A Weekend In Charleston...

Planning a 3-4 day weekend in Chuck Town? Check out all these recommendations and more to truly enjoy your stay! Only in town for 3 days - consider picking one of the beaches to go to instead of all 3 (If you like more activities to do around the beach head to Folly. If you are looking for a true beach day - my favorite is Sullivan's Island).

A Weekend In Charleston...

  • Charleston, SC 10-Day Weather Forecast - The Weather Channel | Weather.com

    Make sure you check the weather before you come so you know what to pack :) Often the forecast will say rain but it might only rain for 20 minutes and then blow out. Also it could often be raining in one part of town and not another. So don't get too worried if the forecast says rain.

  • Daniel Island Shuttle

    Want an easy way to get around all weekend? Consider hiring the Daniel Island Shuttle. They'll even pick you up and drop you off at the airport!

Thursday

I highlight recommend staying on Daniel Island. This quiet island north of Charleston offers water views, with a small town feel. Only 15 minutes from nearly everything, it offers the best central location to explore all Charleston has to offer!

  • DO: Bike Daniel Island Trails

    Start off your Charleston weekend by biking Daniel Island. This beautiful island has over 25 miles of trails and tons of water views.

  • RIDE: Daniel Island Ferry

    Then take the Passenger Ferry service from Daniel Island (DI), SC to downtown Charleston, SC. For $20 roundtrip you get amazing water views, a sunset ride on your way back and adult beverages. The ferry leaves at 5:30 from DI and leaves downtown to return at 8:30pm. You'll arrive back on DI at 9pm.

  • BUY: DI Water Taxi Tickets

    Book directly online with live availability, whether you're at a computer or on the go.

  • SEE: Rainbow Row in Charleston SC

    Once you hit downtown, a short walk up the street will bring you to rainbow row - An iconic site in Charleston which is a series of row houses near the historic waterfront painted bright pastel colors.

  • DO: Check out Battery Park

    If you keep walking past Rainbow Row you'll wander all the way down to the boardwalk. Then take that all the way along the ocean until you hit battery park, the southernmost tip of the Charleston peninsula.

  • DRINK: The Vendue Rooftop

    Hit the Vendue Rooftop Bar on your way back to catch the ferry (it is just a block from waterfront park) for a refreshing cocktail with unbeatable views of Charleston.

  • EAT: Sermets

    Upon your arrival back to DI, stop into Sermets, an Italian spot owned by a Turkish man. Make sure to try to AMAZING yellow curry mussels and spot the bright orange Penguin in the bar. Also, you can cork and carry in Charleston, so order a bottle of wine and if you don't finish it, take it home.

Friday

Make yourself a hardy breakfast and then head off to John's island. Make your way to Folly beach in the afternoon, and then find your way downtown for a dinner cruise!

  • SEE: Angel Oak Tree Johns Island

    Start your day off at the Angel Oak Tree on Johns Island, is a 400 year old stunner that you must see before leaving Charleston.

  • DO: Folly Beach

    Since you'll be on that side of Charleston, take the afternoon to hit up Folly Beach. With tons of shops and a beautiful pier there is plenty to do for everyone. Check out this site that has activities guides, restaurant menus, events calendars. View photo and video galleries!

  • DO: Blues and BBQ Charleston Harbor Tours

    2-Hour Charleston Harbor Cruise, this boat ride offers a sunset experience complete with BBQ (it is fantastic) and Blues music. You'll most likely even get a chance to see some dolphins!

  • BUY: BBQ Cruise Tickets

    Book directly online with live availability, whether you're at a computer or on the go.

Saturday

Charleston is known for its epic food scene so make sure to fit a day in of eating and drinking the local fair. Southern staples and oysters are on nearly every menu. And don't forget to try a cocktail made with the local firefly sweet tea vodka (I recommend mixing it with lemonade!)

  • EAT: The Shelter Kitchen and Bar

    Start off your morning at the shelter in Shem Creek for brunch (I love the huevos rancheros here). They have a bloody bar and live music.

  • DO: Sullivan's Island

    Head over and plan to spend your whole day on Sullivan's Island. Minutes from downtown Charleston, Sullivan's Island is an mix of wide beaches, water sports, local restaurants & shops.

  • EAT: Poe's Tavern

    Grab a late lunch on the patio of Poe's. An epic burger menu, this place is also doggie friendly!

  • DRINK: Saltwater Cowboys

    Head to Shem Creek as the sun goes down for a glass of wine (only $5!). And the dolphins play here so you'll be sure to catch their afternoon show from Saltwater's epic patio.

  • EAT: Husk Restaurant

    Chef Sean Brock of Chef’s Table started this restaurant and the food is to die for. Eat the entire appetizer menu if you can score a seat in the dining room. Otherwise head next store to eat at their 100 year old carriage house turned bar and get the burger and fried chicken!

Sunday

Squeeze in one more activity before you go if you can. Grab brunch and then hit Shem Creek to hang out with the dolphins!

  • EAT: Brunch at Page's Okra Grill

    Sleep in on Sunday but not too late as you'll want to get to Page's before 10. This SUPER popular brunch place in Mount Pleasant will boast a long line after 10am for brunch but the food is well worth it. Get the Messy TJ - a southern fried chicken on a biscuit egg sandwich dosed in white sausage gravy.

  • DO: Paddle Board Shem Creek - Coastal Expeditions

    Rent a paddle board (or kayak if paddle boarding isn't your thing) and play with the dolphins and manatees in Shem Creek. $35 gets you a 2 hour rental.