The Perfect Weekend: 2 Days in Charleston, South Carolina
So, you 2 days to explore Charleston and unsure what to do? I’m thrilled to have you here as I lay out the perfect two days in Charleston, South Carolina itinerary!
I recently took my kids on a South Carolina road trip for one of their school breaks, and we had two lovely days in this charming town. I’m excited to share our journey with you and how it is possible to enjoy Charleston in a short amount of time!
⏰Short on time? Book my favorite Charleston Recs NOW!⏰
🏨Mid Range Hotel
🛏️Rental House
🚗Car
✈️Flight
👟Walking Tour
👻Ghost Tour
⛵️Harbor Cruise
Fort Sumter
Tips for your Charleston visit
- Spring and late fall are the best times to go! Early fall is still very hot. Winter is also lovely but check the weather and pack layers.
- The summer is very hot in the low country, and you’ll have to deal with pesky mosquitoes. If you want a summer trip, pair it with a nearby beach like Hilton Head!
- Bring bug spray and sunscreen if you travel in the summer or early fall.
- Check out the parking garages, which are centrally located to the sites you want to see.
- Take time to wander through the streets to admire the beautiful homes.
- If visiting on the weekend, make dinner reservations in advance.
- Check out some of the fantastic rentals in the area.
- Shop at the locally owned shops in town.
Charleston, photo credit: R. Schwartz
Where to stay in Charleston
When traveling with my kids, I prefer a rental for the extra space, kitchen, and laundry facilities.
We recently stayed in the most charming four-bedroom home in the Cannonborough neighborhood. Although we had to drive to see the major sites, there were restaurants and shops within walking distance, and the community was very charming.
If you want to be near the action of King Street, consider the Hyatt Place or Hyatt House if traveling with kids. On the other hand, if you want something more luxurious, consider Charleston Place.
our rental house in Charleston, photo credit: R. Schwartz
How to Get to Charleston
Charleston is the largest city on the coast and centrally located. It is easily reachable by car or flight.
If you live in the South, Charleston may be easy to reach by car. It is a little over 5 hours from our home north of Atlanta with no traffic. I recommend avoiding prime commute hours to make your way to the coast.
King Street in Charleston, photo credit: R. Schwartz
Here are the driving distances from several major cities in the South.
- Atlanta– 5 hours
- Columbia, SC- under 2 hours
- Greenville, SC– 3 Hours, 15 minutes
- Charlotte, NC- roughly 3 hours
- Jacksonville, FL- 3 hours, 45 minutes
- Asheville, NC– roughly 4 hours
- Raleigh/Durham, NC- 4.5 hours
- Knoxville, TN- 6 hours
- Birmingham, AL- 7 hours
I’d look for flight deals if you live further than 5-6 hours. You can fly into Charleston, Columbia, or Hilton Head/Savannah. You’ll need a rental car from Columbia or Hilton Head, but it’s not a far drive.
Airport codes
- Charleston- CHS
- Columbia- CAE
- Hilton Head/ Savannah-SAV
Charleston, photo credit: R. Schwartz
Sample Itinerary
If you are unsure of how to organize the activities, here are my suggestions!
Day 1– Heart of Charleston ❤️
- walk King Street
- browse City Market
- Waterfront Park
- Rainbow Row
- brunch or lunch at Miller’s All Day
- the Battery
Day 2- Activities
- Breakfast- grab bagels at Holey City Bagels
- choose between 2 activities- Fort Sumter, Aquarium, Patriots Park, walking tour
- dinner in town- Revival, Circa 1886 Restaurant or Halls Chophouse
- ice cream or dessert on King Street
- nighttime ghost tour
Best Activities for a 2 day trip to Charleston
Charleston is a paradise for anyone who loves history, fine dining, stunning architecture, shopping, and beautiful scenery. As cliche as it sounds, there is something for everyone in a 48-hour trip to Charleston.
King Street
You don’t want to miss out on browsing through the shops on King Street. Depending on your desire to shop, you could easily spend an entire day here or just a short period. Check out some of the incredible art deco buildings on King Street.
City Market
Here, you will discover one of the oldest open markets in the US. For years, it was the place to buy sweetgrass baskets. You can continue to purchase products, items, and gifts from local vendors, artists, and entrepreneurs. Even if you don’t enjoy shopping, you must walk through the market for the experience!
Rainbow Row
Charleston, photo credit: R. Schwartz
While you are on King Street, meander over to East Bay Street to see a collection of colorful and beautiful homes in a home, hence the nickname “Rainbow Row.” Make sure to snag a pic of your group here to remember your trip.
Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park is not too far from Rainbow Row, a relaxing spot on the harbor. Here, you can enjoy a relaxing moment, and in the warmer months, your kids can play on the splash pad.
The Battery
Walk down to the southern tip of town to see the battery used to defend Charleston in previous eras. A beautiful park overlooking the water and stunning historical homes line the battery and neighboring streets.
Charleston, photo credit: R. Schwartz
Historical Walking Tour
If you want an intimate and unique experience, consider booking a historic walking tour of the city. I would avoid bus tours, as many narrow streets limit your access to charming neighborhoods. Book your walking tour now by clicking HERE.
Ghost Tour
While we are on the topic of tours, consider booking a ghost tour of the city. Your knowledgeable guide will highlight the charming town’s spooky past. Book your walking tour now by clicking HERE.
Fort Sumter
Fort Sumter is the epicenter of the start of the Civil War. If you love studying history, you must carve out time to stop here. Remember that you need a ferry ride, so the entry fee is a bit higher than you anticipate. Book your ferry ride and entry ticket by clicking HERE!
Waterfront Park, photo credit: R. Schwartz
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
At this museum, you can tour the USS Yorktown, an aircraft carrier from WWII, and the destroyer USS Laffey. For the history buff, there are several monuments and memorials to the Cold War and the Vietnam War experience.
Boone Hall
Outside of town, you can explore the pretty grounds of Boone Hall, an old rice plantation on the coast. The site also showcases the Gullah culture of the Lowcountry.
Harbor Cruise
Consider booking either a daytime or sunset cruise around town. This is a fun way to view this quaint town differently. Some of the daytime trips have dolphin sightings.
Book your harbor cruise now by clicking HERE!
South Carolina Aquarium
The aquarium is an excellent option if traveling with kids or if the weather is blah (cold or wet).
In Conclusion: How to Maximize 2 days in Charleston, South Carolina
I hope my guide on a magical 2 days in Charleston, South Carolina, helps you plan your next great adventure.
South Carolina Resources
Hilton Head
Hilton Head in Fall
Greenville
Greenville Day Trips
Charleston Day Trips
Greenville Hotels
2 days in Charleston, SC
48 hours in Charleston
Best Activities in Charleston for families
