Looking to plan a day trip to Charleston, South Carolina, but not sure where to start? I’ve got you covered! You’re going to learn all about how to spend one day in Charleston in this post. Plus, you can download a free 1-Day Charleston itinerary PDF that you can print out or download on your phone for your trip.
Last month, I spent one day in Charleston with my mom and it was such a wonderful little getaway. My mom and I had been talking about visiting Charleston every winter for the past three years. Tired of the snowy, icy 10-degree weather this winter, we finally took the plunge and decided to take a day trip to Charleston!
Charleston is a charming city known for its rich history, antebellum architecture, picturesque cobblestone streets, and delicious Southern cuisine. You will find no shortage of fun things to do and places to take gorgeous Instagram snaps here!
Although you could easily spend several days exploring this city, it is possible to cover the top attractions & highlights by spending just one day in Charleston.
It is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway, day trip, a girls trip, or a solo trip! Even if you are on a tight budget, there are many free and affordable things to do around the city.
Get ready to explore cobblestone streets, savor delicious Southern cuisine, and experience the perfect mix of history and charm—all without breaking the bank!
Download the Free 1-Day Charleston Itinerary
Get a free PDF version of the Charleston 1-Day Itinerary for easy printing and use on mobile devices!
The PDF contains both a color copy as well as a black & white copy that is printer-friendly!
Key Points About This Itinerary
- This itinerary is geographically clustered to make it easier to follow and cover everything efficiently in one day
- I’ve included the approximate price range per person for each activity on this itinerary, but keep in mind that prices may vary and additional costs or upgrades may apply
- This post is not sponsored, and I haven’t received any compensation for featuring these spots. These are genuinely my favorite places & experiences!
Video: Top Attractions to See in One Day in Charleston
Map of Charleston
Here is an interactive map of Charleston. All of the places mentioned in this post are labeled conveniently for you. As you can see, all of the major attractions in Charleston are located fairly close together!
Getting Around Charleston
Horse carriage rides outside Charleston City Market
If you’re spending just one day in Charleston, I recommend walking around the city to make the most of your day. Charleston is a very walkable city and as you can see in the map above, everything is fairly close together. Charleston is also very bike-friendly if you prefer getting around on wheels.
You can also take the free DASH shuttle bus (mentioned below), which will take you through the main parts of downtown Charleston. If you need to get to other parts of Charleston that is not served by the free shuttle, you can use the CARTA buses (that require payment) to get around.
For a more scenic, old-school way to see Charleston, you can hop on a horse-drawn carriage tour. It’s a wonderful unique experience and a great way to learn about the city’s history!
If you’re driving into Charleston, you can park in one of many garages located throughout the city. We parked in the Cumberland Street parking garage located in the heart of downtown Charleston and close to many attractions. It was also very clean, safe, and affordable!
Morning: Coffee & Historic Strolls
Breakfast at the Black Door Cafe ($5-15)
Start the morning off with a fresh cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich at the Black Door Cafe. They also make delicious espresso drinks here! Try their Southern chicken biscuit, which features Southern classics like pimento cheese, a buttermilk biscuit, and fried chicken.
This coffee shop is located inside Mills House Charleston, a beautiful and picturesque hotel located in the heart of Charleston. You can wander around the lobby for free or admire the fountain that sits on their outdoor patio. They also have a ton of cozy spots where you can sit, relax, & sip on your coffee.
Explore Washington Square (free)
Now that you’re energized, take a short walk down to Washington Square – a charming, historic park filled with beautiful greenery and monuments. This peaceful oasis in the heart of downtown is home to statues and plaques that tell the stories of Charleston’s rich past.
Enjoy a quiet moment under the shade of towering oak trees before continuing your journey. This is the perfect place to unwind, finish your coffee, read a book, or simply enjoy the natural beauty around you.
Rainbow Row (free)
A few blocks from Washington Square lies the famous Rainbow Row, the perfect representation of Charleston’s architectural beauty. This is one of the city’s most iconic attractions and is a must-see on your day trip to Charleston!
Rainbow Row is a series of pastel Georgian-style houses along East Bay Street that date back to the 18th century. These charming homes are picture-perfect and rank among the most photographed spots in the city!
Waterfront Park & Pineapple Fountain (free)
Once you’re done snapping photos, make your way to Waterfront Park where you can walk along the promenade and enjoy gorgeous views of Cooper River. This is also home to the iconic Pineapple Fountain – a pineapple-shaped fountain that is another famous photo spot in Charleston.
Take in stunning harbor views, watch the sailboats, and feel the fresh coastal breeze as you walk along the waterfront promenade.
There is also a beautiful tree-lined pathway just adjacent to the promenade where you can take a peaceful, leisurely stroll.
