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Charleston was our first stop during this spring break road trip
USA

Spring break road trip (part I): from Washington DC to Charleston

Destinations, North America, South Carolina, Travel, USA

Today was the first day of an epic road trip that took us from Washington DC to Savannah, New Orleans and Memphis among many other cities. Our first stop was Charleston, full of southern charm. Are you curious to know what to do there in one day? Follow my adventures around the country!

The itinerary

First things first, here’s the itinerary I did with some friends for 10 days. From Washington DC to northern Florida or Tennessee, we drove 2,800 miles, covered 7 cities and 10 States throughout the United States.

First stop: Charleston

After leaving from Washington DC, we were stuck in a traffic jam for hours until we finally reached Florence (South Carolina), where we spent our first night.

The day after, we arrived to Charleston. However, it was pouring rain and the touristy walk wasn’t as nice as we had expected.

What to know about Charleston

Palm trees tell me we're in a southern state
Palm trees tell me we’re in a southern state
A lush cemetery in Charleston
A lush cemetery in Charleston

Charleston is considered one of the most beautiful southern cities in the country and was a rich colony thanks to its tobacco and rice plantations. It’s a popular destination for its fine southern cuisine and its historic antebellum homes. Be ready to extend your stay!

Southern vibes made of wrought iron balconies, a humid climate and a vintage motorbike
Southern vibes made of wrought iron balconies, a humid climate and a vintage motorbike
A hotel with pink tones in Charleston
A hotel with pink tones in Charleston

What to do in Charleston in a day

You can easily walk around Charleston by foot.

You will see plenty of horse-drawn carriages around Charleston
You will see plenty of horse-drawn carriages around Charleston

Here are the highlights I would recommend visiting if you’re in Charleston for a day:

  • Waterfront Park: come here for a leisure walk along the harbor and snap a picture with the Pineapple fountain.
  • Fort Sumter: located on an island not far from the Waterfront, this is the place where the first shot of the Civil War was fired, back in 1861. 
  • Old City Market: the former slave market buzzes now with locals and tourists alike. Stop by for a glimpse into life in the Old South and buy leather goods or regional souvenirs. 
  • French Quarter: with a similar style to the famous one in New Orleans, it is known to be the most romantic of the Charleston’s districts. Enjoy walking around the cobbled streets filled with lush vegetation, hidden alleys, elegant mansions, horse-drawn carriages and wrought iron balconies.
  • Try the southern cuisine: we ate fried green tomatoes and jumbo shrimp in a local restaurant. Both dishes were delicious and full of flavor!
  • Jumbo shrimp is a must when it comes to southern cuisine
    Jumbo shrimp is a must when it comes to southern cuisine
  • Hello beautiful mansions
    Hello beautiful mansions
  • Fried green tomatoes
    Fried green tomatoes
The view from the Waterfront Park
The view from the Waterfront Park
  • Charleston features elegant cobbled streets
    Charleston features elegant cobbled streets
  • The famous Pineapple fountain in the Waterfront Park
    The famous Pineapple fountain in the Waterfront Park
Who else enjoys seeing these wrought iron balconies around every corner?
Who else enjoys seeing these wrought iron balconies around every corner?
Charleston is full of vegetation and beautiful flowers
Charleston is full of vegetation and beautiful flowers

This is the end of the first leg of our road trip. Next stop Savannah (Georgia), just two hours away!

In case you’d like to read all the road trip posts in this adventure, here’s the full list:

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