Charleston Itinerary: A Charleston Travel Guide

Looking to plan the perfect weekend itinerary in Charleston? I’ve got you covered! Charleston is one of the most charming southern cities, known for its rich culture and history. There is no shortage of southern charm in Charleston, South Carolina. Over the past few years, it’s really grown in popularity as a top travel destination.

Furthermore, this city is best known for its historical beauty, secret gardens, old mansions, & cobblestone streets. As you walk the gas-lamp-lit streets, you feel as though you have traveled back in time. Come for the beautiful pastel hues and stay for the delicious southern food! You will not regret spending a weekend in Charleston.

Being that this city is walkable it’s the perfect amount of time to spend exploring! In this “The Ultimate Weekend in Charleston Itinerary” I’ll share the best things to do, where to stay, the best restaurants, and more!

Planning Your Trip: Best Time to Visit Charleston

The best time to visit Charleston is from September to November or from March to May. During these periods, the average high temperature ranges from 70-80°F (21-27°C), making it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. These shoulder seasons offer warm weather and fewer crowds, allowing you to explore the city at a leisurely pace.

Plus, you’ll find a variety of festivals and events to enjoy. If you’re looking for a beach vacation, summer might be the best time for you, despite the heat and humidity. However, for a more comfortable experience, consider visiting Charleston during the spring or fall. Finally, we visited in November and had a lovely experience.

How to Get to Charleston

Charleston is easily accessible by car, plane, or train. The Charleston International Airport (CHS) is conveniently located about 10 miles from the city center and offers flights from major airlines, making it a breeze to fly in. If you prefer driving, Charleston is well-connected to major highways, including I-26 and I-526, providing easy access from various parts of the country. Additionally, the city is served by Amtrak trains and Greyhound buses, offering more travel options. Once you arrive, getting around Charleston is simple with public transportation, ride-sharing services, or by exploring the charming streets on foot or by bike.

Charleston Weather and Average High Temperature

The best time to visit Charleston is between March-May and September-November. During the high season (March-May and September-November), hotel rates tend to be higher due to increased demand. The low season, particularly in January and February, offers more affordable hotel rates. The weather is mild and the hotels are less expensive during these times (except for Easter weekend). Since Charleston’s weather is hot and humid during the summer, it’s best to visit in the fall or spring. Furthermore, we visited in November and loved it!

Things to Do in Charleston

While all opinions and recommendations are always my own, my content on this blog post may contain affiliate links for hotels I’ve traveled to, tours I’ve completed, and products I recommend. This means I get a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you book a stay or purchase a product after clicking one of these links. As always, I am so thankful for your support so I can continue to offer free resources!

Rainbow Row

13 historical houses all boasting beautiful colors. Truly a must-see when you visit. It makes for the perfect backdrop for a photo op. Furthermore, the colorful houses acquired the name “Rainbow Row” over time but according to tall tales, the houses were painted in various colors so drunk sailors coming in from the sea knew which houses they were to bunk in. How’s that for a fun fact?

Ravenel Waterfront park

Ravenel waterfront park is located in the heart of the French Quarter. The park offers refreshing breezes from the Atlantic Ocean, making it a pleasant place to visit even during the warm summer months. This area used to be a center of maritime traffic and was transformed into this park in 1990. In addition to this, there is a boardwalk where you can walk along the water with multiple fountains, including the infamous pineapple fountain, to cool off during that Charleston summer heat!

Charleston Historic Carriage Tour

One of the most popular things to do in Charleston is a historic Charleston tour. You roam the streets of historic Charleston and learn all about its history in a horse-drawn carriage. We loved this Carriage tour on Viator. Finally, you can take a haunted ghost tour with a horse-drawn carriage as well for all my spooky lovers.

Charleston City Market

One of America’s oldest public markets is the Charleston City Market. Home to over 300 eclectic entrepreneurs you can come here to eat, shop, drink, or explore. It is open every day 9:30 am – 6 pm (aside from Christmas).

Visit Fort Sumter

Fort Sumter is an island fortification located in Charleston Harbor. It’s well known for being the place where the first shots were fired during the civil war. It’s a national monument today and you can visit it by taking a ferry. For the best tours, I always check out GetYourGuide.

Dock Street Theater

The Dock Street Theater is a theater in the historic French Quarter of Charleston. They have great performances throughout the year and it’s a great way to support the local arts. For a schedule and tickets click here.

Walk Around the French Quarter

Part of Charleston’s original walled city is the French Quarter. The French Quarter is especially beautiful from March to July when azalea blooms are in full display, adding to the charm of the area. One of our favorite activities was to roam the French Quarter in Charleston. The homes and cobblestoned streets are incredibly charming.

Not to mention most of Charleston’s main attractions are located here including the Dock Street Theatre, Charleston city market, the farmer’s exchange building, and the French Huguenot Church. Finally, this neighborhood gives off all the Southern Charm!

