How To Spend A Day In Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina, is one of the most beautiful cities in the country. With its cobblestone streets, mansions, and churches, this city has been a popular destination for travelers from across the globe.

Whether exploring its many historical sites, enjoying the delicious local cuisine, or taking in the breathtaking views from one of its many parks, there are plenty of things to do in Charleston that will make your visit truly unforgettable. For your convenience, we’ve compiled some of the best ways to spend a day in Charleston.

Start Your Day With A Stroll Through White Point Garden

White Point Garden is a great place to relax and enjoy the view. From here, you can see Fort Sumter, a historical site in the middle of Charleston Harbor, so it’s a great place to take some fascinating pictures showing the Lowcountry landscape. Also in Charleston Harbor, you’ll witness lovely views of all the beautiful boats sailing around during their day off.

If you’re looking for something more active than just sitting on a bench by yourself, there are plenty of other activities available at the garden as well, such as:

• Bird watching
• Hiking trails through woods with views across the harbor to the Battery & Fort Sumter
• Exploring the different military monuments across the park

Enjoy Some Southern Brunch

Brunch is a staple for most travelers, and this is especially true if you’re traveling to the Lowcountry. Restaurants in the area are all within walking distance of one another, making it easy for you to choose from a variety of options. The most notable streets in the walkable area of Charleston are Market Street or King Street, which boast many options for a classic southern brunch incorporating locally caught seafood, Lowcountry omelets, or hot and buttery biscuits.

A great spot to try out would be Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit, which has been featured in publications like Southern Living, The New York Times, and even The Today Show. Located on Beaufain Street, Callie’s has been serving buttery biscuits to locals for decades. The menu features a selection of breakfast items, including specialties like eggs benedict and pancakes. If you’re feeling something fancier than biscuits and gravy, try their biscuit sandwiches or bacon cheeseburgers for an elevated experience.

Walk Along The Battery

The Battery is a well-known historic neighborhood in Charleston, South Carolina. Located on a peninsula between the Ashley and Cooper Rivers, The Battery was first established in 1670 by British settlers and is the city’s oldest neighborhood, making it home to many famous landmarks such as Rainbow Row.

Suggested: 12 Charleston Landmarks and Historical Sites

Rainbow Row

Rainbow Row is a series of colorful historic homes on 83 to 107 East Bay Street, just along the Battery. It is notable for the thirteen pastel-colored row houses from the Georgian period that are considered among the finest examples of Georgian residential architecture in North America.

The name refers to the pastel colors of the thirteen houses built between 1728 and 1845, which have become one of the most-photographed sections of Charleston. Rainbow Row is popular with tourists because they can see all seven houses at once on their front porches or balconies and enjoy views across Charleston Harbor from some areas where no buildings obstruct them.

Like most historic homes in Lowcountry, each house on Rainbow Row has a captivating story to tell, so be sure to listen as you stroll down the pastel-lined streets.

Shop In Historic King Street

King Street is the main shopping district in Charleston, and it’s a must-visit if you’re spending a day in Charleston. In addition to the many local shops and boutiques, there are plenty of bars and restaurants on King Street that will allow you to sit back and relax after shopping ‘til you drop. The Trolley also runs along King Street at regular intervals throughout the day if you need a break off your feet.

Visit The City Market

Open everyday of the week, The City Market features a variety of produce, food and drink vendors, and an arts and crafts section — needless to say, it’s a great place to purchase a momento you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

The market also has a small museum that gives you insight into its extensive history. At the museum, you can learn about how the market got its name (it used to be called “The Public Square”), why it was built at this particular location in Charleston’s historic district, and even about some famous people who have been there.

There’s also plenty more going on inside than just shopping! You can visit restaurants like Red Rooster Chicken & Waffles or The Marion House Restaurant & Oyster Bar while at The City Market as they’re in close walking distance. And if you’re looking to celebrate with someone special, be sure to make reservations at the very romantic Peninsula Grill.

Go Golfing At Kiawah Island

You can spend the late hours of the afternoon on one of South Carolina’s best golf courses on Kiawah Island. Golfing on a professional, 18-hole course is at the top of the list of what to do in Kiawah Island as you watch the sunset.

The River Course and Cassique provide challenging yet satisfying rounds of play as you breathe in the beautiful scenery. Both courses are private and available to Members of The Kiawah Island Club. Oak Point, Cougar Point, Turtle Point, Osprey Point, and the Ocean Course are all open to the public through the Kiawah Island Golf Resort.

Learn more about becoming a Club Member at Kiawah Island here! 

End Your Day With A Carriage Tour

To end your exciting day in Charleston, book a private horse-drawn carriage tour to soak in your last few moments visiting. It’s easy to schedule at one of several visitor centers in Charleston.

The rides meander through the city’s different historical sites, giving you a knowledge-rich tour of Charleston’s architectural history. Or, if you’re into spooky ghost tours, you can also book a guided walk through the underbelly of the Holy City’s haunted historic district. Either way you choose to glide through the city, we know your day in Charleston was definitely well worth the visit.

Visit Charleston, Live at Kiawah

With its stunning architecture, coastal views, and hidden gems throughout the city, Charleston is truly a magical place and an ideal destination for a Lowcountry day trip. Luckily, if you live at Kiawah Island, you can visit Charleston anytime you’d like.

Just 45 minutes from Charleston lies the private, luxurious community of Kiawah Island. Set along more than 10 miles of coastline and exclusive amenities, the Island is a perfect place to plan a relaxing vacation or find your dream home. Just like Charleston, Kiawah is rich in history and Lowcountry culture, giving it that unique Southern charm. However, Kiawah boasts even more beautiful beaches within its own private gates — rewarding you with the lifestyle you deserve.

If you would like to know more about Kiawah Island or becoming a Club Member, contact us today. We look forward to introducing you to our secluded oasis!