Your Charleston Weekend
Only have a weekend to spend in Charleston? Get a feel for the city in just 72 hours with our guide to making the most of your quick trip. From historical tours to a day at the beach, experience the best things to do in Charleston from The Ryder Hotel.
Grab a latte and a bite from The Coffee Counter before you get to know the city through one of the many local tours offered. Whether by carriage, bus, or walking, explore the best of the town on your first morning in Charleston. Some notable sights to see during your tour include “Rainbow Row”—a series of thirteen historic and colorful houses—and White Point Garden, a waterfront public park with historic military displays.
Next up, stop by the popular City Market. Here you’ll find a variety of goods, like homemade eats, home decor, and antiques. Stroll up and down nearby King St. for the latest trends and pick up a new outfit to wear on the town. Other highlights to include on your first day exploration include the French Quarter District and Waterfront Park, home to the famous Pineapple Fountain and swings that overlook Charleston Harbor.
End your first day in Charleston by grabbing a drink and delicious meal at Little Palm or The Backyard.
Fill your second day in Charleston learning about the culture and contributions of the Gullah people. Before you hit the town, fuel up on a poolside breakfast and refreshment from Little Palm. Hop on the air-conditioned bus with Gullah Tours and explore the mysterious, multi-faceted history of early Black Charlestonians that were part of the slave trade. Gullah descendant Alphonso Brown will tour you around the city to show you key sites while offering interesting, insightful narration.
After your Gullah tour, visit Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. This aircraft carrier-turned-museum has dozens of decks to explore, including the Congressional Medal of Honor Museum, plus it’s a short boat ride from here to Fort Sumter.
Head to Shem Creek to watch dolphins play as the sun sets over the Ravanel Bridge. After a full day of exploration, head back downtown for a relaxing dinner at Hank’s Seafood Restaurant, voted the best seafood restaurant in Charleston for over 25 years.
On your last day in Charleston, soak up some sun with a day out on the beach. Grab beach chairs, bocce ball, towels and a cooler from our Gear Garage for a full day packed with sunshine and salty vibes. From our hotel, you’ll have easy access to some of the best beaches in town, like Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, Sullivans Island, and Kiawah Island. During your visit to one of these local beaches, get out of the water with everything from paddle boarding and jet skiing, to kayaking and sailing.
Spend your final night in town with the delectable flavors cooked up on the grill at The Backyard with a refreshing cocktail in hand.
