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01 Feb 2025Updated last time
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Charleston, SC 3 Days Itinerary

Charleston, SC 3-Day Itinerary Overview

Explore the charm and history of Charleston, SC with this 3-day itinerary. Begin your journey at the Historic Charleston City Market, where you'll find a bustling array of local goods, arts, crafts, and delicious Southern cuisine. Stroll through the famous Waterfront Park to enjoy the scenic views of Charleston Harbor and the iconic Pineapple Fountain. Dive deep into history with a visit to the Fort Sumter National Monument, the site of the first shots of the American Civil War.

Continue your historical exploration at the Charleston Museum, America's first museum, which offers captivating exhibits on the city's rich heritage. Visit the Boone Hall Plantation, one of the oldest working plantations in America, and learn about its significant past through guided tours and historic slave cabins. Don't miss Rainbow Row, a picturesque series of colorful historic homes that showcase Charleston's architectural beauty.

Nature lovers will appreciate a visit to the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich history dating back to 1676. Relax and unwind at the Battery & White Point Gardens, where you'll find breathtaking views of the harbor and historical monuments. Finally, end your trip with a shopping spree at King Street Shopping District, a vibrant area offering a mix of high-end boutiques, antique shops, and gourmet restaurants.

This itinerary offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and leisure, ensuring a memorable visit to Charleston, SC.


Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    Historic Charleston City Market

    It's a bustling market that offers a variety of local goods, arts, crafts, and food, giving visitors a taste of Charleston's local culture and history.
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    Waterfront Park

    This park provides scenic views of Charleston Harbor, including the iconic Pineapple Fountain, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing stroll or a picnic.
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    Fort Sumter National Monument

    As the site of the first shots of the American Civil War, it offers a significant historical experience with well-preserved fortifications and knowledgeable guides.
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    Charleston Museum

    Known as America's first museum, it offers fascinating exhibits on Charleston's rich history, from natural history to decorative arts, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
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    Boone Hall Plantation

    One of America's oldest working plantations, it offers guided tours, beautiful gardens, and historic slave cabins, providing a comprehensive look into Southern history and culture.
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  • Trip Point Pin6

    Rainbow Row

    This series of colorful historic houses is an iconic sight and a popular photo spot, representing Charleston's historic charm and architectural beauty.
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    Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

    Famous for its stunning and historic gardens, it offers a picturesque landscape with a rich history dating back to 1676, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
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    Battery & White Point Gardens

    This historic park offers spectacular views of the Charleston Harbor, along with historic statues and cannons, providing a relaxing and educational experience with a connectable past.
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    King Street Shopping District

    A vibrant hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment, it features a mix of high-end boutiques, antique shops, and gourmet restaurants, making it an ideal spot for a variety of interests.
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Restaurants

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    Poogan's Porch

    9
    $$$$

    Poogan's Porch

    Housed in a charming Victorian townhouse, this restaurant offers Southern comfort food with a historical twist, as the building is rumored to be haunted.
    9
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    Husk Restaurant

    Husk Restaurant

    Husk emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and Southern cuisine in a beautiful, historic house, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
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    The Obstinate Daughter

    9
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    The Obstinate Daughter

    Located on Sullivan's Island, this eclectic eatery offers a unique mix of Southern cuisine and Italian fare, with an inviting, coastal atmosphere.
    9
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    The Grocery

    4.5
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    The Grocery

    An innovative farm-to-table restaurant with a seasonal menu, The Grocery offers a unique culinary experience that highlights fresh, local produce.
    4.5
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    167 Raw

    9.5
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    167 Raw

    A seafood haven with a casual, vibrant atmosphere, 167 Raw serves fresh oysters, lobster rolls, and other seafood delights that make it a standout choice.
    9.5
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Hotels

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    The Vendue - Charleston, SC

    4.4

    The Vendue - Charleston, SC

    This art-centric boutique hotel not only offers luxurious accommodations but also doubles as an art gallery with rotating exhibitions.
    4.4
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    Zero George Street

    8.6

    Zero George Street

    A collection of historic carriage houses and residences, this elegant hotel offers an intimate and unique stay with beautiful courtyards and a renowned cooking school.
    8.6
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    The Restoration Hotel

    The Restoration Hotel

    Offering a blend of classic and contemporary design, this hotel provides spacious suites with unique touches like in-room breakfast picnics and a rooftop pool with stunning views.
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    The Spectator Hotel

    8.9

    The Spectator Hotel

    Combining Jazz Age elegance with modern luxury, The Spectator offers a unique experience with personalized butler service and a speakeasy-style bar.
    8.9
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    French Quarter Inn

    4.9

    French Quarter Inn

    Known for its Southern hospitality and charm, this hotel offers thoughtful amenities like complimentary champagne on arrival, making it a memorable and luxurious stay.
    4.9
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Local Events & Happenings

  • Event Icon

    Lyle Lovett and his Acoustic Group

    Lyle Lovett and his Acoustic Group

    The event will take place at Charleston Gaillard Center in Charleston.
    Map IconCharleston Gaillard Center in Charleston (1 mi)
    Calendar Icon24 Sep 2025
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    An Evening with Reese Witherspoon & Harlan Coben

    An Evening with Reese Witherspoon & Harlan Coben

    The event will take place at Charleston Gaillard Center in Charleston.
    Map IconCharleston Gaillard Center in Charleston (1 mi)
    Calendar Icon21 Oct 2025
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    Bradeazy w/ B2B Set by Hi Ed & GEO - 18+

