Charleston is about a two-hour drive south from Myrtle Beach. The fabulous historic city is well worth a day trip, and then you’ll want to return for more than a day.

Enroute to Charleston

Be sure to observe the speed limit through McClellanville. It’s a sleepy fishing village which you won’t notice, with three gas stations and not much more on the main route, but you will notice a speeding ticket if you aren’t paying attention.

Approaching Charleston through Mt. Pleasant, stop at a seasonal produce and Sweetgrass baskets stand on U.S. 17. The route has been named Sweetgrass Basket Way.

From Mt. Pleasant, you can’t miss the big bridge into Charleston.

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Downtown Charleston

Then, take a downtown exit and go to the Visitor Center. It’s easy to arrange a tour so that you get the important info. Horse drawn carriage tours provide narrated looks at the mansions and family stories hidden behind centuries-old iron gates. The city is known for its wealthy settlers and its key role in the African American experience in this country.