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Events and things to do in South Carolina, with prices, dates and drive times checked at the source.

4 Days in Charleston

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Itineraries › 4 Days in Charleston

4 Days In Charleston: a 4-day plan with 16 stops, with hours, costs and closed days from each operator's page and the date we read it. No drive times, because no official page gives them.

  • Days4plan, then adjust
  • Stops16each with a source
  • Free1as the operator states
  • Indoors3for a rainy slot

Trip Kit

Plan It With Your People

Pick a start date, then send the plan to your group chat, put every day in your calendar, or open each day as a route in Google Maps.

 
  1. Day 1 Downtown on footWhite Point Garden (The Battery) Rainbow Row (view from the street) Nathaniel Russell House Museum Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon Charleston City MarketRoute
  2. Day 2 Houses and the harborAiken-Rhett House Museum Fort Sumter (ferry from Liberty Square or Patriots Point) Fort Sumter (ferry from Liberty Square or Patriots Point)Route
  3. Day 3 Gardens, an oak and the beachMagnolia Plantation and Gardens Angel Oak Park Charleston Tea Garden Folly Beach County ParkRoute
  4. Day 4 Museum and plantationsInternational African American Museum Drayton Hall Middleton Place Boone Hall Plantation and GardensRoute

Day 1 Downtown on Foot

Start at the southern tip of the peninsula and walk north.

  1. White Point Garden (The Battery)

    Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau describes White Point Garden, at The Battery, as a park that played a role in Charleston's defense during the Civil War, with cannons and mortars still on display, and views of Charleston Harbor. source

    Read
    October 26, 2026

  2. Rainbow Row (View From The Street)

    Charleston CVB: thirteen homes stretch from 79 to 107 East Bay Street; in 1932 homeowner Dorothy Porcher Legge had the idea of repainting her house in a new color, and the row followed. The houses are private homes; visitors view them from the sidewalk. source

    Where
    79-107 East Bay Street, Charleston
    Read
    October 26, 2026

  3. Nathaniel Russell House Museum

    Indoors

    Historic Charleston Foundation house museum at 51 Meeting Street with a free-flying three-story staircase; offers staff-led tours and a self-paced audio tour. source

    Hours
    Monday 1-4 pm; Tuesday-Sunday 10 am-4 pm. Staff-led tours start on the hour, last staff-led tour 3:00 pm; last admission 4 pm.
    Time
    Self-paced audio tour 'lasts approximately 45 minutes' (page)
    Closed
    Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day ('select major holidays')
    Where
    51 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC
    Read
    October 26, 2026

  4. Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon

    Indoors

    Built in 1771 as a commercial exchange and custom house; now a non-profit historic site focused on the American Revolution and colonial Charleston. The NPS Charleston travel page says many significant events of the American Revolution and early Federal period occurred at the Exchange and Provost Building. source

    Hours
    Monday-Saturday 9 AM-5 PM; Sunday 11 AM-5 PM (footer of page prints Sunday as '11PM', apparently a typo)
    Cost
    Adults $16; children 6-12 $12 (page footer says 7-12); children 0-6 free (footer says under 6). Tickets can be bought on site.
    Kids
    School group programs on colonial and Revolutionary-era Charleston are listed; children's prices above.
    Closed
    None listed on page
    Where
    122 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29401
    Read
    October 26, 2026

  5. Charleston City Market

    Public market with a Great Hall and open-air sheds; the page calls it one of America's oldest public markets. source

    Hours
    Day Market: banner says 'Open daily 9:30-5:00 pm', sidebar says '9:30-5:30 pm' (the two disagree on the page). Night Market: 'Fri & Saturday Night 6:30-10:30 pm'.
    Cost
    Page states no admission fee or cost.
    Closed
    Open every day except December 25
    Where
    188 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401 (office address)
    Read
    October 26, 2026

Day 2 Houses and The Harbor

The ferry to Fort Sumter needs a booked departure.

