This was another TikTok prompt that was fun to answer. As someone who lives here, I decided to share how to spend 24 Hours in Charleston. Obviously there are plenty of other things to do and places to eat, but if you only have one day, this is what I would recommend doing.
Breakfast at Vicious Biscuit
If you’re visiting from the Northeast, this place will immediately make you understand why the South loves its biscuits. These biscuit sandwiches are huge, over the top, and damn delicious. If you like spicy, the Flame Thrower is my go-to order.
Walk along the Battery and stop by Rainbow Row
If you’re only here for one day, you’ll most likely be spending most of your time downtown. Walk along the Battery for a bit of history, but really to stare in disbelief at the giant mansions, some of which are still single family homes. If you don’t mind walking a decent amount, you can loop around to Rainbow Row to complete the classic Downtown sightseeing.
Coffee break at Harken
This day in Charleston is a marathon, not a sprint, so fuel up at Harken. The turmeric chai latte is one of my favorites, and snag a baked good if you’re feeling peckish.
Lunch at Xiao Bao Biscuit
This is my go-to lunch spot when we have people visiting. I would recommend ordering a couple of dishes for the table and sharing. The okonomiyaki is a must, as is the som tum with chicken.
Walk on the beach on Sullivan’s Island
One of the reasons I went to College of Charleston is because they advertised that there are 3 beaches within 25 minutes of Downtown, and Sullivan’s is easier to get to than Folly IMO. Drive down to the lighthouse and enjoy the sand and sun before dinner time.
Dinner at Obstinate Daughter
You definitely need to make a reservation in advance to go here, it’s always busy. The ricotta gnocchi is a must, and get the roasted beets as an appetizer.
Cocktails at Dalila’s
Even though it’s right off of King Street, Dalila’s isn’t that type of bar where you will be waiting forever or screaming over people to get a drink. They have really unique, tropical cocktails that are beautifully presented.
Breakfast at Marina Variety Store Restaurant
Enjoy no-frills diner food with a waterfront view. The pancakes are massive, the bacon is crispy, so this is basically breakfast heaven. If you really want a taste of the South for breakfast, get the shrimp and grits with a poached egg.
Stroll around Colonial Lake
For your last activity in your 24 hours in Charleston, take a stroll around Colonial Lake. It’s surrounded by beautiful houses and if you’re feeling ambitious you could even rent a bike and cruise around the neighborhood.
There you have it! That is how to spend 24 hours in Charleston. If you prefer a video version of this guide, here it is on my TikTok!
