If you have a Charleston weekend trip on your agenda, you are in for an experience in one of the South’s prettiest cities. Charleston, South Carolina, is a marriage of cobblestone streets and fine dining, merged with centuries of history and the comfort of modern living.
This 3-day Charleston itinerary is written for first-timers who want to enjoy the rich architecture, cultural depth, and slow, coastal pace of Charleston. No matter if you have come for a Charleston SC weekend getaway or a romantic getaway, the hospitality of the city will make you feel at home and comfortable almost immediately.
And if you are considering where to stay in Charleston, SC, boutique and luxury hotels like The Iris Charleston will surely make your visit even more memorable.
Day 1: Discover the Heart of Historic Downtown Charleston
Your visit begins in historic downtown Charleston, the area that defines the city’s character. Start at Waterfront Park, where the famous Pineapple Fountain glistens under the morning light, a symbol of Charleston’s Southern hospitality. Walk along the Charleston Harbor, taking in the gentle sea breeze and views of sailboats drifting by.
Continue on your journey down Rainbow Row, one of the most photographed streets in the nation. The pastel-colored Georgian homes are historic, and the stories of the 18th century that display the architectural heritage of the city.
For lunch, try Poogan’s Porch, a local favorite for Lowcountry cuisine served in a restored Victorian home. Be sure to try the shrimp and grits, a classic dish you can only find in Charleston.
In the afternoon, walk down King Street, downtown Charleston’s main shopping corridor. King Street shopping in Charleston is filled with a mix of antique shops, art galleries, designer boutiques, and cafés perfect for people-watching.
If you are looking to stay near King Street, you’ll find yourself in the center of it all. Wrap up your first day in Charleston with dinner at Hank’s Seafood or Fleet Landing. Both serve fresh local fish with beautiful harbor views. After dinner, check into The Iris Charleston, one of the luxury hotels Charleston, SC travelers find perfect for discretion and sophistication in the middle of the city.
Day 2: Explore Charleston’s History, Art, and Culinary Scene
Start your second day with a walk through The Battery and White Point Garden, where historic cannons overlook the Charleston Harbor. The area’s grand mansions, shaded by oak trees and Spanish moss, capture the essence of the Charleston historic downtown stay experience.
The expansive houses of the area, shaded by historic oak trees draped with Spanish moss, are quintessential to the experience of staying in historic downtown Charleston.
From there, walk to the Old Slave Mart Museum, a moving and poignant site that reflects the complexity and depth of Charleston’s history. From this moment of reality and reflection, meander into the French Quarter, which is filled with historic churches, art galleries, and picturesque courtyards.
Midday Plan
By midday, the Charleston City Market is worth a visit. Located in the historic district of Charleston, it was established in 1807 and is one of the oldest public markets in the United States. Here you will find local artisans with handwoven sweetgrass baskets, ceramics, artwork, and jewelry. A visit here alone would be worth the trip and would warrant a place in the top souvenir categories if you are a first-time visitor to Charleston.
Lunch at either Magnolias or High Cotton is a great introduction to an amazing Lowcountry dining experience. After lunch, spend your afternoon wandering around Meeting Street or South of Broad, both are famous for historical homes and ironwork balconies.
Dinner Plans
For dinner, enjoy an upscale meal at Husk or FIG; both chefs are known for transforming food from the local region into elevated versions of food. A trip to either or both creates an unforgettable memory and contributes to the luxury that is associated with a weekend vacation in Charleston. Finally, you can end the evening with a drink at one of the rooftop bars which overlooks downtown Charleston as the stars come out and clouds hover softly over the city.
Day 3: Leisure, Shopping, and Coastal Views
Your last day in Charleston is meant for relaxing and taking in the pace of the city. Enjoy breakfast at Miller’s All Day, a happy little café with delicious Southern breakfast plates and coffee.