  1. Aiken-Rhett House Museum

    Indoors

    Historic Charleston Foundation house museum kept in an 'as-found' state, including the original quarters for the enslaved people, kitchen, laundry and carriage block; self-guided audio tour. source

    Hours
    Monday 1-4 pm; Tuesday-Sunday 10 am-4 pm; last admission 4 pm
    Time
    Self-paced audio tour 'lasts approximately 45 minutes' (page)
    Closed
    'Select major holidays' (list not on this page)
    Where
    Closest public garage per the page: Charleston Area Visitors Center, 63 Mary Street (house address not on page)
    Read
    October 26, 2026

  2. Fort Sumter (Ferry From Liberty Square or Patriots Point)

    NPS: Fort Sumter is in the middle of Charleston Harbor and reachable only by ferry; Fort Sumter Tours provides the only NPS-authorized access. Private boats are not permitted at the fort. The Fort Sumter Visitor Center at Liberty Square is open to all, with free exhibits. source

    Hours
    Fort Sumter Visitor Center (340 Concord St): daily 9:00 am-4:30 pm. Ferry departures: Liberty Square Feb 27-Nov 30 and Dec 26-31 at 9:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:45 p.m. (Jan 2-Feb 26 and Dec 1-24: 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m.). Patriots Point Feb 27-Nov 30 and Dec 26-31 at 10:45 a.m., 1:30 p.m. (Jan 2-Feb 26 and Dec 1-24: 12:30 p.m.). Schedule 'subject to change and cancellation at anytime' (NPS).
    Cost
    Standard ferry price not shown on the fortsumtertours.com page. Combo tours listed: USS Yorktown & Fort Sumter $71.00; Charleston Strolls & Fort Sumter $78.00; Gray Line City Tour & Fort Sumter $71.00; Boone Hall Plantation & Fort Sumter $67.00. Ferry is not covered by the America the Beautiful pass (NPS). Visitor center building and exhibits are free.
    Time
    Total tour about 2 1/4 hours with roughly 60 minutes at the fort (fortsumtertours.com)
    Dogs
    Pets are not permitted at Fort Sumter or aboard Fort Sumter Tours vessels; leashed pets allowed on Liberty Square grounds and walking paths, not inside the visitor center building (NPS).
    Closed
    NPS park sites closed New Year's, Thanksgiving and Christmas Days; no tours Thanksgiving, December 25, January 1 (ferry operator)
    Where
    Fort Sumter Visitor Center, 340 Concord Street, Charleston, SC 29401; Patriots Point departures: 40 Patriots Pt. Rd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
    Read
    October 26, 2026

  3. Fort Sumter (Ferry From Liberty Square or Patriots Point)

    NPS: Fort Sumter is in the middle of Charleston Harbor and reachable only by ferry; Fort Sumter Tours provides the only NPS-authorized access. Private boats are not permitted at the fort. The Fort Sumter Visitor Center at Liberty Square is open to all, with free exhibits. source

    Hours
    Fort Sumter Visitor Center (340 Concord St): daily 9:00 am-4:30 pm. Ferry departures: Liberty Square Feb 27-Nov 30 and Dec 26-31 at 9:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:45 p.m. (Jan 2-Feb 26 and Dec 1-24: 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m.). Patriots Point Feb 27-Nov 30 and Dec 26-31 at 10:45 a.m., 1:30 p.m. (Jan 2-Feb 26 and Dec 1-24: 12:30 p.m.). Schedule 'subject to change and cancellation at anytime' (NPS).
    Cost
    Standard ferry price not shown on the fortsumtertours.com page. Combo tours listed: USS Yorktown & Fort Sumter $71.00; Charleston Strolls & Fort Sumter $78.00; Gray Line City Tour & Fort Sumter $71.00; Boone Hall Plantation & Fort Sumter $67.00. Ferry is not covered by the America the Beautiful pass (NPS). Visitor center building and exhibits are free.
    Time
    Total tour about 2 1/4 hours with roughly 60 minutes at the fort (fortsumtertours.com)
    Dogs
    Pets are not permitted at Fort Sumter or aboard Fort Sumter Tours vessels; leashed pets allowed on Liberty Square grounds and walking paths, not inside the visitor center building (NPS).
    Closed
    NPS park sites closed New Year's, Thanksgiving and Christmas Days; no tours Thanksgiving, December 25, January 1 (ferry operator)
    Where
    Fort Sumter Visitor Center, 340 Concord Street, Charleston, SC 29401; Patriots Point departures: 40 Patriots Pt. Rd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
    Read
    October 26, 2026

Day 3 Gardens, an Oak and The Beach

These sit outside downtown; plan to drive.

