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If you grew up in the South (or even if you didn’t), you know that Charleston is a popular vacation destination. It’s been on my list for a while, especially after Hubs and I visited Savannah several years ago during our first anniversary trip. So, when my sister moved down there, I knew this would be the year. When the same sister and her husband let us know they were moving in just a couple of weeks, I knew that this would be the week. Fortunately, my other sister was also free, so we packed the car, kissed Hubs and Little and made our way down to Charleston.
On Monday, I shared a little sneak peek of our trip, but today I have finally gotten through some of the pictures and want to share more of the details. As a fair warning, this is a photo heavy post, but Charleston is a beautiful city, so I’m good with that.
Weekend in Charleston
Ultimately, we only had a day and a half in the city so there are many things we weren’t able to get to. But, I think we made it through quite a bit in our short time. We also planned this trip really last minute and on budget, so many of the things we did were either free or really low-cost. If I could do it again with more time, I would definitely take more time to visit some of the historic home tours and try out more of the local food.
Angel Oak Tree on John’s Island
We got into town pretty late on Friday night and just met my sister at her apartment to catch up and get to bed. On Saturday, we all got up early, headed out to grab a quick bite to eat on our way to John’s Island to visit the Angel Oak Tree. This is a free park home to a massive oak tree (provides shade up to 17,200 square feet) with its longest branch measuring 187 ft. (source) It is truly an incredible sight.
Due to preservation efforts, there are signs posted all around the property asking that visitors refrain from climbing on any of the branches. We didn’t stay here long, but I’m thankful we stopped by. It is beautiful. Parking can be pretty limited and get crowded quickly, so you’ll want to be sure to go early, or be prepared to drive around a little for a place to park.
There is also a small gift shop on the property that has lots of souvenirs to help remember the Angel Oak Tree and Charleston. It’s such a beautiful thing, I really recommend you stop by if you haven’t been.
Angel Oak Tree: 3688 Angel Oak Rd, John’s Island, SC
The Waterfront Battery
Our next stop was to the historic waterfront battery, a fortified seawall right on the river. The streets here are lined with old, antebellum homes, and green spaces. From the wall, you can see Castle Pinckney, which dates back to the Revolutionary War and Fort Sumter. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get a ton of great photos here, but did spend quite a bit of time enjoying the views. We parked right on the street and walked along the waterway. Fortunately, the weather was beautiful for our trip!
Historic Waterfront Battery: E. Battery St. at Murray Blvd, Charleston, SC
Rainbow Row
Up next, we headed just down the street to soak in Rainbow Row. These homes have been around since the 1800’s and fell into almost disrepair during the Civil War. I’ve wanted to see them in person since I was a little girl when my grandmother brought me a souvenir t-shirt with them on it from one of her vacations.
I loved all the beautiful colors and flower boxes full on each house. Parking is also available on the street and paid by toll, so be sure to bring change if you want to stop by!
It was actually a lot more difficult to get a good photo than I expected. Since the houses sit right on the street, there were always cars passing and parked in front. Even still, it was neat to be able to walk down the street and just admire all the lovely homes. It’s interesting to think about how they are each so different and still part of a whole thing. (I think there’s a lesson for us there.)
See? So beautiful.
Rainbow Row: 83-107 E. Bay St, Charleston, SC
We were able to do both the Battery and Rainbow Row in the morning and then headed over to the Market. On our way, we drove past King St, which was great for shopping, but frankly, there were a lot of high end stores there and chains so we saw it quickly from the car. We didn’t want to spend the limited time we had shopping. BUT, if shopping is your thing and you have time, you totally should take a stroll down King St. The street itself is gorgeous and there are lots of shopping options!
Charleston City Market
We ended up driving to the Belmond Charleston Place Hotel on Meeting St. (jaw dropping gorgeous, by the way) and parked in the parking garage for the rest of the day. (Note: Parking ended up being $16, but we thought it was worth it to be able to park easily and then walk around the city.)
We actually spent quite a bit of time walking through the Market. The City Market contains several blocks of vendors selling all sorts of things – food products, souvenirs, t-shirts, clothes, shoes, jewelry, Christmas ornaments, toys, beauty products, home decor, etc. You name it, you can probably find it in the City Market. Of course, you want to be sure to at least watch some of the vendors working. Charleston is famous for its sweetgrass baskets and several vendors are busy making the baskets right there in there in front of you. The same is also true of many of the jewelry artisans.
