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Top Ideas for a Charleston, SC Weekend Getaway


a man riding a horse drawn carriage in front of a building

Going on a Charleston, SC weekend getaway is a one of a kind adventure. That’s why Charleston is frequently ranked as a top weekend getaway in the entire Southern region of the United States. If you’re lucky enough to live in or around Charleston, utilize it to your advantage. A Charleston, SC weekend getaway is often warm and inviting with numerous activities. 

Here are the top ideas for a Charleston, SC weekend getaway:

  1. Visit the Charleston Museum
  2. Take a downtown carriage ride
  3. Go for a walk on Folly Beach
  4. Visit the Fort Sumter National Monument
  5. Have a photoshoot on Rainbow Row
  6. Go on a Speed Boat Adventure

 

 

1. Visit the Charleston Museum

a group of people looking at a birthday party

 

 

 

 

 

 

This museum is among the oldest museums in the United States and includes historical artifacts, decorative arts, two different houses, and natural history. It was first founded in 1773 as a way to preserve and interpret the cultural and natural history of the area. Most visitors spend around 2 hours exploring the contents. 

 

2. Take a downtown carriage ride

a man riding a horse drawn carriage in front of a building

Photo Credit: Ron Cogswell

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On your next Charleston weekend getaway, enjoy a downtown carriage ride as a way to see Charleston’s quaint and charming streets. Most carriage companies do hour-long tours all year long every single day. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to add this to your itinerary! 

 

3. Go for a walk on Folly Beach

a group of people on a beach

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who doesn’t love a little bit of fun in the sun?! Only 8 miles from Charleston is Folly Beach – the perfect excursion during your Charleston, SC weekend getaway. After the Civil War, Folly Beach Island was abandoned for all but nine families. However, the beach now has a pier, pavilion, boardwalk, and other elements that make it a destination during your stay. Head out there and go for a stroll to get your daily dose of vitamin D!

4. Visit the Fort Sumter National Monument

a small boat in a body of water

 

 

 

 

 

If you’re already in the area, this is a must! Fort Sumter is a sea fort located in Charleston, SC. It’s notable for two battles. The first of which signified the start of the American Civil War. Incorporate a bit of history into your Charleston, SC weekend getaway by visiting this national monument. In addition to plenty of relaxing vacation elements, this activity provides some substance to your itinerary. 

 

5. Have a photoshoot on Rainbow Row

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is for all the Instagrammers! Rainbow Row is a row of colorful houses located in Charleston. It’s popular for engagement photos, senior portraits, and Instagram photoshoots. Grab your favorite vacation shots right here. 

 

6. Go on a Speed Boat Adventure

san diego speed boat tour group

 

 

 

 

 

 

Touring the world-famous Charleston Harbor on a speedboat is one of the best ways to see all of the sights and attractions on your Charleston weekend getaway. You’ll see the USS Yorktown, Waterfront Park, downtown skyline, South Carolina Aquarium, the cruise ship terminal, and more. You could live in Charleston your entire life and never experience a city like this. The tour is fully narrated, so you’ll exit the boat with knowledge about the city you didn’t previously know. Go by yourself or with 1 or 2 other friends!  

 

Final thoughts 

A Charleston weekend getaway is perfect or the whole family. Whether you come from out of town or just do a staycation, you’ll wonder why you haven’t experienced the city this way previously.