Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Charleston?
Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Charleston?
Many visitors spend two to seven days in Charleston during their visit. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because there's so much to see and do. This coastal town offers a number of attractions to explore, including the historic old town, the quaint atmosphere, the restaurant scene, and the shops and boutiques.
Charleston is a historic and charming city on the coast of South Carolina. It's one of the most beautiful towns in the area and it has many pastel antebellum houses and horse-drawn carriages that take you along its cobblestoned streets. There is also a waterfront park and many nearby beaches. You can also explore historic plantations that educate visitors on the city's past which is rooted in slavery.
Do you have one or two days to visit Charleston? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one day enough time in Charleston?
With only one day, you might feel a bit pressed for time when it comes to exploring the main attractions. After all, As a popular coastal town, Charleston offers a large number of activities and attractions for visitors. To fully embrace Charleston, a longer visit is better. Most travelers tend to plan two to seven days to experience the historic old town, the quaint atmosphere, the restaurant scene, and the shops and boutiques. Nevertheless, if your schedule is limited, we can provide some suggestions to maximize your visit.
How to spend a day in Charleston
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. Charleston's downtown is one of the most charming and well preserved Old Town's in the United States. It's easy to see why it's become a world class destination.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is worth visiting for around 3 hours, which is great for families and couples. Known for its expansive and beautifully maintained gardens, historic plantation house, and nature tours, entry is $30.
Make sure to set aside around 3 hours for Middleton Place, which is $34. It's great for families and couples and is known for its beautifully maintained 18th-century gardens and well-preserved historic plantation buildings.
You'll want to have around 2 hours for Boone Hall Plantation. It's a nice activity for families and is known for its historic plantation house, live oak tree avenue, and preserved slave cabins that provide insight into American Southern history. It's $26 for adults, $13 for children aged 6-12, and children under 6 are free; prices may vary for special events and guided tours.
Make sure to set aside around 2 hours for Fort Sumter National Monument, which is $20.00. It's great for families and is known for being the site of the first battle of the American Civil War and its preserved fort structure in Charleston Harbor.
You'll want to have around 2 hours for Charleston City Market. It's a nice activity for families and are known for its historic open-air market sheds and a wide range of local crafts, food, and souvenirs. It's free.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Charleston Chicora 2 Hours Walking Tour ($38)
- Charleston historical walking tour with a Professor of History at The Citadel ($40)
- Historic Women of Charleston Guided Walking Tour ($38)
The culinary scene in Charleston is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this coastal town's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. Food lovers will enjoy the city's low country classics. There are many local restaurants in town that serve southern specialties. You can also head a bit out of the town center if you want a waterfront restaurant. Local favorites include she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, cornbread, and fried green tomatoes.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Undiscovered Charleston: Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class ($250)
- Hands-on Cooking Class in Charleston ($89)
- Tastes Through Time - Charleston's Best Food Tour ($109)
Charleston is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the coastal town, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The downtown area is very walkable, but once you leave the historic heart, it's best to have a car.
Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Charleston?
Charleston is a small coastal town that is quite popular with tourists. A weekend is probably not enough time here. You might feel rushed to see the main attractions of Charleston such as the historic old town, the quaint atmosphere, the restaurant scene, and the shops and boutiques. To thoroughly enjoy all that the coastal town has to offer, you'll probably want more time. Most travelers schedule two to seven days to fully experience the classic coastal town. Nevertheless, if time is of the essence, we have some nice suggestions for your visit.
A Plantation Estate near Charleston, South Carolina
How to spend 2 days in Charleston
With a weekend (two to three days) in Charleston, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the coastal town has to offer.
Charleston offers a charming atmosphere that's hard to find anywhere else. Spend part of the day exploring the scenery. From it's cobblestone streets to its picturesque buildings and historic churches, this town is the epitome of quaintness.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Charleston Chicora 2 Hours Walking Tour ($38)
- Charleston historical walking tour with a Professor of History at The Citadel ($40)
- Historic Women of Charleston Guided Walking Tour ($38)
Charleston is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The charming history, beautiful architecture, and historic churches all make this city one of the most beautiful in the southern United States.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Charleston Chicora 2 Hours Walking Tour ($38)
- Charleston historical walking tour with a Professor of History at The Citadel ($40)
- Historic Women of Charleston Guided Walking Tour ($38)
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Charleston, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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