charleston, the ultimate weekend getaway activity guide
The Pineapple Fountain in Charleston’s Waterfront Park
One of the original nine historic brick cabins that housed the enslaved at Boone Hall Plantation. Each now houses exhibits and displays of the African American experience from the arrival of slaves in pre-Civil War America to present day struggles.
The pastel colored houses along Rainbow Row
Just something about the Carolinas speaks to me, and no city speaks louder than Charleston, South Carolina. Charleston is one of those rare places where rich history, southern charm, and coastal beauty all collide to leave a lasting impression in your heart. I know that sounds just about as sugary as a tall glass of sweet tea (sorry, I couldn’t resist!), but Charleston really does invoke that sort of emotion. It did it for me even in the dead heat and humidity of July when we visited (I even had to throw out my bra and buy a new one on day two because it was a lost cause), now if that is not a testament to its power, I don’t know what is!
The wonderful thing about Charleston is that it ticks a lot of boxes. It is a great destination for a quick romantic weekend getaway, a fun-filled girl’s trip, or a week-long family vacation. There really are a ton of activities to fill any itinerary.
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charleston’s historic paST
Before getting into the present day “must-see attractions”, I think it is important to know something about Charleston’s history. Charleston was founded in 1670, making it one of the oldest cities in the US. As one of our nation’s most historically rich cities, it has been the epicenter of some key moments in history - from the American Revolution (did you know that while adopted on July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was not actually printed or signed by delegates until August 2, 1776? Charleston was one of the first cities to read a public proclamation on August 5, 1776. I learned that on my ghost tour, believe it or not!) to the Civil War, and from the height of the transatlantic slave trade to the Civil Rights Movement. Charleston’s beauty, charm, and hospitality are undeniable, but so is its painful and complex past. One of the things that I appreciated most about Charleston is that it is a city that celebrates and preserves its history while also taking responsibility for its darker chapters.
Confronting Charleston’s role in slavery and racial injustice
In recent decades, Charleston has taken significant steps to address its involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, along with the many racial injustices that followed. Two very impactful attractions to visit that educate people on the realities of slavery and its last impact on American society are the Old Slave Mart Museum https://oldslavemartmuseum.com and the International African American Museum https://iaamuseum.org
top attractions - the “must see” guide
Downtown Charleston
#1 Rainbow Row
When most people think of Charleston’s architecture, the famed Rainbow Row often comes to mind. This has to be one of the top Instagram spots in all of Charleston. Rainbow Row is a stretch of 14 homes located on East Bay Street all painted shades of beautiful pastel colors (apparently they have been this way since the mid 1700’s!). It’s situated between King Street and The Battery/White Point Garden, so an easy detour to get those insta-worthy posts done when walking between the two areas.
#2 King Street
Charleston’s premier shopping destination, King Street literally has it all. It is lined with a mix of high-end local boutiques, popular retailers, cool antique shops, gorgeous jewelers, and lots of amazing places to eat. I feel like visiting King Street is a right of passage for anyone who considers themselves to be a serious shopper! That said, it’s not really a budget-conscious option - if you are looking for something more “wallet friendly”, I recommend considering a trip to the Tanger Outlets Charleston (located by the airport). While primarily typical outlet stores, they do have a Spartina 449 (quintessential low country attire, jewelry and accessories - https://spartina449.com and a Palmetto Moon (a specialty apparel, accessories, home and gift retailer that was started in Charleston and celebrates southern living - https://palmettomoononline.com
Once you have “shopped til’ you dropped”, a great way to see the rest of the gorgeous downtown area is by horse-drawn carriage. Also a great way to start off a romantic evening. expedia.com/affiliate/6z3KqVd
#3 Charleston City Market
Dating back to the 1790’s, the Charleston City Market is one of the country’s oldest public markets. Here you can find everything from unique handmade souvenirs to bring home to your jealous friends and family, to a fun piece of jewelry from a local artisan for yourself. Keep your eye out for the iconic sweetgrass baskets (originated from the Gullah people). The market is open 365 days a year.
#4 The Battery and White Point Garden
Stroll the beautiful tree-lined promenade flanked by grand antebellum mansions while taking in the stunning view of the harbor and Fort Sumter. Wow, that was a mouthful! The battery was originally a defensive seawall to protect the city from pirates and other invaders. The park has monuments and remnants and an impressive display of Civil War cannons on one end and the famous Pineapple Fountain on the other. This would be an awesome place to dress up the family in some of those fancy clothes that you bought on King Street and take those coveted Holiday Card pictures!
