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Things to do in Charleston: 3 local trip ideas

3 ready-made day trips in Charleston, South Carolina: cultural, foodie and romantic. Each one strings together a handful of stops in order.

CulturalFoodieRomantic
Cultural trip

Historic French Quarter Arts

4 stops · about 4 hr 30 min of stops · ~$76 per person

Immerse yourself in Charleston's rich history, theater, and culinary scene with a perfectly paced, walkable loop through the historic French Quarter.

  1. 1

    Harken Cafe

    62 Queen St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
    Harken Cafe, Charleston

    Try their signature breakfast sandwich on a house-made ricotta biscuit in this cozy, vintage-inspired cottage.

    ★ 4.6 on Google · about 1 hr · ~$15 per person · Directions
  2. 2

    Dock Street Theatre

    135 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
    Dock Street Theatre, Charleston

    Step inside America's first official theater site to admire the gorgeous 1930s cypress paneling and grand courtyard.

    ★ 4.8 on Google · about 45 min · Directions
  3. 3

    Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon

    122 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
    Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, Charleston

    Explore one of America's most historic colonial buildings and descends into the cellar where British troops held prisoners.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 1 hr 15 min · ~$16 per person · Directions
  4. 4

    Slightly North of Broad Restaurant

    192 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
    Slightly North of Broad Restaurant, Charleston

    Indulge in a classic Lowcountry lunch of local shrimp and grits at this legendary farm-to-table bistro.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 1 hr 30 min · ~$45 per person · Directions
Foodie trip

A Historic & Delicious Day in Charleston

5 stops · about 7 hr of stops · ~$180 per person

Embark on an effortlessly walkable culinary journey through historic downtown Charleston, savoring iconic Southern breakfast grains, artisanal market treats, and refined coastal-Italian dining.

  1. 1

    Millers All Day

    120 King St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
    Millers All Day, Charleston

    Start with their famous mill-ground grits, artisanal biscuits, and a craft morning cocktail.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 1 hr 15 min · ~$25 per person · Directions
  2. 2

    Charleston City Market

    188 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
    Charleston City Market, Charleston

    Stroll the historic open-air bays to sample local benne wafers and see handmade sweetgrass baskets.

    ★ 4.5 on Google · about 1 hr 30 min · ~$15 per person · Directions
  3. 3

    Husk

    76 Queen St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
    Husk, Charleston

    Settle into a gorgeous historic mansion for a legendary Southern lunch showcasing hyper-local ingredients.

    ★ 4.5 on Google · about 1 hr 30 min · ~$45 per person · Directions
  4. 4

    Waterfront Park

    Vendue Range, Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
    Waterfront Park, Charleston

    Walk off your lunch with scenic harbor views and a classic photo by the iconic Pineapple Fountain.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 45 min · Free · Directions
  5. 5

    Sorelle

    88 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
    Sorelle, Charleston

    End your evening with breathtaking Southern Italian fare and handmade pastas in a majestic, multi-story venue.

    ★ 4.5 on Google · about 2 hr · ~$95 per person · Directions
Romantic trip

Romance in the Holy City

5 stops · about 6 hr of stops · ~$210 per person

An intimate, beautifully paced romantic day exploring the historic, moss-draped alleyways of the French Quarter, culminating in a sunset harbor view dinner.

  1. 1

    Le Chambertin

    113 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
    Le Chambertin, Charleston

    Share flaky croissants and café au lait on the intimate, sun-dappled patio.

    ★ 4.3 on Google · about 1 hr · ~$25 per person · Directions
  2. 2

    Philadelphia Alley

    Philadelphia Alley, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
    Philadelphia Alley, Charleston

    Stroll hand-in-hand down this quiet, brick-paved secret passage shaded by ancient oaks.

    about 30 min · Free · Directions
  3. 3

    Husk

    76 Queen St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
    Husk, Charleston

    Enjoy an upscale, modern Southern sit-down lunch inside a historic Victorian mansion.

    ★ 4.5 on Google · about 1 hr 30 min · ~$75 per person · Directions
  4. 4

    Waterfront Park

    Vendue Range, Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
    Waterfront Park, Charleston

    Walk to the iconic Pineapple Fountain and find a swinging bench to enjoy the river breeze.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 1 hr · Free · Directions
  5. 5

    The Rooftop at the Vendue

    19 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
    The Rooftop at the Vendue, Charleston

    Toast with craft cocktails and a scenic dinner overlooking the harbor as the sun sets.

    ★ 4.6 on Google · about 2 hr · ~$110 per person · Directions

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