When the opportunity to tag along on my friend’s work trip to Charleston popped up, I didn’t hesitate for a second. I mean, who says no to cobblestone streets, pastel houses, and shrimp & grits by the sea?

With just 48 hours to explore this charming southern gem, I was determined to soak in as much as I could — from sipping mimosas under Spanish moss to strolling through rainbow-colored streets that looked straight out of a painting.

Whether you’re squeezing in a quick getaway or adding Charleston to a longer southern itinerary, here’s how I made the most of two sweet, sun-drenched days in the Holy City.

Stay tuned for:
🌸 Brunch spots worth waking up early for
📸 The most Instagrammable corners of the city
🌊 Waterfront strolls and sunset views
🍹 Rooftop bars and southern eats
🏛️ A dose of history with a side of iced tea

Trust me — 48 hours might not be enough to do it all, but it’s just enough to fall in love.

Day One: Rooftop Views, Market Strolls & Souvenir Splurges

We officially kicked off our Charleston adventure in the best way possible — with Bloody Marys at the airport. Because if you’re not sipping something spicy before takeoff, are you really traveling?

Once we landed, we headed to our hotel just outside the city near the airport — nothing fancy, but perfect for a quick work-meets-play trip. After changing into outfits that could survive the southern heat (read: anything loose and preferably bra-optional), we were ready to explore.

First stop: the Historic Charleston City Market. And let me tell you — this place is a must. Think colorful booths, handmade goods, and one-of-a-kind finds spread across several buildings, each bursting with charm and craftsmanship.

⚠️ Pro tip: Keep your eyes (and feet) alert as you cross from building to building — Charleston’s iconic horse-drawn carriages glide through the streets like something out of a romance novel. We didn’t get a chance to hop on one this time, but it’s absolutely on my “next time” list.

Now, my bestie has champagne taste on a Charleston budget, and let’s just say… I did some damage. A few of our favorite finds?

✨ Sunglasses that scream old-money elegance
✨ Hand-crafted necklaces I’ll be wearing forever
✨ The comfiest pair of washable shoes I’ve ever slipped on (yes — washable!)

Of course, no Charleston afternoon is complete without cooling off at a rooftop bar. We headed skyward, ordered something chilled and bubbly, and let the breeze (finally) cut through the humidity. There’s something magical about sipping cocktails while gazing over pastel buildings and palm-lined streets.

Sippin’ with a Skyline & Southern Charm on King Street

After melting our credit cards just a little at the Market, it was time for a well-deserved cool down. We headed to The Rooftop at The Venue — perched atop one of Charleston’s taller hotels — and ordered the kind of frozen cocktails that taste like vacation in a glass. With panoramic views of the historic district and a welcome breeze brushing off the heat, it was the perfect mid-day reset.

Once we’d sufficiently cooled off (and snapped a few skyline selfies), we took our chic, slightly sun-kissed selves to King Street — Charleston’s shopping mecca.

If shopping had a love language, King Street would speak it fluently. Picture boutiques that ooze southern charm, shops tucked inside restored brick buildings, and store windows that make you say “Wait — we have to go in there.”

🛍 Pro tip: Bring your comfy walking shoes and a bit of shopping stamina — this stretch is long and full of temptation. While some stores cater to the high-end crowd, you’ll find hidden gems and affordable spots too — you just have to wander.

After a full day of shopping, strolling, and sipping, we were in desperate need of dinner — and Charleston did notdisappoint.

Tucked away like a secret garden in the historic district, we found 82 Queen, a true hidden gem with a cozy courtyard vibe and the kind of southern cuisine that makes you want to lick the plate (don’t worry, I didn’t — but I thought about it).

🍴 We lucked out with two open seats at the bar — but trust me, if this charming spot is on your list (and it should be), make a reservation ahead of time. It gets busy, and for good reason.

With full bellies and even fuller hearts, we grabbed an Uber back to our hotel and crashed the moment we hit the pillows. Day one? A complete success.

Solo Day Trip to Folly Beach: Sun, Sand & a Margarita in Hand

Day two in Charleston came with a twist — my travel bestie had to work (cue dramatic sigh), and I found myself with a full day to wander solo. It had been a while since I’d traveled alone, but after a moment of internal pep talk and a reminder that I am, in fact, a strong independent woman, I grabbed my beach bag and headed for the coast.

🌴 Folly Beach won the toss-up (sorry, Sullivan’s Island — next time!) and after a 30-minute Uber ride and a mostly silent, slightly awkward drive, I arrived at the Folly Beach Pier — and immediately fell in love.

Lined with bar-height chairs overlooking the ocean, the pier was the exact kind of peaceful I didn’t know I needed. I propped my feet on the railing, and cracked open a good book. The smell of salt, kids laughing in the waves, and the warm sun baking my shoulders… solo travel bliss at its finest.

🌮 When hunger finally got the better of me (it always does), I wandered a mere 30 feet to Pier 101 Restaurant & Bar— a laid-back beach spot perched right on the pier. I ordered a dual-flavored frozen margarita that was dangerously strong (in the best way) and a refreshing shrimp Caesar salad. With my book in hand and ocean breeze in my hair, I lingered until it was time to head back into the city.

💡 Pro tip: if you’re solo traveling, bring a book, an open heart, and always say yes to the margarita.

Southern Bites, Insta Sights & One Last Mimosa

The ride back into Charleston was way more lively (thanks to a chattier Uber driver and maybe the lingering effects of my margarita), and just in time — because dinner that night? Whew. Easily one of the best meals of my life. But let’s be honest, I say that a lot… because I really, really love food.

 Magnolias is an absolute must if you’re a fan of rich, soulful southern cooking. The fried chicken livers? Life-changing. The pimento cheese-covered steak with greens and herb potato cakes? Like a warm hug from someone’s Southern grandma who knows her way around a cast iron skillet. Truly — chef’s kiss.

But first — we did what any travel-savvy, photo-loving duo would do: we hit the Instagram hotspots before dinner. Because cute outfits and golden hour lighting don’t wait. We snapped pics at Rainbow Row (and silently wondered if the homeowners are sick of influencers on their doorstep) and strolled to the Pineapple Fountain, where kids were splashing and the vibe was pure charm.

After dinner, we walked off our food babies by wandering past the gorgeous hotels we could have stayed in if it weren’t a work trip, mentally planning our next visit.

🍳 The next morning came way too fast, but we had time for one last stop: brunch at The Iron Rose. Hidden inside a hotel, you have to walk through the lobby to find it — but trust me, it’s worth the hunt. A courtyard table, grits that made me close my eyes in joy, and (of course) a mimosa. Or a pitcher. Let’s not pretend.

Final thoughts? Charleston is the perfect blend of history, charm, incredible food, and coastal ease. Whether you’re tagging along on a work trip or planning a romantic weekend, 48 hours here will leave you full — in every sense of the word.

🧳 Until next time, Charleston.

💬 Been to Charleston? Drop your favorite spots in the comments — I’m already planning my next trip.