Charleston, South Carolina is a metropolis steeped in historical past, tradition, and attraction. With its cobblestone streets, colourful row homes, and historic landmarks, Charleston provides guests a glimpse into the wealthy historical past of the American South. When you’re planning a visit to Charleston, right here is the proper 3-day itinerary that will help you take advantage of your go to.
Charleston appears like stepping again in an previous, but by some means acquainted, previous. Shielded from trendy structure, the streets are lined with brick and stucco mansions and enormous shuttered home windows. Reside oaks drizzled with Spanish moss and palm bushes compete for area as horse drawn carriages go by.
Did we simply step again in time? No, it’s simply Charleston! A stunning metropolis stuffed with a storied previous, southern attraction, and scrumptious delicacies.
This 3-day itinerary will information you thru the very best issues to do in Charleston.
After spending a number of days right here, I can see why Charleston was repeatedly named the primary metropolis in the U.S. and the primary metropolis on the earth for 2016! With nearly 400 years of historical past, Charleston is one in every of America’s greatest preserved cities.
However, whereas some historic cities can really feel stale and outdated, Charleston is a university city (4 faculties are positioned right here), so there’s a hip nightlife scene and an vital historic previous that provides us context for at present.
Charleston appears like a world of it’s personal. However with this magnificence, it’s vital to notice that Charleston was constructed on slave labor and the close by plantations and museums give testomony to oppression of African Individuals.
Charleston is a vibrant and buzzing city that stole my coronary heart immediately. Whether or not I used to be strolling the historic mansions, consuming wealthy “Lowcountry” delicacies, or admiring the large dwell oaks swaying within the breeze with moss, there’s at all times one thing to see and do.
Charleston was began in 1669 when Captain West of England, set his websites on new land for financial acquire for the crown. However coming right here additionally meant spiritual freedom- you possibly can be any faith and denomination. Now nicknamed the “Holy Metropolis” due to the 400+ church buildings right here, you possibly can’t miss the steeples (not skyscrapers) that dot the skyline of this bustling port metropolis.
Life feels simpler if you stroll the streets of Charleston, meals tastes higher, and the ample sunshine punctuates the frilly houses and awe-inspiring bushes.
Right here’s all the things you might want to know with a purpose to plan the proper journey to Charleston.
3 Day Charleston Itinerary
This space of South Carolina known as “lowcountry” as a result of it’s within the southern a part of South Carolina and close to the ocean marsh. Whereas there’s heaps to see and do, you are able to do all of it in about 3 days.
What I liked in regards to the metropolis is the convenience of getting round. You may merely stroll, get misplaced, and run into one thing lovely and historic. Three streets to recollect are King Road, Assembly Road, and East Bay – which run parallel to one another and the place many of the most historic buildings are positioned.
Here is a map of all the things I will be masking:
Getting Round Charleston
I extremely suggest renting a automotive to get round Charleston. We really flew into the airport in Savannah, and it was just below 2 hours to go from right here to the Battery in Charleston. This additionally made it a lot simpler to get out to the plantations and Hilton Head. We additionally had the advantage of seeing alligators on, actually, “Alligator Alley” on our drive over.
Charleston Day 1: Self Guided Tour of the Historic District
Get to know town with a self-guided strolling tour. Charleston is compact, so it’s straightforward to stroll across the metropolis in a number of hours and cease for lunch or dinner after your stroll.
Or, in the event you desire, take a look at this guided strolling tour.
Begin your tour on the Battery, a jaw-dropping neighborhood with massive mansions overlooking the port the place the rivers Ashley and Cooper meet. In Battery Park you’ll stroll via stately dwell oak bushes, however the bushes remind of one thing a bit extra sinister. That is the place pirates had been hung and left with their our bodies dangling as a message to different pirates. The Battery is the wall that protects town of Charleston and was 20 ft excessive to guard from invaders. There are some controversial accomplice monuments right here so that you may see folks protesting round this space.
Stroll round a few of the streets and soak up a few of the lovely mansions earlier than heading up East Bay Road.
