Morning: Fly from STL to Charleston International Airport and take a taxi to your downtown hotel. Check‑in, drop off luggage, and enjoy a quick coffee at Black Tap Coffee on King Street.
Afternoon: Walk down Waterfront Park to admire the famous Pineapple Fountain and soak up harbor views. Continue along the Battery promenade for historic mansions and cannons.
Evening: Dine on Lowcountry cuisine at Fleet Landing Restaurant, then wander the illuminated streets of the French Quarter.
Find HotelsMorning: Start at the Charleston City Market, browsing local crafts and sweetgrass baskets. Grab a pastry from Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit.
Afternoon: Tour the Old Slave Mart Museum for a sobering glimpse of history, then stroll to St. Michael’s Episcopal Church with its stunning stained glass.
Evening: Enjoy live jazz at The Commodore and sample craft beers at Edmund's Oast on Meeting Street.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a short drive to Magnolia Plantation & Gardens and wander the historic house and nature trails.
Afternoon: Explore the romantic Middleton Place gardens, climbing the historic oak‑leaf‑shaped columns and visiting the plantation museum.
Evening: Return to town for a relaxed dinner at Husk, savoring a seasonal Southern tasting menu.
Find HotelsMorning: Cycle or ride a rideshare to Folly Beach, setting up for sunrise on the sand.
Afternoon: Walk the Folly Beach Pier, then rent a surfboard or kayak for a gentle paddle.
Evening: Enjoy beachfront seafood at Bowens Island Restaurant and watch the sunset over the Atlantic.
Find HotelsMorning: Explore the Charleston Museum, America’s first museum, for exhibits on natural history and the city’s past.
Afternoon: Wander the galleries on Broad Street, including the contemporary Gallery 1313 and the historic Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art.
Evening: Catch an independent film or live performance at the Dock Street Theatre, followed by a nightcap at The Rooftop Bar on King Street.
Find HotelsMorning: Join a self‑guided food walk through Upper King Street, stopping at Leon’s Oyster Shop for fresh oysters.
Afternoon: Sample sweet treats at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams and visit the historic Charleston Coffee Roasters for a latte.
Evening: Dine at FIG for farm‑to‑table dishes, then explore the vibrant nightlife of East Bay Street.
Find HotelsMorning: Head to Angel Oak Tree on Johns Island, marveling at the massive Southern live oak.
Afternoon: Take a guided walk (self‑guided using a map) through the Cypress Gardens boardwalks and wetlands.
Evening: Return downtown for a relaxed dinner at Poogan’s Porch, enjoying classic Southern comfort food.
Find HotelsMorning: Browse the boutiques of King Street, from high‑end fashion to vintage finds.
Afternoon: Visit the eclectic Charleston Farmers Market at Marion Square for fresh produce, local honey, and handmade gifts.
Evening: Celebrate your final night with a dinner cruise on the Charleston Harbor, taking in the illuminated skyline.
Find HotelsMorning: Pack up and enjoy a leisurely brunch at Millers All Day on King Street.
Afternoon: Take a final walk along Ravenel Bridge for panoramic views before heading to the airport.
Evening: Fly back to STL, carrying memories of Charleston’s historic charm and coastal beauty.
Find HotelsTo extend your stay, add a day trip to Sullivan’s Island for more beach time or explore the historic Georgetown District. If you need to shorten the itinerary, combine Day 5 and Day 6 by focusing on the most appealing museums and a single evening dinner, and skip the optional shopping day (Day 8) while still experiencing Charleston’s core highlights.