One of the South’s most historic cities, planning a day trip to Charleston, SC offers a glimpse into the past combined with the charm of South Carolina’s tropical coast. Imagine live oak trees with hanging Spanish moss, old-world cobbled streets, fresh seafood restaurants, and bustling markets.
Whether you’re doing a Charleston day trip from the beach or coming from another destination, here’s how to spend 1 day in Charleston.
Table of Contents
Note: Some of the links below contain affiliate links. This doesn’t increase the cost of any item to you, but simply means that I’ll receive a small commission of any sales from those links. Thank you!
Why Visit Charleston?
If you’re looking for a charming, historical destination with Southern hospitality, Charleston is definitely worth checking out. It’s a coastal city with idyllic streets, a rich history, and a vibrant culture.
The history here really goes deep for an American city. Walking through Charleston feels like stepping back in time. The cobblestone streets, antebellum architecture, and well-preserved landmarks tell stories of the past – the good, the bad, the ugly.
You can also visit historic sites like Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired, or stroll through cobbled pathways and gardens that reveal the region’s storied past.
Beyond its history, people visit for cultural experiences like the Charleston City Market, the city’s fantastic seafood scene, as well as arts, crafts, and live events.
Combine it all with its lush natural foliage, coastal views, marshes, and proximity to some of South Carolina’s beach best towns like Folly Beach and Kiawah Island, a day trip to Charleston is definitely worth your time.
Day Trip to Charleston, SC Itinerary
Here’s how to plan a Charleston day trip and see some of the city’s main places in just one day. Let’s get into it!
Brunch at Millers All Day
Millers All Day is one of the most popular places for breakfast/brunch in Charleston. With that in mind, there’s probably going to be a wait when you arrive.
I didn’t get the chance to eat Millers All Day the last time I was in Charleston and I was really bummed. However, if you arrive early or are happy to put your name down and wander around until your table is ready, then definitely make it a priority.
A few other brunch places include options like Toast! All Day, Gingerline (not my favorite but the interior is STUNNING), and Basic Kitchen.
Charleston City Market
No first-timer’s day trip to Charleston is complete without stopping by the Charleston City Market in the center of downtown. It’s one of the country’s oldest markets, established in the late 1700s.
Here you can find all sorts of artisan goods like woven baskets, handmade leather wallets, jewelry, hats, and other locally-made and designer items.
There are also some food vendors at the market, like warm biscuits and deli sandwiches.
Side note! Contrary to popular belief, slaves were not sold at the Charleston City Market. It has occasionally been referred to as the “Slave Market”, but that is only because many slaves used to sell produce and other goods there.
However, given Charleston’s history, slaves were sold in the city during the 1800s. They were mainly sold at the waterfront, Old Exchange Building, and the Old Slave Mart, which is now a museum.
Anywho, definitely take a stroll through the Market during your 1 day in Charleston. It’s open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Clerk’s Coffee Company
For coffee around the corner from the market, I recommend Clerk’s Coffee Company. It’s a stylish spot with great coffee and pastries. They also have coffee bags you can take home as a souvenir from your day trip to Charleston.
Clerk’s Coffee Company is open every day from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
French Quarter
A small neighborhood at the southeastern corner of the peninsula, this is one of the loveliest areas to walk through. It goes from the end of Hasell Street (right by the Market) to the end of Broad Street.
Charleston City Market, Old Slave Mart, the Waterfront Park, Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, the beautiful Farmers Exchange Building, and the pink-tinted Gothic Revival church built in 1845 French Protestant (Huguenot) Church are some of the best places to see in the neighborhood.
I can’t forget to mention Saint Philip’s Episcopal Church, which is a Charleston skyline staple. It dates back to the early 1800s and has a tall tower that overlooks downtown.
You also can walk along cobbled streets and past Antebellum architecture as you explore the French Quarter.
If you want to make the most of your time with just 1 day in Charleston, I highly recommend this 1.5 hour Charleston walking tour that will take you to many of the iconic places I’ve mentioned, plus history and storytelling.
Broad Street & Church Street
Two specific streets of the French Quarter that I LOVE are Broad and Church Street. I find these to be two of the most picturesque high streets of the city.
