Serving you that small-town charm on a silver platter is a place anyone traveling through South Carolina should visit.
Charleston is the “town” of the hour, dotted with shady courtyards and old Victorian homes as horse-drawn carriages trot through its picturesque streets.
Now, a weekend getaway is the best way to experience all its magic without the rush. So, that sounds like what you need, then continue reading my Charleston weekend itinerary!
Pssst: Also read this ultimate South Carolina travel guide for outdoor adventures.
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Where is Charleston?
Charleston is located in the state of South Carolina along the Atlantic coast.
To get there, you’ll fly into Charleston International Airport (CHS), which is roughly 12 miles northwest of downtown. If you’re taking a road trip, you’ll reach Charleston via U.S. Highway 17.
Where to Stay During a Charleston Weekend Getaway
Take it from me: If you’re going to spend three days in Charleston, you’ll need to have the ideal accommodation to make the most of your trip. You can’t go wrong with these hotels.
The Charleston Place
The Charleston Place is a five-star historic hotel in the heart of the city with a full-service spa, three restaurants, and four bars.
This opulent hotel is dressed in vintage Victorian decor while providing excellent modern amenities.
Guests can unwind in the indoor and outdoor saltwater pool, grab a few treatments at the spa, or relax at the rooftop Clocktower Terrace bar.
The Pinch Charleston
Also located in the historic city center is the more laid-back and boho-chic hotel, The Pinch Charleston.
Boasting four stars, this stylish abode has bright, spacious rooms, with some equipped with a kitchenette. It has two restaurants (one with a terrace), a garden, and a fitness center.
Guests can use the complimentary bikes to explore the surrounding areas and nearby attractions.
Hilton Club Liberty Place Charleston
My last suggestion is also situated in the historic district, which is convenient for exploring Charleston.
This three-star hotel has everything you need for a comfortable stay, from elegant rooms with plush beds to a fitness center and a restaurant.
Your room has air conditioning, a coffee machine, bathrobes, and some are equipped with kitchens.
How to Spend Your Weekend in Charleston, SC
While there are many activities and attractions to pick up during a Charleston, SC, weekend trip, you’ll only have time for some. Here are my top picks for things to do in Charleston.
1. Visit the Cypress Garden
Located on Cypress Garden Road is a 170-acre preserve, a garden that anyone visiting must see.
Why? Not only is it a hidden gem, but it was also the filming location of the iconic film “The Notebook”, along with other well-known movies like “Swamp Thing” and “rear View Mirror”.
It’s basically a swamp garden with huge cypress trees, which most visitors explore via a boat tour.
Then, there’s also a greenhouse, a butterfly sanctuary, native and exotic reptile exhibits, and pleasant trails.
The garden is north of Charleston, and you’ll spend about 40 minutes on the US-52 E and I-26 E roads to get there. It makes for a lovely early morning day trip.
The entrance fee is $10 for adults, and you can purchase a ticket from the Cypress Garden website.
2. See the Boone Hall or Magnolia
Boone Hall Plantation and Magnolia Plantation and Gardens are two historic plantations with mesmerizing gardens worth seeing.
Boone Hall has an intriguing history for its role in the antebellum South and the survival of its brick slave cabins, and it has been named one of the African American Historic Places in South Carolina.
Then, Magnolia is one of the oldest public gardens in America, open to the public since 1870. Some scenes of The Notebook were also filmed here.
Below are a few guided tours that’ll take you to both attractions and allow you to learn about Charleston’s past.
3. Walk on Rainbow Row
Stroll along one of the most renowned streets in South Carolina, Charleston’s Rainbow Row, a historical landmark.
This famous street consists of 13 colorful historic houses along East Bay Street, dating all the way back to the mid-18th century.
The homes were fashioned in Antebellum design style and painted with bright shades of pastel, giving them that distinct appearance.
And while it’s fine to admire Rainbow Row on foot, nothing beats the charm of taking it all in from the back of a traditional horse-drawn carriage.
This fun carriage tour takes you through downtown, along Rainbow Row, gardens, the harbor and other sights, while learning about the 350-year history of Charleston.
4. Go to King Street for Shopping
Another renowned street you cannot skip in Charleston is King Street.
