How to Spend 4 Days in Charleston, South Carolina
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Charleston has always seemed like the mecca of Southern Hospitality. Known for its rich history, breathtaking architecture, and unbeatable Southern cuisine, Charleston is a perfect destination for a long weekend getaway. One of my best friends and I spent four days in Charleston in 2021 for a girls' weekend and it was such a great time.
There are tons of tours and things to see in and right outside of Charleston so you’ll never get bored. Four days in Charleston is the ideal amount of time, but there are also enough activities to do if you want to spend a week there. If you primarily want to see plantation homes, you can easily spend four entire days visiting them since there are so many in the area. We chose to only visit Magnolia Plantation and include a variety of other activities into our four day itinerary which you’ll see below.
When is the best time to visit Charleston?
Charleston, South Carolina is a charming city with a lot to offer year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and fall months. In spring, from March to May, the city comes alive with colorful blooms, pleasant temperatures, and a variety of outdoor events and festivals. The fall months, from September to November, bring cooler weather, slightly fewer crowds, and a beautiful transformation of the city's foliage. Both seasons offer ideal conditions for exploring Charleston's cobblestone streets, historic landmarks, and nearby beaches without the stifling heat and humidity of summer.
When it comes to the tourist season in Charleston, the high season typically runs from late spring to early fall. Visitors flock to the historic city to explore its charm in the warmer weather. Accommodation and tour prices are usually at their peak during this time, but the bustling atmosphere and the full array of activities make it a popular choice. On the other hand, the low season in Charleston falls during the winter months, from late fall to early spring. The city quiets down, the weather cools, and accommodation prices drop. While some attractions may operate on reduced schedules, visitors can still immerse themselves in the city's rich history, savor its renowned culinary scene, and enjoy its picturesque waterfront without the crowds.
How to get around in Charleston
When visiting Charleston for vacation, there are several convenient ways to get around the city. One of the best options is to explore the historic downtown area on foot. Many of the city's famous landmarks, such as Rainbow Row and Waterfront Park, are easily accessible by walking, allowing visitors to take in the charm of the cobblestone streets and historic architecture.
For attractions located further away, such as plantations and beaches, you can either rent a car or visit these destinations through tours that provide transportation. Renting a car always offers flexibility and convenience, especially for travelers wanting to explore the outskirts of the city. Additionally, Charleston also offers various transportation services, including taxis, rideshare apps, and bike rentals, providing visitors with plenty of choices for getting around and experiencing all that this charming city has to offer. During my time in Charleston, we explored by foot the entire time and were perfectly fine. For activities outside of downtown Charleston, such as Magnolia Plantation, we made sure to book a tour that included transportation.
4-Day Charleston Itinerary
Day 1: Soak Up Downtown Charleston
Breakfast at Miller’s All Day
Start your day with brunch at Miller’s All Day located on King Street in downtown Charleston. Miller’s All Day is one of the most popular breakfast spots in town and reservations are highly recommended. If you don’t have a reservation, don’t fret - you can still snag a table, but expect to wait a while. We didn’t have a reservation and waited about an hour for a table to become available. The wait is well worth it and the food is amazing! Miller’s All Day is known for their homemade biscuits so be sure to try one with jam or on a breakfast sandwich.
King Street Shopping
King Street is the main shopping street in Charleston and it’s where you can find some really great locally owned boutiques and gifts. The Preservation Society is one of my favorite shops on King Street. Here you can find locally crafted goods, regional books, and specialty gourmet items. Another favorite on King Street is Buxton Books; if you love bookstores then you definitely don’t want to miss this one! They offer an endless selection of books and you can even schedule a few tours such as Ghosts of Charleston and The Lost Stories of Black Charleston.
Rainbow Row
The popular pastel-colored houses, also known as Rainbow Row, are only a short 10-minute walk from most of the shops along King Street. Given its’ name for the obvious reason, this row of historic homes is painted in happy hues and has surprisingly been these colors for quite some time. In the early 1900s, one of the homeowners drew her inspiration from homes in Barbados, where she was most likely from. The trend caught on and more and more houses were repainted. Today, millions of people come to see the colorful homes on this block and they’ve become the perfect background for photos. After spending some time on Rainbow Road, Riley Waterfront Park is nearby and is the perfect place to take in the last light of the day.
Dinner at Poogan’s Porch
End your first day in Charleston with a classic Southern-style dinner at Poogan’s Porch. The food at this Charleston staple set the bar really high and it ended up being one of my favorites from our trip. The “she-crab soup” and the fried green tomatoes can’t be missed, you’ll thank me later!
Day 2: Day Trip to Magnolia Plantation
Breakfast at Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit
Before meeting up with your tour group, swing by Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit inside City Market for breakfast for one of the best biscuits you’ve ever had. Callie’s has two locations; the original location is on Upper King Street and their second location is towards the back of City Market. Their original location has a reputation for always being busy, so I recommend skipping the hassle and going straight to their City Market location. To our surprise, there was almost no line at all! Their biscuits are light and fluffy and you can order them plain, with jam, or as an egg sandwich. No matter which you choose, they’re very good however you order them!
Magnolia Plantation
There are four plantation homes that are open to the public and all are right outside of Charleston. We chose to visit Magnolia Plantation because it’s the most popular and I found a great tour that includes transportation from downtown Charleston. The tour itself was amazing and included roundtrip transportation, entry to the plantation home, a train tour that took you around the grounds, and a garden tour.
