Visitors and residents often ask what they should do with free time in Charleston and the surrounding area. But with so many possibilities, it’s often difficult to pick out just one or two experiences.
So we thought we’d take a nod from travel publications that occasionally offer a select list of a few things to do in a day or day and a half — but with a twist. Our staff came up with too many cool things to do for just one list … so we combined them in “What to do” by area — and occasionally offered alternatives for some of the same times. Regardless, you will be able to mix and match to craft a great day in one part of the area or all over.
If we’ve missed your favorites, share with us on social media so everyone can know.
24 hours in Charleston
7 a.m.
Enjoy dawn over Charleston harbor from the top of a tall building, such as The Dewberry or Francis Marion Hotel. Follow with coffee at Kudu Coffee or French baked goods at
La Patisserie around the corner.
10 a.m.
Take a long walk along Anson Street to the Market and then to King Street to the Battery. Enjoy the shops, such as Buxton Books and Billy Reid. Peek through fences to spy Charleston’s beautiful residential gardens that are South of Broad.
Grab breakfast by the water at the Marina Variety Store restaurant. Check out the Lowcountry hash or ginormous cinnamon buns. Follow with a game of pool at Salty Mike’s.
Noon
Grab a fancy sandwich at The Pass, or hang out in a throwback and fun college pizza joint, D’Allesandro’s, along St. Philip Street.
Order healthy nachos or an acai bowl from Huriyali to-go, and have a picnic over at Hampton Park.
2 p.m.
Celebrate history by touring the 1-year-old International African American Museum (IAAM), 14 Wharfside St.
Get a taste of modern art by visiting the Robert Lange Studios, 2 Queen St., and do a gallery hop in the area. Top it all off with a late afternoon visit to the Gibbes Museum of Art, 135 Meeting St., where you can marvel at the Tiffany glass in the dome.
7 p.m.
Take a pedi-cab to any of several enjoyable downtown eateries, such as Slightly North of Broad, Husk, 82 Queen and SHIKI. More choices in our quarterly DISH magazine. NOTE: You’ll need reservations.
Put your name down for dinner at 167 Raw, 193 King St. Then walk across the street and over to Bin 152, 152 King St., for a glass of wine while you wait for your table to be ready.
Laugh until your belly hurts at the always fun Theatre 99, 280 Meeting St. (For newbies, the entrance is at the rear of the building.)
8 p.m. or so
Take a fascinating 90-minute ghost tour with Tour Charleston, 160 King St., which has been sharing spooky downtown tales since 1996.
Head over to the market area to grab a tasty dessert from Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe, 78 N. Market St., or plunge into the Peninsula Grill’s famous Coconut Cake at the restaurant’s cafe, Benne’s, 112 N. Market St.
Later
Enjoy a night of jazz at Forte Jazz Lounge, 447 King St., or The Commodore, 504 Meeting St.
Drink and dance the night away at Recovery Room, 685 King St. There’s a DJ every Saturday and first Friday of the month.
Enjoy a game of pool at Faculty Lounge, 391 Huger St., or A.C.’s Bar & Grill, 467 King St.
24 hours in North Charleston
7 a.m.
Head over to Prophet Coffee, 4411 Spruill Ave., and grab a tasty coconut cold brew.
10 a.m.
Order the Mexican hash during brunch at The Junction Kitchen & Provisions, 4439 Spruill Ave.)
Pick up bagels and coffee at Odd Duck Market, 1082 E. Montague Ave.. Then visit Park Circle Gallery, 4820 Jenkins Ave., and shop for vintage clothes at The Station, 4610 Spruill Ave.
Noon
Shop for an outfit at Community Thrift Store, 5300 Rivers Ave. Then walk over to H&L Asian Market in the same area for a bowl of pho and some unique snacks.
3 p.m.
Stroll around the city’s relatively new Riverfront Park, making sure to check out the nifty bridge. Cross the bridge for a cold one at Coast, 1250 Second St. N., or stick around the park and grab an afternoon snack and cocktail at MOMO, 1049 Everglades Ave.
