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mother-daughter trip to Charleston

Charleston is one of the best mother-daughter trips in the U.S.! The architecture, coastal waterways, fantastic food, and beaches make this city a perfect vacation destination. So I’ve created the ultimate guide for planning a mother-daughter trip to Charleston.

The Best Getaways in the Southeast

Fun Fact: Charleston is home to the first public college, museum, and playhouse in the U.S., and you can visit all three of these when you’re here.

Here’s how to plan a mother-daughter trip to Charleston!

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mother-daughter trip to Charleston

Must-Do Activities

Walking tour of the city that includes the French Quarter and Rainbow Row, Broad Street, Waterfront Park, and King Street

Walk along The Battery and marvel at the mansions facing Charleston Harbor

Visit the Aiken-Rhett House Museum

See Angel Oak Tree, the largest living oak tree east of the Mississippi River

Craft Brewery Tour

Browse the Charleston City Market

Tour Fort Sumter National Monument

The Nathaniel Russell House Museum

Visit Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens

Lounge on a beach in Isle of Palms County Park

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mother-daughter trip to Charleston

When To Go

Charleston is one of the Best Destinations To Visit In April. Temperatures will be pleasant in the 60s in March and 80s in May, but the humidity won’t be sweltering yet. Tourist numbers and prices will be on the rise, but still less than in the summer months. The magnolia trees will be blooming, and the Charleston Food + Wine Festival is held in March.

Charleston is hot and humid from June – August. So bring your hat and sunscreen, and always have water with you. The city has its highest prices and crowds of the year during these months, so you’ll want to book accommodation and tours in advance. August is the rainiest month of the year, so make sure you have rain gear and remember that rain in the Southeast in summer doesn’t make it cooler; it makes it more humid.

Fall brings pleasant weather in the 70s and significantly less humidity than in the summer months. If you’re a foodie, then Autumn is the time to visit. Charleston Restaurant Week is in September, and Taste of Charleston is in October. This is the shoulder season, so crowds and prices will be lower than in the summer, though the city can still be crowded on the weekends.

December – February is also a great time to visit. Temperatures usually don’t go below 50 in the day and 40 at night. The Holiday Festival of Lights happens in December, and the Lowcountry Oyster Festival is in January. As long as you avoid the holidays, Charleston is a very affordable destination during these months.

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mother-daughter trip to Charleston

Where To Eat

For Burgers: Poe’s Tavern, Husk, The Watch Rooftop Kitchen and Spirits

Brunch Places: The Macintosh, Chez Nous, The Obstinate Daughter

Seafood: Delaney Oyster House, The Darling Oyster Bar, Charleston Crab House

Rooftop Dining: The Rooftop Bar at The Vendue, Aqua Terrace Roof-Top Bar, Pavilion Bar

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mother-daughter trip to Charleston

Where To Stay

My favorite Charleston hotels are the Hotel Bennett, French Quarter Inn, and 20 South Battery bed and breakfast. If you want to stay on the beach, I recommend Wild Dunes Resort on Isle of Palms.

If you want to camp or bring your RV, I suggest the Campground at James Island County Park. Charleston also has some fantastic vacation homes to choose from.

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mother-daughter trip to Charleston

Best Day Trips

Kiawah Island. This is a golf and spa paradise, so plan on doing them both. Plus, Kiawah Island has some great beaches.

Savannah. I highly recommend visiting Savannah, Georgia as its own trip. But it can easily be visited as a day trip from Charleston. Highlights of Savannah are Forsyth Park, Old Savannah Trolley Tours, City Market, and River Street.

Paddling Trip with Coastal Expeditions. Coastal Expeditions is a tour company that leads guided kayak and canoe tours of The Kiawah River, St. Phillips Island, Shem Creek, Isle of Palms, Bulls Island, and Blackwater. This is a great way to explore the Lowcountry, and you’ll have some great wildlife viewing.

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mother-daughter trip to Charleston

Best Viewpoints Of The City

Best Viewpoints Of The City

A boat tour in Charleston Harbor

Wentworth Mansion

The Rooftop Bar at The Vendue

Folly Beach Pier

The Ravenel Bridge

Harbor Walk/Aquarium Wharf

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mother-daughter trip to Charleston

If-You-Have-Time Activities

Visit Middleton Place

Stroll through the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

The Charleston Museum

Lounge on Folly Beach

South Carolina Aquarium

Explore Sullivan’s Island

Frequently Asked Questions
  • How far apart are Charleston and Savannah?

