A Quick Family Getaway to Charleston: 3 Days of Fun, Food, and Beach Vibes

Rental Cars at the Charleston Airport

Be warned, the signage is poorly placed and easy to miss. When we got off the plane my husband volunteered to go get the rental car while I waited on our luggage and car seats with my parents and the kids, to save us time and get us out of the airport quicker. He came back about 30 minutes later frustrated that he made it all the way out to the rental lot where they informed him he had missed the check-in counter. The rental car counters are located just behind the luggage carousels. He says to make sure you know it was a really long walk, and if you head outside you’ve already missed the counter.

Where We Stayed: Charleston Oceanfront Villas – 10/10 Recommended

When you’re traveling with a large group, finding the right accommodation can make all the difference. We stayed at the Charleston Oceanfront Villas, and it was perfect for our family. We booked a spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bath villa. The condo comfortably fit all of us and each family had their own bathroom! That was a total game changer especially being right on the beach! It had everything we needed, including a full kitchen, a cozy living room, an beachfront balcony, and plenty of room for everyone to spread out.

The best part? We had direct beach access, which was amazing with kids. Whichever set of adults were ready first could go down to the beach with the kiddos while the others finished up and brought the rest of the gear. Having our very own, clean bathroom right next to the beach was pure heaven!

Folly Beach: The Ideal Family-Friendly Beach

Folly Beach (both the town and the beach itself) turned out to be the perfect blend of laid-back beach vibes and warm, friendly waves, and friendly people. The beach itself is wide, the water is relatively calm, and I would have to say that this is, hands down, the best beach I have ever been to for seashell hunters. We even found a few sand dollars (one was even still alive)! We bought the kids some bags to collect shells in before we left. By midday, our first day my 6 year old was dragging her bag behind her because she had it loaded so full she couldn’t hold it up any longer.

By the by… DON’T FORGET SUNSCREEN and/or coverups! The Charleston climate can be deceptive. Charleston is located on a peninsula and Folly Beach is an island at the end of the peninsula. Because of this fact there is usually a nice cool breeze coming off the ocean. This means that it doesn’t always feel super hot when you’re out and about, but trust me—you’ll end up fried if you’re not careful. You don’t want your vacation pics ruined with a lobster face or back! We learned the hard way and ended up with some unexpected sunburns by the end of the first day. So, slather it on generously, and reapply often. Like really often. Like more than you think. Like every hour. Sorry about all the “like”s!

Shopping for Souvenirs: McKevlin's Surf Shop

If you’re like us and love picking up souvenirs that are both functional and fun, McKevlin’s Surf Shop is a must-visit. This quirky little shop has all the beach essentials—like surfboards, beach towels, and sunglasses—but we were mainly on the hunt for surf t-shirts and sweatshirts to remember our trip. The selection of locally themed apparel was perfect for everyone in our group, and the prices were reasonable, too. My dad and husband both ended up buying the same crewneck sweatshirt and they both swear it’s one of the most comfortable and best-fitting sweatshirts they’ve ever owned. And yes… they coordinate wearing it sometimes. Well mostly my husband wears it if he knows my dad is going to be wearing it. Just for the giggles.

Food Stops: Charleston Eats We Loved

Charleston is known for its amazing food scene, and we definitely ate well during our short stay. Here’s a few of our favorite stops.

Mellow Mushroom

For a fun, casual meal when we first arrived, we headed to Mellow Mushroom, which has locations in both Charleston and Folly Beach. Their pizzas were perfect for our group—everyone could pick their own toppings, and the atmosphere was relaxed enough for the kids to settle in and eat comfortably. The funky, artsy décor and laid-back vibe made it a hit with everyone.

The Griffon (or as my kids call it, the rich restaurant)

This local gem is a cozy pub located near the north entrance of the Waterfront Park. This is an intimate English pub known for fish 'n' chips, burgers & craft beer. The walls are covered in signed dollar bills, hence the reason my kids call it the rich restaurant. Our oldest daughter is very picky so it can be hard to eat out. Our waiter and the kitchen were super nice and made her a plate of bacon and tortilla chips. The pub was a hit for the adults, and the relaxed atmosphere made it easy to enjoy a meal while the kids played with crayons and coloring sheets and most importantly, took a million pictures of the walls covered in money. I’m not going to lie, every surface being covered with dollar bills was both a little disgusting and really cool all at the same time.

