Easy Charleston Weekend Itinerary: How to Spend 2 Relaxed Days in Charleston, SC
There are plenty of ways to plan an easy Charleston weekend itinerary. Depending on your interests, you can explore the area’s history, take in the colorful architecture, experience some of that quintessential Southern charm, or hang out at the beach.
I grew up north of Charlotte, NC, so we’d pop down to this coastal town for a change of scenery for a long weekend or even a day trip. I mean, there is a reason why Travel + Leisure readers voted it the #1 city in the United States.
I spent a few weeks house-sitting for family in the area, so I put together this easy Charleston weekend itinerary for when my mom came to visit. From local markets, nearby towns, and waterfront walks, this is how we spent a relaxed weekend getaway in Charleston, SC.
If you visit any of these spots, tag @accentgolden and let me know your favorites!
Why Charleston, SC is Perfect for a Relaxed Weekend Getaway
I love a weekend getaway to Charleston, SC. You can really build your itinerary based on what you want to see and do.
Most often, I’m in for an easy weekend trip to Charleston. Walking around different neighborhoods, exploring local markets, and eating all the good food.
Day 1: Things to Do Near Charleston, SC (Summerville & Surroundings)
Whether you’ve visited Charleston before or are completely new to the area, I always find it fun to explore nearby towns.
To experience some of that Southern charm in a more everyday light, head to Summersville, SC. This will show you the area from a local’s perspective, with less of the historic society upkeep.
Exploring Summerville, SC
Between the classically southern homes, main street shops, and local artists, Summerville, SC, is the perfect way to spend a day strolling.
Best Shops, Markets, and Local Stops in Summerville
Summerville Farmers Market – Every Saturday from 8 AM to 1 PM, this market is a pleasant blend of produce, art, food, and local creations. My favorites? Fresh ginger lemonade and organic elderberry syrup.
Summerville Antique Gallery – If you love antiquing or thrifting, this shop is a great find. Loads of variety from clothes, furniture, kitchenware, and other odds and ends
World’s Largest Sweet Tea – Nestled behind brick buildings you’ll find the world’s largest sweet tea, a southern staple, sitting inside what looks to be a mason jar complete with straw and lemon slice. I mean if you’re coming to the south, you’ve gotta have some sweet tea!
Soil and Soul Nursery – The aspiring plant lady in me loved this shop. Filled with a variety of greenery, many exotic plants and so many unique pots.
Public Works Art Center – If you don’t know this yet, I loveeeee local artists. After popping into the People, Places, & Quilts shop next door, they directed us to this gallery on the corner featuring work from local creatives.
Main Street Reads – I also love a good bookstore, even better in a small town. This is a small but packed shop featuring street signs designating the various genres within.
Why Visiting Nearby Towns Makes This Charleston Weekend Easier
While you can absolutely spend an entire weekend in historic downtown Charleston, sometimes it’s nice to get away from the tourist-heavy hustle and bustle.
Additionally, visiting nearby Charleston towns offers a glimpse into local life beyond those popular hotspots. Here are 5 areas to visit outside of Charleston’s historic district!
Pack a reusable water bottle because you’re going to need more than the occasional lemonade or sweet tea to stay hydrated
Day 2: Classic Things to Do in Charleston, SC
There are so many things that Charleston, SC, is known for, from its historic district to the colorful homes along Rainbow Row. Cover all that and more in this easy Charleston weekend itinerary, so you don’t miss a thing!
Walking the Historic District of Charleston
I would venture to say that the main attraction in the area is directly related to the historic district of Charleston, SC. Between the waterfront, colorful streets (often laid with brick and/or cobblestone), city market, shops, dining, and more, there’s a lot to cover here.
When visiting Charleston’s historic area, my biggest tip is to arrive early (unless you’re already staying nearby). If you get into town around 9 AM, you’ll likely find decent parking options and be able to explore the streets when they’re a little quieter.
Save on money and park for free on Sunday in historic Charleston, SC!
Charleston City Market & Rainbow Row
A trip to Charleston isn’t complete without exploring the Charleston City Market and walking along the historic Rainbow Row. As a first-time visitor, if you do nothing else, see these two iconic sights.
The market spans a few blocks and is filled to the brim with a range of local artisans, some food stalls, and, of course, all the beautiful sweetgrass baskets.
