The Final 3-Day Charleston Information

Strolling amongst the pastel homes and horse-drawn carriages of South Carolina’s charming port metropolis, it’s simple to see the draw of Charleston.

Structure aficionados will fall in love wandering amongst the ​​Colonial, Georgian Gothic Revival, Italianate, and Artwork Deco facades. Surfers, fishers, and sun-worshippers will discover greater than their fair proportion of shoreline.

My fellow foodies will discover themselves consuming their approach throughout city, identical to I did.

After three nights of exploring this quaint metropolis, I discovered numerous spots I adored. Whereas three days in Charleston won’t offer you fairly sufficient time to see all of it, you’ll be able to examine just a few necessities off your checklist.

Able to discover this gem in South Carolina? Right here is your final 3-Day Charleston Information.

The place to Keep

Whereas you’ll find an array of budget-friendly lodging, it is a vacation spot the place it’s properly value splurging.

When you can deal with your self to one of many fancier lodges, that is your alternative to embrace Southern hospitality and reside like a queen.

I opted to remain at 86 Cannon and it was an absolute dream.

I truly discovered myself not wanting to go away within the morning! That’s greater than just a little uncommon for me, however the welcoming inn was a key a part of what made Charleston so charming.

I made it a degree to be again on the resort from 5 to six every night to have cheese and wine with the opposite visitors. It was an absolute delight, particularly on a solo journey, and only one greater than that made my keep particular.

Whereas I’d extremely advocate 86 Cannon (learn my full expertise right here), this unimaginable inn does refill. E-book a room in the event you can, or try considered one of these different fashionable picks:

Hotel Emeline

This stylish boutique resort beside the Charleston Metropolis Market is a chic hideaway in one of many metropolis’s hottest neighborhoods.

Planters Inn

An iconic inn set in a stately Nineteenth-century property, that is the state’s one and solely Relais & Châteaux Lodge.

Restoration Hotel

With residences with as much as three bedrooms in addition to basic suites, this is a perfect residence away from residence within the coronary heart of the town.

Mills House

Bathe in southern class on this outdated colonial-style resort with a sweeping view of the Historic District.

Wentworth Mansion

That is a necessary expertise if you’re in Charleston. This stately Nineteenth-century mansion homes essentially the most elegant five-star resort within the metropolis.

Getting Round

Charleston is ideal for biking. I discovered myself getting round wherever and in all places on two wheels. Verify to see in case your lodging supplies bikes or discover your personal set of wheels.

Within the coronary heart of the town, sure areas are walkable or you’ll be able to go for the same old Uber or Lyft.

Know Earlier than You Go

From high to backside, Charleston is about two miles vast so it’s simple to bike round and you may get the lay of the land shortly.

The town has a grid-style format over a watery peninsula on the Atlantic Ocean. For greater than 300 years outdated, King Road has been the principle vein. It’s a high-end purchasing hotspot and geared towards vacationers.

There are distinct neighborhoods across the metropolis, every with its personal attraction.

You discover gorgeous structure all through the town so convey your digicam. South of Broad, and particularly Rainbow Row, is known for its fantastically restored pastel townhouses.

When you’re into structure, try one of many many elderly residence excursions. Aiken-Rhett House Museum is likely one of the most well-known historic properties. It was advisable to me a number of occasions however I didn’t have time for it ultimately.

Whereas I discovered numerous stunning areas as I rode my bike across the metropolis, I didn’t discover practically as many actions and sightseeing choices as Savannah has.

To be trustworthy, it was a bit disappointing by way of issues to do, although I discovered some unimaginable foodie spots. So, in the event you’re a significant foodie — that is the place for you!

 Finest  Issues To Do

Rainbow Row: This well-known assortment of 13 pastel properties creates the longest line of Georgian row homes within the nation. From 79 to 107 East Bay Road, this waterfront neighborhood is a necessary picture op. Go to within the early morning for good lighting and fewer crowds.

South of Broad Home: Plan loads of time for admiring the homes, particularly the enduring Rainbow Row then make a detour for the Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park.

Watch the Dawn: Folly Seaside provides a picture-perfect view of the solar rising over the ocean.

