The best itinerary for 1 day in Charleston SC
- Begin the day with breakfast at Toast I am always up for a good breakfast while traveling. ...
- Take a stroll through Charleston’s French Quarter ...
- Learn about the history of slavery at Old Slave Mart ...
- Head to the Pineapple Fountain ...
- Indulge in a delicious Lowcountry lunch ...
- Soak in some history and culture ...
- Get pictures at the Rainbow Row ...
- Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront ...
Full Answer
What are fun things to do in Charleston SC?
Things To Do In Charleston
- The Battery. Checking out The Battery is one of the best things to do in Charleston, South Carolina. ...
- Zero George. There are numerous reasons to check out Zero George, which is one of the best boutique hotels in the south.
- Magnolia Plantation & Gardens. ...
- King Street. ...
- Charleston Farmers Market. ...
- John Pope Antiques. ...
- Waterfront Park. ...
- Sullivan’s Island. ...
- Husk. ...
What are the best sites to visit in Charleston SC?
With a rich coast and varied landscape, Charleston, South Carolina, is no ordinary beach town. From the marshes on Shem Creek to the shores of Folly Beach, there’s plenty to explore. Travel inwards to King Street or George Street to find some of the best food the southeast US has to offer. And there’s plenty to learn from its antebellum architecture and significant historical monuments.
Which is the best area to stay in Charleston SC?
- Sullivan’s Island: Full of beautiful beaches
- West Side: The place to go if you want to catch a game of football or baseball
- French Quarter: One of the more significant places in the history of Charleston
- West Ashley: This is where the nightclub scene is the most pronounced
- Mt. Pleasant: Has great parks and historical naval museums
What are some tourist attractions in Charleston SC?
- Charleston Ghost & Graveyard Walking Tour. ...
- Wannamaker County Park. ...
- Middleton Place House Museum. ...
- Essential Charleston Passport. ...
- South Carolina Aquarium. ...
- Schooner Pride. ...
- Mount Pleasant Pier. ...
- Ft. ...
- Old South Carriage Company. ...
- Gibbes Museum of Art. ...
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What should I do if I have one day in Charleston SC?
But one day is a great way to get started, explore Charlestons historic center, and dive into its history and charm.Begin the day with breakfast at Toast.Take a stroll through Charleston's French Quarter.Learn about the history of slavery at Old Slave Mart.Head to the Pineapple Fountain.More items...•
How do you spend an afternoon in Charleston SC?
Spending an Afternoon in CharlestonWalk on Folly Beach. A walk on the beach is good exercise; you get the sun, the sand and the sea. ... Take a Tour by Bus. ... Visit the South Carolina Aquarium. ... Shop the Old City Market. ... Walk or Bike over Ravenel Bridge. ... Learn Some History.
Can you get around Charleston SC without a car?
Can I get around Charleston without a car? Yes, the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) provides bus transportation throughout the region. There is also a free trolley that provides transportation throughout the historic district when visiting.
Is Charleston a walkable town?
Downtown Charleston is one of the best neighborhoods in Charleston and is a great place to walk around, with stellar sights, monuments, and historic buildings like City Hall. If you really want to get a better understanding of the Holy City, consider taking a guided tour for your walk downtown.
How do I spend a day in downtown Charleston?
One Day Itinerary for Charleston, SCHistoric Charleston City Market and Downtown.Charleston Horse Carriage Tours.Tommy Condon's Restaurant/Irish Pub.Ferry to Fort Sumter.Rainbow Row and Pineapple Fountain.Happy Hour at the Rooftop Bar at the Vendue.Fleet Landing Restaurant and Bar.Bulldog Tours Ghost and Grave Tour.
What is there to do in Charleston South Carolina for 2 hours?
Attractions in Charleston, United StatesCircular Congregational Church Tours & Tickets.Charleston City Market Tours & Tickets.Fort Sumter National Monument Tours & Tickets.The Battery and White Point Garden Tours & Tickets.Aiken-Rhett House Tours & Tickets.Arthur Ravenel Jr.More items...