Rainbow Row, the iconic street aptly named for its colorful houses, sits near the waterfront. It’s the perfect spot for a photo opp and leisurely stroll. Also, peep the porches!
Relaxed Waterfront Walks in Charleston
From Rainbow Row, walk a little further until you see stairs up to the pathway along the waterfront for a breezy walk. Continue to The Battery, a shady spot with waterfront views featuring a park and plenty of spots to sit and people-watch.
More of my favorites to explore in Charleston, SC…
Church Street – I don’t think you’ll be shocked to find a lot of churches along this street. My favorite is the French Huguenot Church, in all its perfect pink glory. St. Philip’s is also a standout (literally, the road bumps out with the church on it) and is surrounded by beautiful grounds. Â
Basic Kitchen – A great spot for a bite to eat. The menu is strongly plant-based, and the vegan ceasar and tempura buffalo cauliflower are highlights! Maybe just avoid the expensive mocktails… that tasted more like lightly flavored water.
The Spice & Tea Exchange – You’ll find these shops many places but I love the variety of teas (and spices!) in this brick store and no one will stop me from going in.
Pineapple Fountain – I mean, she’s an icon. She’s also near the pier where there are giant wooden swings so bring a book and enjoy the breeze.
Carmella’s Cafe and Dessert Bar – The perfect spot for the friend who loves sweets and the friend who loves booze. A delicious place for a sweet treat and an adult-sip, while being very cute and family-friendly.
Ultimately, you could spend a few days in the historic and downtown areas alone. Above is my easy Charleston weekend itinerary to conquer the highlights, without going full-exhaustion mode.
Don’t forget to apply your sunscreen either! I love these sunscreen sticks for days like these. They fit perfectly in a pocket or a purse.
Charleston, SC is located in a coastal southern region. Prepare in advance for the weather which can get hot and humid (and wipe you out faster)
How to Plan an Easy 2-Day Weekend in Charleston
If you’re doing a little Charleston weekend planning but are aiming for more relaxed than hustled, I got you. For a town that screams Southern charm, there is a lot of ground to cover, which can make it easy to exhaust yourself quickly.
When planning your 2-day Charleston itinerary, first identify any musts you’re wishing to see and do. Then cast out your wider net from there.
Do you want to spend a day exploring historic Charleston and another on the beach? Do you want to walk around a nearby Charleston town before grabbing the ferry back?
Additionally, keep in mind the time of year you are planning to visit. If you plan to explore in the dead of summer, know you’ll need to pace yourself with activities and spots to pop into, to escape that southern heat and humidity.
Where to Stay for a Weekend in Charleston, SC
If you’re planning a weekend in Charleston, or just a 2-day trip, you’re probably wondering where you should stay to make the most of your time.
This depends heavily on how you plan your easy Charleston weekend itinerary, but my advice would be to book hotels or local bed and breakfasts as near to the Charleston City Market as possible. This acts as a good central landmark for most of your activities within the historic area.
Additionally, if you have a car, you could stay a little further out, like Mount Pleasant. Daniel Island, or Sullivan’s Island. Both make for easy drives into historic Charleston, SC (and you can even grab the ferry from Daniel Island!).
Best Time of Year for a Charleston Weekend Trip
My vote would be any time that’s not peak summertime. Charleston is a coastal city located in the Southern region of the United States – it gets hot and humid really quickly.
The best times to plan an easy Charleston weekend itinerary, from the beaches to the markets, are going to be March-May and September-November.
FAQs about Charleston, SC
Is 2 Days Enough Time in Charleston, SC?
2 days make for a quick trip, but it’s plenty of time to see many highlights around Charleston, SC.
What’s the Best Area to Stay for a Charleston Weekend?
If you only have a few days, stay as close to the Charleston City Market as you can, for a nice central location to explore the area.
Do You Need a Car for a Weekend in Charleston?
If you’re strictly staying and exploring around historic Charleston, you don’t need a car. Just good walking shoes!
What Are the Best Things to Do Near Charleston Without Driving Far?
Explore Daniel Island, the shops and beach on Sullivan’s Island, and the boardwalk in Shem Creek, all within 25 minutes of historic Charleston, SC.
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