• As the oldest and largest city in South Carolina, Charleston is filled with historic attractions, scenic harbor views, romantic inns, coffee shops, award-winning seafood and other restaurants.
  • Top things to do in Charleston for families include the aquarium, a picnic in Waterfront Park and shopping at the Charleston City Market.
  • Couples can stay at unique hotels and explore the oldest museum in the country and walk through romantic gardens.

1. Day 1: Stroll through the lovely Magnolia Plantation & Gardens ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Day 1: Stroll through the lovely Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
© Courtesy of anwin - Fotolia.com

2. Best FREE Thing to Do in Charleston: Visit Waterfront Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best FREE Thing to Do in Charleston: Visit Waterfront Park
© Courtesy of eurobanks - Fotolia.com

3. In the morning, take the kids to the South Carolina Aquarium

In the morning, take the kids to the South Carolina Aquarium
© Courtesy of Jill Lang - Fotolia.com

4. In the evening, See a performance at the Charleston Music Hall

In the evening, See a performance at the Charleston Music Hall
© Courtesy of maxcam - Fotolia.com

5. Day 2: Go on a Charleston Culinary Tour

Day 2: Go on a Charleston Culinary Tour
© Charleston Culinary Tours

6. Learn about local history at the Charleston Museum

Learn about local history at the Charleston Museum
© Charleston Museum

7. Take a tour of Calhoun Mansion

Take a tour of Calhoun Mansion
© Courtesy of Shelley - Fotolia.com

8. Have a romantic dinner at The Ordinary

Have a romantic dinner at The Ordinary
© Squire Fox, The Ordinary

9. Discover Middleton Place

Discover Middleton Place
© Courtesy of Daniel Meunier - Fotolia.com

10. Dine at Husk Restaurant

Dine at Husk Restaurant
© Husk Restaurant

11. See historic Drayton Hall

See historic Drayton Hall
© Courtesy of KAREL - Fotolia.com

12. DAY 3: Admire colorful houses along Rainbow Row

DAY 3: Admire colorful houses along Rainbow Row
© gb27photo/stock.adobe.com

13. Head to Stars Rooftop and Grill Room

Head to Stars Rooftop and Grill Room
© Stars Rooftop and Grill Room

14. Take the kids to Lewis Barbecue when they get hungry

Take the kids to Lewis Barbecue when they get hungry
© Lewis Barbecue

15. Go shopping at Charleston City Market

Go shopping at Charleston City Market
© Courtesy of Grafvision - Fotolia.com

16. Go on a Charleston Brews Cruise

Go on a Charleston Brews Cruise
© Charleston Brews Cruise

17. Have dinner at Cru Cafe

Have dinner at Cru Cafe
© Cru Cafe

18. See a show at Theatre 99

See a show at Theatre 99
© Theatre 99

19. Step back in time at The Edmondston-Alston House

Step back in time at The Edmondston-Alston House
© The Edmondston-Alston House

20. Have a date at The Darling Oyster Bar

Have a date at The Darling Oyster Bar
© The Darling Oyster Bar

21. Book a cruise with Charleston Charter and Yacht

Book a cruise with Charleston Charter and Yacht
© Courtesy of nd700 - Fotolia.com

22. Learn about history at the Old Slave Mart Museum

Learn about history at the Old Slave Mart Museum
© Old Slave Mart Museum

Best time to visit Charleston, SC:

Visit Charleston during the shoulder seasons of spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) to enjoy temperatures in the 60s and 70s.

How to get to Charleston, SC:

Charleston is 2 hours from Columbia (115.6 miles via I-26 E). You can also fly directly to Charleston International Airport which offers car rentals, hotel shuttles and bus transportation.

Charleston Events:
- Charleston Jazz Festival
- 2nd Sunday on King
- Festival of Houses & Gardens
- Charleston Antiques Show
- Charleston Literary Festival
- Charleston Wine + Food
- North Charleston Arts Festival
- Southeastern Wildlife Exposition

Where to stay in Charleston:
- The Loutrel
- Andrew Pinckney Inn
- The Vendue
- Read more
- HarbourView Inn
- 20 South Battery Inn
- Indigo Inn
- 20 Best Charleston, SC Hotels for a Romantic Getaway

Map:


Charleston Events & Festivals:
- Charleston Wine + Food - March 5-9, 2025
- MOJA Arts Festival
- Charleston Christmas Parade
- Spoleto Festival USA - May 23-June 8, 2025

Plan Your Trip