Why visit Charleston?
Charleston, South Carolina, affectionately known as the Holy City, is a charming destination that offers a rich historical and cultural experience for visitors. It’s the Holy City for a reason – over 400 church steeples decorate the Charleston skyline.
This iconic skyline is part of what makes visiting Charleston for even 24-hours worth the trip. Whether it’s a layover or a quick stop on a road trip, here’s the best way to spend a day in this charming city.
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Sunrise: Wonder’s Way Walk
The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is one of the most iconic sites in Charleston, connecting Mount Pleasant to downtown. Built in the 2000s to accommodate more traffic, the 2.5mile bridge offers a protected path for pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy breathtaking views of the Cooper River.
You’ll want to start your day here, to catch the sunrise coming up over the Cooper River.
Parking is available at the Mount Pleasant Visitor Center or the Waterfront Park, which is near the walking path. Pay attention to the path markings to leave space for cyclists passing by while you’re walking!
Breakfast: Babas Charleston
Babas is a European café serving up much more than coffee on Cannon Street (and Meeting Street). Their mission is to bring together the feel of a European café combined with the comfort of southeast products for the people.
They open at 7am, so you’ll have plenty of time to sit and enjoy a bite to eat.
On the menu, you’ll find a variety of fresh-squeezed juices, espresso, and tea to jumpstart your day. Get the avocado toast or very tall quiche (just remember it needs time to heat) for breakfast.
Need more breakfast options? Check out Queen Street Grocery, Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit, or Beech.
Morning Activity: Walking Tour
The best way to experience Charleston is on foot, and the most efficient way to capture the highlights on a day trip is by signing up for a walking tour. Charleston’s historic district is a treasure trove of well-preserved architecture and cobblestone streets, reflecting the city’s storied past – and there’s a lot to uncover.
Historic walking tours will explore City Hall, America’s First Theatre, Old Exchange Building, and more! At less than $30 per person, this two-hour tour is a great way to get acquainted with the Holy City.
Looking to find out where the iconic Rainbow Row is? Sign up for this tour to explore the French Quarter and South of Broad neighborhoods, and it’s less than $25 per person.
If you’re looking to learn more about the importance of Black History in Charleston, you’ll want to check out the Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour. This tour starts at $34 per person.
Late Morning: Charleston City Market
Pop into the Charleston City Market for an hour to explore what the local artisans have created recently. After all, the City Market is the number one most visited attraction in Charleston!
The Market boasts over 300 entrepreneurs selling their goods nearly every day of the year. Their hours are 9:30am-5:00pm.
In town on a weekend? Push this activity off until after sundown and stop by for the Night Market. It’s open Fridays and Saturdays from 6:30pm-10:30pm.
Lunch: A.W. Shuck’s Seafood Shack
You guessed it – Shuck’s Seafood Shack is known for its seafood.
They offer seafood tacos like classic shrimp tacos, and more exciting soft shell crab tacos. If you’re looking for a classic low country meal, get the Charleston Shrimp and Grits.
Still full from breakfast and need something lighter? Try the Hawaiian Ahi Tuna Bowl.
Essentially, you can’t go wrong with a group of seafood lovers at this location.
If you’re not a seafood fan, there are tons of options in town. Check out Mercantile & Mash and Herd Provisions (weekend only for lunch) for a classic cheeseburger and fries.
Afternoon: Harbor Tour
Who doesn’t love an excuse to take a boat ride?
Learn everything you’ve wondered about the Charleston Harbor aboard Sandlapper Water Tours. From nature tours to ghost tours, they have all of your interests covered.
Dolphin and Eco Tours are 2 hours long, and cost $52 per person (children under 12 are $40). This includes dolphin sight-seeing, visiting an uninhabited barrier island, and exploring an onboard ‘touch tank’ to learn more about what lives in Charleston’s waters.
Late Afternoon: Oyster Happy Hour
I’m not sure you can say you went to Charleston if you didn’t stop somewhere for oysters.
While there are multiple locations that offer oyster happy hours, check out the options along King Street if you want to get in another round of shopping.
The Darling Oyster Bar is on upper King Street, and offers an oyster happy hour Monday through Friday from 4pm-7pm. You’ll find $1 oysters on the menu and $1 off draft beer.
Evening: King Street Shopping
On your walk to dinner from happy hour, spend some time popping into the King Street shops. Here are shop recommendations for those who love the coast:
Clayton and Crume: engraved leather goods, they make a gorgeous set of sunglass straps, perfect for keeping your favorite polarized lenses secured. Located at 332 King Street.
Kenny Flowers: this shop recently found its home on King Street, and is the ultimate destination for fun resort wear so YOU can be the life of the party, no matter where you are. Located at 345 King Street.
Marine Layer: This store has the best quilted, reversible pullovers. Plus, they have a program to keep textiles out of landfills (you can learn about it in-store). Located at 292 King Street.
Spartina 449 Charleston: A company that embodies coastal living, Spartina aspires to create the perfect marriage between linen and leather to tell the story of island living. What started as handbags has exploded into a full collection from accessories to jewelry to clothing. Located at 231 King Street.
Sunset: Drinks and dinner at the Citrus Club
As the highest rooftop in Charleston, you’ll want to stop by the Citrus Club to catch the sunset if you love citrus cocktails with a view (and a meal, of course). This bar is a part of the Dewberry Hotel on Market Street.
If you’d rather nosh on lite bites, you’ll want to try the Blue Crab Dip or Calypso Chips and Dip with the citrus salad (add the tuna to make it a meal).
When you’re coming for a full meal, you’ll be satisfied with the Lobster Roll or the Caribbean Rice Bowl.
You can also find classy mocktails on the menu under the Zero Proof section of the menu.
You’ll want to round out the day with one of the two incredible desserts on the menu for chocolate lovers and fruit lovers (truly the best of both worlds).