Early Morning or Late Night Kayaking: Book a tour to rise up shut and private with the dolphins.

Magnolia Cemetery: This historic cemetery is a really stunning house.

Amethyst Spa: The spa at the Restoration Hotel is properly value a go to whether or not you might be staying within the historic downtown resort or not.

Historical past Tour on the Calhoun Mansion: From authentic works from Picasso to historic Egyptian artifacts, that is one significantly spectacular residence.

Angel’s Oak Tree: This outdated oak tree can solely be described as ginormous. Go see for your self.

Waterfront Park: Awarded by the American Society of Panorama Architects and the Nationwide Belief for Historic Preservation, this half-mile park working alongside the Cooper River is a wonderful inexperienced house.

Fort Sumter: Discover this sea fort and see the exact spot the place the American Civil Struggle started.

Charleston Metropolis Market: Whereas I discovered this on numerous to-do lists and even listed as a historic web site, I didn’t love this market. You may get souvenirs however I used to be disillusioned to see it was largely imported trinkets from China moderately than locally-made artisanal items.

Historic House Excursions: Make sure to try the Aiken-Rhett House and Nathaniel Russell House. Every tour takes about an hour and gives you a deep dive into this historical past and structure. If you already know you’ll have time for each, seize a reduced duo ticket from the Historic Charleston Foundation.

Strolling Tour: Go for a two-hour tour with Oyster Point Walking Tours.

Cypress Gardens: 25 minutes north of Charleston, you’ll discover 170 acres of preserved inexperienced house. Within the coronary heart of all of it is an 80-acre blackwater tupelo swamp. Wander alongside the encircling foot path or discover the boat path.

Road Truthful: On the second Sunday of every month from 1 to five pm, get to King Road. With reside music, out of doors eating, and sidewalk purchasing, this family-friendly (together with the fur infants!) occasion is an ideal place to have lunch and people-watch.

Self-Guided Strolling Tour of Charleston

 Need to go solo? You may simply go for a self-guided strolling tour of the town. Right here’s the trail that I like to recommend.

You’ll want to book well in advance to make sure you can get a table at Husk.

Planning Tip: Searching for extra inspiration for dinner? Bounce over to my full Charleston foodie information.

When you’ve had dinner, wander round downtown Charleston. Because the fuel porch lights begin glowing, the town is at its greatest.

Day 1

Breakfast + Lunch

On my first morning, I had breakfast on the inn as a result of it was included within the keep. Charleston is a top-notch meals metropolis although, so it’s value your choices for brunch if you wish to get on the market very first thing.

With so many eating places requiring reserving properly upfront, I went out for lunch at 11 am to extend my odds of getting a desk.

Luckily, this allowed me to get a desk on the ultra-famous poultry/oyster store, Leon’s.

When you do need to get a one-of-kind memento, make your approach over to Charleston Artist Guild or Port Mercantile within the Restoration Lodge.

Boat Tour + Dinner

If you wish to get the lay of the land, hop on a ship tour. From Charleston Harbor, you’ll be able to see all the iconic landmarks like Citadel Pinckney, Fort Sumter, Waterfront Park, The Battery, and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.

For dinner, I went to Chez Nous. This might have been fully off my radar had Elliot, the supervisor at 86 Cannon, not advocate it.

And I adored this particular place! They write their menu each day and post it on Instagram.

Day 2

Sweets for Breakfast

I began my second day with a sugar repair. Only a few streets down from my resort, Sugar Bake Shop is a cute little spot with freshly baked cupcakes.

From there, I made my approach right down to South of Broad. This neighborhood most undoubtedly lived as much as the hype. You can spend two days simply exploring winding by means of the alleys and streets admiring the structure.

Fountains on Fountains

Within the afternoon, I made my approach right down to Waterfront Park and the legendary Pineapple Fountain.

Like many fountains I discovered round Savannah and Charleston, this water function was truly usable.

Excluding Forsyth in Savannah, these fountains are joyful locations the place youngsters and the occasional grownup quiet down on a scorching summer time day.

I beloved seeing this moderately than your typical “look however don’t contact” water options.

Discover the French Quarter

Throughout my explorations, I stumbled throughout Harkin.