Bowen’s Island Restaurant

If you’re craving authentic low-country seafood, you have to make a trip to Bowen’s Island Restaurant. Located just outside Charleston, this spot is a bit off the beaten path but totally worth the drive. This is one of those restaurants that is as much about the experience as the food. The menu is full of fresh local seafood and includes an oyster bar. My non-seafood-loving husband and picky kids enjoyed the only thing on the menu that was not seafood: chicken tenders. The view of the water and rustic vibe made it a perfect place to unwind and enjoy a meal with the whole family. Go early because the restaurant gets busy fast and stays busy until they run out of food.

Things to Do: Fun Family Activities and Must-See Spots

Old South Carriage Company Tour

One of the highlights of our trip was the Old South Carriage Company tour. Our guide was fantastic, sharing Charleston’s history with humor and charm, and our horse, Leo, was a true professional. The carriage ride was smooth and scenic, offering a unique perspective of the city. As a bonus, the gentle rocking of the carriage put our 4-year-old right to sleep—something that rarely happens. This was definitely a relaxing, family-friendly way to learn about Charleston’s historic districts.

Historic Waterfront

No trip to Charleston is complete without a stroll along its historic waterfront. The Waterfront Park is the perfect starting point for a family adventure. Kids will love the large Pineapple Fountain, which is not just a beautiful landmark but also a great place for a splash on a hot day. Bring a change of clothes, and let the little ones cool off while you enjoy views of the harbor. If your kids enjoy a bit of history, you can take a leisurely walk down East Bay Street, where you’ll spot some of the city’s grandest historic homes.

Rainbow Row

Rainbow Row is one of Charleston’s most iconic landmarks, known for 13 pastel-colored historic homes. It’s beautiful to look at, and makes for a pretty social media worthy photo. But honestly I wouldn’t recommend going out of your way for it. If you want the photo or to say you’ve been there then by all means stop by and snap some pics. We went past and looked because our daughter who is all sparkles and rainbows was super excited. After taking one picture she was ready to move on and she hasn’t mentioned it again. Ever. Overall, the downtown district is full of cobblestone streets, old trees, and colorful and unique historic homes. Rainbow Row was just not a standout part of Charleston for us.

Charleston City Market

The Charleston City Market is a lively, historic market that’s worth a stop if you’re in town. From sweetgrass baskets to artisanal soaps and local goods, it’s a great spot to pick up unique gifts and souvenirs. The market can get crowded, especially on weekends, but we managed to find a nice rhythm and explored the stalls. The kids loved it! It's definitely a good way to experience the local culture. Across the street from the market buildings is Byrd’s Famous Cookies. With a history dating back to 1924, this family-owned gem has perfected the art of cookies, offering everything from rich, buttery cookies to zesty flavors like key lime and peach. The cookies (in a tin, bag, or box) make for a great souvenir. We wouldn’t know because we ate them all before we made it to dinner.

King Street

While my parents stayed at the beach with the kids, the rest of us headed into Charleston to explore King Street. This iconic street is lined with everything from high-end boutiques to local shops, and it’s a great place to window shop or splurge on something special. It's mostly geared toward adults, though, so it’s probably not the best place to bring younger kids unless they’re into shopping.

Burbage’s Grocery

This quirky little spot, Burbage’s Grocery, turned out to be a hidden gem. It’s a mix of a deli, grocery store, and local hangout. We grabbed some snacks and drinks here, and the laid-back vibe made it a nice place to recharge before heading back out for more sightseeing. I was super impressed with their made-from-scratch, bake-at-home meal selection.

Final Thoughts: A Perfect Quick Family Getaway

In just three days, we were able to experience a good amount of Charleston’s charm, food, and laid-back beach vibe. Whether you’re soaking in the history on a carriage ride, hitting the beach for some fun in the sand, or enjoying a delicious meal at one of the local eateries, Charleston has a little something for everyone—kids and adults alike. If you’re planning a trip with family, Folly Beach is the perfect home base, offering easy access to the city and a peaceful retreat at the end of the day.

Charleston, we will absolutely be back soon!