  1. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

    Plantation and gardens on Ashley River Road (Route 61). Listed tours include Nature Train Tour, Magnolia House Tour, Discovery Tour, From Slavery to Freedom Tour and Wildlife Boat Tour; daily tour availability subject to change. source

    Hours
    Magnolia House Tour 9:30am to 3pm, 'tour availability is limited'; general garden hours not on the page
    Closed
    Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
    Where
    3550 Ashley River Road (Route 61), Charleston, SC 29414
    Read
    October 26, 2026

  2. Angel Oak Park

    City of Charleston: park on Johns Island with a live oak estimated at 300-400 years old, 65 feet high, trunk circumference 25.5 feet, shade area 17,000 square feet. The city acquired the park in 1991. Park also has a gift shop and picnic area. source

    Cost
    No admission charge (city page)
    Read
    October 26, 2026

  3. Charleston Tea Garden

    Free

    Operator describes itself as a working tea garden with a free factory tour (walk the gallery above the production floor) and a paid trolley tour through the tea field. source

    Hours
    Monday-Saturday 10am to 4pm; Sunday 12pm to 4pm
    Cost
    Factory tour free; Trolley Tour is 'the only tour we charge for'. Trolley ticket price not clearly shown on pages.
    Kids
    Operator calls it a family-friendly activity in photo captions; no age rules found.
    Dogs
    Leashed dogs welcome outdoors; except service dogs, no dogs inside the gift shop, factory tour or trolley tour.
    Closed
    New Years Day, Easter Sunday, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day
    Read
    October 26, 2026

  4. Folly Beach County Park

    One of three Charleston County Parks beach parks (with Kiawah Beachwalker Park and Isle of Palms County Park). Lot has 225 parking spots; digital signs show whether the lot is open or full. Do not swim within 200 feet of the Folly Beach Pier (rip currents). source

    Dogs
    Dogs and other pets must always be leashed within county beach parks; each municipality has its own beach-dog ordinance; pets not permitted on the Folly Beach Pier.
    Read
    October 26, 2026

Day 4 Museum and Plantations

Three big sites; most visitors pick two. All are drives from downtown.

  1. International African American Museum

    Museum on Charleston's waterfront; admission includes the Center for Family History and the Special Exhibitions Gallery. source

    Hours
    Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 12pm-5pm (Sunday time marked 'effective July 2026'); last entry 4pm; timed-entry tickets.
    Cost
    Non-SC residents: adults (17+) $22.50, youth (6-16) $10.50, seniors (62+) $14.50, military with ID $14.50, under 6 free. SC residents (with SC ID): adults $15.50, youth $7.50, seniors $9.50, military $9.50, under 6 free. SNAP/EBT card holders (Museums for All, four guests per card, bought at the Visitor Services Desk): $2.50 each, under 6 free.
    Kids
    Under 6 free; youth 6-16 have a reduced price.
    Closed
    Closed Monday, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
    Where
    14 Wharfside Street, Charleston, SC 29401
    Read
    November 3, 2026

  2. Drayton Hall

    Historic 1738 plantation house near the Ashley River with guided house tours, galleries, an African American cemetery and grounds. source

    Hours
    Wednesday-Monday 9:00am-4:30pm; front gate closes at 3:00pm. Page shows no seasonal change.
    Cost
    All-Inclusive House Tour, per person: adults $30 online / $35 on site; youth 7-15 $15 online / $18 on site; under 7 free. Registering online saves $5. Gate accepts no cash. Price for the Grounds & Galleries ticket not shown on the page.
    Time
    House tour lasts one hour; self-paced landscape audio tour about 45 minutes.
    Kids
    Under 7 free; ages 7-15 pay the youth price.
    Dogs
    Page does not mention pets.
    Closed
    Closed Tuesdays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
    Where
    3380 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414
    Read
    November 3, 2026