7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Watch the sunset while enjoying a cold beer at Holy City Brewing, 1021 Aragon Ave.
Later at night
Head over to Hipsterville, and take in a great comedy show at the new Wit’s End Comedy Lounge, 3320 Rivers Ave.
Depending on the day of the week, take in some great live music, vinyl night or karaoke at the Burgundy Lounge at the Starlight Motor Inn, 3245 Rivers Ave. Whatever night it is, you’ll have fun.
Game it up at Pinky & Clyde’s Arcade Bar, 1044 E. Montague Ave.
24 hours in the Mount Pleasant area
7 a.m.
Grab a coffee from Brown Fox Coffee, 307 Simmons St., before walking through Shem Creek and the Old Village. Make sure to relax and smell the salt air at Pitt Street Bridge. On the way back, you might want to check out the old-time Pitt Street Pharmacy (111 Pitt St) for a blast from the past.
10 a.m.
Enjoy some refined Southwestern food for brunch at Red Drum Restaurant, 803 Coleman Blvd.
Or get a shot of caffeine at Second State Coffee, 766 S. Shelmore Blvd., before a short trek to the I’On neighborhood, where you can walk amid beautiful homes and canals in a picturesque setting.
Noon
Tap into your explorer self by renting a kayak from Coastal Expeditions, 514 Mill St. If you’re a little more adventurous, talk with the folks there about guided outdoor tours.
Head over to Sullivan’s Island, and tour Fort Moultrie on Middle Street. You’ll learn the fascinating story of how important South Carolina was during the Revolutionary War and how colonial patriots won their first major naval victory against the British fleet here in 1776.
3 p.m.
Nab a pint at Dunleavy’s Pub, 2213 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island. We can tell you from experience that the Guinness is chilled, frothy and smooth. When you’re done, walk a couple of blocks to the beach and enjoy the views.
Or maybe it’s time for a Shem Creek bar crawl. Sit outdoors and enjoy the sun at Red’s Icehouse, Tavern & Table and Saltwater Cowboys on one side of the creek before ambling over to Water’s Edge and Vickery’s Bar & Grill. When finished, call for an Uber. (Better safe than sorry.)
Pick up a basket of Southern gifts, such as local hot sauces, stunning cutting boards and fresh pies, at Kudzu Bakery, 1100 Bowman Road.
6 p.m.
If you’re still around Shem Creek, put some good South Carolina seafood in your belly at any of the places listed above or at a classic seafood dive, the Wreck of the Richard and Charlene, 106 Haddrell St.
Later
If you’re in the mood for some classic live music, consider dropping by The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms.
Another food option: An oyster sampling at NICO, 201 Coleman Blvd.
Head over to Towne Place Center and get a naan pizza at Malika Canteen, 1333 Theater Drive. Then enjoy a glass of wine at Wine Cellar and Gifts, 1317 Theater Drive. Then if you’re up to it, enjoy a movie next door at Regal Palmetto Grande.
24 hours in West Ashley
7 a.m.
Start the day with a leisurely bike ride or walk on the West Ashley Greenway, a safe and protected path that winds through charming backyards and marshes.
10 a.m.
Have a darling French brunch at La Bonne Franquette, 652 St. Andrews Blvd. Great croissants and coffee.
Noon
HYLO, 466 Savannah Hwy., offers two workout classes (one high pace and one low pace, hence the name) at noon with drop-in class options available.
Three Little Birds, 65 Windermere Blvd., is a great lunch spot for salad, quiche and more. Parking is readily available but the restaurant also is accessible via bike or walking from the Greenway.
3 p.m.
Go shopping around South Windermere, browsing fun home and fashion stores. If you get thirsty, check out the skinny margarita at Yo Burrito.
4 p.m.
Encounter a happy hour flight of beer from Frothy Beard Brewing Co., 1401 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. You’ll be glad you did.
7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Have a family-friendly dinner at Ireland’s Own, 3025 Ashley Town Center Drive,
and play a variety of arcade games.