You may’t miss Rainbow Row. These lovely, pastel coloured buildings seem like a rainbow. Inbuilt 1680, Rainbow Row represents the longest cluster of intact Georgian row houses in the USA. Over time the buildings served as outlets and residences of steel retailers and planters.
Sadly, the world went into decay after the Civil Battle. Within the Forties, town of Charleston fastened up and painted the 13 homes in pastel colours to honor their sister metropolis Barbados. Higher but, Nationwide Geographic got here and took footage of the gorgeous buildings. When Rainbow Row was featured within the journal, this kicked off tourism to Charleston!
The nickname “Rainbow Row” caught, and now folks flock to see the colourful buildings. The homes seem like the older type of Charleston houses. They had been portrayed in “Porgy and Bess,” George and Ira Gerswhin’s opera based mostly on DuBose Heyward’s novel “Porgy.” Heyward was a Charleston businessman fascinated by the Gullah tradition. The novel and play take care of African American life within the early 1920’s.
After snapping some footage, hold strolling up East Bay Road for the Provost Dungeon and Outdated Trade Constructing. Whereas a wonderful metropolis, Charleston does have some horrible historical past, notably with the slave commerce. Charleston was one of many largest slave buying and selling cities within the US within the 1800s.
The realm across the Outdated Trade Constructing was one of the vital frequent websites of downtown slave auctions. 1000’s of slaves had been bought right here as early because the 1770s. Take a while to learn via the historic markers round this space, or head into the museum. This vital constructing has been the location of economic change, publish workplace, customs, metropolis corridor, navy headquarters, and now a museum. The Provost Dungeon was additionally used as a navy jail. The constructing has been visited by George Washington, and the US Structure was ratified right here.
As you make your manner up the road, you’ll begin to see many bars and eating places.
Be certain that to show to your proper, in the direction of the water, and stroll out to Ravenel Waterfront Park. Right here you’ll see folks weaving baskets and roses out of candy grass. Stroll round for the view of the harbor in addition to the well-known Pineapple Fountain.
Now, hold strolling up and hook a left on Market Road to go to the Charleston Metropolis Market. It’s straightforward to get round when all of the names of streets are literal! Relationship again to 1680, Charleston Metropolis Market is among the oldest public amenities in steady use in Charleston. Right here you’ll discover each a daytime and a nighttime market. The day time is extra conventional crafts, souvenirs, and handmade jewellery and opens every day. The night time market has extra trendy choices and even has dwell music however often solely opens on the weekend. When the Pinckney household ceded the land to the Metropolis of Charleston for a market, he had three guidelines: 1. Metropolis market 2. Closed on Christmas 3. No slaves may very well be bought right here.
To circle again, we’ll stroll down King Road, aptly named for King Charles himself. Initially referred to as Charles City (as a substitute of Charleston) the road is taken into account to be the third greatest procuring district within the USA! So in the event you’re seeking to store that is the proper spot. You’ll additionally discover lovely iron work, a wonderful theater, and excessive finish shops.
As you stroll round, discover that no constructing is taller than 70 ft excessive, which is the peak of the tallest steeple, St. Matthew’s Church.
After a day of strolling across the metropolis, have dinner at Chubby Fish or the ever common Husk.
Charleston Day 2: Day Journey to Plantations + Ghosts
Kick off with breakfast at Callie’s Sizzling Little Biscuit for filling, scrumptious biscuits. There are a pair places in Charleston so that you’ll absolutely discover one close to you.
Within the morning we opted for a shuttle tour – this was an effective way to cowl a number of floor and acquire an understanding of town. There are additionally horse and carriage excursions in addition to strolling excursions. I’m an enormous fan of taking a tour with a purpose to get my bearings and an understanding of a metropolis.
I discovered a lot about a few of the buildings, the tradition, and even the delicacies, I’d by no means know in any other case.