Whereas I is usually a sorta hard-to-impress type of one that loves a premium afternoon espresso, iced espresso, and occasional tradition typically, this place ticked all the packing containers.

The most effective spots for espresso I got here throughout, this cool little cafe had a wide variety of greens and salads for lunch, together with the good breakfast picks.

King Road

As soon as I arrived on King Road, I locked up my bike and went to discover. There have been vintage outlets, cute youngsters shops, and tons of outfitters.

After a little bit of window purchasing, I made my strategy to 167 Raw. I used to be consuming solo and so was fortunate sufficient to have the ability to sit on the bar after a fast 15-minute wait.

At this a lot loved-loved oyster bar, I sampled oysters with caviar and oysters with uni—these had been undoubtedly amongst one of the best issues I’ve ever eaten in my life!

E-book upfront and make sure you try the tequila bar or their Paloma daiquiri.

That was my pre-lunch…

Then I made my strategy to Xiao Bao for a late lunch (I advised you, it is a severe foodie metropolis; I needed to pattern every thing!). They modified the okonomiyaki cabbage pancake to be vegetarian and served it up with a tremendous inexperienced curry with fish.

For an Asian-inspired meal, I’d extremely advocate checking this place out.

After a full afternoon out, I went again to the resort for wine (and a bathe to de-stickify myself throughout the summer time warmth!).

Within the night, I went over the Chubby Fish. Owned by a husband-and-wife staff together with their good friend and well-known chef from Le Farfalle, this hotspot is the staff’s first restaurant and roaring success.

With an open kitchen idea, I used to be in a position to sit on the bar and chat with the entire kitchen crew, which was a whole delight.

I watched the proprietor cooking away and shucking oysters. They’d tuna crudo, octopus, and different ultra-fresh catches together with a singular array of dishes.

The distinctive meals, mixed with the luxurious staff made this my primary meals spot on the town. Take a look at Chubby Fish when you’re in Charleston!

On my final day in Charleston, I took it slow. After making my way out of the hotel, I drove out to The Cigar Factory. From pop-up artwork exhibits to hair salons to espresso homes, this historic constructing is a one-stop-shop.

The Mercantile and Mash is a well-liked onsite upscale grocery retailer with a whiskey bar, cafe, wine store, butcher outlets, a sport space, and eating.

For me, although, the star of The Cigar Manufacturing unit was ​​Fritz Porter Design Collective.

This homeware boutique is a must-visit for residence decor lovers. I discovered a honeypot, ramekins, and stoneware bowls. I used to be virtually able to get a second bag to examine once I noticed their stunning stoneware.

Sullivan’s Island for the Afternoon

Within the later afternoon, I drove out to Sullivan’s Island. For lunch, I traveled right down to the Obstinate Daughter.

Planning Tip: You do want a reserving at this much-loved spot, nevertheless it’s well worth the wait.

If you would like a fast meal with no reservation, however, you’ll even have a wide variety of spots down on the seaside (although they don’t provide the foodie expertise of Obstinate Daughter).

After lunch, I went over to the Charleston Gentle, often known as Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse, at Station 18. From right here, you’ll discover a vary of lovely seashores, together with Station 18, Station 21, and Station 26.

I dove within the water at Station 18, however ended up getting stung by a jellyfish—hopefully, you’ll have higher luck right here!

Earlier than you head right down to the seaside, you’ll find something you want for the seaside at Sealand Journey Sports activities. They’ve acquired sunscreen, bikes, baggage, and all the different seaside must-haves

One other important cease is Co-Op the place you’ll be able to load up on cups and cups of frosé.

These fairly pink slushies are a neighborhood favourite and also you’ve acquired to attempt them no less than as soon as when you are on the town.

Folly Seaside is one other fashionable vacation spot about half-hour from Sullivan’s Island so make a day of it if in case you have time.

General

Though I didn’t discover as many actions in Charleson as I did in Savannah, it’s a beautiful metropolis for a protracted weekend. For me, it was all concerning the epicurean delights and beautiful seashores.

You can spend your complete time consuming your approach from seaside to seaside and, to sweeten the deal, the nice and cozy hospitality on the inn, 86 Cannon, took issues to the subsequent stage.