Visiting Charleston, SC

[Hans627]

We will be spending 3 full days near Charleston, SC on our migration north.

We have never been to Charleston and am looking for recommendations on things to see and do.

Any suggestions appreciated!

[janicemd]

Where are you staying? We really liked James Island for the dog beach. Highly recommend the Yorktown, I'm not interested in military and I liked it. We also liked the city trolley tour because they explain so much history. There is a farmers market on Johns Island that has lots of stuff + music, very chill and you can see the Angel Oak on the way. Have fun!

[GCinSC2]

Shem creek for restaurants and people watching.

[Edistobob]

We live on Edisto Island, about 35 miles south of Charleston. You'd probably really enjoy Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, really getting colorful this time of year as things start to bloom. Boone Hall is also nice to see. With only 3 days you'll be pressed for time. The tours of the peninsula and Patriot's Point as recommended in the prior post, plus one or both of these plantations will give you a nice sampling and keep you busy! If you have extra time the SC Aquarium downtown is also worth a stop. A Fort Sumter tour is also a good outing and gives you an opportunity to be out on the harbor.

[Hans627]

We appreciate all the suggestions and insight regarding our trip to Charleston. Based on your comments and what I’ve read we may have to plan another visit.

Again, thanks!

[GCinSC2]

I'll have to bring this up, not as a deal breaker but an advisory.

Charleston traffic can really stink.

Rush hour am and pm on highways can really test your patience. Consult what ever map/traffic advisory you like. Travel on 526 outside of peak hours if possible. The city is connected by bridges, one good accident and instant bottle neck.

Been there, daily.

Gary

[Hans627]

Originally Posted by GCinSC2

I'll have to bring this up, not as a deal breaker but an advisory.

Charleston traffic can really stink.

Rush hour am and pm on highways can really test your patience. Consult what ever map/traffic advisory you like. Travel on 526 outside of peak hours if possible. The city is connected by bridges, one good accident and instant bottle neck.

Been there, daily.

Gary

Thanks for the tip on traffic. We are staying at the KOA in Mt. Pleasant. Are there any specific ideas that might help us avoid traffic issues? We plan on arriving at about 3 in the afternoon. Hoping that is before evening rush hour.

[GCinSC2]

Hans627,

I don’t get over to MP but it’s in the CHS traffic triangle.

Prior to your trip look at the traffic at rush hours and you can get an idea of what is possible traffic wise.

CHS is a series of peninsulas connected by bridges w/o easy alternate routes. We’ve had bridges closed for accidents, a bridge cable snapped and closed a bridge for several weeks, tarpageddon a painting tarp tore up by high winds that closed the don holt bridge.

Just check traffic maps well before trip and prepare for adjustments.

CHS is GROWING big time and traffic is a side effect.

If you can get in to MP before 3 should be good, about 4-430 things get busy.

[kjseed]

I second the vote for James Island especially if you have a dog. The dog park, including a beach/water area was like no other we had seen before. We found it easy to take an Uber when we wanted to go into town. The blessing of the fleet was a neat thing to see if that is going on when you are there. Charleston is a great place to visit!