Just above the Market, you’ll find the Confederate Museum, which contains many artifacts from South Carolina during the Civil War. The museum is pretty small and run by volunteers, but it’s a quick stop (and the air conditioning doesn’t hurt either) if you’re interested in some of the battle uniforms and old military artifacts.
Charleston City Market: 73 N. Market St, Charleston, SC
Savannah’s Candy Kitchen of Charleston
While we were in the Market, we called to make lunch reservations (just a tip – places fill up quickly in the city and most of them are small, so if you can call ahead, or make a reservation, I recommend it!) before heading across the street to a candy store.
Basically, I wanted one of everything, but ended up only getting the praline sample since I wasn’t sure how the sweets would fare being carried around all day since we hadn’t had lunch yet. I know, it’s not like me to pass on sweets, but I didn’t want to ruin lunch since it was the one meal we had planned to eat out in Charleston.
But, see what I mean? I want so much of it. My mouth is watering just looking at it again. That said, there are lots of local candy stores along Market St. and almost all of them have free samples. I really don’t think you can go wrong with picking a store if you want to buy candy.
Savannah’s Candy Kitchen of Charleston: 32 N. Market St, Charleston, SC
Fleet Landing Restaurant
For lunch, we headed down to the waterfront to eat at Fleet Landing. I’ll be honest, it doesn’t look like much from the outside. It is an old naval fleet landing, hence the name. The food was delicious though and the views were beautiful. It’s located right on the harbor and an easy walk from the Market.
Fleet Landing is a “nice casual” place, but it seemed really laid back around lunch time. You can dine inside or out, which I thought was nice. We were luck to get a window seat indoors.
We didn’t get reservations until 2:00 pm and it was still packed when we got there (and when we left). That’s always a good sign as far as I’m concerned. We got a delicious crab dip appetizer that came out really quickly and each got a different fried seafood platter. I decided on the shrimp basket with a cucumber and tomato salad, pictured below. It was the perfect amount of food for a late lunch.
Fleet Landing Restaurant: 186 Concord St, Charleston, SC
Waterfront Park & Charleston Pineapple Fountain
Right next to the restaurant is Charleston’s Waterfront Park and iconic Pineapple Fountain. Frankly, I should have gotten WAY more pictures here, but it was the end of the day and we were really just relaxing by this point. BUT, this park was beautiful. Like, I cannot emphasize how beautiful it was. There were kids playing in a splash fountain and wading in the pineapple fountain.
The sky was the perfect blue and the breeze from the water was keeping the temperature just lovely. If you’ve got time during your trip to Charleston, plan on taking a rest or just a stroll through this park. I loved to see all the people relaxing, playing, walking, running, picnicking, all around the park.
Waterfront Park: 1 Vendue Lane, Charleston, SC
Arthur Ravenel Bridge
Before leaving on Sunday, we decided to walk the Arthur Ravenel Bridge, home of the famous Cooper River Run. It had been on my sister’s Charleston bucket list before moving, and so we agreed. We parked nearby at Mt. Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park to access the bridge. There are pedestrian and bike lanes beside the traffic lanes that are safely blocked away from cars that made for a really great walkway.
The bridge is 2.5 miles one way and looks over the Chareleston Harbor between Mt. Pleasant and downtown Charleston.
This was definitely the least glamorous part of our trip, but I’m really glad we did it. The views were really wonderful!
Mt. Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park: 99 Harry M. Hallman Junior Blvd, Mt. Pleasant, SC
Around Town
Finally, we spent lots of time just walking around town and soaking in the beautiful old streets and buildings. I think these photos speak for themselves. I don’t really have anything to add other than just how beautiful the whole city is.
And that’s it. I think we got to see quite a bit in such a short visit, but I know there are so many things that we missed. Have you been to Charleston? What were your favorite parts of the city?
To see more posts on Charleston, see here & here!
I’ve always wanted to visit Charleston! We went to Hilton Head Island in August, but never made it to Charleston!
It was a really fun trip! I definitely recommend it if you are able to get there!
Omg I love the old time feel I got with the photos. My parents have been, looks amazing!
It was really an excellent trip! The whole city was beautiful!
I’ve never been to Charleston but it looks beautiful in your photos! I’ll definitely keep it in mind for future travel!
