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Only have time for a short trip to Charleston, South Carolina?
Do not worry. Our trip guide is filled with all of the local landscapes, eats and drinks for you to fully experience the charming city. Here is how you can spend 72 hours in Charleston, South Carolina.
Day 1
Morning: Walk down the cobblestone sidewalks of Upper King Street Design District. The street is a mecca for one of a kind art shops, restaurants and bars. Round out your morning walking under broad live oak trees shading the weathered brick alleys of College of Charleston campus.
Afternoon: Shop a little down King, where retro boutiques give way to rustic antique shops. Any street you choose to turn onto at this point ensures an adventure all its own. Admire the pristine steeples and ornate stained glass windows of St. Michael’s Church, the oldest one of its kind in the Holy City.
Evening: Theatre 99, a Meeting Street hub for comedy is, as they say, “where boredom goes to die.” The theatre has live improv shows featuring local troupes and, special guests, like Upright Citizens Brigade.
Admire the pristine steeples and ornate stained glass windows of St. Michael’s Church, the oldest one of its kind in the Holy City.
Day 2
Morning: Head across the Ravenel Bridge, to the Old Village of Mount Pleasant for a quick bite before continuing to Sullivan’s Island. Station 22 is a prime beach spot to relax on the clear, blue shoreline of the barrier island. Walk along the oceanfront, where seashells and sand dollars are often leftover from the changing tides.
Afternoon: Since you’re beach ready, stop at Shem Creek to sail the Lowcountry estuaries by paddle board. If you’re lucky, you’ll hit the water when the dolphins congregate to vie for leftover bait from incoming fishing boats.
Evening: Take the Morrison Drive exit off of the bridge to Edmund’s Oast, a hip gastropub featuring a classic take on southern fare. Hanging rustic chandeliers, long communal tables and an open kitchen emphasize the chic, understated décor.
Have a nightcap (or three, we’re not counting) at The Royal American. The eclectic dive pays homage to kick-ass past Americans with vintage top hats and picture place cards of George Washington and Steve McQueen appearing among the multicolored beads and streamers surrounding the wrap around bar.
Head across the Ravenel Bridge, to the Old Village of Mount Pleasant for a quick bite before continuing to Sullivan’s Island.
Day 3
Morning: Begin the day with a sultry latte or robust brew from Black Tap Coffee on Beaufain before setting off for Boone Hall Plantation.
Live oaks draped in Spanish moss span over two even-spaced rows of tree branches kissing above the dirt road, creating a shady haven on sweltering summer days at the plantation. The estate was founded in 1681, making it one of the oldest (and arguably most famous) working and living plantations in the USA.
Afternoon: Take a 15-minute drive to Holy City Brewing to sample some of the best local suds in town. Holy City has myriad beers on tap, several aptly named for details specific to the Charleston Lowcountry, like “Washout Wheat” and “Pluff Mud Porter.” There’s plenty of seating inside and out to enjoy your beverage, some grub from one of the food trucks and the live music often playing.
Evening: Finish your last night where you began: Upper King Street. In the past 10 years the neighborhood has staked its claim as prime barhopping territory in the Holy City. CFB (Closed for Business), has a snug, throwback vibe with a large selection of rotation beer offerings on tap.Stars rooftop is a sleek spot to pour one back while admiring the iconic Charleston skyline.
Learn more about the iconic sites in Charleston, South Carolina, click here.
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