How to Spend 2 Days in Charleston

Historic mansions, fragrant gardens, Low Country cuisine, and Southern charm—you’ll find it all in the Holy City. With two days to spend in Charleston, you’ll have time to explore the historic streets, tour antebellum mansions, and treat your tastebuds to local flavors. Read on for tips on how to spend your two days in Charleston.

Day 1: City Sightseeing

**Morning:**Start your day with an orientation in Charleston’s historic district the old-fashioned way, by horse-drawn carriage. As you clop along the cobbled streets, you’ll pass historic mansions, churches, and gardens while learning more about the city’s rich history (including its role in the Civil War).

**Afternoon:**Now that you’ve explored Charleston on land, it’s time to see the city from the water aboard a harbor cruise. As you sail through Charleston Harbor, beneath bridges, and along the Cooper River, keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins. Most tours offer narration on what you’re seeing. 

**Night:**After a day of sightseeing, treat your tastebuds to some hearty Low Country cuisine. Book a table at one of the many trendy restaurants in the Historic District, or join a local foodie for a food walking tour of Downtown Charleston or Upper King Street.

Day 2: Step Back in Time

**Morning:**Start your journey back in time with a morning visit to one of Charleston’s many historic antebellum plantations. ReliveGone with the Wind at Boone Hall, walk among the majestic oaks of Drayton Hall, stroll through the gardens of Magnolia Plantation, or learn about one of Charleston’s most influential families at Middleton Place.

**Afternoon:**The Civil War began in Charleston on the grounds of Fort Sumter, today a national monument accessible only by boat. Spend the afternoon exploring the historic site to learn more about Charleston’s key role in the Civil War. 

**Night:**Charleston has lived through its fare share of tragedy, and tonight is your chance to uncover its darker side during an evening ghost tour. Learn about the restless spirits of the old city, and walk the overgrown grounds of the notoriously haunted Unitarian Church Graveyard.