Oh, it’s beautiful! You should go if you ever have the chance!
Omg I love Rainbow Row! Charleston is on my bucket list!! Definitely checking out this post again when me and the hubs go!
It was really a great trip! Let me know if you go!
What a great trip! I’d love to check out rainbow row! 💜💚💛💙❤️
We really had an excellent time! Rainbow Row is beautiful, as is the whole city! I would love to go back again!
I’ve never been but this is making me want to visit. Looks as beautiful as I’ve heard it is. Great detailed recap!
It was so beautiful! I want to go back when we have more time to visit and relax well, too!
We have lived in Mount Pleasant for 33 years (well, I have the husband was born here) and it’s a shame you only experienced the touristy things around the area. Next time, you’ll have to try the favorite spots of the locals! 🙂
I’m hoping to get back sometime in the future to do just that. Our time was so limited this visit!
What would you recommend?
Wow! The Reader’s digest version for someone on a budget! I love it! You did a lot in a little bit of time. I would recommend driving a wee bit farther past Angel Oak, and visit our local winery…Deep Water and The Firefly distillery! Try Coast for a late lunch early dinner, and if time permits take one of the tours! Glad you enjoyed yourself!?
Thanks so much! Those sound like great ideas! I love tours and would like to do one if I’m in town again! I know there are so many more things to see!
Wow, you did a lot in such a short period of time! Although I suppose having adults only made that quite a bit easier, haha. That angel tree is beautiful!
We tried to squeeze in as much as we could! I’m sure it would have taken longer with kids (but kids do add a whole other element of fun!).
Wow! I’ve never been but now I think I need to! You were able to do and see so much in a short amount of time. Good for you for taking the opportunity before it was too late. A local guide is so nice and a big plus when it’s your sister!
We really did have a great time! Now I want to go back!
charleston is one of my favorite places ever!! i love fleet landing… a bloody mary + shrimp and grits on the water!! glad you had fun!
It was really fun!
Charleston is so beautiful! I got the chance to take a mini family vacation there over ten years ago. I’m glad you were able to get your visit in too 🙂
Isn’t it? I’ll take a mini vacation over no vacation, that’s for sure!
beautiful pictures! I have heard that Charleston is an amazing travel destination, and your post just made me want to go even more!
Thanks so much! It really was beautiful. Hopefully you’ll be able to visit!
Hi Mary Leigh! I will definitely be pinning and saving this post for future reference. We live in Fayetteville and I was just telling the Hubby how I want to start exploring a bit more and Charleston is at the top of my list!
You totally should check it out! It’s a little closer to Fayetteville since you’re already down 95! I hope you’re able to visit!!
Oh my goodness this looks amazing! I hope to visit sometime soon!
It was really a great trip!
Your pictures are fantastic and your documentation of Charleston is wonderful! This city looks like a fantastic family vacation idea!
Thanks so much! I really think it is lovely for families! There are also a few great beaches close by as well (that we didn’t get to visit in our short time), and the park is truly wonderful – besides the pineapple fountain I took a picture of, there is a huge fountain specifically designated for splashing!
I’ve never been there but it looks like such a beautiful city! Thank you for sharing your trip!
Thanks; it was my first visit, too! It was really beautiful!
Wow… those trees, the buildings, the food! Everything looks amazing and I just added it to my list of places to visit! 🙂
Yes! It is all so beautiful! I hope to be able to go back in the future!
Charleston is beautiful!! I’ve never been but I’d love to visit!
It really is lovely!
I’ve heard that Charleston is a great place to visit! Thanks for sharing this, now I definitely have them on my list of places to visit!
Thanks so much! It was really beautiful!
WOW! Everything looks gorgeous and I love that you included food pictures! A girl after my heart.
Because can you really go on vacation and not take at least one picture of the food?! 😉 We had a great time!
I love this post, and the pictures too. It brings back so many lovely memories. My father use to live in Goose Creek, South Carolina, which is about 5 or 10 minutes outside of Charleston, SC. We would go into town all the time. A few times we went to Mt. Pleasant Beach or Folly Beach. It was a great 2 weeks vacation visiting him. Thanks for sharing and bring those great times back to mind. Charlene – faithtoraisenate.com
How fun! We opted not to go to the beach this trip – but only because our time was so limited. Otherwise, I would have loved to stop by!
