Our best places to visit in Charleston in 3 days

Day 1 of the three-day Charleston itinerary

9 a.m. - First steps in Charleston

In Charleston, there are places that tell the story and others that reinvent it. Upper King Street, in the historic district, is a perfect example. As soon as you take your first steps, you're enveloped by the special atmosphere of this street: colorful facades, small boutiques and the smell of coffee wafting through the air. The first day of our visit to Charleston begins ideally with a stop at one of the district's many artisanal cafés. Harken Café, nestled in an old house, offers delicious pastries and a large variety of hot drinks (tea, coffee, chocolate...).

Harken Café
62 Queen St, Charleston

For those seeking a more modern ambience, Second State Coffee (70.5 Beaufain St, Charleston), with its sleek style, is a popular haunt for students at the College of Charleston, just a few minutes' walk away. This historic campus, with its brick buildings and majestic trees, is a lively place that breathes youthful life into the city.Upper King Street is also the creative heart of Charleston. Here you'll find boutiques like J. Stark (489 King St STE 100, Charleston), specializing in handmade bags and accessories, and art galleries showcasing local artists.

12 h - Lunch at Leon's Oyster Shop

Located in a nicely rehabilitated former gas station, Leon's Oyster Shop has become a must-visit Charleston address for seafood lovers. From the moment you walk through the door, the atmosphere is relaxed, with long wooden tables and vintage touches lending the place its charm. Leon's is first and foremost renowned for its oysters: fresh, grilled or served with homemade sauce, they are always served to perfection. But the menu doesn't stop there: fried chicken is another must-try, crispy and juicy, attracting locals and visitors alike. There are also simple, generous dishes such as fish fry and creative salads, all accompanied by a selection of wines, beers and cocktails to complete the experience.

Leon's Oyster Shop
698 King St, Charleston

2 p.m. - Visit The Gibbes Museum of Art

Back to the historic district, where the Gibbes Museum of Art tells the story of the region. Founded in 1905, this Charleston landmark combines Beaux-Arts architecture with modern exhibits, immersing visitors in local and national culture. The museum is best known for its rich collection of American paintings dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, highlighting landscapes, scenes of life and portraits that bear witness to the evolution of the South. But the Gibbes also welcomes contemporary artists who explore a variety of themes, often related to the complex identity and history of the United States.

Gibbes Museum of Art
135 Meeting St, Charleston

6 p.m. - Lodging at The Loutrel Hotel

The Loutrel Hotel is a 4-star hotel, nestled in an elegant building that embodies the charm of Charleston. The design of this boutique hotel is inspired by the city's lush gardens, with soothing green tones and natural elements. The rooms, with their soft beds and decor subtly inspired by the surrounding nature, are ideal for a quiet night away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The "Drawing Room", the main lounge, offers a cosy atmosphere where guests can enjoy an artisanal breakfast or afternoon snack.

The Loutrel Hotel's rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of the city, the perfect place to relax over a drink and the ideal base for a hectic 3-day visit to Charleston.

The Loutrel Hotel
50 keys from €382 per night
61 State St, Charleston

7 p.m. - Dinner at Basic Kitchen

Basic Kitchen, located in the vibrant heart of Charleston, stands out for its healthy, flavorful cuisine. With a philosophy centered on fresh, seasonal ingredients, the restaurant favors local produce. In the kitchen, the team puts forward creative and balanced recipes, such as Thai vegetable curry or plant-based burgers. The restaurant's bright decor and friendly service create a relaxed atmosphere.

Basic Kitchen
82 Wentworth St, Charleston

9 p.m. - Meet at Theatre 99

Theatre 99 is the heart of the city's comedy scene, a venue dedicated to improvisation and live comedy that has been making locals and visitors laugh for over twenty years now. The theater, which is unique when you visit Charleston, offers a varied program featuring improv and local comedians. Here, the audience gets up close and personal with the performers, often diving right into the action with unpredictable, interactive sketches.

Theatre 99
280 Meeting St B, Charleston

Day 2 of Charleston itinerary

9 a.m. - Discover the city from the water

Our 3-day Charleston itinerary continues on the water. Sailing off Charleston aboard the Schooner Pride is a unique experience to discover the city from a new angle. Inspired by 19th-century merchant ships, this 84-foot schooner offers passengers a peaceful getaway near the bay. On board, you can admire the beauty of the city's skyline, punctuated by steeples and historic buildings, while gliding along (without an engine) thanks to the boat's sails. Outings last around two hours and are ideal for spotting dolphins and seabirds.

