Experience Charleston, SC: Guide to a 1 day trip; what to see, do and eat.

Guide to a 1 day trip to Charleston, SC: What to see, do and eat

Charleston is one of the oldest cities in the United States, and dates all the way back to 1670 where the settlement was founded by English colonists. It was originally called Charles Towne in honor of King Charles II of England but adopted its present name in 1783. 

Charleston is known for its southern charm and old architecture. Here you will see colonial style buildings and old churches while walking the old cobblestone streets. And Charlestonians are known for their warm southern hospitality and friendliness.

What I really love about Charleston is the vibrant downtown which is quite extraordinary. This is something very characteristic for Charleston and not something you see many places in the United States. Another favorite thing about Charleston is the coastal living and the possibilities this brings with it.

If you want to get the best of Charleston but only have 1 day, I have made a guide to experience the memorable Charleston vibe and also get great eating experiences.

King Street; The Famous Shopping Street

I recommend starting the day at Marion Square and from there work your way down south on King Street If you love to shop you will have plenty of shopping opportunities from small local shops to big well known brands. You will also find small coffee houses if you need to get fuelled up. King Street is very unique and known for being a central part of one of the most vibrant and distinctive downtowns in the United States. 

The Cozy French Quarter

When you reach Queen Street turn left and you will now head towards the French Quarter. The French Quarter is characterized by its many old historic buildings and churches, small shops, cafes and art galleries. On Queen Street continue until you reach the Waterfront Park, where you will get a taste of the Cooper River breeze.

Seafood Break

Time for lunch; I recommend the waterfront restaurant Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar for tasty southern seafood. Here you will find a very relaxed atmosphere and excellent service.

The Beautiful Pineapple Fountain

After lunch take the 5 min walk back to the Waterfront Park and remember to swing by the beautiful Pineapple Fountain located in the park. The park is a wonderful place on a hot summer day and you are allowed to wade in the Pineapple Fountain pool if you need to cool off. The pineapple was back in time seen as a symbol of wealth and Southern hospitality because of its difficulties to acquire. The Pineapple Fountain was built in 1990 right after category 4 hurricane Hugo wreaked havoc in Charleston and therefore is now also seen as a symbol of hope and the city’s recovery from the hurricane.

Charleston’s Role in the Slave Trade

Head back through the French Quarter to Chalmers Street where you will experience one of the old cobblestone streets. If you are interested in history visit the Old Slave Mart Museum. The building once housed a slave auction facility, now it’s a museum where you can learn about the domestic inter-state slave trade in Charleston. Charleston was the largest slave port in the United States and played a key role in the sales and transport of slaves to all other major cities in the United States. Public slave auctions became illegal in South Carolina in 1856 and this was when the Old Slave Mart private auction hall opened. Slave auctions continued to be held at this facility until approximately 1863. 

Charleston’s Famous Nickname; The Holy City

Charleston has over 400 churches so you can say that the city really deserves its nickname, The Holy City. To experience a couple of Charleston’s beautiful churches, take a walk down Church Street. First you will pass by the French Huguenot Church which actually holds a service in French once a year. Shortly after you will see St. Philip’s Church and graveyard, both open to the public. It was the city’s first church, built in 1681, but has been re-built two times. The present building was completed in 1836 and the steeple was added later and stood finished in 1850. On his visit to Charleston in 1791, George Washington attended this church.

Dinner Time

End the day with dinner at Frannie & The Fox where you can sit outside in their cozy courtyard or head to Charleston Grill for the best fine dining experience in Charleston.

Charleston of course has a lot more to offer than what you can experience in one day. You can easily spend a whole week here exploring more of the city, the different islands, the beaches and Charleston’s waterways. Or spend longer and follow the 30+ new residents that on average move to charleston every day.