Three Perfect Days in Charleston: A Guide to History, Charm, and Southern Hospitality

My husband and I just spent three days in Charleston, South Carolina.  Charleston is a charming city known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and coastal charm. Many of the popular attractions you’ll want to see during your weekend in Charleston are easily accessible by foot, including the popular historic district.  

Charleston operates a (completely) free shuttle bus, called the DASH Downtown Area Shuttle. It makes stops around the Historic District and lower Charleston peninsula daily.  The free shuttles loop around the city on three separate routes; most visitors will primarily use the Green Line (Route 211) stopping within the historic district. You will want to download Transit app on your phone. 

Technically, anything north of Broad Street is known as Charleston’s Historic District since it contains many of the attractions from the city’s antebellum days. This includes the French Quarter as well as everything else north of Broad.

Here's our itinerary to help you make the most of your time in the city: 

Day 1: Explore the Historic Downtown

MORNING:

We flew into Charleston early the first morning and had  Breakfast at Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit: Start your day with some famous Southern biscuits. Their selection of savory and sweet biscuits is perfect for a quick and delicious breakfast.  They have two locations, one on King Street near Marion Square. The second location is in the Charleston Market.  We began our day at the Charleston City Market.  

Taking one of the city’s carriages is a fun and era-appropriate way to step back in time, while immersing yourself in history. You’ll encounter colorful homes, churches, and some of the oldest surviving buildings in America along the way. While there are several carriage operators downtown, Palmetto Carriage Works is one of the top rated. It’s the oldest in town, and continues to be family owned and operated even today.  The actual route of the tour is determined by the city of Charleston when you begin your tour.  Each carriage is given a different route.   Duration:  1 hour 

Midday:

Lunch at Husk: Located in a historic home, Husk serves up creative Southern cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients.

Visit the Nathaniel Russell House: A beautifully preserved mansion showcasing the opulence of 19th-century Charleston. Its free-flying staircase is a highlight of the visit.  

Afternoon

Explore The French Quarter. The neighborhood is part of the original walled city and is home to Chalmers Street (one of the 8 remaining cobblestone streets of Charleston), the Old Slave Mart Museum, the “Pink House”, Dock Street Theater, French Huguenot Church, St. Philip’s Church and much more!  South of Broad is the historic and very exclusive neighborhood sitting on the tip of the Charleston peninsula. Stroll up and down Church Street, Tradd Street, Water Street, King Street and Legare Street and just soak in all the Southern beauty.

Dock Street Theater

The French Hugenaut Church

Stroll through Waterfront Park along the Cooper River. The famous Pineapple Fountain is a great spot for photos and relaxation. Other highlights include Rainbow Row, a colorful row of historic homes, and the Battery, a fortified seawall with grand antebellum houses.  You can follow the self guided tour that we did here.

Pineapple Fountain

Rainbow Row

Evening:

Dinner at  The Darling Oyster Bar 513 King Street.  The Darling Oyster bar is a seafood restaurant on Upper King Street with a raw bar and great cocktails. We ordered Oysters, Creole Shrimp and Key Lime Pie.  It was amazing!

We split the scallops!

Tom enjoying some mouth watering Key Lime Pie!

Day 2:  Boone Hall Plantation and Shopping

Morning:

Breakfast at Millers All Day: Enjoy a hearty Southern breakfast in a retro-chic setting. Their grits are a must-try.

Boone Hall Plantation:  Head outside the city to explore one of Charleston’s famous plantations.  Known for its dramatic Avenue of Oaks, Boone Hall is one of the oldest working plantations in the country. The estate's history, preserved through tours and exhibits, provides a thoughtful reflection on the lives of the plantation's former enslaved individuals, making it a profoundly moving visit. We chose to visit Boone Hall Plantation in the afternoon and it was quite crowded. I would highly recommend visiting earlier in the day. The grounds were spectacular and green and were featured in the movie The Notebook. You may recognize the exterior of Allie’s family’s summer house which is actually the Boone family home. Founded in 1681, it’s one of the oldest continuously working plantations in the country. and has been owned by the same family for over 300 years. How to Get to Boone Hall Plantation: Located in Mount Pleasant, Boone is about a 25-30 minute drive from downtown Charleston. Duration 3-4 hours. Hours 9:00AM - 5:00 PM  $30