Whereas the English clearly had a big affect on Charleston, after settling right here within the late 1600s for spiritual freedom, one of many different bigger teams that got here right here had been Germans. When you discover the iron work, that is most definitely hand completed by the Germans. An instance of that is on the 1734 St. John’s Lutheran Church, with handmade wrought iron by Christopher Werner.
The French additionally had a big impression. A lot of the downtown space is referred to as the “French Quarter” the place the French settled. That is additionally the artwork district on the town and also you’ll discover a number of artwork galleries and cocktail bars.
You’ll discover that there’s no trendy structure allowed in Charleston Metropolis Middle because it’s required to construct in conventional single home type. However the entire homes appear slim then go straight again. There’s a cause for that. Property taxes had been on the width, not the size, which is why they’re constructed so slim and deep.
After a tour, hit the highway to a plantation. It’s anyplace from 20 to 40 minutes outdoors of town middle to go to those sprawling estates. Charleston was one of many richest cities within the USA and the rationale for that was slavery. Whereas slavery was not solely within the plantations, slavery performed an enormous function within the success and riches for the plantation house owners. Rising indigo, cotton, and “Carolina Gold” rice, was back-breaking labor. Visiting the plantations is, after all, lovely, however it’s additionally vital to know the historical past right here.
Over time, plantations have refocused a lot of their tourism to extra closely give attention to slavery and its impression.
Over our 3 days we went to three totally different plantations: Boone Corridor, Magnolia, and Middleton. If I needed to solely decide one, I’d recommend Boone Corridor as I feel they did an outstanding job on sharing the historical past, it’s a wonderful property, and you’ll even tour the home.
As you make your manner down the Avenue of Oaks in the direction of the home an arch of dwell oaks reaches out with a lacy cover of Spanish moss, it’s a jaw dropping sight.
Boone Corridor provides loads of actions. You may take a tour of the home and the brick slave cabins which every inform a narrative of what the slaves endured. Lastly, I extremely suggest going to some of the talks provided. We heard a superb discuss from a girl who spoke, sang, and educated on the Gullah folks and dialect. Gullah is a phrase used to determine sea island descendants of enslaved Africans who developed their very own language and customs which are handed down via the generations. Their affect is much reaching, from the scrumptious flavors of Lowcountry delicacies, artwork, music, and language.
What I liked about Boone is that they don’t attempt to sugarcoat their previous however current an actual image of what actually occurred right here.
Magnolia Plantation
Magnolia Plantation is extra centered on their out of doors areas. There are lovely bridges and pathways you possibly can take to discover the gardens. There are excursions right here as nicely that share extra about slavery that befell on the plantation.
Magnolia Plantation leads you proper by the marsh and pathways are dappled with daylight and moss strewn bushes waving within the wind as you go by. The bushes look as if they may whisper secrets and techniques from the previous and jasmine perfumes the air. However do be careful for alligators! We noticed one proper close to a path within the swamp.
That is America’s oldest public backyard full with a Carriage Home, Veranda, and Conservatory together with a beautiful pure panorama.
Middleton Plantation
Middleton’s historic working plantation has dwell craftsman and animals exhibiting the way it used to within the 17 and 1800s. Once more you’ll discover massive, lushes oaks on the property however the Middleton Oak is among the oldest and estimated to be between 800 and 1,000 years previous.
You may watch craftsmen work, hear in regards to the hardships of the slaves in addition to their escape techniques, and be taught extra about plantation life.
For dinner, have barbecue at Rodney Scott’s. I had the very best hush puppies of my life together with beans and a pulled pork sandwich.
Finish the day with a ghost tour within the Outdated Metropolis Jail. Open for 137 years and shut down in 1939, the jail NEVER had working water, AC, or electrical energy. The common life expectancy right here was 3 weeks. 14,000 folks died right here! Now, that is thought-about to be one of the vital haunted buildings in America. The tales listed here are downright a few of the creepiest.
Remember to take Charleston in at night- it is lit up fantastically!
