Charleston South Carolina is full of colorful architecture, rich history, and food to leave your tastebuds craving more! We can’t forget the laid back lifestyle with an ocean breeze. Charleston is the perfect destination for a couple’s getaway, a family vacation, or a Bach party. Check out my Charleston, SC Digital Itinerary for 3 full days of activities and restaurant suggestions! All of my digital itineraries come with a free 30 minute consultation.
When is the best time to visit Charleston?
Spring and Fall are the best seasons to visit Charleston. The winter can be rainy and chilly and the summer is typically too sweltering hot and humid to enjoy being outside, and let’s face it, if you are visiting Charleston, you want to be outside!
Is Charleston family friendly?
Although Charleston has a bustling nightlife and many adult activities, there are still plenty of family friendly places to visit in the area! Check out Folly Beach, Fort Sumpter, or go shark tooth hunting! This blog post is tailored towards adults, however, my Charleston, SC Digital Itinerary includes alternate activities for every “adults only” activity!
How to spend 1 Day in Charleston, South Carolina!
7am: Toast! All Day on King Street.
Yes, 7am. If you only have one day in Charleston, I would definitely take advantage and get an early start! If you are wanting a slower paced day, you can definitely get a later start by shortening or eliminating another activity. Have breakfast at this popular Charleston spot! There are multiple locations in the area so make sure you go to the King Street restaurant.
8am: Explore downtown
After breakfast either drive or walk to White Point Gardens. From there, you can walk along the promenade towards Rainbow Row and Waterfront Park. Don’t miss the pineapple fountain in the park! After this stroll, walk through the Charleston Market. There are so many great booths and shops to check out. One of my favorites was a jerky store called Charleston House of Jerky. The market is also dog friendly and so are many of the stores in that area!
11am: Lunch at Home Team (downtown)
Grab so delicious bbq on this super fun SC restaurant. Great vibes, great drinks, great food. The Game Changer is a signature drink and it is very tasty.
12pm: Hampton Park & The Citadel
After lunch grab a coffee at Huriyali Gardens. The patio is a great spot to relax after an active morning. Once your caffeine has kicked in, walk or bike (self service bike rentals available) around Hampton Park. This beautiful park features walking/biking paths, a pond with a fountain, grass pastures, and beautiful blooming flower and landscaping. After spending time at Hampton Park, hop across the road to the Citadel. This prestigious military school. The Romanesque style architecture is a unique experience!
1pm: Sip History
This incredible Airbnb experience is well worth the money. This 2 hour activity includes 3 cocktails, snacks and a fun history lesson on prohibition inside of a speakeasy. Check availability and rates here! $100 per person.
3pm: Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
Before heading to dinner, stop by the Naval and Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant. You can explore a naval aircraft carrier, and a submarine! Tickets are $27 per adult and $16 per child (6-11). See their website for senior and military rates here!
4:30pm: Sullivan’s Island
After your class, make your way to Sullivan’s Island where you can see the lighthouse, the beach, Fort Moultrie National Historic Park, Mugdock Castle and Battery Logan, Jasper, and McCorkle.
5:30pm: Dinner in Shem Creek
Shem Creek is a beautiful area to walk around and dine in the evenings due to the sun setting over the creek. It is considered the best spot in Charleston to see the sunset according to locals and visitors alike. Get your name in or make a reservation at one of the following restaurants! Make sure to get a spot on the patio so you can enjoy the views!
The Wreck of the Richard and Charlene
This is a popular local spot that serves Lowcountry-style fried seafood.
OR for a wider variety of menu items…
Saltwater Cowboys
They have a variety of seafood and BBQ plus a large drink menu!
7:30pm: Ghost and Graveyard Tour
This chilling experience walks you through some of Charleston’s oldest graveyard in the Historic District. You will be spooked by the stories of ghosts, haunted houses, and Low-country superstitions. $40 per person on Viator.
9pm: The Commodore
After your Ghost and Graveyard Tour, head to The Commodore for live music and drinks! This is such a fun atmosphere with some incredible live music and a dance floor!
If you have a day in Charleston, you can really squeeze a lot of activities into your visit! If you have more time, check out my Charleston Digital Itinerary for 3 days of activities and restaurant suggestions! All of my digital itineraries include links to booking websites, menus, and directions!