What is the best month to visit Charleston SC?
The best time to visit Charleston is from March to May or from September to November when temperatures are mild – but not stifling. Hotel rates, however, will be high, especially around Easter.
What is the best way to get around Charleston?
DASH shuttle and bus The Charleston Area Regional Transit Authority (CARTA) runs free shuttles, regular buses and express buses. For visitors, the DASH via its Green Line is the most convenient way to explore the historic district. DASH buses loop around the Charleston peninsula on three routes.
Which is a better place to visit Savannah or Charleston?
Charleston and Savannah are both friendly cities with a lot of history and southern hospitality! Savannah is slightly more laid-back, so if you want to visit a busier city, Charleston is probably the place to go. For more relaxed vibes, visit Savannah.
What is Charleston SC most known for?
What is Charleston Most Famous For?Charleston Harbor.Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist.The Charleston Museum.Charleston Harbor.Charleston's shopping venues.South Carolina Aquarium.Frankie's Fun Park.Dock Street Theater.More items...
What is the main shopping street in Charleston SC?
King StreetWith its remarkable history and eclectic mix of fashion, art, antiques, home décor, and extraordinary food, King Street is the most vibrant and distinctive downtown in America. King Street is a perfect blend of local, regional, and national shops that remains the place to be for retailers of all types.
What is the best part of Charleston to stay in?
The 5 Best Neighborhoods in Charleston for TouristsDowntown Charleston. ... Mount Pleasant. ... West Ashley. ... North Charleston. ... Isle of Palms.
Does Charleston SC have a French Quarter?
Charleston's historic French Quarter is a small neighborhood on the Southeastern corner of the peninsula, with Broad, Meeting, East Bay, and South Market streets acting as perimeters.
Is Charleston South Carolina worth visiting?
1. Charleston is more than a summer beach destination. While Charleston has incredible beaches, it also has a rich history that dates back to the early 1700s. Downtown Charleston has food tours, walking tours, horse-drawn carriages, and more.
How many days are enough for Charleston SC?
Charleston's manageable size allows you to see a lot in a short time, making it the perfect choice for a quick getaway. In fact, 3 days in Charleston is just enough to experience the best of this Southern city.
How do I spend 2 days in Charleston SC?
How to spend 2 days in Charleston: A perfect itineraryRainbow Row.Fort Sumpter.Folly Beach.King Street.sunset cruise in Charleston.Pineapple Fountain at the Waterfront Park in Charleston.sunset cruise in Charleston.
Where to walk in Charleston?
Stroll along the Battery. From White Point Garden, walk north along the Battery. The landmark defensive seawall is one of the top tourist attractions in Charleston, offering some of the city’s finest views. Strolling on the Battery, you’ll walk past elegant antebellum houses.
When is the best time to visit Charleston?
When to visit Charleston. The best time to visit Charleston is from March to May and September to November. In these months, the weather in Charleston is at its best. You’ll enjoy more comfortable temperatures and drier conditions than other times of the year.
Where to stay in Charleston for 24 hours?
Where to stay with 24 hours in Charleston. For first-time visitors, the best area to stay in Charleston is the Historic District . The downtown neighborhood is the safest area in the city for travelers. It’s also home to most of the best hotels in Charleston.
Where to go after a history lesson in Charleston?
After the grim history lesson, lighten up your Charleston visit at Ravenel Waterfront Park. The harbourfront park is also called Joe Riley Waterfront Park. It’s a short 5-minute walk east of the Old Slave Mart Museum.
Where to see Rainbow Row in Charleston?
Walk east until you’re stopped in your tracks by East Bay Street. To the north, you’ll spot one of the top places to see in Charleston, Rainbow Row. The collection of 13 pastel-hued Georgian townhouses date between 1748 and 1845. They show off Charleston’s Historic District at its most colorful.
Where to walk to the top of the high battery?
