Charleston Family Trip – what to know before you go

Charleston is a great family town.  Loaded with history, walkable downtown, family friendly dining, and year round indoor and outdoor fun.  It makes a great road trip or fly in for the weekend.

Where to stay:

Hilton Club Liberty Place is hands down my favorite for families.  They have two bedroom suites – with full kitchen and laundry.  Think VRBO but no gamble.  The rooms are great, well appointed, smart TV, comfortable beds and it is an easy walk to all the things.  We  were on the go all day so it was nice to have the option to order in and relax there comfortably.  No pool or gym, but they do have a coffee shop in the lobby.  Was everything we needed.

What to do:

Magnolia Plantation is open most days 9-5 and is our favorite so far.  It has beautiful gardens, a historic home to tour, and a well done slavery presentation where you get to walk through 4 different eras.  There is a lovely outdoor cafe, petting zoo, and gift shop that has everything.  It is a 31 minute drive from Liberty Place.  You will learn about Carolina Gold Rice – pick some up at the Market after.

The Old exchange and Provost Dungeon is a fun stop.  There are tours of the dungeon which is time well spent.  Ask for a scavenger hunt sheet when you check in, we did ours while waiting for the tour.  Great books in the gift shop for keeping little ones busy at a restaurant.  Open Mon-sat 9-5 and Sun 11-5.  20 min walk from the hotel.

I’m not advocating cats as a souvenir, BUT…  Pounce Cat Cafe + Wine Bar is a magical place where you can hang out with furry felines, sip on your favorite beverage, and snack on a delicious pastry.  They teamed up with local animal shelter, Charleston Animal Society, to provide our cats, so if at the end of your visit you’ve fallen in love with your new feline friend, you can take them home with you!  Best thing ever?  We thought so, too.  (3min drive 9 min walk from the hotel)

The Historic Charleston City Market is a fun walk and great place to find local goods.  The Carolina Gold rice you might have learned about from Magnolia Plantation is available there as well as coffee, fudge, baskets and loads more.

Visit the angel oak on your way in our out.  It is estimated to be 400-500 years old.  Great photo opportunity!

The Farmers Market is sat 8-2 (excluding winter) and its worth a visit.
9 min walk from the hotel.  Enjoy a brunch picnic in the park, and grab dinner goodies for a night at home.

Patriots Point is a very special hands on history lesson for all ages.  It was established in the 1970s to develop a naval & maritime museum on Charleston Harbor with the World War II aircraft carrier, USS YORKTOWN as its centerpiece. It’s also home to the Patriots Point Museum and a fleet of National Historic Landmark ships, the Cold War Memorial and the only Vietnam Experience Exhibit in the U.S.  Open 10-5 weekends 9-5 it is about a 9 min drive from Liberty Place Hotel.

There great options are The South Carolina Aquarium, Charles Towne Landing, the birthplace of South Carolina, Fort Moultrie, and the beaches.

Great shopping 

Some of our favorites include Taxidermy (beautiful handbags made by a south Florida girl), The Doll Clothes Factory (duh), Kids on King for all things kids, J Stark (the ultimate everyday mom/diaper bag made on site).

The Doll Clothes Factory is on Market St. between King & Meeting St.  No website but you can phone them 843-722-5299.

Where to dine

Stars is a beautiful spot with traditional southern fare.  They have a great rooftop and downstairs their booths are perfect for families.

King Street Cookies offers around 30 cookie flavors fresh every day.  Gluten free options available.

Basic kitchen is a tasty healthy family friendly option.

Fleet Landing is a MUST visit – reservations are highly recommended.

Did we miss any of your faves?  Let us know!