Want an itinerary like this for your trip?
Tell us where you're going and get a personalized plan in seconds — completely free.
Plan My Trip

6-Day Scenic Road Trip to Charleston, SC

Viewed by 285 travelers

Day 1: Travel to Virginia

Richmond, Virginia on October 10, 2024

8:00 AM

Depart for Virginia

A morning departure to Virginia will set the stage for a scenic drive through beautiful landscapes.
Drive south on I-95 for approximately 130 miles, about 2 hours.
0, 2 hours

10:00 AM

Stop at Pocahontas State Park

Enjoy a quick hike at Pocahontas State Park, where you can explore lush trails and unwind in nature.
Exit I-95 to reach Pocahontas State Park.
0, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Hill Cafe

Savor a delicious lunch at The Hill Cafe, famous for its local ingredients and classic Southern dishes.
Continue driving to Richmond after lunch.
CURRENCY20, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Visit the Virginia State Capitol

After lunch, take a brief tour of the Virginia State Capitol, an impressive historic site.
Head towards downtown Richmond.
0, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Check-in at Hotel

Relax and unwind after your travels at your hotel in Richmond.
Select a centrally located hotel for convenience.
CURRENCY120, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Mama J's Kitchen

Enjoy a hearty dinner at Mama J's Kitchen, renowned for its fried chicken and Southern comfort food.
Short drive to the restaurant in Richmond.
CURRENCY30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Richmond

Day 2: Explore Virginia

Virginia Beach, Virginia on October 11, 2024

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Club

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Breakfast Club known for its pancakes and omelets.
Drive from Richmond to Virginia Beach, about 2 hours.
CURRENCY15, 1.5 hours

10:30 AM

Visit Virginia Beach Boardwalk

Stroll along the beachfront boardwalk of Virginia Beach and soak in the ocean views.
After breakfast, drive to the boardwalk.
0, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Waterman’s Surfside Grille

Enjoy oceanfront dining at Waterman’s Surfside Grille with a selection of fresh seafood.
Located right on the boardwalk.
CURRENCY25, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Relax on the Beach

Spend a few hours relaxing on the beautiful beach before your journey to Charleston.
Beach access is readily available from the boardwalk.
0, 2.5 hours

5:00 PM

Departure to Charleston

Begin your drive to Charleston, SC, as you make your way to the charming city.
Get on I-64 S from Virginia Beach.
0, 5 hours

10:00 PM

Check-in at Hotel

Arrive in Charleston and check into your chosen hotel.
Select centrally-located accommodation in Charleston.
CURRENCY150, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Virginia Beach

Day 3: Discover Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina on October 12, 2024

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit

Enjoy the famous biscuits and unique breakfast offerings at Callie’s.
A short drive from your hotel.
CURRENCY15, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit the Historic District

Explore the cobblestone streets of Charleston's Historic District, admiring historic homes and landmarks.
Easily walk from the café to the district.
0, 2.5 hours

11:30 AM

Fort Sumter Tour

Take a ferry ride to Fort Sumter, the site of the Civil War's first battle, and learn about its history.
Ferry departures from the harbor near the district.
CURRENCY30, 3 hours

2:30 PM

Lunch at Fleet Landing

Indulge in fresh seafood and stunning waterfront views at Fleet Landing.
Take a 10-minute walk from the harbor to the restaurant.
CURRENCY35, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Explore Waterfront Park

Relax at Waterfront Park, known for the iconic Pineapple Fountain and beautiful gardens.
Located nearby after lunch.
0, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Visit the Battery and Rainbow Row

Walk along the picturesque promenade at The Battery and admire the colorful houses of Rainbow Row.
A short stroll from Waterfront Park.
0, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Husk

Savor farm-to-table Southern cuisine at Husk, a must-visit dining experience in Charleston.
A short drive or walk from The Battery.
CURRENCY50, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Charleston

Day 4: Charleston and Plantations

Charleston, South Carolina on October 13, 2024

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Poogan's Porch

Start your day with Southern fare at Poogan's Porch, nestled in a charming Victorian house.
A quick drive from downtown Charleston.
CURRENCY20, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Explore the stunning gardens and discover the history of Magnolia Plantation and Gardens.
Drive 30 minutes from your hotel.
CURRENCY30, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at the Plantation Cafe

Break for lunch at the plantation café, offering Southern cuisine amid the beautiful surroundings.
On-site at Magnolia Plantation.
CURRENCY25, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Tour Boone Hall Plantation

Visit Boone Hall Plantation, one of America's oldest working plantations.
Drive 25 minutes from Magnolia Plantation.
CURRENCY25, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Return to Hotel

Head back to your hotel to relax before dinner.
Drive 25 minutes back to downtown Charleston.
0, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Ordinary

Enjoy a seafood feast at The Ordinary, a popular oyster hall and seafood restaurant.
A short drive from your hotel.
CURRENCY45, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Charleston

Day 5: Relax in Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina on October 14, 2024

9:00 AM

Breakfast at The Rise Coffee Bar

Grab a fresh coffee and pastry at The Rise Coffee Bar to fuel your leisurely day.
A short walk from your hotel.
CURRENCY12, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit South Carolina Aquarium

Explore marine life exhibits at the South Carolina Aquarium for an enjoyable morning.
Located in Charleston's downtown area.
CURRENCY25, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q

Enjoy some delicious barbecue at Jim 'N Nick's, a local favorite for casual dining.
A short drive from the aquarium.
CURRENCY20, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Stroll through City Market

Spend the afternoon browsing the charming shops at Charleston's City Market, an historic market.
Easy walk from Jim 'N Nick's.
0, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Visit the Charleston Museum

Discover the rich history of Charleston at the Charleston Museum, the oldest museum in the US.
A short drive from City Market.
CURRENCY18, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at 82 Queen

Wrap up your evening with dinner at 82 Queen, famous for its Lowcountry cuisine.
A short distance from the museum.
CURRENCY40, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Charleston

Day 6: Return Journey

Charleston, South Carolina on October 15, 2024

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Toast!

Kick off your final day with a relaxed breakfast at Toast!, known for its delightful brunch options.
Near your hotel before departure.
CURRENCY15, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Last-minute Shopping or Sightseeing

Enjoy a leisurely stroll for last-minute shopping or sightseeing before heading home.
Explore areas near your hotel.
0, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Depart for Home

Pack your bags and start the drive back home, reflecting on your wonderful trip.
Navigate back to I-95 or your preferred route.
0, 3 hours
Find Hotels in Charleston
0

More About Charleston sc

Trip Packing List: Charleston, SC (Late February)
Packing List
Trip Packing List: Charleston, SC (July 21–Aug 1) — Family road trip from Knoxville, IA (2-day drive each way)
Packing List
Charleston SC Weather Guide: Climate & Seasonal Patterns
Weather Guide
Essential Charleston Travel Guide: Tips, Timing & Entry
Travel Expert
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your Charleston sc Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go