The Best Way to Spend a Weekend in Charleston

Charleston is a fun and historic town located along the coast of South Carolina. It’s the perfect spot for a weekend getaway, offering the perfect balance of exploration and relaxation. With no shortage of amazing restaurants, you’re in for a treat when it comes to delicious food! Continue reading for all the details on how to plan the perfect weekend in Charleston, including where to stay, what to do and where to eat!

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Where to Stay in Charleston

Where you stay in Charleston really depends on what you plan to do. If you want to be in the heart of the action and enjoy walking to shops, restaurants, and historic sites, Historic Charleston or the French Quarter is your best bet.

If you’re planning to spend more time at the beach, consider staying at Folly Beach—just note that accommodations are limited and tend to be a bit more expensive.

Traveling on a budget or don’t mind staying a little outside the city? Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, or North Charleston offer more affordable options while still being just a short drive from downtown.

What to Do in Charleston

Whether you’re walking the cobblestone streets, cruising the harbor, or exploring historic landmarks, there’s no shortage of things to see and do! Below are some must do activities to help you make the most of your weekend in Charleston.

Charleston City Market

The City Market in downtown Charleston is a must visit when you are in town! Here you’ll find local vendors selling handmade goods, food vendors and some boutiques booths. The market spans four blocks and is partially covered. The market is open daily from 9:30am to 5:30pm and on select days they will have night markets from 6:30pm – 10:30pm.

Pineapple Fountain

The Pineapple Fountain, located at Waterfront Park, is a popular photo spot in Charleston! In the summer, it also serves as a splash pad for kids to cool off.

Rainbow Row

Rainbow Row is a stretch of 13 pastel-colored houses that have become iconic to Charleston. Located along East Bay Street between Tradd and Elliott Streets, these historic homes are popular photo spots thanks to their vibrant, cheerful colors. Just a short walk from The Battery and Waterfront Park, it’s definitely worth a visit during your time in the city!

Angel Tree

The Angel Oak Tree is a stunning natural wonder just 30 minutes outside of Charleston on Johns Island. Estimated to be over 400 years old, this massive Southern live oak spans more than 17,000 square feet and stands 65 feet tall! It’s free to visit and open seven days a week—Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM, and Sundays from 1 PM to 5 PM. If you’re in the area, it’s absolutely worth the drive to witness this iconic Lowcountry beauty in person.

Excursions in the Area

Folly Beach

If you have extra time, venture outside the city to soak up some sun at Folly Beach! Folly is a laid-back, quiet beach town that’s perfect for relaxing. If you’re not in the mood to swim or lounge on the sand, no worries—there’s a pier where you can enjoy the ocean views without getting sandy.

While you’re in Folly, be sure to stroll down the main strip for a little shopping and grab some soft serve at The Pineapple Hut.

Where to Eat

If you’re planning a weekend in Charleston, you’re in for a treat, especially when it comes to food. The city is full of incredible restaurants, so you won’t have any trouble finding a delicious spot to eat. Be sure to check out both a seafood restaurant and a BBQ joint, since Charleston is famous for both!

Viscous Biscuit

Start your day with a delicious biscuit sandwich from Vicious Biscuit. They have two location: one in Summerville and one in Mount Pleasant. While technically just outside of Charleston, it’s well worth the short drive to visit! Their biscuits are huge (I saved half of mine for later) and incredibly tasty. I recommend the Fat Boy—a fried chicken biscuit with hot honey and pimento cheese—but honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything on their menu!

Lewis BBQ

You can’t visit Charleston without eating BBQ at least once! While there are numerous of barbeque restaurants in Charleston and the surrounding area, I recommend trying Lewis BBQ. Lewis’ has been open for 10 years now and is nothing short of amazing. I first tried their BBQ 5 years ago and it was one of my reasons for wanting to go back to Charleston.

167 Raw Oyster Bar

If you’re looking for chill vibes and delicious seafood, head over to 167 Raw Oyster Bar, located in the French Quarter. Their grilled oysters are my personal favorite, but their po’boys are also fan favorites!

Leon’s

If you’re looking to stay a bit outside the hustle and bustle of downtown, Leon’s is a great pick. It’s well known for its fresh seafood and oysters. I was craving fried shrimp, and their shrimp basket did not disappoint!

BKeDSHoP

Grab a donut at BKeDSHoP, located in Charleston, Summerville and Mount Pleasant. Their donuts are made fresh in-house daily and feature a rotating selection of seasonal flavors.

Carmella’s Cafe and Dessert Bar

When you’re craving a sweet treat, stop by Carmella’s Café and Dessert Bar! Carmella’s is known for its delicious selection of pastries and boozy milkshakes. They also have a full bar and serve sandwiches, pizzas, gelato, and coffee—so no matter what you’re in the mood for, you’re sure to find something you’ll love.

A Weekend in Charleston

Charleston is the perfect town for a weekend getaway filled with both exploration and relaxation. Spend one day exploring the city’s historic sights and another unwinding at Folly Beach. And don’t forget to try a few different restaurants while you’re in town—Charleston has an incredible food scene that’s worth experiencing!