How to Spend the Perfect 3 Days in Charleston, SC: A Local-Inspired Itinerary

Coffee at Harken Café

Start your trip with a coffee and pastry at Harken Café, a quintessential café in the French Quarter.

• My favorites: Butter Me Up breakfast sandwich and any pastry.

Walk the Battery, Rainbow Row & Waterfront Park

• The Battery: Start at essentially the southern tip of the Charleston peninsula, known as The Battery. It’s filled with gorgeous mansions and views of Charleston Harbor.

• Rainbow Row: One of the most Instagrammable spots in Charleston is Rainbow Row, a row of houses painted in different pastel colors.

• Waterfront Park and The Pineapple Fountain: After you’re done “house shopping,” walk along the waterfront. Experience Waterfront Park and the famous Pineapple Fountain.

Lunch at Poogan’s Porch

Poogan’s Porch is a classic Charleston restaurant that feels like you’re being welcomed into someone’s (very chic) Southern home. Sit on the porch if you can, order the fried green tomatoes or buttermilk fried chicken, and soak in the charm. It’s casual, cozy, and so Charleston.

Explore the Charleston City Market

Walk off lunch at the Charleston City Market, a historic market established in the 1790s. There are dozens of stands featuring local goods, sweetgrass baskets, and Charleston-themed souvenirs.

Dinner at Chubby Fish

Chubby Fish is one of my top two restaurants in Charleston. It serves the freshest (and most delicious) innovative seafood dishes. It’s also one of the most popular restaurants in Charleston, and it does not take reservations. The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays, so plan accordingly. You’ll want to plan on getting in line around between 3:30 and 4 pm if you want to be seated right when they open at 5 pm—otherwise, you’ll put your name down and will be assigned to a later seating. If you end up on the wait-list, there is a great cocktail bar next door called Seahorse—try the smoked olive martini!

• My favorites: Literally anything on the menu is good, assuming you like fish. My top two picks are the tuna belly toast and caviar sliders.

Nightcap at Uptown Social

Ready for a fun night out? Head to Uptown Social, a lively King Street bar great for cocktails, dancing, or just great people-watching. The rooftop is the move if the weather’s warm (which it usually is).

Morning stroll at Colonial Lake

This peaceful lake in the heart of downtown is where locals go to walk their dogs, jog, or sip their coffee while soaking in the scenery. It’s quiet, beautiful, and lined with charming Charleston homes. It almost feels like a secret garden in the city.

Breakfast at Holey City Bagels

Located in Charleston’s Upper King Street district, Holey City Bagels is known for its freshly baked, New York–style bagels and coffee bar. The line is usually pretty long, but you can typically order ahead for pickup. Note: It’s closed on Tuesdays.

• My favorites: Toasted blueberry bagel with cream cheese and toasted rosemary salt bagel with butter.

Shopping on King Street

Welcome to one of the South’s best shopping districts. The main shopping area of King Street stretches around 1.5 miles, so you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes. You’ll find high-end fashion, chic home decor, locally made goods, and antique shops.

Lunch at 167 Raw

167 Raw is another top restaurant in Charleston. It is located on King Street and serves fresh oysters and fish dishes. This is another spot that doesn’t take reservations, so go early or add your name and grab a drink (or keep shopping) nearby while you wait.

• My favorites: Crispy oysters, tuna tataki, and, of course, the oysters.

Rooftop Cocktails at The Citrus Club

Located atop The Dewberry (my favorite hotel in Charleston), The Citrus Club is the perfect place to sip a cocktail while watching the sunset over Charleston.

Dinner at Halls Chophouse

Halls Chophouse is the other restaurant in my top two favorites in Charleston, and it’s also one of my favorite spots in the world. The restaurant is family-owned, so there’s a warm, welcoming feeling the second you walk in. It’s the epitome of true Southern hospitality. Oh, and the food is amazing, too. It also hosts a gospel brunch on Sundays. Be sure to snag a reservation well in advance. If you can’t get one, go there early and grab a drink at the bar while you wait for a table.

My favorites: Lowcountry fried green tomatoes, pepper jack creamed corn skillet, filet, and dirty martini with blue cheese olives (they love a heavy pour!).

Coffee at Babas on Cannon

Babas on Cannon is my favorite coffee shop in Charleston. The coffee and food are delicious, and there’s something about the vibe. Sit outside if the weather’s nice and ease into your morning. It's open for cocktails and has an aperitivo hour every Friday and Saturday from 4 to 10 pm. I’m not sure what time of day I prefer at Babas—they’re both great.

• My favorites: The very cold coffee and orange spritz on draft in the evening. For food, I love the potato breakfast tacos and whipped ricotta toast.

Sullivan’s Island Beach Day

A short drive from downtown, Sullivan’s Island offers quiet, dune-lined beaches and a laid-back coastal vibe. The main street is also filled with great restaurants and shops.

Brunch at The Obstinate Daughter

Just blocks from the beach, The Obstinate Daughter is a local favorite and one of my favorite brunch spots. You can make reservations up to two weeks out, but they fill up fast.

• My favorites: Breakfast sausage, the Rutledge pizza, and the Old Danger pizza.

Scenic drive through Isle of Palms

Take a breezy drive through Isle of Palms, known for its wider beaches and The Windjammer, a fun beachfront bar.

Afternoon at Shem Creek

Spend your final afternoon on the docks of Shem Creek, known for dolphin sightings, seafood restaurants, and unbeatable lowcountry views. It’s the perfect place to close out your three days in Charleston.

Dinner at Tavern & Table

If you’re like me and never want to leave Shem Creek, grab dinner at Tavern & Table. It serves fresh New American dishes and twists on classic Southern comfort food. Ask for a table outside!

• My favorites: The double-double Burger, roasted beet salad, and crab and artichoke dip.