Charleston, South Carolina, is a city steeped in history, brimming with charm, and offering a wealth of experiences for any visitor. Join us as we explore the must-see sights and hidden gems of this timeless city.
Getting Around Charleston
Our hotel was a bit on the outskirts of the downtown. Even though I had a rental car, we were heavily advised by the hotel concierge to leave it because parking is so bad in downtown. There is a free bus system, and they told us how to get to the historic district. We had to change buses, which made me nervous. The bus system felt much safer in the Historic District and the more touristy areas.
The free bus system is a nice affordable option to get around especially since the parking can be very difficult.
Historic Charleston Attractions
As we tried to figure out what to see in Charleston, there were 3 things I wanted to make sure we did in the Historic downtown:
- Horse & Buggy Ride
- Pineapple Fountain
- Rainbow Row
We did all three and some! After the bus ride in, we walked all over the city, taking breaks where we wanted and walking into any old store we felt like. Not having much of a schedule felt so nice. Only having those 3 historic Charleston things on my list made it a nice flexible day.
Things to do in Charleston
Horse and Buggy Ride
First on the list was the horse and buggy ride. I had made an appointment with Old South Carriage. It was so fun to ride around the historic homes and watch from the buggy. We especially loved that all their horses have a braid on the side. The homes were so fun to see, so different than we are used to, and quite charming. I highly recommend this experience.
Pineapple Fountain
We walked to the Pineapple Fountain. It’s iconic in the city, what I didn’t know which was pleasantly surprising was it’s a pool for little kids! Lots of kids swimming in it, so we jumped in, too! It’s right on the water, near a pier where we also swung on a bench swing and enjoyed the sounds of nature.
Rainbow Row
I was delighted to find Rainbow Row, the COLORS! We took some pictures there. It was such a cool little street.
{A friend sent me the turquoise earring from Rustic Wren, and I just love the contrasting POP of color they brought to my outfit}
Folly Beach, South Carolina
Our second day, I was so glad we had a car, as we drove out to Folly Beach. I partnered with Mitsubishi Motors and loved driving around the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. It felt like I was driving a sedan, but had the comforts and space of an SUV.
I stopped off at the Walmart between Charleston and Folly Beach and grabbed a few $3 float rings, and I’m glad I did, we had a blast playing with them and taking fun pictures! We had fun floating in the perfectly tempered water, ate some snacks, saw a lighthouse, and a pier, and ate some local crab. We leisurely drove around the island, stopping wherever we felt like!
Other Recommended Spots to Visit
These places we did not have time to visit but are highly recommended by other tourists who have visited Charleston.
- Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.
- The Battery and White Point Garden, offering stunning views of Charleston Harbor.
- Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, one of America’s oldest gardens.
- The Charleston City Market, a bustling marketplace featuring local artisans and vendors.
Our Favorite Food Stops
Here’s some of our favorite places we ate in Charleston
- Market Street (fresh warm praline samples!)
- Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit
- Giovani’s GIANT pizza (giant slices for lunch on Market Street)
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time to visit Charleston is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild, and the city’s gardens and historic sites are in full bloom. These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and a variety of festivals and events.
Yes, Charleston is highly walkable, especially the Historic District. Many of the city’s attractions, restaurants, and shops are within walking distance of each other. However, comfortable shoes are recommended due to the cobblestone streets.
Charleston has a humid subtropical climate. Summers (June to August) are hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching the 90s°F (30s°C). Winters (December to February) are mild, with temperatures ranging from the 40s°F to 60s°F (4°C to 20°C). Rain is possible year-round, so packing an umbrella is advisable.
All in all, we had a beautiful, adventurous trip. My girls felt special to go just the 3 of us. We can’t wait for our next girl’s trip!