Order a drink and an appetizer at California Dreaming, 1 Ashley Point Drive. Sit outside (if it’s not too sweltering to watch the sunset and enjoy the Charleston skyline.
At night
Listen to live music at The Roost, 825 Savannah Highway.
Or while the night away over affordable beer while playing pool, classic darts or board games nearby at Gene’s Haufbrau, 817 Savannah Hwy.
24 hours in James Island
7 a.m.
Grab a hot coffee and a bagel at Muddy Waters Coffee Bar, 1739 Maybank Hwy. 10 a.m.
Fix a hangover with a fried chicken biscuit and a mimosa from Millers All Day,
1956 Maybank Hwy.
Noon
Explore the countless amenities offered at the James Island County Park such as miles of paved trails, saltwater fishing and crabbing docks, picnic spots, an 18-hole disc golf course and equipment rentals of all kinds.
4 p.m.
Split an app and pizza at Crust Wood Fired Pizza, 1956 Maybank Hwy., before going next door to catch a movie at the exceedingly cool Terrace Theater.
7 p.m.
Book a table at Kwei Fei, 1977 Maybank Hwy., for fiery-hot Sichuan cuisine or Bar George, 1956 Maybank Hwy., and then catch a movie at the area’s Terrace Theater. Get to Bowen’s Island Restaurant for superb fried shrimp, roasted oysters, cold beer and one of the best sunsets ever. 1070 Bowens Island Road.
At night
Jam-out to live music at Charleston Pour House, 1977 Maybank Hwy., followed by
a night-cap at Bar George.
24 hours in Folly Beach
7 a.m.
Head to the beach for a great morning walk. Be on the lookout for cool shells.
10 a.m.
Book a private or group surf lesson with Isla Surf School, 301 W. Ashley Ave.,
or other vendors.
Get into a tasty Southern brunch at Lost Dog Cafe, 106 W. Huron Ave.
Shop around Center Street for some beachwear at Ocean Surf Shop or McKelvin’s Surf Shop and Folly Trading Co. or Aqua Beach Store for knick-knacks and take-home items.
Noon
Lunch at Chico Feo, 122 E. Ashley Ave.
Dive into the kitchy-cool Bert’s Market, 202 E. Ashley Ave., and find just about anything, including a great sandwich. Then hit the beach!
3 p.m.
A little sunburned and need some refreshment? Head over to Pier 101 Restaurant and Bar, 101 E. Arctic Ave., for something frothy, cold or both. Bonus: Sitting on the pier overlooking the ocean.
Check out the island’s newest outdoor brewpub — Revelry Brewing, 13 Center St.
7 p.m.
Enjoy spice-forward entrees and apps at Jack of Cups Saloon, 34 Center St.
At night
Get your fill of live music at The Washout, 41 Center St.
More bar-hopping opportunities around Center Street: Bounty Bar, The Drop In, The Washout, Coconut Joe’s, Lowlife and Planet Follywood. (Drink responsibly; don’t drive.)
24 hours in Johns Island
(including Kiawah/Seabrook)
7 a.m.
Make a stop into Island Provisions, 1803 Crowne Commons Way, for a breakfast sandwich, pastry and caffeine to fuel your day.
10 a.m.
Swing by the Angel Oak Tree, 3688 Angel Oak Road, to take in the natural beauty and munificence of this historic ancient landmark.
Noon
Head out to the public beach accesses of Kiawah Island at Kiawah Beachwalker Park and enjoy the natural environment it boasts.
3 p.m.
At Kiawah, explore all that Freshfields Village, 165 Village Green Lane, has to offer — 30 different shops and boutiques and diverse dining options.
6 p.m.
Get fajitas and margaritas at Minero Mexican Grill & Cantina, 3140 Maybank Hwy.
At night
Sneak into Wild Olive, 2867 Maybank Hwy. for a late-night tiramisu.
Seanachai Whiskey & Cocktail Bar, 3157 Maybank Hwy., has a cozy pub vibe with whiskeys, delicious drinks and Irish food often paired with live music in the outdoor beer garden.
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