Before start, we will answer the question: How many days do I need in Charleston?
Charleston, South Carolina is a charming city with a rich history that deserves at least 3 to 4 days to explore. Here are some recommendations:
3 days: This allows enough time to see the major highlights of Charleston at a relaxed pace. Spend Day 1 exploring Downtown Charleston, including Rainbow Row, White Point Gardens, Charleston City Market and Fort Sumter. Day 2 visit the plantations along Ashley River Road, like Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Day 3 explore Charleston’s culinary scene, beaches and nightlife. A 3-day trip covers the city’s must-sees without feeling rushed.
4 days: 4 days is ideal for a well-rounded Charleston getaway. You can accomplish everything in the 3-day itinerary but at a more leisurely pace, with time for extra activities like:
-Visiting the historic Edmondston-Alston House and strolling through Waterfront Park.
-Taking a boat tour to see Charleston from the harbor.
-Spending more time beachcombing and sunbathing at Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island or Folly Beach.
-Exploring Charleston’s shopping, especially on King Street and downtown.
-Visiting extra plantations or museums like Drayton Hall, Nathaniel Russell House Museum or Gibbes Museum of Art.
-Indulging in more amazing food, from Lowcountry cuisine to craft cocktails.
Beyond 4 days: If you want to fully immerse yourself in Charleston’s culture and lifestyle, plan to stay 5 days or longer. This gives you time for day trips to Gullah-influenced towns like Beaufort, or to Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. You can also take extra time to simply wander the cobblestone streets, dine al fresco at cafes, stroll through the College of Charleston campus and soak in the ambiance of this historic port city. Charleston has a leisurely Southern vibe, so the longer you stay the more you’ll be able to appreciate why it’s such a beloved destination.
In summary, you’ll want at least 3 to 4 days to experience the essence of Charleston. But the city’s vibrant food, culture and history may inspire you to stay even longer to get a true taste of Charleston’s genteel hospitality. Have a wonderful trip!
Itineraries
2. Itinerary
Itinerary for a 3-day trip to Charleston, SC, including favorite restaurants, activities, and must-see sights.
Day 1
Morning:
- Explore the Battery: This scenic section of Charleston is lined with mansions right along the water and makes a beautiful first stop in the city.
Lunch:
- Leon’s Oyster Shop: Enjoy delicious seafood and oysters at this popular Charleston restaurant.
Afternoon:
- Visit Waterfront Park: This park provides great visual access to the Charleston Harbor and is a perfect place to relax.
- Stroll along King Street: This street is a beloved part of Charleston, offering various entertainment options, shopping, and dining.
Dinner:
- 82 Queen: This restaurant offers a fine dining experience with a diverse menu, including Southern cuisine.
Day 2
Morning:
- Visit the South Carolina Aquarium: This attraction offers a fun and educational experience for all ages.
Lunch:
- Lewis Barbecue: Savor some delicious barbecue at this popular Charleston eatery.
Afternoon:
- Explore the Charleston City Market: Browse through the old market building, a prominent landmark in the historic district.
- Visit the Nathaniel Russell House: This historic house museum showcases beautiful architecture and furnishings.
Dinner:
- Slightly North of Broad: This restaurant offers a mix of Southern and French cuisine, with a focus on local ingredients.
Day 3
Morning:
- Visit Drayton Hall: This historic plantation offers a glimpse into the past and features beautiful architecture and grounds.
Lunch:
- The Darling Oyster Bar: Enjoy fresh seafood and oysters at this charming Charleston restaurant.
Afternoon:
- Tour the Aiken-Rhett House: This historic house museum offers insight into the lives of the Aiken family and their slaves.
- Visit the Gibbes Museum of Art: This museum features works ranging from 18th-century paintings to contemporary pieces from local artists.
Dinner:
- Halls Chophouse: End your trip with a delicious steak dinner at this highly-rated Charleston restaurant.
2. Alternative Itinerary
Day 1: Embrace the History and Charm of Charleston
Morning: Begin your day with a hearty Southern breakfast at Hominy Grill, famous for dishes like shrimp and grits. Next, take a stroll around the Historic Charleston City Market, one of the oldest markets in the U.S., where you can shop for unique crafts, artwork, and souvenirs.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at the renowned Husk Restaurant. Led by award-winning chef Sean Brock, Husk transforms local, seasonal ingredients into dishes that represent the best of Southern cuisine.
Afternoon: After lunch, visit the beautifully preserved Aiken-Rhett House, which offers an unvarnished look at antebellum life in the South. From there, take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Charleston’s historic district, admiring the pastel antebellum houses.
Dinner: Dine at FIG (Food Is Good), one of Charleston’s top dining establishments, known for its innovative and locally-sourced dishes.
Day 2: Exploring Charleston’s Natural and Historic Landmarks
Morning: Start your day with a breakfast of classic baked goods at Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit. Then, head to the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, one of the most beautiful and historic gardens in America. The Plantation also offers a variety of tours that provide a deeper look into Southern history.
Lunch: For lunch, venture to Leon’s Oyster Shop. It’s an unassuming place known for its fried chicken and fresh seafood.
Afternoon: In the afternoon, visit the historic Fort Sumter National Monument, the location of the first shots of the Civil War. The boat ride to the fort provides great views of Charleston and the harbor.
Dinner: Finish the day with a meal at The Ordinary, a Southern seafood hall in an old bank building, offering fresh seafood dishes and an extensive oyster bar.
