One Day in Charleston: A Perfect Day in the Holy City
Charleston, South Carolina, is a city steeped in history and brimming with Southern charm. You could easily spend a week taking in the many sights, shops, and eateries. When you only have one day to explore, it might feel impossible to decide what to do.
Don’t worry! We've gathered some ideas for a one-day itinerary to help you experience the best of Charleston, even if your time is limited. With a little planning, you’ll be able to hit the highlights and create lasting memories in the Holy City.
What to Do In One Day in Charleston, SC
Make the most of your trip by doing some sightseeing at a few of these top Charleston locations. Don’t forget to have your camera charged and ready to capture lasting memories of these gorgeous sights.
Historic Charleston Carriage Tour
Start your day with a Historic Charleston Carriage Tour. This is hands-down the best way to get a glimpse of historic Charleston when you're short on time. Friendly and engaging guides will take you on a one-hour carriage ride through historic locations in a comfortable carriage pulled by a beautiful draft horse. It’s also a great opportunity to make note of any places you’d like to visit later in the day.
Rainbow Row
After your carriage tour, take a stroll down to Rainbow Row. This well-known stretch of thirteen brightly-colored Georgian row houses is located on East Bay Street. The bright colors and palm tree-lined street are perfect scenery for a photo-op to remember your day in Charleston.
Waterfront Park
From Rainbow Row, it’s just a short walk to Waterfront Park, an eight-acre park along the Cooper River. The park is home to the famous Pineapple Fountain, a symbol of Southern hospitality. Take a moment to relax on one of the swinging benches and enjoy the view of the river.
The Battery
Head south from Waterfront Park and you’ll find The Battery, a historic defensive seawall and promenade. There you’ll see beautifully restored antebellum homes on one side and sweeping views of Fort Sumter and Charleston Harbor on the other. It’s a must-see stop for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts in particular.
Charleston City Market
Round off your sightseeing at the historic Charleston City Market. This four-block-long market complex is home to more than 300 vendors selling everything from local crafts and artwork to traditional sweetgrass baskets. It's a great place to pick up unique souvenirs and sample some local treats.
Boone Hall Plantation
If you prefer to take a short trip outside the city, visit Boone Hall Plantation. Located about 30 minutes from downtown, it's one of America's oldest working plantations. Tours of the main house and slave cabins offer insights into the region's complex history. The beautiful gardens and seasonal “U-pick” fields make this a multifaceted experience of Charleston's past and present.
Nathaniel Russell House Museum
If you have time for one more stop, the Nathaniel Russell House is worth a visit. This meticulously restored 19th-century home is now a fascinating museum of Charleston's antebellum period. Take a look into Charleton’s opulent past and learn about the consideration and craftsmanship that have gone into maintaining the house.
Where to Eat
When you've got just one day in Charleston, you'll want to make sure you find the perfect place to eat. Luckily, there are plenty of amazing places and it’s up to you to decide what sounds good during your one-day visit! Here are a few ideas to help narrow down your choices and pick your Charleston culinary experiences for the day.
Leon's Oyster Shop
For a casual, delicious lunch, head to Leon's Oyster Shop. You’ll find hot fried chicken, fresh raw oysters, and more in this renovated auto body garage. Don't miss their soft serve ice cream, rosé on tap, and frozen G&T’s (gin and tonic).
Poogan's Porch
If Lowcountry cuisine in a charming setting sounds like your style, visit Poogan's Porch. You’ll dine in a beautifully restored Victorian house and enjoy Southern staples with a refined twist. Their shrimp and grits are legendary, and you’ll definitely want to try their famous biscuits!
Lewis BBQ
If you're craving authentic Southern barbecue, Lewis BBQ is the place to go. Pitmaster John Lewis brings Texas-style BBQ to Charleston, with mouth-watering brisket, pulled pork, and house-made sausages. The green chile corn pudding is a must-try side dish.
Miller's All Day
Miller's All Day is a retro-style diner that serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch.Their menu features local ingredients and house-milled grains, with local favorites like cornmeal pancakes and pimento cheese biscuits. For lunch, try the fried chicken sandwich or the Miller's burger.
FIG
For dinner, treat yourself to a refined meal at FIG. This James Beard Award-winning restaurant offers a seasonally changing menu focusing on local, sustainable ingredients. It’s an upscale way for food lovers to end their day in Charleston.
Where to Stay
If you’re looking for a bit of Southern hospitality and a place to rest after your busy day in Charleston, consider one of these quintessentially Charleston hotels.
The Charleston Place
The Charleston Place is located in the heart of historic downtown Charleston and is known for its iconic Southern elegance. Relax by the pool, book yourself a spa treatment, or end your day with a tasty cocktail at the Thoroughbred Club, the hotel’s living room lounge.
Hotel Bennett
Overlooking Marion Square, Hotel Bennett is a luxury hotel full of modern amenities. Lounge by the rooftop pool or enjoy a late-night beverage at the Fiat Lux bar or Camellias champagne lounge.
Photo Credit: https://www.hotelbennett.com/
Emeline
The Emeline is a boutique hotel in the historic downtown area. Have a drink in the courtyard or pick up a carefully-curated souvenir at the Keep Shop. Be sure to ask about their custom Emeline Bikes available for guests to explore the city!
Y’all Come See Us Again!
This city is packed with charm, history, and incredible experiences. One day in Charleston only scratches the surface of what this beautiful city has to offer. Even with a full itinerary, your day in Charleston is sure to leave you planning your next, longer visit.
For more ideas on things to do in Charleston, no matter how long your stay, be sure to check out our blog for insider tips and local favorites! We can’t wait to see you again.