A Day in Charleston, South Carolina
With its coastal views, historic architecture, and southern charm, Charleston, South Carolina is the perfect place to spend a day or two. This colorful city has plenty to do and see from the famous “Rainbow Row” to the most beautiful flowers from Sweet Jessamine Flower Truck. Check out our itinerary below for a day exploring Charleston, SC.
We have been really into day trips lately, and we’re down for anything under 5 hours. Thankfully Charleston isn’t that far from us (only about 3 and a half hours), so we took a trip on a sunny day in April. We had no plans or any idea of what we’d do when we got there which made the day even more enjoyable. Charleston is often compared to Savannah, but after visiting both, we’d say they are uniquely different. Each city has a different vibe. While Savannah is more laid back, Charleston is a happening place. We loved Charleston though and feel like it’s definitely worth a visit.
When we first arrived in Charleston, we went straight to Sugar Bakeshop. They make the cutest cupcakes and other sweet treats. They are so well known in Charleston that they tend to sell out! Definitely visit early in the morning or soon after they open. When we arrived, we noticed Sweet Jessamine Flower Truck parked outside. It is actually a blue and white VW bus turned into a flower truck which makes it all the more charming. I picked out the prettiest spring colored flowers, and they made it all the way home after our day of adventures. Check out @sweetjessamineflowertruck on Instagram for her schedule and location. She travels all over the Charleston area.
With my bouquet safely shaded in the car, we took a walk around the downtown area. We admired the Easter egg colored homes of “Rainbow Row”, the beautiful purple wisteria blooms at 54 Meeting Street, and the iconic pineapple fountain in Waterfront Park. Content with our views around the city, we decided to get lunch and some coffee. We drove about 15 minutes away to Mt. Pleasant and found Brown Fox Coffee. I highly recommend the lavender honey latte, one of the few I’ve had that tastes perfect and not like a candle. All of the walking around we had done earlier in the day had us very hungry so from there, we headed to Coastal Crust and enjoyed a margarita pizza in their outdoor seating area. We saw Vintage Coffee Café nearby and decided to get a coffee before our drive home. The coffee shop aesthetic was a 10/10, but we preferred the coffee from Brown Fox Coffee.
In all reality, we spent about 5 hours in Charleston, not a full day. There are plenty of things we missed that are worth a mention. If you have the extra time, check out these additional sights!
The Battery
A defensive seawall with some history behind it. Along the Battery is Charleston Harbor making it a popular spot to visit. There is also a lot of parking along the Battery, and it is a perfect walking distance from other popular sights around the city.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
The oldest public gardens in the U.S. and listed as “America’s Most Beautiful Gardens”, the title speaks for itself. Along with the gardens, the historic house welcomes visitors with a guided tour that is included with a general admission ticket.
General Admission-$29
Hours: Open 7 days a week from 9:00 am-5:00 pm
The oldest working plantation in America, Boone Hall offers visitors several tour options that explain the plantation’s history. The natural oak tree corridor is one of the most iconic spots in Charleston and said to be an unforgettable thing to see.
General Admission-$26
Hours: Monday-Saturday from 9:00 am-5:00 pm and Sundays from 12:00 pm-5:00 pm
The South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston houses over ten thousand plants and animals. With over 10 exhibits, you could easily spend hours here.
General Admission-$29.95
Hours: Open daily from 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Charleston Tea Garden is the only tea garden in North America and has acres of tea fields and a tea factory for visitors to explore the tea making process. Admission is free, but visitors can take a 45-minute informative trolley tour for only $15 per person.
Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am-4:00 pm and Sundays from 12:00 pm-4:00 pm
Places to Stay
Whether you choose to explore Charleston in a day or several days, we hope you truly enjoy your experience in this beautiful city!