If the weather is nice in Charleston, SC, you could spend the morning at Hampton Park or wandering the slow and quiet streets of South of Broad. The architecture and history of the beautiful neighborhoods around the city make any stroll feel like a step back in time.
If you want to escape to the coast, you can take a short drive to Folly Beach or Sullivan’s Island. The ocean air and soft sand are perfect for relaxing before heading home.
Afterward, head back to King Street for a little shopping or last shopping. You could stop in Croghan’s Jewel Box, which has antique jewelry, or Candlefish, where you can create a custom-scented candle as a goodbye for your trip.
Finish off your adventure with dinner at 82 Queen or The Ordinary, both local favorites for seafood and atmosphere.
Find the Perfect Stay: Comfort, Location, and Local Charm
A Charleston weekend trip is a special occasion that deserves a special place to stay. After a visit to the sights, you will want a very private and peaceful retreat that reflects the city’s elegance and history.
When thinking about where to stay in Charleston, SC, consider lodging that emphasizes comfort while preserving a cultural backdrop. The local boutique hotels and apartments in Charleston SC, provide traveling guests with space, privacy, and a connection to the locale.
As for the luxury hotels Charleston, SC is known for, The Iris Charleston is one of the best for its location, its thoughtfulness of design, and its thoughtful all-suites. The Iris is nestled in historic downtown Charleston, boasts mid-modern stylings, spacious suites with high ceilings and courtyards, and convenient access to the best attractions, including King Street shopping and the Charleston City Market.
You will feel the best of both worlds: close to everything with a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere at The Iris Charleston. After a long day of walking tours, food, and entertainment, return to your suite, reflect, and relax in the luxury of space.
If style, comfort, and authenticity are needed for your Charleston luxury weekend vacation, The Iris Charleston is where they meet. It is more than a place to sleep; the stay is a part of your Charleston experience.
Interesting Facts About Charleston
- History Springs from Every Corner – Charleston boasts over 2,500 preserved historical buildings, making it one of the top three most historically preserved cities in the United States.
- Weather Made for Wandering – The temperate climate of Charleston, SC, weather for travel is dependable all year long, particularly in spring.
- Culinary Capital of the South – Chefs in Charleston earn national acclaim, and their culinary presentations transform local seafood into gourmet art.
- Boutique Comforts in Historic Settings – Many luxury hotels in Charleston, SC, are renovated historic buildings, marrying modern-day luxury with old-world charm.
- A City That Wants You Back – Charleston gets more than 7 million visitors each year – most keep returning.
Why Charleston Is Always Worth a Visit
A weekend in Charleston, South Carolina, is more than a vacation; it’s a feeling that lingers. The warmth of the people, the sophistication of the architecture, and the depth of the culinary experience all have a way of relaxing time.
Three days can feel both rich and easy. You could see historic downtown Charleston in the morning, have dinner overlooking the water, and retire to one of the luxury hotels in Charleston, SC, for a night of tranquility.
Whatever your reason to visit, be it because of the history, food, or just to escape the routine, few cities have the connectedness that Charleston offers.
FAQs
What’s the best time to visit Charleston?
Spring and fall are the best. The weather in Charleston SC, is mild, perfect for walking tours, outdoor dining, and waterfront views.
Where should I stay during my first visit?
Stay somewhere along King Street or in the historic district. You have a good choice of activities Charleston SC near boutique hotels, luxury hotels Charleston SC, and The Iris Charleston to provide comfort and convenience.
What are the best activities in Charleston?
Explore Rainbow Row, the Battery, and the Charleston City Market. You will have the best things to do in Charleston in a weekend, which involves trying out local art, food, and the views of the harbor as well.
Is Charleston walkable for first-time visitors?
Yes. The historic district is compact for first-time visitors, and as Charleston SC locals, your shops and restaurants will all be within walking distance.
How long should I stay in Charleston?
Three days is perfect for a Charleston trip. On a Charleston, SC weekend trip, three days is enough time to explore, relax, and do the big highlights in the city without feeling rushed.