Charleston Day 3: Seashores & Angel Tree
One of many nice issues about being in Charleston is the entry to the coast. Folly Seaside is among the hottest seashores (and closest to Charleston) with outlets and eating places. This lengthy and broad stretch of sand is simple to stroll and an incredible place to hunt for shells. Nicknamed the “Fringe of America” it is a laid again seashore that’s additionally nice for late nights.
We ate lunch on the seashore and watched because the early morning fog moved out.
Subsequent, head to one of the vital magnificent bushes in all the world: the gargantuan Angel Tree. Whereas it is a brief cease, it’s price it to make the journey. This nicely preserved 500 yr previous tree has a gargantuan trunk and branches almost so long as a soccer subject.
Charleston is nicknamed the “Holy Metropolis” for a cause, 400 church buildings are right here alone! Head over to St Michael’s Church, the place George Washington and Robert E Lee and Teddy Roosevelt got here to worship. The church is the oldest surviving spiritual construction.
There are many church buildings across the metropolis, so take a peek inside a number of.
If you wish to see the costliest houses in Charleston, head to South of Broad, the place the houses are a mean of $2.5 million! You may take a tour of the sprawling Williams Mansion, the most important non-public residence within the metropolis of Charleston. With gorgeous Italianate structure, 26,000 sq. ft, and 30 bedrooms you possibly can spend a pair hours wandering right here.
End your time in Charleston with rooftop drinks at Vendue. This spot with provide the greatest vantage level of town whilst you sip chilled cocktails.
The place to Eat in Charleston
Make reservations or be ready to attend about an hour+ for dinner. I don’t like ready, even whether it is for scrumptious meals. Charleston jogs my memory a little bit of New Orleans or Paris, in that you’d be onerous pressed to discover a dangerous meal so hold your plans versatile or plan forward with reservations. Simply test critiques to ensure!
Our first night time in Charleston we discovered this the onerous manner. After making an attempt 4 totally different eating places, and even driving 20 minutes outdoors of town, we merely couldn’t discover anyplace to eat that didn’t have an extended wait. So… we headed to Walmart and had Ramen for dinner! Not ideally suited. The remainder of our journey we made reservations and had completely scrumptious meals.
Listed below are my suggestions on the place to eat, in addition to suggestions I obtained from locals:
Rappahannock Oyster Bar– You may make a reservation on-line. Begin with oysters, we obtained two of every sort on the menu. Then break up two entrees. First up, fish Milanese which was pan fried fish in panko bread crumbs with salad. This was a few of the greatest fish I’ve had in fairly some time. Then we break up a shrimp po’ boy, on gentle bread with completely fried jumbo shrimp with tomatillo salsa verde and home made chips. Perfection.
Husk – You could make reservations right here weeks (if not months!) upfront. Utilizing solely substances from Southern farmers, the menu modifications usually. Located in a restored Victorian period residence you possibly can’t go flawed with something on the menu.
Callie’s Sizzling Little Biscuit – for a filling seize and go breakfast, however bear in mind, you may need to attend in line!
Rodney Scott’s – successful a James Beard award for BBQ, you’ll discover scrumptious, hardy parts and the very best hush puppies round.
Chubby Fish – positioned simply north of city in a neighborhood setting, this space jogs my memory of Uptown New Orleans. This small, intimate restaurant serves up nice seafood.
Jackrabbit Filly – an Asian-fusion restaurant began from a meals truck. This creative menu will probably be a pleasant break from seafood and BBQ fare.
Maison – echoing the French heritage of Charleston, this vibrant restaurant provides a seasonal menu with a $5 champagne completely satisfied hour.
Hannibal’s Kitchen – Lowcountry delicacies are served on this basic restaurant. That is soul meals and seafood at its greatest in an informal ambiance.
Coast – tucked away on a bit of alleyway you may discover coast. Conventional seafood dishes. Skip the appetizers and keep on with the mains. I went with braised grouper over truffle bacon and mushroom grits – divine!
The place to Keep in Charleston
Lodge Bennett – This landmark resort is within the coronary heart of Charleston on Higher King Road and positively among the finest locations to remain in Charleston. It is a Most well-liked Motels & Resorts property (which suggests this is among the greatest accommodations you possibly can keep in!) and is lush and beautiful.
