Enjoying a Long Weekend in Charleston, SC

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Advisor - Vincent Curatolo
Curated By

Vincent Curatolo

  • Charleston

  • Family Travel

  • Road Trip Travel

  • Weekend Getaways

  • Local Culture

  • Local Food

  • Entertainment

The image depicts a serene garden scene with vibrant pink lilies and a backdrop of lush greenery and Spanish moss
Curator’s statement

Charleston, South Carolina, is a perfect getaway for any type of traveler looking to experience the beauty and tranquility of the south. Founded in 1670, it is full of important US historical sites and buildings in a variety of stunning architectural styles. The low-country region, where the city lies, is also great for nature lovers with plenty of expansive beaches, verdant parks and flower-filled gardens. Charleston is a relaxed city with some of the most genuine people - no matter what you choose to do there, the Southern charm will always put a smile on your face.

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Day 1: Arrive in Charleston and Take It All In

The image displays a charming row of colorful buildings

Assuming you are flying into Charleston, head to car rental desks and pick up your car. I highly recommend renting a car - even though Charleston's historic district is very walkable, you'll want your own car to get around to all of the beaches, plantations, and to other cities/towns.

Once you have your car, head to your hotel to check in. If you're not staying right in the historic district, there are plenty of inexpensive garages to park - be sure to avoid restaurant parking lots as they can get pricey and packed very quickly. I highly recommend Poogan's Porch as a first stop for brunch — it is a Charleston institution and serves up some of the best Southern food. The portions are huge, so make sure to come hungry!

You'll want to walk off the big brunch you had, and there's no better way to do that than strolling the streets of the French Quarter. Make a beeline to Rainbow Row - one of the most instagrammable spots in the city — with brightly colored buildings that celebrate the Caribbean influence in Charleston. There's more than just Rainbow Row, though, so spend some time taking in the gorgeous houses constructed in over 10 different architectural styles. Charleston's homes are also known for their flower boxes and gardens - there is always something in bloom, so make sure you budget some time to stop and smell the flowers!

If you're looking for a more informative walk around the city, there are a variety of walking tours that are the perfect way to learn some of the city's history while admiring the beauty of the streets and parks.

After a day of taking the city's beauty in and getting your bearings, head to Hyman's Seafood for another Charleston dining institution. They don't take reservations, so be prepared to wait — if you're lucky, though, they normally have someone out front giving samples of their delicious hush puppies! It's truly worth the wait as the Southern charm radiates through the food, staff and decor of the restaurant.

Day 2: Plantations and Angel Oak Tree

The image captures the enchanting view of a tree-lined road, draped with Oak trees, creating a natural tunnel-like canopy.

Head to Boone and/or Magnolia plantation to take in more of the resplendent greenery and abundant crops the region has to offer. While gorgeous, it is also important to take in the history of and pay respect to the enslaved workers that made the plantations, and the South as a whole, wealthy and prosperous. Boone Plantation also offers a free show that demonstrates the culture, language, and food of the Gullah Geechee people - descendants of enslaved people who have retained many aspects of their African cultures.

After some time at the plantations, head over to the Angel Oak Tree, which is about 30 minutes west of downtown Charleston. This impressive oak tree is truly gigantic - make sure to take pictures of someone in front of the tree to show its impressive size!

If you have time, continue down to Kiawah Island after visiting Angel Oak. Most of the island is private, with celebrities like George Clooney and Reese Witherspoon having properties there. However, if it's a quiet day, there is one public beach which I recommend checking out. If it's too crowded, the drive there is still beautiful even if you have to turn around!

If Kiawah is too far, head back to Charleston and check out the market. With hundreds of local vendors, you'll surely find the perfect souvenir. Night is the best time to go as there are frequently night market events with live music and even more food vendors than the daytime - plus you'll beat the sweltering Southern heat.

Day 3: Savannah

The image captures the grandeur of a large, ornate church with Gothic features against a partly cloudy sky, with people at the bottom hinting at its scale.

Savannah is a two-hour drive south of Charleston - the drive along Route 17 is easy, and the roads are lined with lush, bright green forests. Savannah is very similar to Charleston, but it has its own unique vibe. While there, repeat what you did on your first day in Charleston - admire the amazing parks and streets that look like a movie scene.

Start your walk towards Forsyth Park, where you'll find a flower-ringed fountain that surely in the symbol of the city. Stop for brunch at Collins Quarter, conveniently located in the park, and then head up through the many picturesque squares. Stops along the way include the Olde Pink House, Owens-Thomas House, and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Also make sure to stop at Leopold's Ice Cream for the most famous scoop in the city!

End your walk at the Waterfront, which offers the city's best variety of restaurants, shops, and even a few historic sites.

If time permits, make a beach stop on Hilton Head Island. It's 45 minutes north of Savannah and well worth a stop, even if just for a few hours. We went on Memorial Day which was a mistake - but if it's not a holiday, you should be able to find parking for the public beach.

Day 4: Beach Day and Ghost Tour

Folly Beach signage beside a road

While the Lowcountry's beaches may not have pillowy white sand and crystal clear waters, they're definitely worth a visit. If Hilton Head is too much to squeeze in, Folly Beach and Isle of Palms are both great options, with wide beaches and surprisingly warm water. There is ample parking, and plenty of restaurants like the famous Coconut Joe's, which has locations on both islands.

After a relaxing day at the beach, check out one of the many ghost tours the city has to offer to spice up the day! Charleston is full of haunted sites (including the aforementioned Poogan's Porch), so a ghost tour is a perfect way to see the darker side of the city. I also found it to be a great lead-in to a night out - you'll definitely want a drink or two at a bar like Recovery Room afterwards!

Day 5: Fort Sumter

A large cannon in a brick building at Fort Sumter.

A great last stop is Fort Sumter - a three-mile boat ride from Liberty Square, this fort is one of the most important historic sites from the Civil War. While most of the fort has been destroyed, there is still a great museum within the remnants of the fort, as well as a variety of cannons to check out. Even if history isn't your thing, the ride alone is worth it as you may see dolphins and plenty of pelicans along the way!

Once back in Charleston, spend your last hours walking around the waterfront, and check out the market one last time. If you had a favorite restaurant, feel free to revisit it - some of the best restaurants in the city are totally worth multiple visits.

Advisor - Vincent Curatolo

Travel Advisor

Vincent Curatolo

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This itinerary is part of our ongoing series on travel to Charleston. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Becky Burke's guide, A Local Girl's Guide to the Ultimate Charleston Bachelorette Party.

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