Here’s a step-by-step locals guide of 10 activities to enjoy during a weekend vacation in Charleston, South Carolina, if you are
considering a move to the area: I am a local real estate broker and I live in Mount Pleasant, suburbia because I have kids, well technically one, and it’s the most popular town in the metro area for that lifestyle. That said, I sell all over and have lived here since 1999, but am from Columbia the capital, and thus I am familiar with most of the state of SC has to offer. Since I live and work in Charleston I have gone through the effort of helping a family or couple just enjoy a simple weekend visit to Charleston, especially if you are visiting with the thoughts of purchasing a home here, relocating, or as an investment. This is a locals perspective, the secret to having a good time in town.
Explore the Historic Downtown Charleston: Book a hotel room at Start your trip by taking a stroll through the Historic District of Charleston. There are so many things to do in the historic peninsula that it is hard to pick even just a few. The streets of this area are lined with historic homes and buildings dating back to the 18th century. You can walk around the Battery, visit the City Market, and take a carriage ride to learn more about the city’s rich history. See our favorite suggestions of specific hotel, or bed and breakfast spots that will make your stay that much more memorable.
The Restoration Hotel: This boutique hotel is located in the heart of the Historic District and offers a mix of modern amenities and historic charm. The rooms are spacious and stylishly decorated, and there is a rooftop bar and restaurant with great views of the city.
The Vendue: This hotel is located in a historic building that was once a warehouse, and it has been converted into a boutique hotel with an art gallery. The rooms are individually decorated and feature original artwork. The hotel also has a rooftop bar with great views of the city.
The Loutrel: Guests at The Loutrel can enjoy a Full English/Irish breakfast. Staff at the accommodation are always available to provide guidance at the reception, and fitness center, great location central to everything, and private parking which is a must in Charleston.
The Wentworth Mansion: I mean who doesn’t want to stay in a mansion? This Charleston hotel features a full-service spa. A daily southern breakfast is offered at this South Carolina Wentworth Mansion at Circa 1886 restaurant. Even better, FREE parking.
The John Rutledge House Inn: This bed & breakfast is located in another historic mansion that dates back to the 18th century. The rooms are elegantly decorated and feature four-poster beds and antique furnishings. The inn also has a courtyard and a rooftop terrace with great views of the city.
- The Dewberry Hotel: The historic Dewberry Charleston is a mid-20th century boutique hotel is located in the in the Mendell Rivers Federal building and features an American Southern brasserie-style restaurant and a craft cocktail bar.Spa at the Dewberry, a fitness center, and a library are available as well as the Fieldshop from Garden & Gun on-site shop. The 2,300 feet of indoor and outdoor event space includes a glass-enclosed rooftop venue.
Visit the Charleston City Market: The Charleston City Market is a famous landmark in the city, and you can find a variety of vendors selling everything from sweetgrass baskets to souvenirs. You can spend hours browsing through the tables, and it’s a great place to pick up some local souvenirs to take back home. To be honest, it’s a bit cliche’ to do this, but if you don’t, you might feel like you didn’t truly experience the city.
Relax at Folly Beach or Sullivan’s Island: Located just a short drive from Charleston, Folly Beach, and Sullivan’s Island are both popular destinations for locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy the sun, surf, and sand while relaxing on the beach, or take a dip in the ocean to cool off. Both beach towns have dining and drinking spots to walk to and enjoy a bite to eat after a day on the beach. Both of these beach communities are great options for living as well, with Sullivan’s Island being one of the most expensive towns in all of South Carolina to own real estate, besides downtown Charleston and Kiawah. But the price per capita is the most expensive for sure, given there are very few condos, and the island is small. When you’re on Sullivan’s Island, you’ll want to eat at Poe’s and/or Home Team BBQ for sure and have a drink called “the game changer”.
Go see the Charleston Harbor: One of the best ways to see the city is from the water. You can take a Charleston Harbor Tour and/or book a dinner cruise of the harbor and get a unique perspective of the city’s skyline, including the famous Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Or simply drive to Mt Pleasant, and take a walk over the bridge. The views are amazing. There is parking in or by the gas station at the end of the bridge off Coleman Blvd.
Check out Mount Pleasant: Mount Pleasant is a nearby town that offers a mix of suburban and beachy vibes. You can explore The Old Village, visit the USS Yorktown at Patriots Point, definitely go to Shem Creek, and sit and have a drink or dinner at one of the many restaurants on the water. As mentioned above this is the largest, nicest suburban town in the metro-area, so if you’re considering moving here for full-time or second-home living, it should definitely be on your list. Its proximity to beaches, shopping, downtown, and it’s home to 4 country clubs, and 2 other golf courses makes it a top favorite for people looking to relocate to Charleston.
The Culinary scene is Crazy So Go Enjoy your meals: You can’t come to one of the most acclaimed foodie cities in the world and not splurge. Charleston is known for its delicious Southern cuisine. You can try some Lowcountry favorites, like shrimp and grits or she-crab soup, at one of the many restaurants in the area. Some of the local’s (and let’s be honest, travel writers’) favorite options include Halls Chophouse, FIG, Peninsula Grill, High Cotton, and The Ordinary.
Visit the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens: If you’re interested in history, you have to book a visit the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, one of the oldest plantations in the South. You can tour the plantation house, stroll through the gardens, take a horseback ride, and learn about the history of the area.
Explore the French Quarter: The French Quarter is a neighborhood in the Historic District that has a distinctly European vibe. You can check out the art galleries, grab a coffee at one of the many cafes, and enjoy the street performers. Prior to going book a carriage tour of the city with one of the many companies that offer sightseeing tours of the historic boroughs of the city. This part of the city is home to many historic homes, cobblestone streets, and mansions that make you feel like you are walking through Europe.
- Visit Kiawah and Play Golf: If you are maybe just considering a 2nd home Kiawah Island is definitely one you should have on your list to visit. You could stay an extra night at The Sanctuary Hotel, one of the most luxurious destinations in the area, get room service, book a massage at the spa, and sit on the beach if you wish. Kiawah Island has many places to stay aside from The Sanctuary, but if you want to experience arguably one of the most spectacular golf destinations in the world (as most golfers know) who cares where you stay? So if you’re going to visit the area for a long weekend, why not spend a night and day enjoying the uber-luxurious Kiawah Island? Their tennis facilities are also world-class, ride bikes to see the pristine nature, or just take a walk on the beach where you rarely see more than 10 people. That might be the best part.
Ride Around Daniel Island & Catch A Concert at Credit One Stadium: Daniel Island is a special place, similar to that of Mount Pleasant. Essentially a small suburban town, but smaller than Mt Pleasant, with its own vibe, its own little town center, private club with two golf courses, and even more fun its own concert venue. The Credit One stadium is not only home to the Credit One Open tennis ladies’ tennis tournament, but it also hosts many national music artists regularly who also come to enjoy Charleston. Because it’s outside and a smaller venue the environment feels more quaint and enjoyable vs seeing a concert in a large arena. Check their website to see what’s happening and you might be surprised to find one of your favorite bands will be in town the same weekend you are.