You’ll see a lot of picturesque historic architecture on these two streets plus beautiful live oak trees with Spanish moss and tall palm trees. Plus, there are cobbled areas and adjacent cobbled streets that are also worth exploring.
Walk along Broad and then turn onto Church Street, which – unsurprisingly – is where many of the churches mentioned in this Charleston itinerary are found.
Another notable street is King Street, which is two streets over from Church Street. Here you’ll find the Riviera Theatre, boutique shopping, the stunning Patrick O’Donnell House, and more.
St. Michael’s Church
One of the most famous churches in Charleston is St. Michael’s Street. It’s located in the area called South of Broad, literally right beside the French Quarter.
Walking past it on a Sunday is a delight seeing all the churchgoers in their Sunday best and the sound of the church bells chiming away.
The church was built in the 1750s and with lovely white-washed architecture. It’s actually the city’s oldest surviving religious building, so it’s definitely one of the best places to see in Charleston.
Rainbow Row
Make your way to the end of Broad Street, still South of Broad, to see Rainbow Row. This is probably Charleston’s most picture-perfect street. It’s a series of thirteen colorful residential buildings.
Rainbow Row is located on East Bay Street and it’s one of the best photo spots for your Charleston day trip.
Public Pier & Waterfront Park
Once you’re finished at Rainbow Row, check out the Public Pier for pretty views that look out toward the Charleston Branch Pilots and Shutes Folly Island. This will lead you right to the Pineapple Fountain as well.
You’ll find this pier right at the edge of the Waterfront Park. I recommend walking South Adgers Wharf from Rainbow Row to get there. This is a cute cobbled street that curves up toward the park.
Pineapple Fountain
Most certainly your day trip to Charleston, SC can’t skip out on seeing the famous Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park.
It’s one of the newest places on your itinerary; the fountain was only completed in 1990. Nonetheless, it’s a huge multi-layered pineapple overlooking the Charleston Harbor.
You can take your shoes off and stand right at the base of the fountain – a lovely way to cool off on a hot day in the city.
Otherwise, just walk through the Waterfront Park as you make your way to the fountain. It’s definitely worth stopping for a photo opt as well.
Hyman’s
Finish up your Charleston day trip by having lunch or dinner at Hyman’s – the city’s most famous seafood restaurant. It’s so popular they even have the tables labeled with what celebrity or public figure sat there. I had the pleasure of sitting where Billy Joel once sat.
And even if you’re a vegetarian like myself, there are so many tasty options. If you’re a seafood eater like my boyfriend, well, you’re really going to love it. Their Bloody Marys are also heavenly!
I really like that it’s family-owned and the owners really care about the quality of their food and guest experience.
The owner actually walked around and greeted everyone in the restaurant when I was there. While I think any owner could do this, his attitude felt truly genuine.
Something else unique about the restaurant is that they have colored cards on the tables/throughout the restaurant with quotes to live by, humor, and various words of wisdom. Super sweet touch!
Side note, the bathrooms have handmade hand scrubs that smell and feel amazing. You can even purchase their scrubs from the attached shop.
Hyman’s doesn’t take reservations but you can usually get seated pretty quickly. We were quoted a 20-minute wait but it was more like 10-15 minutes.
The restaurant is open every day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Angel Oak Tree
Technically on John’s Island right outside of dowtown Charleston, the Angel Oak Tree is one of the most beautiful things I’ve seen in the United States. If you can make it part of your day trip to Charleston, you’re in for a real treat.
Besides, if you’re doing your day trip from Kiawah Island or Folly Beach, you can easily make a pit stop to see the tree when leaving/entering Charleston.
Anywho, this is a the 60 ft. tall historic tree believed to be at least 500 years old with some suggesting it is closer to 1,000 – 1,500 years of age. Either way, it’s a sight to see with its numerous branches reaching up, down, and around.
Thank you for reading this day trip to Charleston itinerary! I have visited the city a few times on trips to South Carolina from Tennessee. It’s always so special to drive the 5+ hours and watch the natural beauty transform from mountains to wetlands, oak to live oak with hanging moss. So dreamy!
