The Perfect Charleston, SC 3-Day Weekend Itinerary
Looking for the perfect family weekend getaway? Head to Charleston, South Carolina! The city is full of idyllic cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and Southern charm. A visit to the Holy City will keep everyone happy, from toddlers to grandparents. To help you make the most of your time in this charming city, we've put together this three-day Charleston itinerary full of family-friendly places to go and things to do. Feel free to use it as a starting point and make it your own along the way!
Where to Stay in Charleston
The first step in planning any family vacation is deciding on the perfect place to stay. When you’re traveling with the whole family, there are lots of different elements to consider. Look for a good location (close to the attractions you plan to visit), convenient amenities (pools are always a hit with kiddos), and room sizes that work for your crew. Here are some family-friendly options to consider:
The Charleston Place
The Charleston Place is an independent landmark hotel situated in the heart of historic downtown. You’ll be within walking distance of many attractions and restaurants. Choose from spacious rooms or suites and enjoy the pool with the kids. Don’t forget to schedule spa treatments as a relaxing treat for the grown-ups in the family! The Charleston Place is also pet-friendly, so you won’t have to worry about leaving your furry family members behind.
Emeline
At Emeline, enjoy a boutique hotel experience with thoughtful touches that families appreciate. Their custom Emeline Bikes are available for guests to explore the city, and the spacious rooms provide ample space to relax. You’ll be located near many popular downtown destinations, and guests of the Emeline can even access discounted rates on carriage tours with Old South Carriage Company.
Tides Folly Beach
Tides Folly Beach is an excellent choice for families hoping to fit in lots of beach time in their Charleston itinerary. This beachfront hotel is located about 15 minutes from downtown Charleston, right on the oceanfront. Many of the bright, spacious rooms include balconies that overlook the Atlantic. Kids will love being steps away from the beach, and parents will appreciate the easy access to downtown attractions.
Day 1: Explore Historic Charleston
Breakfast: Miller's All Day
Start your Charleston adventure at this charming retro-style diner that serves breakfast all day. Kids will love the french toast sticks and cornmeal pancakes, while adults can choose between sweet and savory breakfast options and try the popular mimosa flight. Miller's All Day uses local ingredients and house-milled grains. It’s a delicious start to your day in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.
Morning: Old South Carriage Company
There's no better way to explore Charleston than from the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage. Old South Carriage Company offers one-hour tours through the historic district. Knowledgeable guides will share fascinating stories about Charleston's rich history. Kids will be enchanted by the magnificent Belgian and Percheron draft horses leading the way, and parents will have the chance to get oriented to the city's layout. The experience will give you a helpful overview of Charleston as you identify places you might want to visit later during your stay.
Lunch: Callie's Hot Little Biscuit
After your morning tour, head to Callie's Hot Little Biscuit for a quintessential Southern treat. These melt-in-your-mouth biscuits have a loyal local following for good reason! Order them topped with honey, jam, or more savory fillings like sausage gravy or fried chicken.
Afternoon: Waterfront Park & The Battery
Spend the afternoon exploring two of Charleston's most beloved free attractions. Start at Waterfront Park, where kids can splash in the famous Pineapple Fountain (don't forget to pack a change of clothes!), and parents can relax on the swinging benches overlooking the harbor. Half a mile away from the park, you can take a stroll along The Battery, a historic defensive seawall and promenade. Have your camera ready to capture the beautiful antebellum homes on one side and sweeping harbor views on the other.
Dinner: Lewis Barbeque
After your long walk, stop in for some mouth-watering, Texas-style barbecue at Lewis Barbeque. The spacious outdoor patio has plenty of room for families visiting in the warmer months. Their smoked brisket and pulled pork have earned praise from food critics nationwide, and there are plenty of delicious sides to round out the meal. Don't miss the green chile corn pudding!
After Dinner: Sweet Treats at Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
Cap off your first evening with artisan ice cream at Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams on King Street. You’ll find unique flavors like brown butter almond brittle and brambleberry crisp alongside classics like vanilla and chocolate. Your family’s culinary adventurers as well as the picky eaters will find something to get excited about.