Magnolia Plantation has a unique history, is home to the oldest public garden in the United States, and is South Carolina’s oldest tourist attraction. Visitors have been paying to experience the property since 1870 when the plantation opened its’ doors to the public. The Magnolia Plantation was built in 1676 by the Drayton family and I won’t spill all of the history here, but it survived both the American Revolution and the Civil War. The fact I loved the most is that one of its’ owners was a preacher at a nearby church and he, unlike many other plantation owners, secretly taught his slaves how to read and write. You’ll spend about 3 hours here and like I said before, there are many, many plantations to visit around Charleston, so you could easily fill the rest of your day hopping around to different ones if you rented a car.
Charleston Ghost Tour
Ghost tours are extremely popular in Charleston. It’s something that I didn’t get a chance to do while I was there but wish I did. Charleston, with its rich history dating back to the colonial era, is steeped in stories of tragedy, mystery, and lingering spirits. From the harrowing tales of the Civil War to the eerie accounts of pirate invasions, the city's past is a treasure trove of ghostly tales. The cobblestone streets and historic buildings exude an otherworldly atmosphere that beckons the curious to explore its haunted past. Booking a ghost tour while visiting Charleston offers a unique opportunity to delve into the city's spectral side. Encounter chilling stories and visit notorious haunted sites under the moonlit sky, immersing yourself in the enigmatic and sometimes spine-tingling history of Charleston. Whether you consider yourself a skeptic or a believer, the ghost tour promises an unforgettable, hair-raising journey through the haunted heart of this storied city.
Day 3: Food Tour and Cooking Class in Charleston
Undiscovered Charleston Food Tour
Another day, another delicious meal, that’s the motto in Charleston, or at least for me, it was. We booked a food tour from Undiscovered Charleston and I cannot recommend it enough! This food tour is not just like any other food tour. Instead of walking around town tasting small portions of food from local businesses, you’ll spend about two hours walking with a real local chef! Chef Forrest will give you a rundown of the history of Charleston and how its past has influenced the culinary world.
Once the walking portion of the tour is over, you’ll head to his restaurant where he’ll cook you a 3-course meal and teach you about the ingredients and his techniques along the way. Once each course is prepared, the food will be divvied up amongst the others in your group and you’ll savor the flavors together, including wine pairings. The food Chef Forrest prepared was authentic and maybe the best meal I had in Charleston and in a very long time in general. We left with full bellies and recipe cards in hand. And just to show how good the meals were, I’ve made the shrimp and grits at least three times a year since this trip!
Day 4: Explore the Market and Take a Carriage Ride
Charleston City Market
The Charleston City Market can’t be missed. It’s one of the main tourist attractions in the city and it’s a fantastic place to support local vendors and find locally-made products. I personally collect ornaments from the destinations I visit and I was able to find a beautiful hand-painted ornament at City Market. City Market dates back to the 1790s and has been an integral part of Charleston’s commerce ever since. Today, you can wander through numerous stalls and interact with local artisans and vendors. From unique handmade crafts and artisanal goods to delectable Lowcountry delicacies, the market embodies the essence of Charleston's charm and hospitality.
Carriage Ride Through Charleston
Another popular thing to do in Charleston that’s also located near City Market is the carriage rides. This is a very popular thing to do in Charleston and I really enjoyed it! The tour lasts about an hour and each tour gets a different route so you could go on this tour five times and probably get a different route each time. There are up to 12 people per tour and the tour guides know everything you could ever want to know about the city and its’ history. There are a few different tour companies that operate these tours and most cost about $50 per adult. We booked our tour with Old South Carriage Co. which offers both daytime and haunted carriage tours.
After the tour, we stopped at Off Track Ice Cream to get a scoop (or two!). This scoop shop opened its’ doors in 2019 and whips up fresh, handmade ice cream with really cool flavors using local ingredients. If you love ice cream like I do, you have to give it a try!
Where to stay in Charleston, SC?
Charleston has a wide variety of hotels and home rentals, from budget stays on the outskirts of downtown to stylish boutique hotels. I stayed at The Ryder Hotel located in the heart of downtown and just steps away from the French Quarter. I absolutely loved everything about this hotel, including the location! You can read more about my review of staying at The Ryder Hotel here and below are some options based on price point.
Budget: Hyatt House Charleston Historic District - averages $200/night
Moderate: The Ryder Hotel - averages $350/night
Luxury: The Spectator Hotel - averages $550/night
Favorite Places to Eat in Charleston
Charleston's food scene is out of this world. It’s a blend of Southern culinary traditions and contemporary, innovative flavors. The city's renowned gastronomy reflects its rich history and diverse heritage, resulting in an array of dining options. Trust me, there are way too many to choose from, but there are a few that can’t be missed. From traditional Southern favorites like shrimp and grits and she-crab soup to modern takes on classic dishes such as seafood platters and biscuit sandwiches, Charleston offers a palate-pleasing experience for food enthusiasts. The culinary landscape in Charleston includes renowned establishments serving up staples like barbecued ribs, fried green tomatoes, and classic Southern fried chicken. Here are a few of my favorite places to eat in Charleston and you can find more options and details in my round-up of the 9 Best Places to Eat in Charleston.
Charleston, South Carolina is a city for foodies and history buffs alike! I loved learning about the city’s history and was pleasantly surprised to hear how everyone embraced the history and acknowledged how some of the horrors, specifically the region's role in slavery, shaped their culture and culinary dishes positively. Charleston is a great weekend getaway with friends or family, or even as a solo traveler.
Happy travels!
-Tess
Tess Arnold
Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip! If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!