn't make it! Enjoy Brunch in the city and check out the spots you didn't make it to the day before.
Where to Eat?
Charleston has become quite the foodie destination and the options are endless for high quality food. To make the list easier easier to comprehend, I am going to start with coffee shops, lunch and brunch spots, then dinner!
Coffee Shops and Cafes
With an extensive coffee list and hip patio, this coffee shop is a must visit! Be prepared that this spot is in a college friendly neighborhood and there may be a younger crowd.
You may notice that this coffee shop is off the path of every other location for this itinerary, but it is worth the stop. The shop is small so prepare for this to be more of a to go type of spot. Down the street, you will also find the Old Charleston Jail.
This spot is the perfect spot to grab a coffee and feel like your transported from the US. It cute, quaint, and had amazing coffee.
Lunch Spots
Church and Union is, you guessed it, located in an old church! You can expect to see the high vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows in this restaurant with some fun modern twists to energize the space. The food is great and the service is fantastic.
Dinner Spots
The Ordinary has been on my top 10 dinner spots in the area since I originally moved here. A seafood destination, this restaurant expertly pairs high-end service with creative and delicious food and beverage pairings.
While this is the most casual spot I have listed, Blind Tiger is by far the most vibrant setting. There's a fun patio in the back, amazing food and fun cocktails!
167 Raw Oyster Bar originally opened up as small little spot and quickly became so popular that there was consistently a line down the street to get in. Now located on King St with a patio, this spot has the perfect vibe to match their food. Warning: you may be dreaming about the lobster roll for days.
Who Doesn't Want Desserts?
Carmella's cafe opens up to the hustle of East Bay St creating an almost European atmosphere. Their desserts are absolutely amazing and a fun spot to sit down and enjoy the city!
Some Tips When Traveling to CHS
A couple tips and tricks when traveling to Charleston!
Wear Comfortable Shoes
As you can see there is a lot of walking in Charleston! Several streets are also cobblestone and sidewalks are small with tree roots lifting them. Make sure you watch step to avoid the "Charleston Shuffle"
Be Prepared for Weather
Charleston is one of those towns where it can go from sun to rain in an instant. Always keep an umbrella or rain coat nearby for easy access!
Take in the Lifestyle
The city takes on a slower paced lifestyle than the average place: embrace it! Locals like to enjoy the environment they are in and to soak in the moment.
I hope this travel guide helps you with your weekend in Charleston! Please note that is my first of hopefully many guides and any feedback is appreciated! Something you would like to know more about? My next guide will dive further into the food scene of Charleston.
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