Wow absolutely love it. I’ve been thinking about visiting Charleston, NC. Now I definitely have to make plans 🙂
Yes! We had a great time and now I want to make plans to go back in the future!
Wow this place looks so beautiful! Definitely adding it to my must see places!
It really was!
Loved the post. I was glued to the pictures of greenary. I hope the weekend was great and memorable for you. Thanks for sharing .
Thank you! It was really beautiful and a great trip!
Wow! This place looks absolutely beautiful.
And has so many things you can do!
My hubby and I have been talking about taking a mini vacation somewhere and this is totally up our alley. I’m going to have to show him this ?
You totally should! Let me know if you go! I bet you’ll love it!
I have only passed through the Carolina’s. Charleston looks beautiful. Your pictures look like you guys had a wonderful vacation, I will def look into the area for a future vacation!
You should! We had a great time and it is definitely worth a visit if you’re not too far!
What a fun place to visit! I’ve never been there but now I want to go! Angel oak tree looks amazing and, from all your photos of the area, it looks like there’s so much personality packed in one destination. Looks wonderful!
There definitely is so much packed in! And we were able to do most of the things walking, so that as really nice and allowed us to really soak in so much of the downtown area!
Sounds like a fun trip! I always get so excited about the restaurants/bakeries wherever we go on vacation, and then I’m so overwhelmed I don’t know what to try without spending our entire budget…haha
I can totally relate! Unfortunately I didn’t get to try out a local bakery and it is my one regret of the trip. We just totally ran out of time. Next time though!
What a beautiful city. Now after seeing this pictures and reading this post, I want to go even more.
You should!! I had never been either and I’m glad I was able to visit even for a short time!
This looks like such a fun weekend!! I’ve never been there and need to add it to my list!!
We had a great time! I also had never been, but I’m really glad that we went!
I am hoping to visit soon so I would love to go to some of these places
Oh fun! Let me know if you do visit; I look forward to seeing your photos!
Charleston is such a charming city! I brought in the new year here! It was a lot of fun. Rainbow Row was one of my favorite landmarks. It felt iconic!
Oh, I bet that was fun! This was my first visit, but I really enjoyed it!
I love Charleston! You almost can’t go wrong – it’s all so beautiful and the houses are stunning. I love the City Market (and the coffee shop hidden across the street) and Rainbow Row the best. I could easily spend a week there and not run out of things to do.
I could tell there was so much that we weren’t able to get to in such a short time. I hope we are able to go back again in the future!
I visited Charleston at the beginning of the summer and enjoyed your take on the trip. So much to see, so little time! 🙂 I hope to make it back one day. that tree looks incredible.
It is really a great place to visit. We tried to squeeze in as much as we could, but there is still so much that we didn’t get to. We’ll have to go back one day, for sure!
I’ve never felt the need to visit Charleston before but now I do! That rainbow house row is an instagrammers DREAM. Also totally agree with the food comment– if a place is busy that’s usually a good sign for me. Glad you had such a great time on your weekend away!
Thanks so much! Yes to Instagram! I actually saw SO many people trying to get the perfect shot while I was out there. Can you even blame them, though? I did my fair share of stopping to take photos (as evidenced here!) 😉
I seriously love Charleston. We vacation at Isle of Palms each year which is only about 30 minutes away. This way we get both beach and Charleston in one trip! So glad you got to see so many things! And I’m so jealous of your sister who is living there now! 🙂
So fun! That sounds like a perfect mix of both worlds! I know – she’s moving soon though so she won’t be there much longer! We had to get down there while she was still there!
I wish they had those rent a bikes in Charleston when we went several years ago. (you young kids today will never understand how We had to walk everywhere, uphill, in the snow…haha) We liked charleston though found it to be a bit pricey compared to many wonderful cities in the south. One of my favorite things was checking out all the houses. That weird porch going along the side of the house with a random door on the front just blew my mind.
Ha! I also really like the old houses! I’ve been to Savannah also and loved doing some of the historical home tours. So interesting!
You packed in a lot! You also managed to hit some of my favorites – Rainbow Row, the Battery, and Fleet Landing. We went there for dinner at my parents recommendation and was one of our favorites! If you ever go back, there is this place called Toast that has a dish called Eggs Meeting Street that I still dream about 3 years later!
We definitely tried! We were tired by the end of it all though! I will have to add that restaurant to my list if we get to go back!