A charming Southern city filled with historic homes, incredible food, and coastal beauty. Here’s how to spend three unforgettable days in Charleston, South Carolina.
By Lori Stacy
Charleston, South Carolina, is one of those cities that feels instantly magical. With its cobblestone streets, pastel historic homes, waterfront views, and legendary Southern hospitality, it’s easy to see why travelers return again and again.
But Charleston isn’t just beautiful: It’s incredibly rich in history and culture, and the food scene alone makes the trip worthwhile.
If you’re planning a long weekend in this coastal gem, here’s a perfect three-day Charleston itinerary that balances history, relaxation, and some of the best meals you’ll have anywhere in the South.
Quick Guide to Charleston
- Stay: The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, Hotel Emeline
- Eat: Leon’s Fine Poultry & Oyster Shop, Benne’s, Hank’s Seafood Restaurant, Wild Olive, Bridge Bar
- Do: Charleston Water Taxi, International African American Museum, Charleston City Market, Aiken-Rhett House, USS Yorktown, Angel Oak Tree
Day 1: Check In, Relax, and Eat Like a Local
Stay at The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina
For a peaceful start to your trip, check into The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, a waterfront resort just across the harbor from downtown Charleston.
The property offers:
- Elegant coastal-inspired rooms
- Wide verandas overlooking the harbor
- Easy access to downtown via shuttle
One of the best ways to explore the resort is to borrow a bike from the front desk and ride along the waterfront paths.
Another Charleston Hotel to Consider
Prefer to stay in the center of the action? Consider the Hotel Emeline, stylish boutique accommodations just steps from the famous Market Street. From its stately exterior to its refined interior, the hotel is equal parts Southern charm and modern sophistication. Its perfectly curated lobby gift store, Keep, is worth a visit even if you’re not staying here, offering clothing, accessories and home goods by local artisans.
Unwind at The Estuary Spa
After settling in, spend the afternoon relaxing at The Estuary Spa, where treatments are inspired by Charleston’s coastal surroundings.
A favorite option is the Nirvana Stress Relief treatment, which combines aromatherapy and deep tissue massage for a deeply relaxing experience.
Dinner at Leon’s Fine Poultry & Oyster Shop
In the evening, take the hotel shuttle into town and head to Leon’s Fine Poultry & Oyster Shop, a beloved Charleston restaurant with a relaxed neighborhood feel.
Don’t miss their crispy fried chicken, and don’t skip on dessert: Their nostalgic soft-serve ice cream with sprinkles is not to be missed.
It’s the perfect first-night introduction to Charleston’s legendary food scene.
Day 2: History, Culture, and Iconic Charleston Experiences
Ride the Charleston Water Taxi
Start your morning with a ride on the Charleston Water Taxi, which offers beautiful views of the harbor and the city skyline. If you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins swimming alongside the boat.
Hop off at Aquarium Wharf to begin exploring downtown.
Visit the International African American Museum
Just steps away is the powerful International African American Museum, located near Gadsden’s Wharf—once the largest slave port in the United States.
Through art, artifacts, and immersive exhibits, the museum tells the deeply important story of the African American experience and Charleston’s role in that history.
It’s one of the city’s most meaningful and impactful stops.
Lunch at Benne’s
Afterward, head to Benne’s, a charming restaurant named after the sesame wafers traditionally believed by the Gullah people to bring good fortune.
Order lunch—but be sure to save room for the famous 12-layer Ultimate Coconut Cake, one of Charleston’s most beloved desserts.
If you fall in love with it (many people do), the restaurant will even ship a whole cake to your home.
Shop at Charleston City Market
Spend the afternoon wandering through Charleston City Market, one of the city’s most iconic destinations.
Here you’ll find:
- Handmade jewelry
- Local artwork
- Traditional sweetgrass baskets
These beautiful baskets are woven by Gullah Geechee artisans using local marsh grasses and are one of Charleston’s most meaningful souvenirs.
Explore the Aiken-Rhett House
Before heading back to the hotel, stop at the Aiken-Rhett House, one of the most remarkably preserved antebellum homes in Charleston.
The self-guided audio tour offers a powerful look at the lives of both the wealthy family who lived there and the enslaved individuals who worked on the property.
It’s an honest and moving glimpse into Charleston’s complex past.
Dinner at Hank’s Seafood Restaurant
For dinner, book early for a table at Hank’s Seafood Restaurant, a longtime local favorite located just steps from Charleston City Market.
Set inside a handsome turn-of-the-century building in the heart of the historic district, Hank’s has been serving classic Lowcountry seafood dishes for years and is widely considered one of the city’s best seafood restaurants. The menu celebrates Charleston’s coastal bounty with favorites like their rich she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, and fresh oysters.
Day 3: Iconic Landmarks and a Memorable Final Dinner
Tour the USS Yorktown
Start your final day with a visit to the USS Yorktown, a massive World War II aircraft carrier now serving as a floating museum.
You can explore the flight deck, walk through crew quarters, and learn about the ship’s role in the Pacific Theater.
It’s an especially fascinating stop for history lovers.
Visit the Angel Oak Tree
Next, drive to Johns Island to see the breathtaking Angel Oak Tree, estimated to be more than 400 years old.
Its enormous branches stretch outward in dramatic curves, draped with Spanish moss and creating a peaceful, almost cathedral-like canopy.
It’s one of the most photographed natural landmarks in the South.
Dinner at Wild Olive
While you’re on Johns Island, enjoy dinner at Wild Olive, an acclaimed Italian restaurant known for its handmade pastas and locally sourced ingredients.
Favorites from the menu include fresh pasta dishes and stuffed veal chops, while the warm, rustic atmosphere makes it a wonderful final dinner of the trip.
End the Night at Bridge Bar
Back at the resort, finish your Charleston getaway with drinks at Bridge Bar, the rooftop lounge overlooking the harbor and the Ravenel Bridge.
With the city lights sparkling across the water, it’s the perfect place to reflect on a weekend spent exploring one of the most beautiful and historic cities in America. Three days here may not feel like enough, but it’s more than enough to fall in love.
If you’re looking for more great U.S. weekend getaways, check out our guide to Three Days in Fort Worth.