  3. Middleton Place

    National Historic Landmark on the Ashley River with 65 acres of landscaped gardens, a House Museum exhibition, stableyards and guided tours. source

    Hours
    Open daily 9:00am-5:00pm; Christmas Eve 9:00am-1:00pm (FAQ page says closed at noon on Christmas Eve); closes early at 4:00pm on Saturday, November 7, 2026. 'Hours subject to change.'
    Cost
    General admission: adults (14+) $35; college students with ID $20; children 6-13 $15; under 6 free; military with ID $32; seniors (62+) $32. Museums for All (SNAP/EBT with photo ID, up to four people, in person at Visitor Center): $5 each. Combination ticket with Edmondston-Alston House: adult $43, college student $25, child 6-13 $18. Rice and Riverside cart tour (extra): adult $15, child 6-13 $10.
    Time
    Guided garden tour 30 minutes; 'Beyond the Fields' tour 45 minutes.
    Kids
    Children 6-13 pay $15; 5 and under free.
    Dogs
    Pets are not allowed on the property (free-roaming livestock and predators). Service animals allowed; emotional support animals and pets only in the main visitor parking lot.
    Closed
    Closed Christmas Day.
    Where
    4300 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414
    Read
    November 3, 2026

  4. Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens

    Working plantation founded in 1681 with the Avenue of Oaks, a first-floor house tour, Gullah culture presentation, Black History in America exhibit in nine original dwellings, gardens and tractor tour. source

    Hours
    Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm; Sunday 12pm-5pm (regular days). Gullah presentation 11:15am, 1:15pm, 3:15pm Mon-Sat and 1:15pm, 3:15pm Sunday (page says the schedule is seasonal).
    Cost
    General admission (covers all daily tours, good for any one open day): adults (13+) $30; seniors, military, AAA $27; children 6-12 $12; 5 and under free with an adult. Prices as shown on the home page and the FAQ page; neither shows an update date.
    Time
    FAQ says three to four hours.
    Kids
    Children 6-12 $12; 5 and under free with an adult.
    Dogs
    Pets allowed on the grounds on a leash; not allowed inside the house during house tours, on tractor/nature tours, or in some food/visitor buildings. Pets are not allowed at special events or Willie's Roadside Market.
    Closed
    Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, plus two special-event days a year (usually the last Sunday in January and the first Sunday in December).
    Where
    1235 Long Point Rd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
    Read
    November 3, 2026

FAQ

Do I need a car?

Day 1 is on foot. Days 2 to 4 include stops outside the peninsula, so most visitors drive or book a ferry or tour.

Are the hours current?

Each stop shows the date we read the operator’s page. Hours and prices change by season, so use the source link before you go.

What We Could Not Confirm

Not confirmed: we looked for these on official pages and did not find them. Check with the town or operator before you rely on them.

  • Driving and walking times between stops: we give none, because no official page states them. Each day links a route button for current directions.
  • Hours and prices change by season. Each stop shows the date we read it and links its source; confirm before you go.
  • Which two of the three Day 4 plantations to choose: that is your call. Hours, ticket types and what is included differ, so read each stop's source.

Sources

  1. White Point Garden (The Battery)
  2. Rainbow Row (view from the street)
  3. Nathaniel Russell House Museum
  4. Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
  5. Charleston City Market
  6. Aiken-Rhett House Museum
  7. Fort Sumter (ferry from Liberty Square or Patriots Point)
  8. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
  9. Angel Oak Park
  10. Charleston Tea Garden
  11. Folly Beach County Park
  12. International African American Museum
  13. Drayton Hall
  14. Middleton Place
  15. Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens

Read on October 26, 2026. Stops dated October 26, 2026 were read on that day; stops dated November 3, 2026 were read this session. How we check: editorial standards; spot a mistake? Tell us.

Cite this page: It's South Carolina, “4 Days in Charleston”, itssouthcarolina.com/itineraries/4-days-in-charleston/ (updated ). By the It's South Carolina editorial team. Free to quote with attribution and a link to this page; data and tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.

Printed from itssouthcarolina.com on . Hours, prices and dates can change, so check with the venue before you go.