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Before you go
Your trip to Charleston.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Charleston – South Carolina Destination Charleston and Savannah
How to get there
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Charleston International Airport (CHS) North Charleston · 19 km
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North Charleston Station North Charleston · 13 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
CHS airport is in North Charleston, about 19 km from downtown. The train station, also in North Charleston, is about 13 km away. From the peninsula, bridges lead to Mount Pleasant and the islands.
How many days
Two days for the historic center and Fort Sumter; three to include the plantations and the Angel Oak.
When to go
March to May and October to November usually have the most pleasant days; in spring, the plantation gardens are in bloom. Summer is hot and humid. From June to November, the coast is in hurricane season.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
Not in the historic center. For the plantations, the Angel Oak and the beaches, a car is necessary. Drive on the right.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Charleston
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Morning
Fort Sumter
Take the first ferry to Fort Sumter, departing from Liberty Square.
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Afternoon
Rainbow Row and The Battery
On the way back, walk along East Bay Street to Rainbow Row and finish on the waterfront at The Battery.
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Late afternoon
Historic downtown
Walk the streets of the center, such as Church Street and Tradd Street.
2 days in Charleston
Day 1
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Morning
Fort Sumter
On the first day, visit Fort Sumter in the morning.
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Afternoon
Rainbow Row and The Battery
In the afternoon, walk through the historic center, Rainbow Row and The Battery.
Day 2
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Morning
Magnolia Plantation
On the second day, follow Ashley River Road to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens.
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Afternoon
Middleton Place
In the afternoon, visit the gardens at Middleton Place, a few miles away.
3 days in Charleston
Day 3
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Morning
Angel Oak
On the third day, go to Johns Island to see the Angel Oak.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
What to do in Charleston?
Go to Fort Sumter, walk Rainbow Row and The Battery, visit Magnolia Plantation, Middleton Place and the Angel Oak.
How do I get to Fort Sumter?
Only by the park’s official ferry, with two embarkation points: one on the peninsula and another in Mount Pleasant.
How many days should I stay in Charleston?
Two days for the center and Fort Sumter; three to include the plantations.
Does Charleston have beaches?
Beaches are on nearby islands, such as Folly Beach and Sullivan’s Island, about 20 km from downtown.