Mid-Day: Southern Bites & Local Markets
Biscuits from Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit ($5-20)
Even if you only have one day in Charleston, you can’t miss out on eating a biscuit! Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit is a local favorite, featuring biscuits (of course!) and other Southern comfort food. Their signature biscuits come in a variety of flavors and limited-time seasonal flavors.
They have two locations – one in the Charleston City Market and another on King Street. We visited their counter inside City Market, which is smaller than their storefront location on King Street. However, the biscuits were still warm, flaky, and very fresh!
We didn’t see any places to eat inside City Market, but there was plenty of outdoor seating area for us to sit & enjoy our biscuits!
Explore Charleston City Market (free to visit)
After enjoying your mid-morning snack, head to Charleston City Market, which is one of the oldest public markets in the country! The market is free to visit, but of course getting a souvenir will cost money.
Stretching four blocks, this historic market is home to many local vendors selling everything from handmade sweetgrass woven baskets to local gourmet treats. Take your time browsing the stalls, chatting with artisans, and purchasing unique souvenirs to remember your trip.
Ride the DASH Shuttle (free)
Charleston is one of the few cities I’ve been to that offers public transportation for absolutely free! It’s a great way to get around the city and save a good chunk of change! However, be mindful of traffic which may slow the bus down and take you longer to get to your destination compared to walking.
The free shuttle bus system is called DASH and has 3 routes that cover the majority of downtown Charleston. Just make sure that you take one of the DASH shuttle routes and not one of the other CARTA buses, which do cost money.
We took the DASH shuttle to King Street but you can also use it to get to Rainbow Row, the Waterfront Park, the aquarium, and many other points of interest.
Afternoon: Historic Homes & Scenic Walks
Stroll Down King Street (free)
King Street is a vibrant hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. The shops are beautiful, pastel-colored, and reminiscent of the houses along Rainbow Row.
Whether you’re browsing boutique shops, enjoying a delicious meal, or simply soaking in the lively atmosphere, King Street is a must-visit destination for your one day in Charleston!
It is divided into three sections—Lower King for antiques, Middle King for fashion, and Upper King for nightlife & dining. This bustling street is a shopping paradise that has something for everyone!
Lunch at A.W. Shuck’s Seafood Shack ($10-25)
If you’re searching for a delicious yet affordable seafood lunch spot, check out this hidden gem! A.W. Shuck’s Seafood Shack is located in the heart of King Street and blends fresh seafood dishes with Southern flavors.
This spot is a great place to enjoy classic Southern dishes like she-crab soup, fried shrimp, and local oysters without breaking the bank. If you’re not a seafood fan, they also make a delicious fried chicken sandwich.
One of the restaurant’s highlights is their inviting outdoor patio, where you can enjoy your meal and admire the beautiful buildings along King Street.
South of Broad (free)
Once you’ve enjoyed your lunch, it’s time to take a walk down King Street (towards White Point Garden). As you keep walking, you will eventually hit its intersection with Broad Street.
South of Broad – located…south of Broad Street – is one of Charleston’s most picturesque and historic neighborhoods. It is known for its grand antebellum mansions, lush gardens, and charming cobblestone streets.
As you stroll through this quiet residential area, you’ll be surrounded by beautifully preserved homes with intricate ironwork, grand columns, and lush gardens. There are also informational plaques located outside many homes where you can learn about the history of the house.
Evening: Sunset Views & Sweet Treats
White Point Garden (free)
As you keep walking down King Street, you will hit the tip of Charleston which is home to White Point Garden. This is another spot where you can find beautiful waterfront views of Charleston Harbor.
Try to get here an hour before sunset so you can admire the massive oak trees, historic cannons, statues, and the picturesque gazebo within the park. It’s the perfect place to relax, take in the sea breeze, and watch boats drift by.
Sunset at White Point Garden is a magical experience, and makes for beautiful photos. Enjoy the gentle sea breeze and watch sailboats glide across the water.
Dinner & Dessert at Carmella’s ($10-20)
As you walk back towards downtown Charleston, stop by Carmella’s Café & Dessert Bar for dinner, drinks, and dessert.
While this Italian-style cafe is known mostly for their delectable desserts, they also sell sandwiches, cocktails, and espresso drinks. If this doesn’t strike your fancy, there are many other restaurants nearby to choose from!
The cafe also features a charming outdoor seating area, perfect for enjoying dessert as a sweet way to end your day trip to Charleston!
Prefer a video version of this list?
I hope this itinerary gave you inspiration to plan your day trip to Charleston! As you can see, there is plenty of fun stuff you can do with just one day in Charleston!
I’d love to hear how your trip went and if you checked out any of the spots on this list. Let me know in the comments below!
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