Packed with history and culture, great food, and just a short drive to several beaches, Charleston, South Carolina may just be the next weekend getaway spot that you’ve been searching for. Check out all of our recommendations on what to see and do, where to eat, and where to stay for a weekend getaway to the Holy City.

GETAWAY GUIDE: CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

Charleston is a foodie city! The range of cuisine available is so diverse, and the restaurant scene is constantly growing and changing. You could spend a week in Charleston and most likely not cover all of the amazing eateries the city has to offer. Since we’re obsessed with the culinary scene, we’ve decided to list all our recommendations for where to eat first in this getaway guide to Charleston.

Brunch, Breakfast, & Bakeries:

Daps Breakfast & Imbibe // We love this hip little corner eatery. Try the B’Fast Bahn Mi and the Fruity Pebbles Pancakes. It’s like a party to start your day!

Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit // Biscuits have become synonymous with southern food culture, and Callie’s knows how to make a southern biscuit. Try a buttermilk biscuit for a classic taste, and load it up with either fried chicken or southern ham. Definitely not the lightest way to start your day, but so delicious!

Vicious Biscuit // While we’re on a biscuit kick, Vicious Biscuit located over in Mount Pleasant is taking the brunch scene by storm. Order anything with their cheddar & jalapeño biscuit.

The Daily // In a hurry? The Daily is a neighborhood market that offers up fresh and healthy grab-n-go options.

Butcher & Bee // Butcher & Bee started as a sandwich joint, but has grown into so much more. We’re still totally into sandwiches though, so for breakfast we love the Sausage, Egg, and Cheese; pimento cheese on an English Muffin? Yes, please.

Poogan’s Porch // This is a Charleston staple. PRO TIP: Start your day with breakfast at Poogan’s Porch, and then walk off the delicious meal by wandering down the waterfront along The Battery.

Lunch Spots:

Basic Kitchen // Fresh vegan cuisine set in a beautiful styled environment.

Fuel Cantina // Located in an old gas station, Fuel offers up a fresh Caribbean inspired menu. They also have a huge outdoor space, making it a fun place to meet for larger groups.

The Park Cafe // If you want something fresh and light for lunch, then Park Cafe is a great option. Offering up simple salads and sandwich, in an easy breezy atmosphere.

Dinner Spots:

Xiao Bao Biscuit // They keep their Asian inspired menu simple here so the options are limited, and everything is intended to be eaten family style. Whatever you do, GET the Okonomiyaki! We still dream about it.

Husk // No stranger to the culinary scene, Travis Grimes’ restaurants have topped “best of” lists for years; and for good reason. The ever changing menu is created around the indigenous ingredients locally sourced by the restaurant. Set in a historic house in downtown Charleston, the ambiance and cuisine make Husk truly an experience of the Lowcountry.

PRO TIP: Even if you can’t have dinner at Husk, you can start your evening with a cocktail (or two) at their incredible bar.

The Ordinary // From the creators of FIG, it’s been said before, but the food at The Ordinary…is anything but ordinary. Located in a former bank building on King Street, this high end restaurant offers its patrons expertly prepared Southern seafood. Start with the oyster sliders and graduate to the Lump Blue Crab with Turmeric Rice.

Oysters:

A trip to Charleston is not complete without savoring the oyster scene. PRO TIP: Spend the early afternoon trying oysters and a drink, before heading to your dinner spot.

Leon’s // We love the relaxed vibe at Leon’s Oyster Shop. Recommend the raw oysters of course, but don’t miss out on the char-grilled oysters or the hush puppies. Wash it all down with a refreshing glass of wine or cocktail.

167 Raw // 167 offers a New England style of oysters. Also the lobster roll is buttery and delicious! TIP: They don’t take reservations, so try to go early afternoon to beat the crowds.

The Darling Oyster Bar // Think oysters and great drinks set inside a perfectly styled environment. Set along King Street, you can easily pop in for a snack and cocktail after some window shopping along on of Charleston’s most famous streets.

If you’re heading to the beach (which you should!), Sullivan’s Island has a couple of great places to grab a bite to eat. Both of these options are walking distance from the beach.

Obstinate Daughter // So many great seafood options, which is perfect since it’s near the ocean! Try the farro piccolo and the griddled octopus.

Poe’s Tavern // Channeling beachy laid back vibes, this Edgar Allen Poe themed joint serves up great fish tacos.

Walk Down the Waterfront and The Battery

Lined with beautiful antebellum homes, the scenic promenade was original built as a fortified seawall that held battle artillery used to defend against invaders. Located at the southern tip of the Charleston peninsula where the Cooper and Ashley Rivers meet, you can easily view Fort Sumter and the Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse.

Take a Historic Walking Tour

Charleston is full of history and one of the best way to learn more about it during your visit is to join a walking tour. There are several Charleston walking tour companies that offer different packages and tours times.

Visit the City Market

One of the oldest public markets in the United States, the Charleston City Market is a cultural hub for the city. The market is now home to more than 300 business owners offering their beautiful handmade or local products. If you need souvenirs this is definitely one of the places you should look; the shops are open every day of the year except December 25th.

Enjoy the Water

A trip to Charleston isn’t complete without experiencing one of its most beautiful assets, the water. From tidal marshes teeming with wildlife, harbor boat rides, or a day spent playing in the ocean, Charleston has a wide range of water activities for everyone.

Here are a few of our favorite water activities you can do in Charleston:

• Kayak or paddle board at Shem Creek

• Go sailing in the harbor and watch the sunset

• Spend the day relaxing at Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, or Folly’s Beach

WHERE TO STAY IN CHARLESTON FOR EVERY BUDGET AND STYLE:

• NOTSO HOSTEL // $ - Both the main location and the annex accommodations of the NotSo Hostel are set in historic homes in downtown Charleston. Like many modern hostels, they offer single rooms, and bunk rooms for groups. This a great option if you’re a budget savvy traveler who wants to stay downtown. It’s also located just blocks from many great restaurants and amenities on King Street.

• 86 CANNON // $$ - Located in the heart of Charleston, 86 Cannon is a boutique inn that offers luxury accommodations set in a historic home. Their modern yet traditional style will make you feel right at home during your stay in Charleston.

  PRO TIP: If you stay here, Xiao Bao Biscuit, Sugar Bakeshop and Fuel are all just a short walk away.

• EMELINE // $$$ - Mixing southern charm with hip flair, the Emeline Charleston is the trendy spot to stay. Every detail has been perfectly curated; from courtyard cocktails, complimentary cruiser bikes, to record players in every suite, you’ll feel right at home as soon as you step through the doors.

Take Heart. Take Flight.

-Travel Patterns Team