Named by Travel and Leisure Magazine as the best city in the US and in the world in 2016, Charleston, South Carolina has crept its way onto many people’s travel list. It’s one of the many US cities that is often overlooked by foreign travelers, and sadly they’re all missing out. To be completely honest, one day in the Charleston area is definitely not enough to take in all it has to offer. From the soft-sanded beaches, the beautiful historic plantations, and all the fascinating museums, you could easily fill a whole week in Charleston.
But one day is just enough to whet your appetite for this charming southern city. If you only have one day in Charleston to explore the city, here’s what you just can’t miss.
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The Battery
At the very Southern tip of Charleston City is an area called The Battery. Here, there is a seawall built up to help protect the city from the Atlantic’s rising tides. Visitors enjoy walking along this seawall, searching the waters for the occasional bottlenose dolphin and gaping at the large waterfront mansions. Along the Battery, you can also find White Point Garden. What was once used as
Rainbow Row
Just around the corner from The Battery sits another iconic Charleston spot. Rainbow Row is a collection of 13 historic houses in a row. Each house boasts a different, bright pastel color, creating a rainbow of homes down East Bay Street.
There are several theories as to why these homes were painted in bright colors, ranging from making it easier for drunk sailors to find their homes, making local merchant homes more identifiable, or just trying to keep homes cool from the Carolina heat. But I just think they look pretty and that is reason enough to check out Rainbow Row!
Picturesque Alleyways
Generally, when you think of exploring a city’s alleyways, you think of dark corners, garbage, and unsavory people doing unsavory things. But in Charleston, there are many alleyways that you will actually want to seek out!
These charming and picturesque Charleston alleyways have the power to transport you back in time, paved with old cobblestone, and lined with aging, ivy-covered brick walls. While there are several of these historic alleyways throughout the city, there are three that just cannot be missed.
Click Here to Book a Tour of Charleston’s Hidden Alleys and Passageways
Philadelphia Alley
Located between Queen and Cumberland streets, behind St. Philips Church, Philadelphia Alley is a popular place to visit. Steeped in history, this alley has seen two fires, receiving financial aid from the city of Philadelphia to help rebuild (hence the name). It’s also the site of many duels, one of which was fatal to a local doctor. It’s believed that the alley may be haunted by his spirit, as people have reported hearing his faint whistle as they walk the alley.
Ghosts or not, Philadelphia alley is a lovely, shady place for a quick stroll during your one day in Charleston.
Stoll’s Alley
Perhaps my favorite of Charleston’s historic alleyways is Stoll’s Alley. The thick greenery and high brick walls keep the hot sun away and offer a quiet break from the heat. There are some drop-dead gorgeous old homes along Stoll’s Alley that you simply cannot miss.
This alley connects Church Street with East Bay Street, and is fairly easy to find. If entering the alley from East Bay Street, don’t be turned off by the narrow and dark entryway. Following your curiosity will only pay off in this circumstance.
Longitude Lane
Just North of Stoll’s alley is another gorgeous alleyway, Longitude Lane. It is believed that this alley was one of the original streets created when Charleston was first founded in the late 1600’s. The worn down cobblestones and moss-covered walls are a visual feast for your eyes. The homes along the alley have some of the most adorable gardens and entryways, you’ll wish you’d brought along a gallon of sweet tea and a lacy white parasol.
Historic Homes
While enjoying your one day in Charleston, you simply must keep your eyes peeled for its many historic homes. Most of the city is filled with stunning old houses that perfectly capture the spirit of the South through their architecture and design. Many of these homes that hold specific historical significance have turned into museums which you can visit and tour inside. Many others are still being used as homes to some of Charleston’s luckiest residents (can you tell I’m jealous??)
Taking a stroll around the South of Broad neighborhood (the Southern Tip of the city) you’ll find dozens of gorgeous old homes. If you’re looking for some you can tour inside, these are some of the best historic homes within the city of Charleston:
- Edmonston-Alston House
- Nathaniel Russell House
- Heyward-Washington House
- Joseph Manigault House
- Aiken-Rhett House
Waterfront Park
This is one of Charleston’s most favorite parks. Situated right along Charleston Harbor, it’s the perfect park to relax under a shady palmetto tree, cool off in one of two water fountains or sit along the waterside and watch the pelicans and other birds in their habitat.
If you walk to the end of the park’s pier, you’ll find a fantastic view of Charleston’s iconic Arthur Ravenel Bridge, which connects downtown Charleston to the neighboring town of Mount Pleasant.
The pier also has several large swinging benches which are fun to sit on, and if you’re lucky you may even catch a glimpse of a dolphin as you watch over the Charleston Harbor!