#5 Fort Sumter National Monument or Harbor Cruise
Unfortunately, we ran out of time on our trip, but these are definitely on the list for next time. Fort Sumter is where the first shots of the Civil War were fired in 1861! It is accessible only by boat. A must do for the history buffs reading this blog. Buy tickets here - https://expedia.com/affiliate/JyNac3F
This harbor cruise, on the Carolina Belle (a replica 1920’s steamer), is a great way to see Charleston from a different view. You might even catch a glimpse of some dolphins! I heard the evening cruises are beautiful. https://expedia.com/affiliate/bUncUlt
#6 A Plantation Tour - we chose Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
I am not going to lie, this was a tough decision because all of the plantation tours seemed very interesting. We decided on Boone Hall because it is one of America’s oldest working plantations that is still in operation - continually growing crops for over 320 years. You can take a tractor tour around the entire property and purchase fresh produce, honey and other goods all grown right there on the plantation. It is also the only plantation in the area to present a live presentation explaining the culture and traditions of the Gullah people. It takes place in front of one of the original 9 brick slave cabins that still stand in their original locations, the presentation was a very emotional and truly haunting experience. It is also the site used in many famous movies and TV shows, including The Notebook (that’s right, you have seen that house before!).
Explore more and buy tickets at https://expedia.com/affiliate/W0UKYxK
#7 A Ghost or Pirate Tour
I highly recommend making this a night event! Charleston seems to take on a whole new magic when the sun goes down. Cobblestone streets, dark alleys, historic cemeteries and even a dungeon! There are no shortage of tour groups that offer a variety of itineraries, but we chose Bulldog Tours. https://expedia.com/affiliate/vnNtTea
If you are visiting Charleston on a girl’s trip or with all adults, this seems like a must - Ihttps://expedia.com/affiliate/meQjjAx Who doesn’t want to check out a tour called the “Boos & Booze, walking ghost tour” - how fun does that sound?
#8 For the “Foodies”
A food tour in a city known for its authentic southern cuisine, yes, please! I can’t tell you how many people mentioned taking a food tour & saying that it was one of their favorite parts of their visit to Charleston. This is one of the most highly rated - https://expedia.com/affiliate/PVe1szh
If you really want an immersive experience, check out one of the cooking classes offered. This is a family-friendly, hour and a half class https://expedia.com/affiliate/Dl5zcJK. Still, for a more in-depth adventure, check out this half-day experience that includes a 90-minute walking tour of the historic district, cooking demonstration and lunch including wine at Bistro a Vin! https://expedia.com/affiliate/bLLMBbz
the beach scene
I could easily do an entire blog post on the beach scene alone in the Charleston area. Not being one of the biggest beach aficionados myself (I am one of those weirdos who is not a big fan of sand & sea), even I was charmed by the beach towns in the Charleston area. Each one is pretty unique and has something for everyone (even the for sand-phobic crowd like me!).
Folly Beach
Vibe: It’s known as the “The Edge of America”. Funny enough coined by a local surf shop & later adopted as the town’s official slogan, it refers to it’s location on a barrier island at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. This is the beach closest to the actual city of Charleston and has a total surfer vibe. One of it’s primary highlights is the long pier where you can fish, watch for dolphins or catch an amazing sunrise view.
Isle of Palms
Vibe: Family friendly and upscale. Isle of Palms is actually where the selfie picture on my home page was taken! Pristine beaches & clear water, Isle of Palms is also known for it’s resorts & golf. We loved salivating over the amazing beachfront homes!
Sullivan’s Island
Vibe: More of a residential, less touristy experience, Sullivan’s Island might appeal more to visitors looking for historic charm and natural beauty. Fort Moultrie https://discoversouthcarolina.com/articles/discover-fort-moultrie
is located here.
Seabrook Island
Vibe: While this is a private, gated community, Seabrook Island is the home of the Seabrook Island Equestrian Center - https://www.instagram.com/seabrookislandequestriancenter/ This is one of the only places on the East Coast where you can ride horses on the beach.
final thoughts
No matter what activities appeal to you, you won’t be bored on a trip to Charleston. I plan to return as soon as possible so I can share a follow-up post just focusing on the culinary side of this amazing city! Stay tuned!
