Weekend Trip to Charleston, SC
Are you planning a weekend trip to Charleston, SC? I recall the excitement of our first trip to Charleston! You will not be disappointed. There are numerous sites to see and the history is abundant! So many that you might want a bit of a guide to Charleston. No worries, we’re happy to share our favorite travel trips, restaurants, places to stay, and activities to do.
Where To Stay
It’s easy to get to Charleston from most places. Charleston has a well-serviced airport that offers flights to several cities in the US. Take an Uber from the airport. There are also regular taxis and shuttle bus services available. A rental car is another great option if you’re looking to get around town and explore further.
There are many places to choose from when deciding where to stay. Our top three are downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and Folly Beach.
The downtown renowned Historical District is situated 20 minutes from the airport. Here you will find many restaurants, fashion boutiques, antique shops, magnificent old houses, art museums, ghost tours, and historical tours. The bustling city center has everything for travelers.
Staying in Mount Pleasant is usually less expensive than downtown. It’s also more convenient if heading to Sullivan’s Island or Isle of Palms beach is on your Charleston weekend itinerary. A car would help to get around even though it’s not far from downtown. Mount Pleasant has many beautiful parks, wide waterfront views, and stunning antebellum-style homes. It has a great location next to barrier island beaches and the very popular historic Charleston.
Folly Beach is Charleston’s own little beach town. Warm, charming, and inviting, Folly Beach has been referred to as “The Edge of America”. It’s located at the end of the road in Charleston on Folly Island. Folly Beach has become a premier vacation destination for travelers of all ages. The locals are laid-back with a surfer attitude. Bikes are available to rent to explore the island. You can also rent surf and paddle boards. The best surfing spot in the area is “The Washout”.
Things To D0
Your Charleston weekend itinerary would not be complete without adding some fun activities to your itinerary. A Charleston Speed Boat Adventures tour will allow you to get up close harbor views of wildlife and historical sites from the water on a thrilling tour. It is a must-do activity and will stand out as the best activity you do on your weekend trip to Charleston. You will see views of the Battery, USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier, ArthurRavenel Jr Bridge, the downtown Charleston skyline, Waterfront Park, the South Carolina Aquarium, and the cruise ship terminal. The guide will teach you everything you need to know to safely drive the mini speedboat. He will also lead the way from his guide boat and talk narrate over a walkie-talkie. No experience necessary! We saw lots of dolphins along the way. A Charleston Harbor tour is a unique way to make unforgettable memories!
Make time to visit the houses of Charleston during your weekend trip. Learn about the history of this beautiful city. Charleston is home to a wealth of grand old homes that you can tour. Aiken Rhett house and the Joseph Manigault House, both are fascinating to tour. They offer a glimpse of how the wealthy of Charleston lived.
Go back in time on a carriage ride downtown. Enjoy the beautiful downtown area by horse drawn buggy. You’ll learn about the history and see the sites. This is also a good way to get a feel for the layout of the downtown area.
Another activity to check out is a visit to Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum. It’s home to an aircraft carrier, submarine, an excellent Vietnam exhibit and a destroyer to explore.
Our Favorite Places To Eat!
Now let’s talk about the amazing food available in Charleston. The list of scrumptious places to dine is long but here are a few of our favorites.
If you are dining downtown check out Halls Chophouse, Poogan’s Porch and Lewis Barbeque. Hall’s Chophouse is the go-to place if you are looking for the best steak in town. Poogan’s Porch is Charleston’s oldest independent culinary establishment. They have a fresh approach to Lowcountry cuisine. This beautifully restored Vistorian house is the perfect southern spot for daily brunch and dinner. You simply must indulge in some barbeque when in Charleston for a weekend. Whether you’re stopping in for lunch or dinner the first thing you’ll notice are the huge smokers and backyard patio. Thinking about Lewis’s barbeque makes my mouth water! Here is a deeper dive into our list of top restaurants in Charleston, SC.
While in Mount Pleasant check out the dining near Shem Creek. Tavern and Table and NICO’s are delicious restaurants and watching the sun set & seeing shrimp boats come into Shem Creek is a must.
A few of our Folly Beach favorites restaurants are Lost Dog Cafe, Jack of Cups and Taco Boy. Bon Appétit!
Photo credit: BringFido
With this itinerary, you can explore the historic charm of Charleston in a weekend and still find time to enjoy the city’s delicious seafood cuisine! So much so that you are bound to revisit.