Charismatic Charleston: A 5 Day Budget Trip

Discover the charm of Charleston on a budget that won't break the bank.

21 June 2023

Charleston, United States is a great destination for those looking to travel on a limited budget. With a variety of low-cost accommodations and plenty of free activities to do, like visiting historic sites and parks, visitors can experience Charleston's unique charm without breaking the bank. Additionally, dining options such as food trucks and local markets offer delicious eats without the high restaurant prices.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

The Charm of Charleston

  • Check into King Charles Inn, a boutique hotel with southern charm and a great location
  • Stroll along Rainbow Row to admire the colorful historic homes
  • Visit the Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park for a photo op
  • Grab lunch at Hominy Grill, a local favorite for Southern comfort food
  • Take a horse-drawn carriage ride to learn about the city's history and architecture
  • End the day with a cocktail at The Gin Joint, a speakeasy-style bar with creative drinks
Day 2

Magnificent Mansions

  • Start the day with brunch at The Daily, a hip café serving up delicious coffee and pastries
  • Tour the stunning mansions in the historic district, such as the Aiken-Rhett House and the Nathaniel Russell House
  • Enjoy lunch at 167 Raw, a quaint seafood spot with fresh oysters and lobster rolls
  • Check out the exhibits at the Gibbes Museum of Art showcasing Southern artists and culture
  • Take a sunset sail on the Schooner Pride, a replica 18th century tall ship
  • Head to Xiao Bao Biscuit for dinner, a funky Asian fusion restaurant with bold flavors
Day 3

Beaches and Brews

  • Start the day with a sunrise stroll on Folly Beach, a local favorite with a laid-back atmosphere
  • Grab breakfast at Lost Dog Cafe, a cozy spot with delicious bagels and coffee
  • Spend the day at the beach, swimming, sunbathing and surfing
  • Visit Holy City Brewing for a beer flight or a pint of their locally brewed beer
  • Have dinner at FIG, a highly acclaimed restaurant with a farm-to-table menu of Southern cuisine
  • End the night with live music at The Pour House, a fun venue with a variety of acts
Day 4

Plantations and Pastries

  • Visit the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, a stunning estate with beautiful gardens and historic exhibits
  • Have brunch at Callie's Hot Little Biscuit, a charming spot with warm, fluffy biscuits and tasty toppings
  • Explore the Charleston City Market, a bustling bazaar selling crafts, souvenirs and gifts
  • Take a tour of Boone Hall Plantation, a picturesque estate featured in the movie "The Notebook"
  • Have dinner at Husk, a farm-to-table restaurant with a changing menu of Southern cuisine
  • Savor a dessert at Kaminsky's, a dessert bar with delicious cakes, pies, and cocktails.
Day 5

The Great Outdoors

  • Start the day with coffee and pastries at Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer, a hip coffeehouse with a European vibe
  • Explore the nature trails at Francis Marion National Forest, a pristine wilderness with opportunities for hiking, bird-watching and fishing
  • Visit the Angel Oak Tree, a 400-year old majestic oak with scenic park grounds
  • Have lunch at Mercantile and Mash, a gourmet café with artisanal sandwiches and salads
  • Take a ghost tour of Charleston's haunted history with Bulldog Ghost Tours
  • End the day with drinks and snacks at Proof, a craft cocktail bar with a spacious patio and live music.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Charleston, United States by plane is to fly into Charleston International Airport. There are many airlines that offer direct flights to Charleston, including Delta, American Airlines, and United.

Car

Driving to Charleston is a great option, as the city is easily accessible via the I-26 and I-526 highways. There are also many rental car companies that operate out of Charleston International Airport.

Train

Unfortunately, there are no train stations in Charleston, so it is not possible to get here by train.

Boat

Charleston is located on the coast, so it is possible to arrive by boat. Charleston Harbor provides a popular docking location for cruise ships, and there are also many marinas where you can dock your own boat or rent a charter.

Bus

Taking a bus to Charleston is a great option, with Greyhound being the most popular bus company that offers trips to the city. The Greyhound station is located downtown and offers connections to many other destinations throughout the country.

Destination

Charleston

Welcome to the city of undeniably charming Southern accents and deliciously sweet tea. Charleston – where the history is rich, the beaches are gorgeous, and the humidity is always lurking.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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Four Fab Days: Charleston, USA on a Budget

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