Charleston & The Lowcountry 🌳
"Historic Southern charm meets pristine barrier island beaches."
Perfect for a mini-road trip; you can stay in the historic city for 3 days then drive to Kiawah or Isle of Palms. The mix of cobblestone streets, civil war history, and Atlantic beaches offers something for every family member.
A perfect blend of South Carolina’s historic urban elegance, haunting coastal nature, and relaxing Atlantic beach culture.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · Historic Downtown Charm
Morning — Arrive in Charleston. Start with a walking tour of the French Quarter to see the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon.
Afternoon — Stroll the Battery and Rainbow Row, admiring the pastel antebellum architecture. Explore the shops of King Street.
Evening — Enjoy fresh seafood at The Ordinary or Leon’s Oyster Shop. Sunset walk at Waterfront Park.
💡 Park your car in a garage outside the historic core; the city is best explored on foot.
Day 2 · Beach Bliss at Folly
Morning — Pick up biscuits at Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit. Visit the Charleston City Market for local Gullah sweetgrass baskets.
Afternoon — Drive to Folly Beach. Walk the pier or take a surfing lesson. Enjoy the bohemian 'Edge of America' vibe.
Evening — Sunset cocktails at a rooftop bar like The Watch, followed by a ghost tour of the spooky local alleyways.
💡 Visit the Angel Oak Tree on Johns Island on your way to the beach—it’s over 400 years old.
Day 3 · Harbor History and Islands
Morning — Take a ferry to Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began. Enjoy the harbor views and history.
Afternoon — Drive to Sullivan’s Island. Visit Fort Moultrie or simply lounge on the wide, quiet beaches.
Evening — Casual dinner at Poe’s Tavern (named after Edgar Allan Poe) or Obstinate Daughter on Sullivan's.
💡 Sullivan's Island has strict parking rules; arrive early and check signs carefully.
Day 4 · Plantations and Swamp Life
Morning — Slow morning in the city. Visit the International African American Museum for a moving local perspective.
Afternoon — Drive out to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Walk the Audubon Swamp Boardwalk to see alligators and herons.
Evening — Head back to the city for a high-end Southern dinner at Husk or Fig (book well in advance).
💡 Magnolia Gardens is famous for its romantic-style gardens that bloom beautifully year-round.
Day 5 · Road Trip to Hilton Head
Morning — Check out and begin the road trip south. Stop at the Old Sheldon Church Ruins. Arrive in Hilton Head.
Afternoon — Explore the scenic waterfront, browse the shops in the Design District, and walk the beach at Coligny Park.
Evening — Dinner at Hudson’s on the Docks for fresh-off-the-boat shrimp and sunset views of the sound.
💡 Rent a bike in Hilton Head; it is the most efficient and scenic way to get around the island.
Day 6 · Lowcountry Waterways and Departure
Morning — Climb the Harbour Town Lighthouse for panoramic views of the Calibogue Sound.
Afternoon — Kayak the salt marshes or take a boat tour to Daufuskie Island to see a remote piece of the Lowcountry.
Evening — Final dinner at the Salty Dog Cafe in South Beach before heading toward the airport for departure.
💡 Keep an eye out for Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins in the marshes during your kayak tour.