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Charleston South Carolina Two Day Itinerary for First-Timers
It is difficult to determine how to spend two days in Charleston South Carolina, there are so many fun things to see, do, and eat. Charleston oozes Southern Charm. “Chuck Town” is South Carolina’s oldest and largest city, it is well known for the Charleston Harbor, pineapple fountain, and 18th Century history. You will also find cobblestone streets, secret gardens, hidden alleys, historic homes, pastel row houses, amazing food, and great happy hour deals. While in Charleston be sure to eat low country broil, Carolina BBQ, shrimp and grits, pimento cheese sandwiches, she crab soup, and pralines. Charleston is located on a peninsula surrounded by water and beaches. Summer is hot and humid, pack lightweight clothing.
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If you are planning a trip to Charleston South Carolina and looking for the best things to do, see and eat while visiting, you are in the right place. Over 7 million people visit Charleston each year drawn by its friendliness and historic preservation consistently. In 2022, Travel and Leisure magazine voted Charleston the Best City in the US for the 10th year in a row AND it is the only US city to make the 25 best cities in the world list. In fact, Charleston was voted the best city in the world in 2016.
This Charleston South Carolina two-day itinerary is jam-packed with must-see sites and top attractions, including, Sullivan Island, Boone Hall Plantation, Cypress Gardens, Folly Beach, Middleton Place, Magnolia Gardens, and more. Looking for more options? Scroll to the bottom for additional things to do in Charleston South Carolina to supplement this itinerary. Have more time? Consider a visit to Savannah Georgia. It is possible to travel the world with limited PTO, here’s a day-by-day guide to visiting Charleston South Carolina in 2 days. Enjoy your time out of the office!
How to Spend Two Days in Charleston South Carolina
Day 1: Sullivan Island, Boone Hall Plantation, and Cypress Gardens
7 am Grab a coffee and walk the beach at Sullivan’s Island or Isles of Palms.
9 am Arrive at Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens, tour the home, enjoy the tractor ride around the property and listen to the educational talks. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds.
1 pm Arrive at Cypress Gardens. Walk the footpaths and enjoy a guided boat tour through the swamp.
5 pm Return to downtown Charleston and have a traditional southern dinner at Poogan’s Porch. Alternatively, head to Jim ‘n Nicks BBQ, do not miss their cheddar muffins.
Day 2: Folly Beach, Middleton Place, and Magnolia Gardens
7 am Grab a coffee and explore Folly Beach. Stop at the Morris Island Lighthouse before making your way to the famous Angel Oak Tree.
9 am Arrive at Middleton Place, do not miss the Beyond the Fields Enslavement at Middleton Place presentation. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds.
Noon Arrive at Magnolia Gardens. Stroll through the gardens and take the “From Slavery to Freedom” tour.
4 pm Arrive at the Old Slave Mart Museum, you have 1 hour to explore the presentations.
5 pm Drive out the Sheem Creek for a low country boil on the water at Red’s Ice House. Take a walk on the boardwalk before returning to the hotel.
Things to Do in Charleston South Carolina
Rent an electric bike and check out the mansions on Battery Row
Browse the Historic Charleston City Market and Market Street Shops for souvenirs
Grab some pralines at Market Street Sweets
Shop the boutiques on King Street or Broad Street
Relax on the Rooftop at Vendue with a cocktail and enjoy the view
Take a walk through the Waterfront Park
Check out the Pineapple Fountain and relax on a pier swing people watching
Wander the Saturday Farmers Market in Marion Square, 8-2pm
Learn about the slave trade at the Old Slave Mart Museum
Photograph the Pink House Gallery and Chalmers Street, the longest remaining cobblestone street
Relax under the oak trees in Washington Square Park
Take a walk down Broad Street and photograph Saint Michael’s Church
Photograph the Instagrammable Rainbow Row homes on East Bay Street
Learn about South Carolina Low Country at the Charleston Museum
Stand where General Lee stayed during the Civil War at the Edmondston-Alston House
Tour the Aiken-Rhett House Museum with its 1850s slave quarters
See the free-flying staircase at the Nathaniel Russel House Museum
Check out the 75-foot-tall domed ceiling at the Calhoun Mansion
See a 1740s kitchen at the Heyward Washington House
Learn about the sea turtle recovery program at the South Carolina Aquarium
Walk across the Arthur Ravenel Jr Bridge
Wander Middleton Place Gardens and visit the plantation stable yards living museum
Drive down the Avenue of the Oaks at Boone Plantation and explore the Black History in America dwelling exhibit
Visit the oldest unrestored plantation house in America, Drayton Hall
Take the From Slavery to Freedom Tour at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Tour the tea factory at Charleston Tea Garden
Cruise Charleston Harbor past Fort Sumter and Patriots Point
Tour the USS Yorktown at the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum
See the H.L.Hunley, the World’s first submarine that was lost at sea for over 100 years
Learn about the American Revolution and the Civil War at the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
Explore Cypress Gardens and cruise through Blackwater Swamp
Photograph the massive 1,400-year-old Angel Oak Tree
Hike the raised trails over a cypress swamp at Caw Caw County Park
Watch the sunset behind the Morris Island Lighthouse
Rent a kayak and get out on the water at Sheem Creek
Surf the swells of Folly Beaches Washout
Enjoy a beach day on the Isle of Palms
Watch the dolphins play at sunrise at Station 12 beach on Sullivan’s Island
Be sure to check the Charlotte North Carolina Tourism Board website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
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