Day 2: A Taste of Culture & Nature
Breakfast: Bodega
Start your second day at Bodega, a colorful eatery that serves locally sourced breakfast dishes and delightful "sammies" that will please both parents and kids. The restaurant was founded as a nod to NYC neighborhood bodegas and opens at 8 am every day.
Morning: Charleston Museum & Children's Museum
Spend your morning learning about Charleston's past at The Charleston Museum, the oldest museum in the country. Kids will especially love Kidstory, a hands-on exhibit designed specifically for younger visitors. When you're finished there, walk across the street to the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry, where interactive exhibits invite children of all ages to explore, learn, and create.
Lunch: Picnic at Marion Square
Take a break from restaurant meals and pick up some sandwiches and snacks at a local market before heading to Marion Square for a picnic lunch. If you're visiting on a Saturday, you'll also get to experience the Charleston Farmers Market (April-November). Browse local produce, crafts, and food vendors. Let the kids run around the large green space to burn off some energy before your afternoon adventures.
Afternoon: South Carolina Aquarium
The South Carolina Aquarium is home to over 5,000 animals, including sharks, sea turtles, and river otters, making it a great addition to any Charleston, SC itinerary. Visitors can touch stingrays and horseshoe crabs in the touch tank or watch sea turtles being fed. Be sure to check the calendar for daily educational programs and special events.
Dinner: Poogan's Porch
Poogan's Porch is located in a beautifully restored Victorian home and has been a Charleston institution since 1976. The restaurant is welcoming to families with a kids menu that serves childhood favorites. Adults won't want to miss their famous biscuits or legendary shrimp and grits. Poogan’s Porch was named after a dog named Poogan who lived at the house and greeted the restaurant’s first guests from his spot on the porch.
After Dinner: Haunted Carriage Tour
If your kids are a bit older and enjoy spooky tales, end your second evening with a Haunted Carriage Tour by Old South Carriage Company. These family-friendly, 40-minute rides share Charleston's ghostly history in a way that's more fun than frightening. The stories of pirates, patriots, and Charleston's most famous ghosts will keep everyone entertained as you clip-clop through the city's dimly lit historic streets.
Day 3: The Beach & Beyond
Breakfast: Church & Union
You’ll find modern-American cuisine in a gorgeous converted church building at Church & Union. Brunch menus are available every weekend morning. You’ll be able to please everyone with tasty food options before heading out for a day of adventuring.
Morning: Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
Take a short drive out of the city to visit Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, one of America's oldest plantations. The sprawling gardens are perfect for families to explore, and the kids will enjoy the nature train and wildlife center. You’ll find a thoughtful and educational exploration of the complex history of plantation life, including the perspectives of the enslaved people who lived and worked there.
Lunch: Leon's Oyster Shop
Head back to the city for lunch at Leon's Oyster Shop where you can enjoy fresh seafood and soft-serve ice cream in a renovated auto body garage. If your little ones aren’t fans of fresh oysters, they can feast on chicken sandwiches and milkshakes before heading out for your final hours of fun.
Afternoon: Stroll on Sullivan's Island
Spend the last afternoon of your weekend in Charleston with a stroll along Sullivan's Island beach. Be sure to snap a few family photos and talk about your favorite parts of your trip as you prepare to head home.
Dinner: The Obstinate Daughter
For your final dinner in Charleston, stop in at The Obstinate Daughter. They blend Southern charm with coastal flavors and Mediterranean cuisine. Their delicious pizzas are always a hit with kids, and the grown-ups can enjoy fresh seafood and handmade pasta. Be sure to make reservations in advance, as this popular spot fills up quickly.
Plan Your Next Charleston Weekend Now
This three-day itinerary offers just a taste of what the Holy City has to offer. Charleston is full of so many more must-see attractions, educational experiences, and family-friendly eateries. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself planning your next trip before you've even left the city!
