We rounded up good eats + things to do around town to create this ~12-hour guide to Charleston. Get the inside scoop on planning your next visit or staycation in the Holy City.
☕️ Good morning, Sunshine
9 a.m.
- Wake up with Daps Breakfast + Imbibe — a black coffee and the breakfast plate with eggs, hash browns, and bacon should do the trick.
- Early Bird Diner serves up some of the best chicken + waffles in Charleston, and the buttermilk pancakes are pretty amazing too.
👟 Hit the trails
11 a.m.
- Hike or bike the West Ashley Greenway . This scenic walk is a 10.5-mile, out-and-back trail with marsh views.
- Try out a picturesque path with the I’On Village Walk , a 2-mile loop in the I’On neighborhood in Mount Pleasant.
- Morris Island Lighthouse Trail is a 0.8-mile graffitied walkway leading to Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve with lighthouse + driftwood views.
🥪 Tuck into lunch
1 p.m.
- It’s hard to beat sandwiches at The Pass . Order the Such a Nice Italian Boy with burrata, hot + sweet salami, tomatoes, and provolone.
- If you plan to visit Folly Beach, don’t miss Bowens Island . Order the seafood platter + you’ll feel like you’ve fried and gone to heaven at this casual waterfront spot.
- Lewis BBQ is a must for barbecue fans. Grab a plate of ’cue with all the fixings — collards, mac and cheese, slaw, and green chile corn pudding.
🚶 Step out on the town
3 p.m.
- Grab tickets and swing by the South Carolina Aquarium to see the two-story, 385,000-gallon Great Ocean Tank and sea turtle exhibit.
- Visit The Charleston Museum — aka “America’s first museum” — to explore artifact collections and exhibits like the natural history gallery.
🍸 It’s five o’clock somewhere
5 p.m.
- Oyster lovers, listen up: Score $1 oysters seven days a week from 4-7 p.m. at The Darling Oyster Bar .
- Get 50% off everything consumed in-house from 4-5 p.m. daily (aka “Power Hour”) at Edmund’s Oast Brewing .
🦐 Dig into dinner
7 p.m.
- Catch the sunset on Folly Beach + order the bun cha lettuce wraps at Chico Feo . Pro tip: Cross the street to Bert’s Market and get a slice of cake for dessert.
- Dog owners: Walk Pitt Street Bridge with your pup and then sit down at Community Table . You and your furry friend can sit at a table outside.
- For fine dining, make a reservation and head to The Obstinate Daughter on Sullivan’s Island. Get one of the pizzas — trust us.
🎶 Find your beat
9 p.m.
- Head to The Windjammer on Isle of Palms for performances at this event venue. Take a look at the calendar and grab tickets before you go.
- Check out The Royal American for beers, eats + live music from local, regional, and national bands. Browse upcoming artists .
Luckily for us, there are countless ways to spend time in our city. Have a suggestion? Share it here .