Schooner Pride
Aquarium Wharf, 360 Concord St, Charleston

12 h - Break bread at Rodney Scott's BBQ

Rodney Scott's BBQ in Charleston is an ode to the tradition of wood-fired barbecue, rooted in the ancestral techniques of South Carolina. Founded by Rodney Scott, winner of the prestigious James Beard Award, this restaurant honors the slow-cooking of smoked pork for hours to sublimate its flavors. Here, every meat is prepared with respect for know-how, from classics like pulled pork to Southern specialties and homemade sauces.

Rodney Scott's BBQ
1011 King St, Charleston

3 p.m. - Stroll the aisles of Cypress Gardens

Located near Charleston (about 40 minutes away by car), Cypress Gardens are a natural treasure, offering visitors an immersion in the wild beauty of South Carolina. Spanning sixty-eight hectares, these gardens are famous for their enchanting landscapes, where cypress trees stand majestically in calm waters, creating an idyllic tableau. The Cypress Gardens trails wind through lush marshes, providing opportunities to observe a variety of wildlife, including migratory birds and alligators. The gardens are usually visited on foot, but canoes and kayaks can also be rented to navigate the winding canals.

Cypress Gardens
3030 Cypress Gardens Rd, Moncks Corner

8 p.m. - Dinner at Edmund's Oast restaurant

Return for a visit to Charleston and its center, at Edmund's Oast, which celebrates seasonal gastronomy with a casual approach. Here you can enjoy dishes from a rotating menu featuring fresh ingredients, carefully selected by the chef. These include traditional burgers, toasts and meats grilled to perfection, such as the famous "fried chicken". In addition to its culinary offerings, Edmond's Oast offers a wide selection of craft beers, featuring local and international breweries, as well as a beer tasting room where customers can discover classics as well as new releases.

Edmund's Oast
1081 Morrison Dr, Charleston

Day 3 of 3-day Charleston itinerary

9 a.m. - Visit Boone Hall Plantation

Boone Hall Plantation, one of the oldest working plantations in the United States, offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of South Carolina. Located in Mount Pleasant, less than half an hour's drive from downtown Charleston, this iconic plantation spans over two hundred and ninety-five hectares and is famous for its oak-lined driveways. Here, you can explore the historic house dating back to 1936 and discover its rich past through guided tours. The carefully tended gardens offer a natural beauty that enchants walkers. Boone Hall Plantation emphasizes its commitment to preserving history, notably through its exhibitions on slavery and the lives of the African-Americans who worked there.

Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
1235 Long Point Rd, Mt Pleasant

12 p.m. - Lunch at Holy City Brewing

Located in North Charleston, Holy City Brewing is a craft brewery that has made a name for itself in the local brewing scene since its founding in 2011. Here, the passion for beer is felt in every sip, with the creation of quality beers, offering a wide range of styles from IPAs to rich, creamy stouts. At this fine Charleston address, you can discover the secrets of brewing during tours of the brewery. To accompany the beer, the menu offers a wide choice of burgers and seafood, such as ceviche or smoked fish.

Holy City Brewing
1021 Aragon Ave, Charleston

3 p.m. - Discover Shem Creek on the water

Renting a kayak at Shem Creek is one of the best ways to discover Charleston's natural beauty. Available every day, this activity offers an unforgettable marsh experience. During an outing, guides equip adventurers with a life jacket and a map of the sites to be explored. The kayak trip lasts around four hours and covers almost all of Shem Creek, Bayview Creek and the area around Crab Bank Island.

Nature Adventures on Shem Creek
1 Shrimp Boat Ln, Mt Pleasant

9 p.m. - Take a tour of the Dock Street Theatre

The Dock Street Theatre, opened in 1736, was the first theater in the United States built exclusively for theatrical performances. Its first performance, "The Recruiting Officer", marked the beginning of a rich cultural tradition. Although the original Dock Street Theatre was probably destroyed by fire in 1740, the site has undergone several transformations. After a nineteen-million-dollar renovation completed in 2010, the theater has been modernized while preserving its old-world charm. Today, it is the artistic heart of Charleston and hosts festivals and Charleston Stage productions, attracting over forty-nine thousand spectators each season.

Dock Street Theatre
135 Church St, Charleston