As I began thinking about this post, I thought about how I would spend my last day in Charleston. What would be my top things to see? What meals would I HAVE to have one more time? I’ve compiled all of my Charleston favorites in to this itinerary for how to spend one day in Charleston. If you only have one day, here are the things you absolutely must-do, according to someone born and raised here! You can expect a lot of great food and spectacular vistas from me 🙂
Morning in Charleston
1. Catch Sunrise
This morning, I would wake up early to catch sunrise along the battery. I went to grade school in downtown and we had to park on the Battery. We got to watch the sun come up every morning as we walked to school. I had no idea how lucky I was.
2. Walking Tour and Stroll through historic Charleston
From there, I would take a little walk around some of the most beautiful streets in historic Charleston. You wont want to miss a walk through White Point Gardens, down Church Street, and of course Tradd Street. I would probably walk on my own, but if you want to hear the history and great stories then I highly recommend a walking tour with Bulldog Tours. They are fantastic and I always love taking their tours – I learn something new every time!
Best Charleston Walking Tours:
3. Breakfast from Callie’s Biscuits
Grab breakfast from Callie’s Biscuits. They have a location on the Market and King Street. The cinnamon biscuit is one of my absolute favorites! Look for King Bean coffee any where you go in town – it’s my fave and they make the blend at Callie’s.
Afternoon in the Holy City
4. Stroll through Hampton Park
Before lunch, we are taking a walk around Hampton Park where something is always in bloom. This is one of the largest parks in Charleston tucked into a residential neighborhood. I lived by the park for many years and it’s one of my favorite places in the city – a hidden GEM!
What’s in Bloom by month:
- January – March: Camellias, Azaelas and Wisteria
- April – June: Jasmine, Magnolia, Roses, Gardenia
- July – September: Hibiscus, Hydrangea
- November – December: Swamp Sunflower, Snapdragon, Ferns, Roses
5. Lunch at Leon’s
Lunch is at Leon’s Oyster Shop. It is the best causal lunch spot in Charleston and is always busy! What to order: hushpuppies, a dozen oysters (bulls bay blades, if they have them!) and frozen rosé to start, then a fried oyster sandwich, siam salad, and finish off with soft serve ice cream with chocolate or rainbow sprinkles! My husband and I usually split this order.
6. Spend the afternoon near the water
One of the very best things to do in Charleston is to be on the water. The scenery is unrivaled, with views of the beach, marsh, stately homes on the battery, and iconic skyline dotted with church steeples. I would head over to Sullivan’s Island for the day, personally. Other great options to be near the water in Charleston:
- Sailing
- Kayaking or SUP
- Boat Cruise
- Fishing Charters
- Crabbing with Tia
If this isn’t for you, other top contenders to spend an afternoon in Charleston would be head over to Middleton Place (gorgeous landscaped gardens) or go shopping on King Street.
You can check out this post of all of my favorite things to do in CHS.
Evening Time
As the evening approaches, here is what is on my agenda.
7. Happy Hour at Citrus Club
You can’t miss happy hour at the Citrus Club, the highest rooftop in Charleston. The views are spectacular and you can catch the sunset here. I love all of their cocktails or have a glass of champagne!
8. Dinner is at Chez Nous
Chez Nous is one of my OG favorite restaurants. It’s housed in a tiny, Charleston style home with intimate seating inside or on the patio. The lighting is dim and the gas lanterns are always sparkling! Dinner is a new menu each day with only 2 options for appetizers, 2 for entree and 2 for dessert – just order one of everything. The menus is always handwritten every single day! It is truly one of the best dining experiences in Charleston.
Other contenders for my absolute favorite restaurants in Charleston (that are last meal worthy):
- The Ordinary
- Obstinate Daughter
- Sorelle
- Chubby Fish
9. Late Night drinks at The Belmont
The Belmont is one of my favorite spots for a cocktail and I don’t go there nearly enough. It’s simple, cozy, and has great drinks. It may not be on the menu, but ask if they can do a tiger paw cocktail!
And there you have it! All of my absolute favorite ways to spend one day in Charleston as a Charlestonian. If you have any questions, I am always happy to talk to you about this city. Comment below to reach my inbox.
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