Charleston, SC, is an amazing place to spend a weekend. Enjoy a romantic getaway with someone special or a fun trip where you spend most of your time outdoors. The city also has museums dedicated to history and other topics that are open on the weekends. Discover the best things to do whether you visit for two or three days.
Visit the Museums and Historic District of Charleston
The Charleston Historic District has quite a few attractions for history enthusiasts. This area on the city’s southern edge has numerous buildings on the National Historic Register, with homes dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
One unique type of architecture in the district is the Charleston Single House. Though they look similar to townhomes or rowhomes, they are single structures with a door placed off to the side on the front. You open the door and enter a small porch before entering the house. This style got its name because it started in Charleston. When looking for historic homes for sale in Charleston, SC, visitors often find their eyes drawn to some of these homes.
The Meeting Street Inn is another can’t-miss site. Enoch Pratt purchased an old theater on the spot in 1874 and built a large brick building on the land. It was one of the first in the city to have indoor running water. Adolph Tiefenthal later acquired the property and used it as his family home while selling German wine and beer from the first floor.
Explore Downtown with a Charming Carriage Ride
If you think carriage rides are just for couples on romantic trips, think again. Charleston carriage rides are different because they’re suitable for families and groups. Palmetto Carriage Works offers historic tours of the city. They are the oldest operating carriage company in Charleston. You can book a daytime or nighttime tour that takes you around many of the historic buildings downtown. Tours are also available in both residential and commercial districts.
If you plan a trip during the spooky season, turn to Old South Carriage Company. This local company offers Charleston’s only haunted carriage ride. This tour takes roughly 40 minutes, and you’ll learn about the city’s history. It is open to all ages.
Downtown Charleston boasts historic spots you can visit before or after your tour. Fort Sumter is one of the nation’s oldest forts. It is known for its connection to the Civil War. Confederate soldiers fired on Union soldiers here, marking the beginning of the Civil War. Though you can’t walk to the fort, you can easily pick up a ferry from one of two spots and then tour the grounds.
Fans of military history also appreciate the USS Yorktown. This ship served as one of the aircraft carriers used by the Navy and became known as the “Fighting Lady” during the Vietnam Conflict. Plan a tour to learn more about its history, like how the carrier recovered both the Apollo 8 capsule and the astronauts on board.
Fun in the Sun at Folly Beach
Folly Beach offers year-round fun for people of all ages. During the winter, visit the ice rink. Have fun skating as you take in the sights of the beach. The Christmas Parade takes place in early December and lets kids see Santa. At the end of the year, Folly Beach raises a light-up flip-flop that drops at midnight when they start a fireworks display. Other popular events include the Taste of Folly, Bill Murray Polar Plunge, and the Sea & Sand Festival.
If you plan to look at Folly Beach homes for sale, you may want to check out other things to do in the area. The Isla Surf School can turn almost anyone into an experienced surfer in just a few lessons. Master your craft and pick up the perfect board at Ocean Surf Shop or McKevlin’s Surf Shop.
Folly Beach also has fishing charters for those who want to get out on the water. You can spend an entire day on the water or just a few hours before you head to another part of the city. The Folly Beach Fishing Pier stretches over the water and is a popular local fishing spot. It’s also close to many of the top Charleston restaurants.
Enjoy Lowcountry Cuisine
While you can stick to the same chain restaurants you have at home, why not try authentic lowcountry cuisine? Charleston has many places that let you dine on fresh seafood and more. Virginia’s on King is a great option. Not only does it use local ingredients in all dishes, but it also offers classic Southern comfort food.
Well Hung Vineyard is another fun hotspot. Three Virginia natives named their restaurant after a joke in the wine industry. The Well Hung Vineyard offers a wide selection of wines along with an extensive menu. Portobello fries, fried chicken with sausage gravy and grits, and the Full Monty flatbread pizza are some dishes on its Charleston menu.
Reserve a table at Slightly North of Broad for an upscale twist on lowcountry cooking. Known for using lowcountry recipes, local ingredients, and modern cooking methods, the restaurant is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Some diners come just for the seafood cocktail with Carolina shrimp served with a spicy remoulade made with Old Bay.
Plan a Fun Weekend in Charleston
Knowing where to go and what to do will make your weekend trip to Charleston successful. Add some or all of these restaurants and attractions to your itinerary to make memories that will last a lifetime. See why so many people love calling Charleston home on your visit!