When you reach the top of the High Battery, walk east along Water Street. At Meeting Street, stroll one block north. Soon, you’ll catch a glimpse of Nathaniel Russell House, one of Charleston’s most stately historic homes. Built in 1808, Nathaniel Russell House is one of the country’s most well-preserved neoclassical homes.
Where to watch sunrise in Charleston?
The park sits on the southeastern tip of “The Peninsula.”. It’s one of the best places in downtown to watch the sunrise from Charleston Harbor. White Point Garden is also a boon for military history buffs.
What is the best time to walk along the Charleston waterfront?
Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront. Around sunset is the best time to enjoy a leisurely walk along Charleston’s waterfront. There are so many green spaces here that you can just sit down and relax, watch people go by, and take in the calming vibe of the historic district.
What is the best restaurant in Charleston?
It is highly recommended that you reserve a table in advance – this place gets super packed even on weekdays. Magnolias: One of the best restaurants in Charleston for upscale Southern cuisine, Magnolias is known for their crab cakes and fried green tomatoes. Make sure you get your reservation before you go.
Why do you need a Charleston tour pass?
Get a Charleston Tour Pass if you wish to see a lot when you are here. This helps you save a lot and is quite popular among visitors.
What is the pineapple symbol in Charleston?
Did you know that pineapple is the symbol of hospitality in Charleston? And the fact that there are so many pineapple icons sprinkled all over the city in art, architecture, and even jewelry?
How long is a carriage tour in Charleston?
Alternately, you could take a 1-hour carriage tour through the historic district of Charleston. A quick and efficient way to learn more and see more.
What is the oldest church in Charleston?
Also one of the most photographed buildings in the city. St. Michael’s Episcopal Church: The oldest church in Charleston – St. Michael’s white spire has become a Charleston icon over the years. St. Phillips Church: This is a historic church on 142 Church Street and a National Historic Landmark.
Where to buy souvenirs in Charleston?
If you are looking to buy some souvenirs to take back home, head to the Charleston City Market. It is not just a great place for purchasing goodies but for soaking up local culture too.
Planning for 24 Hours in Charleston
First things first…let’s start planning what your goals are before we begin. Are you more interested in wandering around and stumbling upon cool things or would you like to hit a few must-see sites? Remember that “all who wander are not lost” – J.R.R. Tolkien
Where to Park and Getting Around
If you drove a car then this is vital to figuring out before arriving. There are two areas that we recommend parking.
Charleston Area Beaches
Maybe you want to just checkout the amazing beaches around Charleston. If so, see what beach is where and what we recommend.
Where to eat breakfast in Charleston?
For an incredible breakfast in Charleston, I recommend heading over to Poogan’s Porch to try some of their famous chicken & waffles or their Down Home Breakfast which has all the components of a typical breakfast in the South.
What to do after spending money at Charleston City Market?
After you’ve spent enough money at Charleston City Market, you can explore the churches and graveyards of Charleston.
What is the best time to visit the beach?
You may also be wondering when is the best time to visit. Each season brings unique opportunities. Spring brings blooming flowers and great weather. Summer is characterized by sweltering heat but a fun beach scene. In Fall the beautiful mild weather returns and many events and festivals are held. In Winter you can experience the magic of all the Christmas decorations!
Where to go to see the first shots of the Civil War?
Visit Fort Sumter. After a filling breakfast at Poogan’s, head over to the ferry dock beside the South Carolina Aquarium. You can take the ferry over to Fort Sumter where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired.
Where are the cannons in Charleston?
Next walk over to the Battery and White Point Gardens. The Battery is a defensive wall where the tip of Charleston juts out into the harbor. This is where the cannons were lined up in the old days which you can still see at White Point Gardens.
Is downtown Charleston walkable?
Historic downtown is very walkable and there is plenty to do if you don’t have your own car to get around. However, having your own transportation is beneficial to visit the plantation homes or any of the islands surrounding Charleston.
Is Charleston a magical city?
Charleston is an absolutely magical city that captures your heart the first time you visit. At least that’s what it did to me. I visited Charleston for the first time in 2015 and return every year to explore more of the city. If you only have one day to spend in Charleston, you’ll definitely want to plan a return trip.