Day 3: A Taste of Modern Charleston
Morning: Kick off your final day with breakfast at The Daily, known for its coffee and pastry. Afterward, explore the trendy King Street district, which is filled with designer boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries.
Lunch: Stop for lunch at Butcher & Bee, where the sandwiches are legendary, and the menu is filled with fresh, innovative choices.
Afternoon: Spend your afternoon at the South Carolina Aquarium. From here, head to the waterfront park for a relaxing view of the harbor, the iconic pineapple fountain, and perhaps a rainbow over the famous row of pastel-colored houses, Rainbow Row.
Dinner: For your final dinner, indulge in a meal at the Charleston Grill, where local ingredients meet Southern cuisine with a global twist. It’s a perfect blend of Charleston’s old and new, and an ideal wrap to your visit.
3. Alternative Itine
Third alternative 3-day itinerary for Charleston, SC.
Day 1: Discover the historic charm and culinary delights of downtown Charleston
- Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit, a cozy spot that serves homemade biscuits with various toppings, such as jam, cheese, bacon or sausage.
- Join a walking tour of the historic district and learn about the city’s rich history, culture and architecture. You can choose from different themes, such as colonial, antebellum, civil war or Gullah.
- For lunch, head to Rodney Scott’s BBQ, a James Beard award-winning restaurant that specializes in whole hog barbecue. You can also order ribs, chicken, wings or sides like collard greens, mac and cheese or cornbread.
- After lunch, visit the Old Slave Mart Museum, which was once the site of slave auctions and now tells the story of the enslaved Africans who were brought to Charleston and their contributions to the city.
- Next, explore the City Market, a four-block-long open-air market that dates back to 1804. You can browse through hundreds of stalls selling souvenirs, crafts, art and food. Don’t miss the famous sweetgrass baskets made by local artisans.
- For dinner, treat yourself to some fine dining at FIG, an acclaimed restaurant that serves seasonal dishes made with local and organic ingredients. You can choose from dishes like lamb chops, scallops, duck confit or gnocchi.
- End your day with a drink at The Gin Joint, a speakeasy-style bar that offers craft cocktails and small plates. You can either order from their menu or let the bartender surprise you with a drink based on your preferences.
Day 2: Enjoy the natural beauty and outdoor activities of Charleston
- Have a light breakfast at The Daily, a cafe and market that offers pastries, sandwiches, salads and coffee.
- Drive to the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, one of the oldest plantations in the South and a National Historic Landmark. You can tour the house and grounds, see the wildlife in the Audubon Swamp Garden, or take a boat ride on the Ashley River.
- For lunch, stop by Swig & Swine, a casual barbecue joint that serves smoked meats like brisket, pulled pork, turkey and sausage. You can also order salads, burgers or tacos.
- After lunch, drive to the Isle of Palms, a barrier island that offers miles of sandy beaches and water sports. You can relax on the beach, swim in the ocean, rent a kayak or paddle board, or play golf or tennis.
- For dinner, enjoy some fresh seafood at The Obstinate Daughter, a stylish restaurant that serves dishes inspired by the coastal cuisines of Italy and Spain. You can choose from pizzas, pastas, salads or seafood plates.
- End your day with some live music at The Windjammer, a beachfront bar that hosts concerts by local and national bands. Check their website for upcoming events and tickets.
Day 3: Experience the culture and cuisine of Charleston’s diverse neighborhoods
- Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Hominy Grill, a Southern-style restaurant that serves dishes like shrimp and grits, biscuits and gravy, fried chicken and waffles or banana bread.
- Take a short drive to the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art, which showcases cutting-edge art by emerging and established artists. You can see exhibits of paintings, sculptures, installations and more.
- For lunch, head to Xiao Bao Biscuit, a hip restaurant that serves Asian comfort food with a Southern twist. You can order dishes like mapo tofu, okonomiyaki, curry chicken or pork belly buns.
- After lunch, walk to the Aiken-Rhett House Museum, which preserves one of the most intact urban plantations in the country. You can tour the house and its outbuildings, which have been preserved rather than restored to show their original condition.
- Next, explore the King Street district, which is divided into three sections: Lower King for antiques and art galleries; Middle King for fashion and design; and Upper King for nightlife and entertainment. You can shop for souvenirs, clothes, books or jewelry.
- For dinner, savor some French cuisine at Chez Nous, a cozy restaurant that serves a daily changing menu of two appetizers, two entrees and two desserts. You can expect dishes like escargot, duck confit, ratatouille or crème brûlée.
- End your day with some fun at Theatre 99, an improv comedy club that offers hilarious shows every Wednesday through Saturday. You can also take classes or workshops if you want to learn how to improvise yourself.
I hope this itinerary gives you an idea of what to do in Charleston for three days. There are many more things to see and do in this city that I couldn’t fit in this sample itinerary. If you want more information or suggestions for your trip planning,
you can check out these websites:
- https://www.charlestoncvb.com/
- https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-guide/charleston
- https://www.cntraveler.com/destinations/charleston
Throughout your 3-day trip in Charleston, SC, you’ll explore the rich tapestry of history, enjoy the natural beauty, and relish in the exceptional culinary scene. Enjoy your journey through this charming southern city!
Remember to follow local guidelines and safety protocols during your visit. Have a great 3-day trip to Charleston, SC!