The Perfect 3-day Weekend in Charleston

You could easily spend an entire week exploring Charleston, South Carolina. Its architecture, history, and food scene have earned it a reputation as the quintessential Southern city. From outstanding restaurants to immersive museums, there's no shortage of places to visit — but sometimes, a long weekend is all you have.

To help you hit all the best spots, we've put together an itinerary for a quick getaway. Here's how to spend a three-day weekend in Charleston.

Day One

A carriage ride is a pleasant way to get your bearings and pinpoint your "must-go" spots, ensuring you make the most of your time. Palmetto Carriage Works offers guided public and private rides throughout the city center.

After the tour, it's time to explore by foot. Strolling along the waterfront is one of the best things to do in Charleston, and there are plenty of attractions to see along the way. Start at the Charleston City Market and make your way east to Joe Riley Waterfront Park. If a self-guided tour is too daunting, you can join a group through Lowcountry Walking Tours for a more focused itinerary.

While walking the cobbled streets, take in Charleston's notable architecture, including Rainbow Row — a series of colorful town houses that date back to the late 18th century. The city boasts one of the largest collections of historic buildings in the U.S. but that doesn't mean things are stagnant. The restaurant scene is flourishing. My recommendation? Make a reservation at Husk, which serves upscale farm-to-table Southern cuisine in a Victorian-era mansion.

For a post-dinner cocktail, head next door to the more casual The Bar & Patio at Husk or walk down the street to The Gin Joint.

Day Two

Grab a hearty breakfast at Poogan's Porch before hitting the pavement again. This spot offers traditional dishes like fried chicken and waffles and shrimp and grits, perfect for giving you the energy you'll need to explore the town.

The city boasts a collection of restored, centuries-old mansions like The Wentworth Mansion, Joseph Aiken Mansion, Nathaniel Russell House, and Williams Mansion, all of which shouldn't be missed. You'll need about an hour to tour each home so it's good to stop at one or two before heading to lunch, and then visit the others afterward.

Check out 167 Raw Oyster Bar in the city's French Quarter for a quick midday meal. The restaurant serves some of the best seafood dishes in town — which is saying something in a city built on the water. It offers a wide selection of oysters on the half shell, but the real treat is the scallop po'boy, which is nothing short of amazing.

For dinner, head to the Charleston Grill in The Charleston Place, voted one of the best hotels in Charleston by Travel + Leisure readers. It's the perfect spot to unwind after a long day of trekking around the city. And if you time your visit well, you'll be serenaded by a live jazz band as you dine on local specialties like crab cakes and seared scallops.

Day Three

By the third day, you'll probably have a good understanding of your surroundings and have likely checked off a handful of stops close to your hotel. A cruise around the harbor is a great way to mix things up and get some much-needed time off your feet. Adventure Harbor Tours offers a handful of boat rides around the bay and to various attractions just out of town.

Once you're back at port, make your way to King Street for some final shopping. There are tons of high-end retail stores and small boutiques to check out, and there are plenty of small coffee shops and bakeries to grab a quick bite.

In a culinary town like Charleston, you don't want to end your stay with just any dinner. You'll want to go out with a bang. A stop at Fig will be the perfect cap to your weekend. especially if you order the ricotta gnocchi and duck bolognese.