3-Day Charleston Itinerary

Here is a sample of a 3-day Charleston Itinerary that we’ve put together for you:

DAY ONE

• Arrive in Charleston in the afternoon
• Check into the Mills House Wyndham (my hotel pick!)
• Sunset at Ravenel Waterfront Park
• Dinner at Basic Kitchen

SECOND DAY

• Brunch at 1 Broad
• Walk Rainbow Row
• Explore the Charleston City Market
• Take a Carriage Tour
• Shopping on King Street
• Drinks at Camilla at The Hotel Bennett
• Dinner at Husk

DAY THREE

• Breakfast at Mills House
• Harbor Day Cruise, Middleton Place, or Fort Sumter
• Walk around the French Quarter
• Late lunch at Church and Union
• Depart Charleston

Day Trips from Charleston

Visit Savannah from Charleston

Savannah, a charming southern city, is just a 2-hour drive from Charleston and makes for a perfect day trip. Known for its historic district, beautiful parks, and southern charm, Savannah offers a unique experience. When visiting Savannah, be sure to explore Forsyth Park, stroll along the picturesque River Street, and admire the city’s unique architecture. This fountain truly took our breath away, it was stunning!

The best time to visit Savannah is during the shoulder season, which includes the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. You can easily drive to Savannah via I-95 South and Highway 17 South, or opt for a bus or train from Charleston. Whether you’re visiting Charleston or Savannah, both cities promise a delightful blend of history, culture, and warm weather.

Charleston Hotels

Charleston offers a variety of hotel options to suit different budgets and preferences. From luxurious historic inns to modern boutique hotels, visitors can find accommodations that meet their needs. While late summer can bring extreme heat and humidity, it also tends to have lower hotel rates due to decreased demand.

The Mills House ($$) This boutique hotel is incredibly charming with its decor and pink exterior. We personally stayed here and would highly recommend it. Don’t miss out on the romantic courtyard – it’s the perfect spot for morning coffee! Finally, The Mills House has a rooftop pool and jacuzzi that comes in clutch during the summer months. Book your stay here!

The Ryder ($$$) Charleston’s newest and chicest hotel with a bohemian flair, The Ryder. This hotel is taking the town by storm with its chic decor, top-notch service, and the best place to take photos. Book your stay here!

The Charleston Place ($$$$) If you’re looking to splurge a little, The Belmond Charleston Place is the hotel for you. It’s located close to the french quarter downtown, which is a prime location. The hotel is known for its glamour, interior design, and service. The rooftop pool pictured above is reason enough to stay here. Book your stay here!

The Vendue ($$) This chic downtown hotel offers unique guest rooms, innovative dining, and beautifully curated art everywhere you turn. The Vendue is known as Charleston’s Art Hotel and it’s the perfect location. Finally, the ambiance is southern charm all the way. Book your stay here!

Best Restaurants in Charleston

Charleston is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene, offering a diverse array of restaurants that cater to every palate. From fresh seafood to traditional Southern cuisine, the city has something for everyone. During the winter months, visitors can enjoy milder temperatures and less crowding, making it a unique time to explore Charleston’s culinary scene.

Basic Kitchen ($$): is located downtown and they offer tons of vegan and healthy food options. We had the Basic Bowl and it’s the most popular thing on the menu! Furthermore, they have a great brunch menu.

Husk ($$$$) Situated in a renovated historic home, this restaurant has made all the top lists! If you’re a foodie, Husk is the restaurant for you! Top-notch service, extraordinary food, and a quiet courtyard setting. Definitely want to make a reservation for this one.

Church and Union Charleston ($$) Church and Union is a trendy American cuisine hotspot located downtown. This cocktail bar and restaurant are housed in a former church. The decor is dramatic and the food is well reviewed! Finally, you must make reservations for this place.

Camillas at Hotel Bennet ($$) The perfect spot for a girl’s afternoon tea, brunch, or dinner. Honestly, whatever occasion you choose to celebrate here will be one for the books. Just look at that decor!

1 Broad ($$) this quaint breakfast spot has delicious food and a prime corner location in Downtown Charleston right next to Rainbow Row. The Ricotta/Jam Toast was insanely good and their decor is charming. Make a reservation if you plan to visit on the weekend!

Leon’s Fine Poultry & Oysters ($$) a neighborhood gem with great seafood and an extensive European wine selection.

Shopping in Charleston

King Street ($$) King Street is the main shopping street in Charleston. It’s lined with cute boutiques as well as well-known brands. Keep in mind, that the shops close pretty early (6-7 pm).

Charleston City Market ($$) is a historic complex in downtown stretching over 4 city blocks. It’s not only a prominent landmark but is also known as the cultural heart of Charleston and there are over 300 entrepreneurs to shop from. You can learn more about the city market here.

The Shops at Belmond Place ($$$$) If you’re looking for luxurious shopping, then the shops at Belmond Place are for you. There are tons of designer shops and high-end services to choose from.

What to Pack for Charleston

• Good walking shoes or sneakers: These New Balance sneakers are trendy and comfy to walk around all day.
• A sturdy pair of flip-flops. These Olukai Sandals are my go-to and have lasted me years.
• Chic sandals for dinner.
• Flowy Dresses: These really come in handy when the temperatures are high in the spring/summer.
• A wide brim sun hat: I love this hat from Lack of Color so much I own two of them.
• Bathing Suits: Hunza G suits have the best quality and they fit so many body types.
• Sunscreen: This SUNSCREEN BRUSH is perfect for traveling because it adds SPF to your face all while not messing up your makeup.
• Shorts: These Madewell Shorts are the best for all sizes and shapes.

In conclusion, a Charleston weekend is perfect for a wedding, a family vacation, a girl’s trip, a bachelor party, and so on! Thank you for reading my “Weekend in Charleston Itinerary”. Don’t forget to check out more of my US travel guides!

XO,

Courtney

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