Avenue of Oaks

Slave Quarters

Midday:

Drive back to Charleston and have a late lunch at The Citrus Club at The Newbury. 334 Meeting St 8th floor. It’s modern chic rooftop cocktail lounge with amazing views of all of Charleston and the harbor.  It’s first come, first serve and opens at noon. The drinks are fruity and delicious and the food is equally as amazing. I had the Citrus Salad and it was amazing. I have heard that the Dewberry Smash Burger and Loaded Fries are equally as good.

Afternoon:

Charleston City Market:  dates back to the 19th century. You’ll find everything from hot sauce and pottery to its most-sought-after item: sweetgrass baskets. Located in the heart of Charleston, the Charleston City Market is home to over 300+ local vendors and artisans selling everything from candles to spices to fine art. The treasure trove of goodies is one of America’s oldest public markets, having opened in 1807. It’s definitely worth stopping by to meander through the nearly four blocks of open-air stands. For an authentic souvenir, spot out the sweetgrass baskets, handwoven with locally-harvested palmetto leaves. The works of art are a tradition of the local West African Gullah communities and have been passed down for over 300 years.

Go Shopping along King Street which is Charleston’s premier shopping district, filled with boutiques, galleries, and antique shops.

Evening:  

Dinner at The Ordinary: Located in an old bank building, The Ordinary is a seafood hall and oyster bar that offers delicious and fresh seafood dishes.  Make sure you make reservations as soon as you begin planning your trip.  The Ordinary is very difficult to get into.  

Ghost Tour: Charleston is famous for its ghost stories. Take an evening ghost tour to hear eerie tales of the city’s haunted past while walking through its atmospheric streets.

Day 3: Magnolia Plantation and Fort Sumter

Morning:

Breakfast at Early Bird Diner: A local favorite, this diner serves up Southern comfort food with a twist. Their chicken and waffles are a standout.  

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens: Another must see plantation is Magnolia Plantation. Built in 1670, Magnolia Plantation is still owned by the same family, the Drayton family.  Operations are overseen by a board of directors that includes the 10th and 11th generations of Drayton family descendants. Drayton plantation  is known for its stunning gardens, wildlife, and rich history. You can tour the house, stroll through the romantic gardens, and even take a nature tram tour through the swamps and forests. They also offer an award-winning “Slavery to Freedom” presentation in African-American history.  has been owned by the same family for over 300 years.

Admission $32** Admission and house tour $47  How to get there: Magnolia Plantation is about a 35 minute drive northwest of Charleston, and there’s plenty of parking. 

Tom inspecting the Joggling board that sits on many Charleston Porches.

Slave quarters at the Magnolia Plantation. The last enslaved person lived at the plantation until 1992 as a paid employee and became the head groundskeeper.

Midday:

Lunch: Head back to Charleston and have lunch at 167 Raw Oyster Bar, 193 King Street. They don’t take reservations, but put your name in at the door and peek into some of the stores along King Street while you’re waiting. Ask your waiter for recommendations and specials because the menu changes seasonally, but we ordered the Oysters, Oven Roasted Crab Dip and the Tuna Burger and it was all amazing!  I have also heard  the lobster roll is delicious!

The Line to get into 167 Raw.. definitely worth the wait!!

Delicous Tuna Burger!!

Afternoon:

Visit Fort Sumter:  is one of Charleston's most historic landmarks, as the first shots of the American Civil War were fired here in 1861. This man-made "sea fort" offers a fascinating journey through military history while providing breathtaking views of downtown Charleston. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as there’s plenty of walking involved. Access to the island is available only via a  National Park-approved tour boat, with departures from the Fort Sumter Education Center or Fort Moultrie. Tickets for the Fort Sumter tour are $33.

Evening:  

Dinner at S.N.O.B. Slightly North of Broad is a Charleston staple known for its upscale Southern cuisine and farm-to-table philosophy. We loved the menu – it featured tons of southern dishes like shrimp and grits to pork chops. 192 E Broadway.