How do I spend a day in Charleston, SC?
Charleston is a city where you can easily spend several days and still run out of time. That is why we have chosen the best things to do in one day in Charleston to help you plan your next vacation. In this guide will show you what you need to do and see on your next visit to Charleston.
What is the best month to visit Charleston SC?
The best time to visit Charleston is during the Spring and Fall . We recommend visiting from March to May or from September to November when temperatures are mild, although hotels can be more pricey.
How to get to Charleston?
Depending where you are coming from, you might one to take the bus, the Amtrak train, drive or fly to Charleston International Airport. From the airport you can take shuttles that drop you off at different hotels, rent a car, take an Uber or taxi or ride the CARTA bus, which offers an express route between the airport and downtown Charleston for $3.50 each way.
Is Charleston or Savannah better to visit?
Charleston has a bigger downtown, more variety of restaurants and shops, while Savannah has the beautiful Tybee Island. They both are beautiful and will make you fall in love with its architecture, gastronomy and southern charm.
What was the role of Charleston in the history of the United States?
One of the most significant segments of Charleston history to learn about and learn from is its role as the entry point into the United States for nearly 40% of African slaves until 18 08. The Old Slave Mart Museum stands in what was used as an auction point for slaves until the end of the slave trade.
What are the best historic homes in Charleston?
Visiting at least one of the Historic Homes of Charleston is top on the things you definitely don’t want to miss on a visit to Charleston. Edmondston- Alston House. Aiken Rhett House.
What is the main landmark in Charleston?
The Waterfront Park is the main landmark in Charleston as it is home of the Pineapple Fountain. Charleston has many pineapples all around the city as it represents hospitality.
What is the South Carolina Aquarium?
Like most aquariums I’ve encountered, the South Carolina Aquarium is involved in animal rescue and conservation. The Aquarium is home to a sea turtle hospital, aka the Sea Turtle Care Center. The veterinarians at the aquarium take in injured sea turtles.
Is the South Carolina Aquarium a good place to visit?
The South Carolina Aquarium is one of the most popular attractions in Charleston, so it’s a great place to start our one day in Charleston itinerary. Of course most of the visitors are families with children, but as a solo female traveler, I still thoroughly enjoyed my morning here.
What is Charleston known for?
Charleston is known for it’s history and culture , and a great way to find both is at the Historic Charleston City Market. Built in the early 1800s, it is one of the oldest public markets in the country and full of unique goods made in Charleston.
What is the most famous story in Charleston?
A famous story is one of the Whistling Doctor who participated in a duel but met his demise in Philadelphia Alley. One of the fun things to do in Charleston is just to wander down different streets and pathways, never knowing what history may be stumbled upon.
Why is the Gullah Geechee Tour important?
Gullah Geechee Tour. In Charleston, it is important to learn about the different cultures surrounding the area. One of the most notable is that of the Gullah people. The Gullah Geechee Tour is a great way to understand often overlooked history of Charleston and the impact that the Gullah community had in the South.
Where is tea grown in South Carolina?
Located on an ideal island in the Charleston area, the Charleston Tea Garden is the perfect place to see how tea is grown and made in South Carolina. Take a trolley tour around the 127 acre tea field and take the informative factory tour that show what happens to the tea leaves to make the different varieties of tea.
What is Rainbow Row in Charleston?
Charleston is a bright, vibrant city full of sunshine and many colorful buildings. But none are as recognizable as Rain bow Row , a stretch of 13 pastel-colored Georgian Houses located on East Bay Street.
Where does the Schooner Pride sail?
The Schooner Pride is a perfect way to experience life on the water in Charleston !
Where is the South Carolina Aquarium?
The South Carolina Aquarium has many of South Carolina’s native animals and plants, from the state’s mountains to the sea. Located on the Charleston Harbor, the views from the aquarium also gives a chance to see dolphin’s in their natural habitat!