    Bradeazy w/ B2B Set by Hi Ed & GEO - 18+

    Doors at 8:30 pm | Show at 9:00 pm AGE POLICY: This event is strictly 18+ regardless of accompaniment CASHLESS VENUE - The Music Farm services all credit and debit payments only. No cash accepted at the box office or bar. ACCESSIBILITY: The Music Far...
    Map IconMusic Farm in Charleston (1.07 mi)
    Calendar Icon31 Aug 2025
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    Gimme Gimme Disco - 18+

    Gimme Gimme Disco - 18+

    The event will take place at Music Farm in Charleston.
    Map IconMusic Farm in Charleston (1.07 mi)
    Calendar Icon5 Sep 2025
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    Ordinary Boys - A Tribute to The Smiths & Morrissey w/ New Dawn Fades

    Ordinary Boys - A Tribute to The Smiths & Morrissey w/ New Dawn Fades

    Doors at 7:30 pm | Show at 8:00 pm AGE POLICY: Minors 17 & under are required to be accompanied by an adult, age 18 or older. The venue is not responsible for minors on the premises. Parents and/or guardians are responsible for minor children when on...
    Map IconMusic Farm in Charleston (1.07 mi)
    Calendar Icon6 Sep 2025
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    Angelo The Kid - 18+

    Angelo The Kid - 18+

    Doors at 9:00 pm | Show at 9:30 pm AGE POLICY: This show is 18+ regardless of accompaniment CASHLESS VENUE - The Music Farm services all credit and debit payments only. No cash accepted at the box office or bar. ACCESSIBILITY: The Music Farm is a gen...
    Map IconMusic Farm in Charleston (1.07 mi)
    Calendar Icon7 Sep 2025
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    Nick Hexum (of 311) with Special Guest Water Tower

    Nick Hexum (of 311) with Special Guest Water Tower

    Doors at 7:30 pm | Show at 8:00 pm AGE POLICY: Minors 17 & under are required to be accompanied by an adult, age 18 or older. The venue is not responsible for minors on the premises. Parents and/or guardians are responsible for minor children when on...
    Map IconMusic Farm in Charleston (1.07 mi)
    Calendar Icon10 Sep 2025
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Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    Visitor's Guide. Charleston is a very popular tourist destination having earned a seat in numerous top 10 lists from a variety of travel groups over the last decade. It's no s...

    Charleston, SC

    Visitor's Guide. Charleston is a very popular tourist destination having earned a seat in numerous top 10 lists from a variety of travel groups over the last decade. It's no s...

    /r/Charleston
  • Reddit Icon

    Next weekend my GF and I are traveling/flying down to Charleston for the weekend (8/31-9/4). We are staying at a hotel in Mount Pleasant across the bridge. This will be my fir...

    What To Do On Vacation

    Next weekend my GF and I are traveling/flying down to Charleston for the weekend (8/31-9/4). We are staying at a hotel in Mount Pleasant across the bridge. This will be my fir...

    /r/Charleston
  • Reddit Icon

    Hey OP, members of r/Charleston have created a Visitor's Guide just for you. Its curated with recommendations for restaurants, entertainment, sightseeing, and other visitor ti...

    Recommendations for first time visiting

    Hey OP, members of r/Charleston have created a Visitor's Guide just for you. Its curated with recommendations for restaurants, entertainment, sightseeing, and other visitor ti...

    /r/Charleston
  • Reddit Icon

    Charleston, South Carolina has been consecutively named the No. 1 City in the United States and Canada by the readers of Travel + Leisure and Cond Nast Traveler, and was the f...

    Sights to see and things to do

    Charleston, South Carolina has been consecutively named the No. 1 City in the United States and Canada by the readers of Travel + Leisure and Cond Nast Traveler, and was the f...

    /r/Charleston
  • Reddit Icon

    As you might imagine we get questions like this a lot, so we've put together a handy Visitor's Guide. Its loaded with restaurant, sights, entertainment and activity recommenda...

    What I did with my weekend in Charleston for everyone looking for ...

    As you might imagine we get questions like this a lot, so we've put together a handy Visitor's Guide. Its loaded with restaurant, sights, entertainment and activity recommenda...

    /r/Charleston

Music for Your Journey

  • Music Icon

    James Taylor - Carolina in My Mind

    James Taylor - Carolina in My Mind

    A nostalgic ode to the Carolinas, perfect for setting a reflective and peaceful tone.
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    Duke Deuce - Sweet Tea

    Duke Deuce - Sweet Tea

    A fun, upbeat track that captures the essence of Southern charm and culture.
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    Tyler Childers - Charleston Girl (Live)

    Tyler Childers - Charleston Girl (Live)

    An instrumental jazz classic that pays homage to the city's vibrant energy.
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    M83 - Midnight City

    M83 - Midnight City

    This dreamy, atmospheric piece will complement evening strolls in Charleston.
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    Glen Campbell - Southern Nights

    Glen Campbell - Southern Nights

    A soulful track that perfectly captures the relaxed and warm evenings in the South.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Kelvin Jackson - Charleston - Instrumental

    Kelvin Jackson - Charleston - Instrumental

    An upbeat song that celebrates the beauty and history of Charleston, making it perfect for exploring the city.
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    John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads - Original Version

    John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads - Original Version

    Though it references West Virginia, its themes of home and nature make it a fitting companion for travel.
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    Billie Eilish - ocean eyes

    Billie Eilish - ocean eyes

    This ethereal track is ideal for moments by the water at Waterfront Park.
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    Otis Redding - (Sittin' On) the Dock of the Bay

    Otis Redding - (Sittin' On) the Dock of the Bay

    A classic hit that's perfect for relaxing and enjoying the waterfront views.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home

    Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home

    A feel-good song about the comfort and warmth of coming home, fitting for the welcoming vibe of Charleston.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home