I had Clams that were Scrumptious!

And Tom Really enjoyed his Pork Chop!

Sunset Cruise: End your trip with a scenic sunset cruise around Charleston Harbor. You’ll get to see some of the city’s iconic landmarks from the water as the sun sets, making for a perfect conclusion to your trip.

Bonus Activities. 

Relax at Folly Beach or Sullivan’s Island: Spend the afternoon at one of Charleston’s nearby beaches. Folly Beach is known for its laid-back vibe and surfers, while Sullivan’s Island offers a more peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere. Both are great for swimming, sunbathing, or taking a walk along the shore.   

The Aiken Rhett House was built in the early 19th century, and is considered one of the best-preserved antebellum townhouses in the city. Visitors stepping through its doors travel back in time to the 1800s, exploring the lives of the Aiken family and the enslaved people who maintained the home. The house remains remarkably unchanged, offering a unique glimpse into Charleston's past, from the grandeur of its ballrooms to the stark quarters of its enslaved workers.

On a house tour, you’ll see a whole bunch of rooms, including:  Grand ballroom, featuring a stunning crystal chandelier and original gas lighting fixtures.   Dining room, the drawing room, and the family bedrooms, all of which have been carefully preserved and restored.  A visit to the slave quarters, which have been preserved to give visitors a sense of what life was like for the enslaved people who lived and worked on the property.  Open 10:00 - 5:00.   $15.00 or $24.00 for both Aiken Rhett and Nathaniel Russel house.  45 minute audio tour.

Aiken Rhett House

Local Events: Check out if any festivals or events are happening during your visit. Charleston often has food festivals, art walks, or music events that could add something extra to your trip.

Drayton Hall is located on the Ashley River in North Charleston, and is the only plantation to have survived both the revolutionary and civil wars on the river.      

Middleton Place National Historic Landmark is home to America's oldest and most significant landscaped gardens, established in 1741. Spanning 110 acres, this historic site includes the Gardens, House Museum, Stables, and Eliza's House, offering a comprehensive look into the lives of all who lived, worked, and died here. The history of the Middleton family, including two Founding Fathers, is intricately connected with the stories of the generations of enslaved people who toiled on the estate. Visitors can explore these narratives through guided or self-guided tours. Located about 25 minutes from Charleston Airport and 30 minutes from Downtown Charleston, Middleton Place is easily accessible by car, ride share, or private transport. A free mobile app is available for Apple and Android devices to enhance your visit, and it’s recommended to bring a fully charged smartphone with a QR code reader to access extra content and activities as you tour the property. Middleton Place is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, with admission priced at $29.

Just 30 minutes from North Charleston, Cypress Gardens offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle, making it well worth the day trip. This 175-acre swamp garden is a serene nature preserve where towering cypress trees create a magical atmosphere. Movie lovers might recognize the park from the famous swan scene in The Notebook! While the movie featured swans for a touch of Hollywood magic, in reality, you’re more likely to encounter turtles, snakes, and alligators. For just $10, you’ll gain access to boat rentals, scenic trails, the Butterfly House, and the "Swamparium" aquarium.

Where to stay: Anywhere in the French Quarter is ideal. You would not need a car and can walk everywhere. Although, you would have to take tours to plantations or ride share. You can find hotels on booking.com. We stayed at the Charleston Marriott which is along the water. While it is not in the French Quarter, we found it quite convenient and would highly recommend it. Located only a couple miles from Upper King Street it took us around 10 minutes to get most places we wanted to go. Additionally, we had a beautiful view of the water.

The view from our hotel.

Restaurants in Charleston are fabulous! I mentioned the restaurants we went to, but there are so many restaurants to chose from and many I did not mention. You will find mainly sea food and southern style cooking. Some of the most popular food options include Shrimp and Grits, Scallops, Crab (any style), Oysters, Oysters and more Oysters!!! And all kinds of Southern food choices. We enjoyed every thing we ate!! So just enjoy!!

I hope you find this information helpful. Charleston is an amazing city with so much to see. I also have put together a walking tour you can follow if you are interested. It will take you through the French Quarter and past many of the gorgeous antebellum mansions.