Snapshot: A Night and Day in Charleston, South Carolina

During our road trip odyssey to Florida (more on that to come), my friend Hannah and I decided to stop in this unique, charming city for a night. Since we left from DC absurdly early in the morning, we had a full afternoon to spend exploring monuments, colorful buildings, and cobblestone streets. I’ve always enjoyed stopping in places that I visited as a little kid, but couldn’t fully appreciate due to my short attention span, and Charleston is one of those places. Now that my pain priorities don’t consist of playing hide-and-seek and complaining about the weather (8-year-old Caroline was a real charmer), I had the capacity to fully absorb a few of Charleston’s sights. Here are a few places I got to see:

Washington Square Park

This was the first stop along the self-guided walking tour that Hannah downloaded onto her phone, but given the shade and tranquility it offers, it could definitely work for a mid-afternoon break if you are ever in the city. Located right near Charleston’s Historic District, it’s close to the city’s main action while still offering up a refuge to pause and recharge. A granite statue dedicated to the Washington Light Infantry of Charleston stands in the center of the park, surrounded by red brick walkways and lush greenery.

The French Quarter

If you’re looking for a fascinating dose of history and the colorful houses Charleston is famous for, look no further than the French Quarter. This neighborhood, named for the large population of French Huguenots who settled in the area after fleeing Catholic France, contains numerous historic buildings, including the adorable Pink House that is the oldest standing structure in the city. There are also quite a few art galleries for those of you who enjoy browsing through paintings and sculptures.

I must add that when I was wandering around the French Quarter’s alleyways, it felt like being right in the middle of the English countryside (minus the rolling hills).

The Charleston City Market

Are you fond of knickknacks and souvenirs? Be sure to hit the Charleston City Market, which occupies several blocks of the city and is large enough to spend the whole day wandering in. Whether you like folk art, fragrant perfumes, or tasty snacks, the City Market has something for you!

The Waterfront

Since Charleston is on the water and was founded as a port city, taking a stroll by the harbor is a must-do. The walkway by the water is very spacious, and there’s an adorable Pineapple Fountain that you can’t miss! Also, the famous Rainbow Row near the water provides a perfect photo op.

King Street

A bit like Newbury Street in Boston or Main Street in Oxford, King Street is widely regarded as the central vein running through Charleston’s Historic District. At over 300 years old, it’s the second-oldest street in the city, and it has tons of shopping options, from clothes to fine dining. If you’re a seafood person (like I am), don’t miss one of the fabulous seafood restaurants along this street, including Hyman’s Seafood and The Darling Oyster Bar.

I should also note that Charleston does have some great vegetarian and vegan options available. Hannah and I stopped at a trendy vegan spot called Neon Tiger, which boasts excellent pizzas and offbeat decorations.

While I wish I’d been able to stay in Charleston longer, Florida was beckoning! From this experience, I can assure you that it’s certainly possible to hit many of Charleston’s highlights in just one afternoon and evening. While international travel is still on pause, definitely add this city to your travel bucket list!