Staying round West Ashley you’ll discover cheaper accommodations because you’re not within the coronary heart of downtown. Because it’s solely a 10-Quarter-hour drive to downtown, it makes it a simple alternative. Finest Western right here is a superb funds pleasant possibility.
Grand Bohemian Lodge is in Charleston’s historic district and is an upscale, trendy and artfully adorned resort. There’s additionally a wonderful rooftop terrace.
When to go to Charleston?
When you don’t need to soften, are available in late fall, winter, or spring. Spring is if you discover vibrant inexperienced bushes and flowers in bloom so this tends to be my favourite time. Summer season is scorching and there are extra vacationers so I recommend avoiding Charleston then!
The most effective time to go to Charleston is in late fall, winter, or spring, notably through the latter when the bushes and flowers are in full bloom, and the climate is pleasantly delicate. Nonetheless, if you wish to keep away from the scorching warmth and crowds of vacationers, it is best to keep away from town through the summer season months. Now that you’ve got sorted out your lodging and journey dates let’s discover some additional issues to do throughout your keep in Charleston.
Charleston, South Carolina is a well-liked vacation spot year-round, however the very best time to go to will depend on your pursuits and preferences. Right here is extra data on the very best time of yr to go to Charleston, bearing in mind climate and seasonal occasions:
Spring: Spring is a wonderful time to go to Charleston, with temperatures starting from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit. The town is in full bloom, with azaleas, wisteria, and dogwoods including pops of shade to the panorama. In April, town hosts the Charleston Wine + Meals Pageant, which attracts foodies from across the nation.
Summer season: Summer season in Charleston may be scorching and humid, with temperatures within the mid-80s to mid-90s Fahrenheit. Nonetheless, town comes alive with out of doors festivals, live shows, and occasions, such because the Spoleto Pageant USA, which showcases performing arts from all over the world. The summer season months are additionally the height vacationer season, so anticipate bigger crowds and better costs.
Fall: Fall is a well-liked time to go to Charleston, with milder temperatures starting from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit. The autumn foliage provides to town’s attraction, and there are many out of doors actions to take pleasure in, equivalent to climbing and kayaking. In November, town hosts the Charleston Meals and Wine Pageant, which celebrates the area’s culinary traditions.
Winter: Winter in Charleston is delicate, with temperatures starting from the mid-40s to mid-60s Fahrenheit. The town is much less crowded throughout this time, making it an incredible possibility for many who desire a quieter ambiance. In December, town hosts the Charleston Christmas Parade and Pageant of Lights, which options holiday-themed occasions and actions.
Total, the very best time to go to Charleston will depend on your pursuits and preferences. Spring and fall provide milder temperatures and seasonal occasions, whereas summer season is the height vacationer season with a full of life ambiance. Winter is a superb possibility for many who need to keep away from the crowds and revel in a quieter getaway.
Additional Issues to Do in Charleston
The Frampton Home obtained its title from the proprietor and builder John Frampton who alongside along with his brothers shared hundreds of acres in what’s now Beaufort & Jasper counties. Initially a King’s grant to the proprietor within the early 1700s, Frampton Home was divided into working plantations. This cease may be very straightforward to get to if heading to or from Savannah.
Carolina Cherry Firm is positioned simply off the facet of the highway in an lovely espresso and bake store. You may attempt all types of residence brewed ciders. We opted for peach- it was scrumptious! And we sipped on this for our total journey.
Fort Sumter is the place the American civil struggle started. On April 12, 1861, the accomplice troops gathered in gun ships and began to fireside at Fort Sumter and these had been the primary photographs of the civil struggle. When you’re wanting to go to, the fort is just accessible by boat.
Prince William Parish Church, or Outdated Sheldon Ruins is a historic website about half-hour outdoors of Charleston. It had simply rained, so we obtained to see the Resurrection fern in it’s full glory sprouting in bursts on the bushes.