    Savannah is about 100 miles south of Charleston, and it takes about two hours to drive between these cities.

  • What is the best time of year to go to Charleston, SC?

    Charleston is one of the Best Destinations To Visit In April. Temperatures will be pleasant in the 60s in March and 80s in May, but the humidity won’t be sweltering yet. Tourist numbers and prices will be on the rise, but still less than in the summer months. The magnolia trees will be blooming, and the Charleston Food + Wine Festival is held in March.

    Charleston is hot and humid from June – August. So bring your hat and sunscreen, and always have water with you. The city has its highest prices and crowds of the year during these months, so you’ll want to book accommodation and tours in advance. August is the rainiest month of the year, so make sure you have rain gear and remember that rain in the Southeast in summer doesn’t make it cooler; it makes it more humid.

    Fall brings pleasant weather in the 70s and significantly less humidity than in the summer months. If you’re a foodie, then Autumn is the time to visit. Charleston Restaurant Week is in September, and Taste of Charleston is in October. This is the shoulder season, so crowds and prices will be lower than in the summer, though the city can still be crowded on the weekends.

    December – February is also a great time to visit because temperatures usually don’t go below 50 in the day and 40 at night. The Holiday Festival of Lights happens in December, and the Lowcountry Oyster Festival is in January. As long as you avoid the holidays, Charleston is a very affordable destination during these months.

  • Is Charleston a walkable city?

    The historic city center of Charleston is very walkable. One of my favorite things to do here is a walking tour of the French Quarter and Rainbow Row, Broad Street, Waterfront Park, and King Street.

    But public transportation in the city is minimal. So if you want to visit the nearby beaches or islands, you’ll need to have a car or use a rideshare app or.

  • Is Charleston or Savannah better to visit?

    Charleston and Savannah are both incredible destinations, and they will each give you very different experiences.

    Charleston is usually more popular, expensive, and crowded than Savannah, and Charleston has a bigger city “vibe.”

    Savannah is traditionally less-visited with a “chiller” vibe than Charleston. Both cities have fantastic foodie scenes, great outdoor activities, beautiful architecture, and fascinating histories, so I highly recommend visiting both of these places!

  • What is there to do in Charleston, SC in 3 days?

    If you only have three days in Charleston, then prioritize these activities:

    1. Walking tour of the city that includes the French Quarter and Rainbow Row, Broad Street, Waterfront Park, and King Street

    2. Walk along The Battery and marvel at the mansions facing Charleston Harbor

    3. Visit the Aiken-Rhett House Museum

    4. See Angel Oak Tree, the largest living oak tree east of the Mississippi River

    5. Do a craft brewery tour

    6. Browse the Charleston City Market

    7. Tour Fort Sumter National Monument

    8. Visit the Nathaniel Russell House Museum

    9. Explore Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens

    10. Lounge on a beach in Isle of Palms County Park

  • What do I need to know before going to Charleston, SC?

    When you visit Charleston, I urge you to educate yourself about the history of slavery in the U.S. Many of Charleston’s plantations, statues, and historic landmarks are dedicated to raising awareness about racism. So don’t ignore this history; learn from it.

  • How many days do you need to visit Charleston, SC?

    Give yourself at least 3-4 days to explore Charleston. This will give you plenty of time to experience the historic downtown, enjoy the food scene, hit the beach, and take a day trip.

  • What should I not miss in Charleston, SC?

    Top Things To Do In Charleston:

    1. Walking tour of the city that includes the French Quarter and Rainbow Row, Broad Street, Waterfront Park, and King Street

    2. Walk along The Battery and marvel at the mansions facing Charleston Harbor

    3. Visit the Aiken-Rhett House Museum

    4. See Angel Oak Tree, the largest living oak tree east of the Mississippi River

    5. Do a craft brewery tour

    6. Browse the Charleston City Market

    7. Tour Fort Sumter National Monument

    8. Visit the Nathaniel Russell House Museum

    9. Explore Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens

    10. Lounge on a beach in Isle of Palms County Park

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This guide for planning a mother-daughter trip to Charleston is not a sponsored post, and, as always, the thoughts and opinions expressed in this guide for planning a mother-daughter trip to Charleston are entirely my own. Some of the links in this guide for planning a mother-daughter trip to Charleston are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission.

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