Pineapple Fountain
Within Waterfront Park is another favorite Charleston spot: The Pineapple Fountain. Pineapples are often shown as a symbol of hospitality and can be found in small details throughout downtown Charleston’s architecture. Not only is it the Pineapple Fountain a lovely sculpture with important meaning, but it’s also a great place to stick your feet in and cool off during a hot day in Charleston.
Historic Charleston City Market
The Historic City Market tops most Charleston travel itineraries, and there’s no surprise why. This market is one of the United States’ oldest public markets. With over 100 vendors, you can find almost anything here, from delicious foods, and home decorations, to handmade soaps, jewelry, and traditional Sweetgrass baskets! Charleston City Market is a great place to pick up your Charleston souvenirs or just wander and browse.
Southern Sweets
One of the things the South is known for is its mouth-watering array of foods. Charleston certainly has no shortage of fantastic dishes- both savory and sweet! It can be hard to narrow down the best restaurants in Charleston for southern food, but if you feel led by your sweet tooth, you can spend a few hours of your one day in Charleston checking out some of Charleston’s best desserts, like cola cake, red velvet cupcakes, and some world famous pecan pralines!
READ » The Ultimate Self-Guided Charleston Dessert Tour
After spending one day in Charleston, there’s no doubt that you’ll be captured by the southern spirit of the city. Between the history, the food, and the charming atmosphere you’ll find yourself wishing for more time. While one day is certainly not enough to enjoy all that the Charleston area has to offer, it is just enough to capture your heart and make you want to visit again!
Join a 2-hour walking tour of Historic Downtown Charleston
Where to Stay in Charleston, South Carolina
Travelers on a budget will not be disappointed with Not So Hostel. This hostel is located in the Northern end of Downtown, in the
Cannonborough/Elliotborough neighborhood. Located inside a group of 19th century homes, Not So Hostel offers free parking, breakfast, and wifi along with your choice of private or dorm-style rooms!
Click Here to Book Not So Hostel
Charleston Travel Tips
- Parking – Parking in Charleston can be a bit difficult to find. There is a lot of paid street parking available, but they almost all seem to have a 1-2 hour time limit. There are a few parking garages you can try as well. Be careful parking in residential areas, as many require a residency permit. Free parking can be found down by the Battery.
- Public Restrooms – Charleston is one of the most “Public Restroom-Friendly” cities I’ve ever visited! There’s nothing worse than needing a toilet while exploring and not being able to find a single one (I’m looking at you, Chicago…) You can find a useful map of Public Restrooms in downtown Charleston here.
- Bring Water – It can get very hot and humid in Charleston. It’s important to remember to hydrate throughout your visit.
- Skip the Carriage Ride – There is some controversy surrounding the horse-drawn tourist carriage rides in Charleston. Not only can they be seen as cruel to the horses, but the price tag involved is fairly hefty. Charleston is such a walkable city, and there are plenty of great on-foot tours available, it’s better to just skip the carriage rides.
- DASH Trolley – Free transportation on the DASH Trolley is available around downtown Charleston. Routes and information can be found online.
- Water Taxi – I was told by a local that taking the Water Taxi is one of the best things to do in Charleston, because you almost always see dolphins. You can buy a $12 day pass and ride the water taxi to your heart’s content for the day. Not to mention it’s a great way to cool off from the heat!
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44 Comments
I’ve always wanted to go to Charleston and now I know all the best places to check out when I do! What a gorgeous city. Thanks for the additional info at the end there. Very helpful.
Hi. I’m headed here in the spring and this is a great guide. Thanks!!
Charleston looks amazing. I need to get down there one day and explore too!
I wish I had this guide on my one trip to Charlestown (many years ago before the internet was invented). I showed up in town, and true to the times, pulled into a gas station to ask for directions. The attendant (who would also pump your gas if you choose full service) asked me where I was going. I replied that depends -where am I at? I ended up hitting a beach and running straight into the water. Which was too cold in December so I quickly dried off and left. Really a lame trip considering the beautiful southern city that shown in your post. I love the old gardens and architecture. Charlestown, I will be back.
I have heard from my friends that Charleston is beautiful and as i see pics in your blog, i certainly believe it more. Amazing blog post and wonderfully written. thanks for sharing.
What a lovely place! Seems like every nook is an “instagrammable” spot! I feel like I would spend most of my time just taking pictures!
That’s pretty much what I did! 😛
That Philadelphia Alley sounds so interesting. I love places like that with history and a little bit of spookiness. Crazy that it’s been through two fires and even duels!