Among the finest methods to see a metropolis and be taught it’s historical past is by taking a meals tour. Find out about Charleston’s distinctive delicacies and pattern a few of the greatest meals with a dwell information. This tour is about 2 and a half hours. I at all times love meals tour!
Funds breakdown for a 3-day journey to Charleston, South Carolina:
Lodging: The price of lodging in Charleston can fluctuate relying on the kind of resort or rental you select. Funds choices equivalent to hostels and funds accommodations can begin from round $50 per night time, whereas mid-range accommodations and trip leases can value anyplace from $100 to $200 per night time. For a three-night keep, the overall value of lodging can vary from $150 to $600.
Transportation: Charleston is a walkable metropolis, so lots of the principal points of interest may be reached on foot. Nonetheless, guests should still want to make use of public transportation, equivalent to buses or taxis, for longer distances. A one-way bus fare prices $2, whereas a taxi trip from the airport to town middle can value round $30. For a three-day journey, the overall value of transportation can vary from $6 to $100.
Meals: Charleston is legendary for its delicacies, however the price of eating out can fluctuate vastly relying on the place you eat. Funds choices equivalent to meals vehicles and quick meals can value round $5 to $10 per meal, whereas mid-range eating places and cafes can value $15 to $30 per meal. For a three-day journey, the overall value of meals can vary from $90 to $270.
Points of interest: Most of the principal points of interest in Charleston, such because the Battery and the Metropolis Market, are free to go to. Nonetheless, some museums and excursions might have admission charges. For instance, admission to the Charleston Museum prices $12 for adults, whereas a guided tour of the historic district can value round $25 per individual. For a three-day journey, the overall value of points of interest can vary from $0 to $100 or extra.
Complete: Relying in your lodging, transportation, meals, and attraction decisions, a three-day journey to Charleston can value anyplace from $546 to $1,070 or extra. It is vital to funds accordingly and plan forward to take advantage of your journey with out overspending.
Charleston Historical past
Charleston, South Carolina has a wealthy historical past and tradition that has formed town and influenced the USA as a complete. Right here is extra data on the historical past and tradition of Charleston, together with its significance to the USA and the South:
Historical past: Charleston was based in 1670 by English settlers and shortly turned an vital port metropolis for commerce and commerce. The town performed a major function within the American Revolution, with a number of key battles fought in and across the metropolis. Within the 1800s, Charleston turned a significant middle of the slave commerce, with hundreds of enslaved Africans passing via town’s ports. The Civil Battle started in Charleston with the Accomplice assault on Fort Sumter, which nonetheless stands as a monument to town’s pivotal function in American historical past.
Tradition: Charleston’s tradition is formed by its historical past and geography, with influences from African, European, and Native American traditions. The town is thought for its distinctive structure, with colourful row homes and historic landmarks just like the Battery and Rainbow Row. Charleston can be well-known for its delicacies, which options conventional Lowcountry dishes like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and boiled peanuts. The town can be residence to a vibrant arts scene, with galleries, theaters, and museums showcasing the very best of southern tradition and creativity.
Significance: Charleston’s significance to the USA and the South can’t be overstated. The town performed a key function within the American Revolution and the Civil Battle, and its historic landmarks and monuments function reminders of town’s pivotal function in shaping American historical past. Charleston’s cultural and culinary traditions have influenced the area and the nation as a complete, with Southern hospitality and attraction turning into a trademark of American tradition. Right now, Charleston continues to be a preferred vacation spot for guests in search of to expertise the very best of Southern historical past, tradition, and attraction.
Stroll the dazzling streets, hearken to the lyrical accents, peek into historic houses and be taught in regards to the vital historical past of Charleston. Whether or not you’re all in favour of magnificence, historical past, artwork, or delicacies Charleston is the proper place to discover. For greater than 300 years Charleston has impressed artists, writers, and folks from all walks of life. It’s straightforward to see why that is such a treasured city.
Even with it is far-reaching historical past, Charleston is a youthful metropolis you can go to time and again.
