I was captivated by Charleston, South Carolina’s historic charm and waterfront views the first time I visited in 2018. It’s the perfect destination whether you have one day in Charleston or an entire week.
I went back to the charming city with my mom in 2024 and it was just as lovely as the first time. In fact, a trip to Charleston is perfect for a girls’ trip, a romantic getaway, or a family vacation.
This post details the must-visit spots in Charleston if you only have a day, and a few additional options if you have more time.
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Where is Charleston?
Charleston is located in the state of South Carolina along the Atlantic Coast. Charleston is the oldest and largest city in the state.
How to Get to Charleston?
Southwest Airlines offers a two-hour nonstop flight from Chicago Midway Airport to Charleston International Airport. Delta and United also offer nonstop flights from several Midwest airports, while Breeze provides seasonal nonstop service from a number of locations.
For those driving to the area, Charleston is an easy two hour drive from Hilton Head Island, SC and Savannah, GA, about five hours from Atlanta, Georgia, and just under four hours from Jacksonville, FL.
Where to Stay in Charleston:
I recommend booking your hotel in Charleston based on where you’ll do a majority of your activities. For example, find a hotel in Downtown Charleston if you don’t plan on renting a car and want to explore the historic district.
I booked one night at the Courtyard Charleston Waterfront and I highly recommend the hotel. This Marriott property sits along the Ashley River overlooking a marina, and offers a free shuttle from the hotel to Downtown Charleston.
Things to do in Charleston:
Waterfront Park
If you’re looking for the highly-photographed Pineapple Fountain, make your way to Charleston’s Waterfront Park overlooking the Charleston Harbor and the Cooper River. Waterfront Park boasts 8 acres of beautifully-designed public space in the heart of downtown Charleston.
Start your visit at the fountain on Concord Street where kids often splash around in the puddles it creates. Then, walk along the shaded path, past the brownstone-style homes and statues that decorate the park grounds. The walkway is covered by gorgeous live oaks and surrounded by grassy areas for kids and dogs to run around.
Circle back along the paved and accessible waterfront path featuring plenty of sunshine and palmettos. You’ll run into the famous Pineapple Fountain just before the pier. The fountain is often crowded with people trying to get the perfect photo.
Before you leave Waterfront Park, make sure to walk the pier where you’ll find picnic tables, wooden swings, and beautiful views of the harbor. The lucky visitor might even spot a pod of dolphins.
The park is free to visit and has a very accessible design, making it a highlight of Downtown Charleston.
The Battery
Visitors looking to explore one of Charleston’s most historic spots should head to The Battery. Stunning antebellum homes surround this defensive seawall that overlooks the Charleston Harbor and the Ashley and Cooper Rivers.
Whether you want to photograph the cannons in the park or simply want to enjoy a nice walk, The Battery is the perfect spot to do so.
Sometimes people will refer to The Battery and White Point Garden, which is directly across the street, as “Battery Park”, but officially they remain separate entities.
The Battery was undergoing construction when I visited in October 2024, however, you can still access the grounds.
Shopping on King Street
Originally serving as the primary road in and out of Charleston, today King Street is famous for high-end and boutique shopping, trendy restaurants and hot nightlife.
The street actually begins at The Battery and passes through blocks of historic homes before reaching the downtown district. While most people head straight to the King Street shopping district, I recommend that you walk the street in its entirety. The historic homes that you’ll pass between The Battery and the retail section are incredible. You’ll be impressed!
Walking tours offer a great way to learn the past and present of King Street. Learn about King Street and other top Charleston locations on this two hour affordable historic Charleston walking tour. If you want to sample some of the local restaurants, check out this Brunch Walking Food Tour of Upper King Street.
Rainbow Row
Just down the street from Waterfront Park sits a line of brightly colored homes. Aptly named Rainbow Row, the homes stand out for their fun shades of pinks, blues and yellows. The residences are picture-perfect, with window flower baskets and magnificent front doors.
This area is one of the most photographed spots in Downtown Charleston and you’ll likely see influencers and bachelorette parties clamoring to get the perfect shot.
Rainbow Row is worth a visit since it makes for a great photo backdrop and the homes are close to other worthwhile Charleston attractions. The row is not huge so you do not need to allot much time here.
Fort Sumter National Historic Park
History buffs and those interested in the area will enjoy a tour of Fort Sumter National Historic Park. Located in the middle of the Charleston Harbor, the journey to the fort affords visitors breaktaking views of Charleston and the surrounding area.
Tours are 2.25 hours total in length and depart daily from both Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant and Liberty Square in Downtown Charleston. Your tour starts with an enjoyable 30-minute, fully-narrated cruise from your departure point to the fort.
At the fort, a knowledgeable guide or park ranger details the events leading up to the start of America’s bloodiest war, and gives you about 1 hour to explore the fort at your leisure.
When Sam and I visited in 2018, we took the first tour of the day and Sam had the opportunity to assist with raising the flag on the fort. This experience was definitely a highlight of the entire trip for Sam. The fort also has a ceremony to lower the flag each afternoon.
Tickets cost $40 per adult, $26 per child, and $36 for those 62+/Active Military. The fort is a National Historic Park operated by the National Park Service, and tickets can be booked directly through the NPS Authorized Concessioner here.
Tickets are 100% refundable if cancelled at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure time.
Note that the America the Beautiful annual national park pass does not cover the Fort Sumter ferry cost.
More Time?
If you have additional time in Charleston, there are plenty more things to do. The city is home to one of the best aquariums in the United States – the South Carolina Aquarium.
Additionally, just a short drive from downtown Charleston you can tour the Boone Hall Plantation, Cypress Gardens, and Middleton Place.
Neighboring islands also offer beautiful beaches full of outdoor recreation like fishing, kayaking, and swimming.
Final Thoughts
Charleston, South Carolina is the perfect city to spend a day (or longer)! The area is beautiful, full of history, has excellent restaurants, and is perfect for all ages. What is first on your Charleston itinerary?
