With an eclectic blend of history, culture, fresh flavors, and outdoor adventures, Charleston, South Carolina, has a little bit of something for everyone. From museums and local seafood to kayak tours and fall festivals, here are two ways to spend the day here!
Day 1: Food and Culture
Morning
This itinerary is one for the foodies and history lovers!
Kickstart your day at Millers All Day, a light and airy bistro on King Street known for its all-day breakfast. Order a savory comfort food dish like corned beef hash or biscuits and gravy, or indulge in one of their famous cinnamon rolls. For a more grab-on-the-go bite, head to Bitty & Beau’s! This coffee shop champions inclusivity by employing people with disabilities. Grab a latte or smoothie and pair it with a bagel or muffin.
Dive into the city’s rich cultural heritage with a visit to the Gibbes Museum of Art. Explore over 10,000 American works of art spanning four centuries. The dynamic collection of paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations is a perfect introduction to Charleston’s art scene. Your next stop is the International African American Museum. Explore exhibits like African Routes and Atlantic Worlds to discover the profound impact of the African American journey on Charleston over generations. And be sure to check out the African Ancestors Memorial Gardens.
Afternoon
Grab lunch at Bumpa’s, a gastropub serving locally sourced dishes. Order Jo’s Disco Fries, topped with beef gravy, mozzarella, caramelized onions, and short rib (they’re pure food heaven). Or, elevate your dining experience at Magnolia’s for Southern classics with an upscale twist. Try the BBQ shrimp and grits or the fried green tomato BLT.
After lunch, stretch your legs on a historic walking tour that takes you from Rainbow Row to the French Quarter. Wander through Charleston’s iconic streets lined with grand homes, gardens, and centuries-old churches. During the two-hour tour, you’ll learn all about the city’s rich past, spanning from 1670 to the Civil War and beyond.
Alternatively, stop by Firefly Distillery for a tasting. Home of the world’s first sweet tea vodka, Firefly offers an impressive lineup of thirty spirits—from Southern Lemonade Vodka made with real lemons to moonshine. Enjoy a fun six-spirit flight to sample their best work and take home a souvenir shot glass to remember your experience.
Evening
For dinner, you can’t go wrong with Husk—one of Charleston’s most famous restaurants. Dine in a restored Victorian-era home and indulge in dishes showcasing Southern ingredients and local produce. The menu changes daily based on what’s available, from rabbit roulade with cheesy grits to nori rigatoni with shellfish cream and NC blue crab. If you prefer a laid-back, waterfront vibe, grab a table at Fleet Landing. Savor fan favorites like the she-crab soup or shrimp and grits. Pro tip: Dine al fresco for unbeatable harbor views.
Cap off your evening with a world-class performance at the Gaillard Center. Whether you’re watching a concert, comedy show, or play, you’re bound to enjoy your time at this stunning venue with top-notch acoustics. For a spookier end to your night, embark on a walking tour of Charleston’s most haunted historic sites. Listen to the eerie tales of the former war prisoners, bootleggers, artists, and politicians who still haunt these hallowed streets.
Day 2: Fall Fun & Outdoor Activities
Morning
Start your day with breakfast at Mercantile & Mash, located in the historic Cigar Factory. With an in-house butcher and bakery, this trendy food emporium features plenty of freshly made bites. If you’re craving savory, order the spicy chicken biscuit. For a lighter option, get the house-made ricotta bowl with fresh fruit and honey.
Next, immerse yourself in nature at the Center for Birds of Prey. Watch incredible flight demonstrations where hawks, falcons, and eagles soar above you and show off their hunting skills. Take a self-guided tour through the aviaries for a closer look at these incredible birds. With nearly fifty species, you’ll get an up-close look at birds of prey from around the world.
Afterward, stroll through the breathtaking fall foliage at Magnolia Plantation, one of the oldest public gardens in the country. Admire the vibrant array of flowers, from pansies to azaleas and snapdragons. While you’re there, keep an eye out for wildlife like alligators, herons, and otters. Explore six miles of walking trails and hop on a train ride to venture into the wetlands, marsh, forests, and swamp. Walk the boardwalks of the Audubon Swamp Garden to see thousands of unique animal and plant species.
Afternoon
For lunch, indulge in some Texas-style barbecue at Lewis Barbecue. Find out why the locals call their brisket the best outside of Texas, and pair it with flavorful sides like green chile corn pudding and Texas pinto beans. If seafood is more your thing, head to 167 Raw Oyster Bar for fresh oysters, New England lobster rolls, and fish tacos. Sit in the contemporary-style dining room or hang out on the breezy patio. FYI: The lobster roll is a fan favorite.
Embrace the Lowcountry charm on a guided kayak tour through the saltwater creeks of Folly Beach. Paddle past oyster beds, wading birds, and maybe even spot a dolphin or two. Alternatively, head to the Folly Beach Pier to cast a line at one of the most popular fishing spots in Charleston. Rent or bring fishing gear and try your luck at catching redfish, flounder, and king mackerel.
Wrap up your afternoon with an exciting visit to the Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch, one of the most beloved fall festivals in the state. Go on a Halloween tractor tour, get lost in the massive corn maze, and play with animals in the petting zoo. Don’t miss the interactive honeybee exhibit or the live performances!
Evening
Enjoy dinner with a view at the Charleston Crab House on Market Street. This local staple serves up fresh seafood in a casual yet lively atmosphere. Try the crab cakes or indulge in the Lowcountry Boil, a hearty dish with shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes.
If you’ve saved room for dessert, treat yourself to a taste of Italy at Carmella’s Cafe & Dessert Bar. Choose from a decadent selection of Italian gelato, sorbet, and pastries. Munch on seasonal goodies like the spiced pecan biscotti or spiced apple cheesecake. Prefer your dessert in the form of a cocktail? Try a chocolate martini or one of the drunken milkshakes.
End your night with a peaceful moonlit walk along The Battery, a fortified seawall and scenic promenade with epic waterfront views and historic mansions. It’s the perfect way to end a day of outdoor adventures in Charleston, soaking in all the coastal charm before you head home.
