So you’re planning a weekend in Charleston and aren’t quite sure how to maximize your time? With so much to do, see, and eat in this charming city it is easy to get overwhelmed. Which restaurants can’t be missed? And which historic sites are worth a visit? Fear not, we’ve got everything you need in this Charleston Vacation Guide. All you’ll need for an amazing weekend away are this itinerary and your weekend bag, so read on and then get packing!

Start Your Charleston Vacation With A Memorable Meal

Start your Charleston vacation on a delicious note with dinner at a memorable restaurant. There are tons to choose from, but one of our favorites is Revival. It is a southern eatery with a modern twist. The menu in this award-winning spot focuses on elevating traditional South Carolina recipes. You won’t want to miss the amazing she-crab soup or the creamy shrimp and grits. And we’ve heard it’s a crime if you don’t indulge in dessert. You’ll find Revival set in the gorgeously designed Vendue Hotel. You’ll be so happy not to miss it!

A Charleston Vacation Guide Staple: The Saturday Market

There’s nothing quite like the buzz of the Saturday Morning Market! This Charleston vacation guide wouldn’t be complete without it. Held every Saturday in Marion Square, you’ll find eclectic food trucks, amazingly fresh produce, and a myriad of artisans and crafters. The air is always filled with the smell of delicious treats and the sound of live music, creating a truly one-of-a-kind ambiance. Our favorite thing to do is pack a picnic blanket and then let the booths of the market inspire the day’s menu. 

See One of the Oldest Gardens In America

After you’ve explored the market, continue your Charleston vacation with a guided tour of Middleton Place. It is one of the oldest gardens in America. There is history and picturesque scenery everywhere you look. On the grounds you’ll find interactive stable yards that allow you to participate in the care of the animals, which is always a hit with the kids. You’ll also see historical reenactments of plantation life that are sure to teach everyone in your group a new thing or two. 

Take Your Charleston Vacation To The High Seas With A Tour Guide

Finish your first full day in Charleston with a sunset tour of Morris Island. You can hire a private charter, or go with a group, either way, it is sure to be a gorgeous trip! Most tours will bring you to the beach, allowing you to disembark and get up close to the lighthouse. The island is also notorious for shelling, and it’s not uncommon to see dolphins on the ride out. 

See A Charleston Comedy Show

It’s almost time to hit the hay, but there’s one more thing on the agenda for the evening. After your sunset tour grab a quick bite (our favorite spot is either The Brown Dog Deli or Bon Banh Mi). Then get ready to end the night with some laughs, as you head to the Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre. The theatre offers an array of whodunit-style shows in the middle of the downtown city market, and no matter which you pick you can’t go wrong. Inside the tiny theatre, you’ll find a show full of laughter, improv, and a good amount of audience participation. So come ready for your theatrical debut!

Immerse Yourself In History

The next morning, take a quick thirty-minute ride across the Charleston Harbor to Fort Sumter. It is the site of the first clash between the Union and Confederate armies during the Civil War, and the amount of history inside its stone walls is breathtaking. Ask any Charleston vacation guide and they will tell you this is one attraction that shouldn’t be missed on your trip.

Visit The Aquarium

After a morning outdoors, cool off at the South Carolina Aquarium. There you’ll find a touch tank where you can feed the stingrays, as well as an assortment of other unique exhibits. From the state-of-the-art sea turtle hospital to the three-story great ocean display, it’s the perfect spot to spend an afternoon. Make sure to check their website before you go so you can time your visit around the daily interactive die shows!

End Your Charleston Vacation On A Sweet Note

There’s no better way to end a Charleston vacation than the way you started it, with food! And there’s simply no better dinner spot in the city than the iconic Hall’s Chophouse. Reservations at this popular locale are a must, as the secret about their perfectly cooked steaks has gotten out. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but our most recommended sides are the pepper jack cream corn and the loaded mashed potatoes. At the end of dinner make sure to order dessert, and enjoy a treat as you reminisce about the equally sweet memories of your Charleston vacation.