Also, in the vibrant downtown area, it’s known for a completely different reason: its eclectic blend of art, fashion, antiques, home décor, and extraordinary food.
Enveloping all your senses, this is where you’ll shop till you drop and find all your souvenir needs.
If you want to support local storekeepers in Charleston, definitely pop in at Croghan’s Jewel Box, Candlefish Charleston, Clayton, and Crume, Worthwhile, and Blue Bicycle Books.
And you know what happens when you go shopping —hunger kicks in. Luckily, there are amazing restaurants to try out, including Magnolias, The Ordinary, and AZUR.
5. Wander Through Charleston City Market
Open every day from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm; the Charleston City Market is a nice addition to your trip if you want to collect some keepsakes. You’ll also be supporting local artisans, crafters, and cooks/bakers.
The market has an authentic, historic feel to it, as it’s one of the nation’s oldest and largest public markets, operating since 1804.
Today, the market houses more than 300 local merchants selling everything from hand-made jewelry to baskets, shoes, and other trinkets.
Charleston City Market is also a bit of a culinary hub, allowing you to taste some local cuisine and flavors.
6. Go on a Haunted Tour
A city that was founded in 1670 and endured wars, slavery and natural disasters is bound to have a few skeletons in its closet.
And if you want to experience Charleston’s eerie past filled with old ghost stories and convincing paranormal events, you’d want to go on a haunted tour.
These tours allow you to see the dark side of Charleston while taking you to various “haunted” spots, including a graveyard, dungeons, jail cells, churches and mansions.
These spooky adventures take place in the evening (for obvious reasons), and many of them include a horse-drawn carriage ride.
7. Admire the Beautiful Angel Oak
Angel Oak is a Charleston treasure known as one of the most beautiful trees in the world. It’s also one of the oldest trees in the area, between 400 and 500 years old.
Located on Angel Oak Road on Johns Island, visitors flock here to snap some photos of this majestic tree.
While this tree is located a 30-minute drive outside of the city, the park that it’s in is free to enter, making it a must-visit.
It’s an absolute wonder standing more than 60 feet tall with a broad canopy that shades more than 17,000 square feet.
Next Up: There are more unique things to do in Charleston, so don’t miss this guide.
Where to Eat During Your Weekend Trip to Charleston, SC
Your Charleston itinerary won’t be complete without a few dining options. I recommend the following stellar places to cover you for the entire weekend.
Breakfast
Head to a hip coffee shop for a dose of caffeine and a light breakfast to kick off your day.
The Daily is the perfect little spot to grab an espresso, cold-pressed juice, and an avocado toast or a breakfast BLT.
Another option is Harken Cafe, an aesthetic coffee shop that sells freshly baked goods, succulent salads, and local-inspired breakfast dishes.
Lunch/Brunch
For brunch or lunch, look no further than Circa 1886 Restaurant. This charming little spot serves up a fine dining experience with dishes like fried poule rouge, wagyu beef, classic cocktails and fancy wines.
A fantastic alternative is the southern-style Husk Restaurant for delicious, comfort food that’ll keep you full all day. These range from fried chicken to butternut bread pudding and mimosas to drink it all down.
Dinner
Magnolias Restaurant has been serving southern cuisine to Charleston locals and visitors for over 30 years. Providing an upscale atmosphere, you can indulge in traditional meals like crab cake, vegetable gumbo, and spicy shrimp and sausage.
For something more laid-back and cozy, check out FIG, a local favorite that serves up seasonal and regional dishes. Their menu includes grilled swordfish, oysters, arugula salad, and wagyu beef as well.
A Weekend Itinerary for Charleston, SC: FAQs
Now that you know how to spend a weekend getaway in Charleston, SC, you might be curious about a few more things:
When Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Charleston?
Try going between spring (March-May) and fall (September-November).
The weather will be pleasant, with mild temperatures and gorgeous scenery thanks to blooming flowers or the golden hues of fall foliage.
How Far Apart Are Charleston and Savannah?
There are about 108 miles between Charleston and Savannah, making it a quick two-hour drive along U.S. Route 17 and I-95.
Is Charleston, SC, a Walkable Town?
It certainly is. In fact, many downtown tours and excursions happen on foot.
The tightly woven streets are easy to navigate, and it’s quite a flat city, so you generally won’t have trouble getting around.