Charleston, South Carolina, consistently tops travel wish lists — and for good reason. With its pastel-painted streets, world-class Lowcountry cuisine, storied history, and sun-kissed beaches, the Holy City manages to feel both deeply rooted in the past and endlessly exciting for first-time visitors. But what separates a forgettable trip from an unforgettable one? According to thousands of Redditors on r/Charleston and r/solotravel, it all comes down to knowing exactly where to go, what to skip, and how to pace your days.
Here's the internet-approved, Reddit-tested, 3-day weekend guide to Charleston, SC.
Before You Go: Insider Tips From Reddit
Before diving into the itinerary, Redditors want you to know a few things:
- Make reservations. Charleston's best restaurants fill up fast. Book at least a week in advance for spots like FIG, Husk, and The Ordinary.
- Skip Hyman's Seafood. Locals on Reddit almost universally call it a tourist trap. You'll do better almost anywhere else.
- The city is walkable. Downtown Charleston's historic peninsula is compact enough to navigate on foot, so you won't need to rent a car unless you're venturing to the beaches or plantations.
- Best time to visit: Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are ideal. Summers are hot and humid — plan activities for the early morning and avoid midday heat.
Day 1: Historic Downtown, Rainbow Row & Legendary Eats
Morning: Walk the Historic Core
Start your Charleston story where most of its history unfolded. Head to Waterfront Park and linger at the iconic Pineapple Fountain — a symbol of Charleston hospitality that makes for a perfect first photograph. From there, stroll along The Battery, a scenic promenade that overlooks Charleston Harbor where the Ashley and Cooper Rivers converge. On clear mornings, you can spot dolphins playing in the harbor.
Next, make your way to Rainbow Row — 13 pastel-colored Georgian townhouses that are among the most photographed streets in the entire American South. Reddit users unanimously agree: no Charleston trip is complete without a slow walk along this stretch of East Bay Street.
Midday: Charleston City Market & Carriage Tour
Head to the Charleston City Market, one of America's oldest public markets, where local artisans sell handwoven sweetgrass baskets, jewelry, and regional crafts. From nearby, hop on a horse-drawn carriage tour — Redditors consistently recommend this as the single best way to absorb the city's layered history, from antebellum architecture to the Civil War era, all narrated in that unmistakable Southern charm.
Afternoon: Cocktails & King Street
After your tour, wander up King Street — Charleston's beating cultural heart. Lined with independent boutiques, art galleries, and café-lined sidewalks, it's the perfect place for people-watching and window shopping. As the afternoon cools, duck into one of Charleston's celebrated cocktail bars. The Gin Joint, a beloved neighborhood bar in the French Quarter, is frequently name-dropped on Reddit for its creative, locally-inspired craft cocktails.
Evening: Dinner at FIG or Husk
For dinner, you have two exceptional Reddit-approved options: FIG (excelling in farm-to-table Southern cooking with a refined touch) and Husk (the upscale Southern landmark known for its seasonal, heritage-ingredient menu). Both require reservations — and both are absolutely worth it. End your evening with a leisurely ghost tour through the Old City Jail, a genuinely spine-tingling way to cap off your first night.
Day 2: Plantations, Beaches & Coastal Oysters
Morning: Magnolia Plantation or Boone Hall
Day two is about stepping beyond the peninsula. Reddit travelers are split between two historic gems:
- Magnolia Plantation & Gardens — one of America's oldest public gardens, with wildlife tours where you can spot alligators, herons, and migratory birds among centuries-old cypress swamps.
- Boone Hall Plantation — famous for its breathtaking Avenue of Oaks and its Gullah Geechee cultural heritage programming, offering deeply moving context into the enslaved people who shaped the region.
Both are roughly 20–30 minutes from downtown. Redditors suggest allocating a full morning and arrive early to beat the crowds.
Afternoon: Sullivan's Island Beach
After your plantation morning, head to Sullivan's Island. Reddit's consensus is clear: Sullivan's beats Folly Beach and Isle of Palms for a quieter, more local experience. The beach is long, the waves are gentle, and the vibe is relaxed. While you're there, explore Fort Moultrie, a historic fortification with panoramic harbor views and a surprisingly rich museum — completely free to enter.
Evening: Dinner on the Island
Stay on the island for dinner. The Obstinate Daughter is a Redditor favorite, celebrated for its fresh oysters, wood-fired flatbreads, and Italian-inflected coastal cooking. For a more casual vibe, Poe's Tavern — a quirky burger joint that pays homage to Edgar Allan Poe's time stationed at Fort Moultrie — is beloved for its creative burgers and laid-back atmosphere. Either choice is a win.
Day 3: The Angel Oak, Craft Brews & a Proper Goodbye Brunch
Morning: Breakfast & the Angel Oak Tree
Start Day 3 with a proper Southern breakfast at Miller's All Day, a warm, airy café that Redditors rave about for its shrimp and grits, biscuits, and bottomless coffee. Then, take the 30-minute drive to Johns Island to visit the Angel Oak Tree — a sprawling, ancient live oak estimated to be over 400 years old, with branches reaching more than 180 feet. It's free to visit, hauntingly beautiful, and completely unlike anything else you'll see on this trip.
Late Morning: Ravenel Bridge Walk
Back in the city, lace up your walking shoes for the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Reddit's fitness-minded travelers strongly recommend the 2.5-mile pedestrian and cycling path across one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in North America — with sweeping views of the Charleston skyline and harbor that you simply cannot get from street level.
Afternoon: Craft Beer Trail & Last Bites
Charleston's craft beer scene punches well above its weight. Spend your final afternoon hitting a few locally loved breweries: Holy City Brewing (the city's go-to), Revelry Brewing in the NoMo district, and Westbrook Brewing across the bridge in Mount Pleasant. Redditors also recommend a farewell BBQ lunch before you go — Lewis Barbeque (Texas-style brisket, inventive sides) and Rodney Scott's BBQ (whole-hog wood-smoked perfection and a James Beard Award to prove it) are the top two contenders.
Bonus: International African American Museum
If your schedule allows, squeeze in a visit to the International African American Museum (IAAM), which opened in 2023 on Gadsden's Wharf — the site where an estimated 40% of all enslaved Africans brought to North America first set foot on American soil. Redditors who've visited call it a deeply important and moving addition to the Charleston experience.
Where to Stay in Charleston
Reddit's accommodation recommendations depend on your budget:
- Splurge: The Dewberry or Zero George Street for boutique luxury in the heart of the historic district.
- Mid-range: The Loutrel or The Iris Charleston — both well-reviewed, walkably located, and under $350/night outside peak season.
- Budget-conscious: Consider Mount Pleasant, just across the bridge — more affordable options with easy access to downtown and the beaches, especially near Shem Creek.
The Reddit Verdict
Charleston is one of those rare cities that rewards both the history buff and the food-obsessed wanderer equally. Redditors who've visited keep saying the same thing: three days is the minimum — you'll likely start planning your return trip before you even leave.
Whether you're walking cobblestone streets at golden hour, cracking into fresh oysters on Sullivan's Island, or standing in the ancient shade of the Angel Oak, Charleston doesn't just give you a great weekend — it gives you a story worth telling.
Pack light. Eat everything. And make those reservations.