Looks amazing! Especially the rainbow row (looks very instagrammable haha)! Thanks for sharing and I hope I get to visit one day!
Just saved this! Going to Charleston at the end of the month for 2 days so I love reading about what you loved!!
Oh perfect! Hopefully it will be a bit cooler than when I was there 😛
I have always wanted to visit this historic area of the US but never got around to it. I just love those historic buildings and rainbow row, it looks like a really interesting place to spend the day.
Very cool! The cobblestone streets and pathways look nice to walk on. And it’s great that they have a historic market. In many of the places we visited, modern (soulless) grocery stores have taken place of traditional markets. These traditional markets are supposedly places of historical and cultural interest.
Those historic homes are so gorgeous! I can totally picture myself as a millionaire living in one of those stately homes and having afternoon tea on the verandahs. LOL, I have ideas above my station.
Meanwhile, Stoll’s Alley looks less like any alleys I know… that’s one fancy pants alley!
This is perfect! 😀 I have been meaning to plan a trip to Charleston, but I did not know where to begin or what to look for. Now I know I definitely need to tour through the city and find these sweet looking cakes and the Pineapple fountain has now made it on to my list.
I have a friend who lives in South Carolina and we went to Charleston a few years ago. I loved it! Definitely one of my favorite cities and you have a great list here. My favorite thing to do was nighttime walking tours. Such a historic place with so many stories!
I wish I could have joined a night tour! That sounds fun and maybe a little spooky! 😛
Charleston has crept onto my bucket list too!! I haven’t been to the South at all yet, so I think this would be a great place to start!
It’s definitely a great spot for your first time in the South!
All the places look amazing and it really draws you to visit, especially if you ask the sweet tooth in me, Charleston is on my must visit list now
Oh, there are LOTS of great sweets in Charleston!!
Charleston is beautiful. Great photos and I think you have covered everything that one needs for planning a trip there.
Thank you for sharing, I will be saving this post for my future travels to the US
Lovely post that highlights the grand history and architecture, and hospitality (and delicious sweets) of Charleston. Been so many years since I have visited and you have just inspired me to put a visit on my to-do-soon list.
Doesn’t Charleston just ooze with southern charm and hospitality? You’ve done a great job of capture all of the best things to see and do. I have to admit, that chocolate cake in your picture looks delicious!!!
Oh yes! ALL that southern charm! Love it 🙂
I have never been to Charleston. But have heard great things about this place. So glad you had a wonderful time and looks like it is an amazing place for a visit!
Thanks for sharing your experience!
Charleston certainly has turned up the charm! The architecture and history certainly make it an interesting place to spend a day. I am intrigued by the whistles in the alleyway. Spooky!
I hear there are all kinds of spooky places in Charleston!
Love the pinapple fountain! The question is… do you like pinapple on your pizza? 😉
Honestly, I don’t mind ham and pineapple pizza. But just Cheese is my go-to!
Amazing place. I also don’t get to hear of many tourists visiting Carolina and that’s surprising after reading your blog. I’ve never been to US but I’ll definitely keep this on my list when I go there
Wow that’s a beautiful town..loved those colourful buildings and specially the pineapple fountain is so cool . Wish to visit someday
I would love to spend some time in Charleston. I love the charm of the South. We’ve visited Savannah and New Orleans, but haven’t yet had a chance to explore Charleston.
It has been years since I’ve been to Charleston and at that, i was only there for part of the day. Your pictures have definitely made me wish to visit again…soon! Thanks for sharing some great info that I can turn into a trip for myself as well. That pineapple fountain is absolutely stunning!
This seems to be a wonderful city from what I read above. We were planning to go to Savannah, we might cover Charleston in our itinerary now. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
We have been debating about Charleston for a long weekend coming up. This will definitely help with building some more ideas for our decision. Thank you 🙂
It’s a great city to visit! I definitely recommend going.
Wow, Charleston is so colorful! What time of year do you think is best to visit? Putting this on my USA bucket list for sure!
I was there in July and it was pretty dang hot and humid! I would say probably spring or fall is best for ideal temps and weather.
This city is such a stunner & I love the shot of you skipping down the street 🙂 Thanks for sharing & now that spring is around the corner, a visit here would be perfect this time of year!!
Thanks, Abbie!
Thanks Brianna – especially for the detail on some alleys & lanes – these are ways to see the real Charleston. Looking forward to our visit even more having read your post.
Have a great time!
Love this! We just got back from a road trip through the Carolinas and absolutely loved Charleston! It feels like Paris but in the US 🙂 We loved combining the city life of Charleston with the mountains of Asheville on our road trip.