• Rainbow Row in Charleston South Carolina SC.

    How to Spend 72 Hours in Charleston

     

Make the Most of Your Stay at The Ryder Hotel

Only have a weekend to spend in Charleston? Get a feel for the city in just 72 hours with our guide to making the most of your quick trip. From historical tours to a day at the beach, experience the best things to do in Charleston from The Ryder Hotel.

Pineapple Fountain

Day 1:

Guided Tours, City Market, & Waterfront Park

On your first day in Charleston, get to know the city through one of the many local tours offered. Whether by carriage, bus, or walking, explore the best of the town on your first morning in Charleston. Some notable sights to see during your tour include “Rainbow Row”—a series of thirteen historic and colorful houses—and White Point Garden, a former defense artillery that now lives as a public park.

Next up, stop by the popular City Market. Here you’ll find a variety of goods, like homemade eats, home decor, and antiques. Other highlights to include on your first day exploration include the French Quarter District and Waterfront Park, home to the famous Pineapple Fountain and swings that overlook Charleston Harbor.

End your first day in Charleston with one of the many delicious restaurants near our hotel, like the Charleston Grill or Husk.

The naval museum in Charleston

Day 2:

Plantations & Charles Towne Landing

Fill your second day in Charleston learning about the culture and contributions of the Gullah people. Hop on the air-conditioned bus with Gullah Tours and explore the mysterious, multi-faceted history of early Black Charlestonians that were part of the slave trade. Gullah descendant Alphonso Brown will tour you around the city to show you key sites while offering interesting, insightful narration.

After your Gullah tour, visit Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. This aircraft carrier-turned-museum has dozens of decks to explore, including the Congressional Medal of Honor Museum, plus it’s a short boat ride from here to Fort Sumter.

Wind down after a full day with dinner on Shem Creek, where you can enjoy the freshest local seafood. Local favorite spots include Water’s Edge and Shem Creek Bar & Grill.

The pier at Folly Beach

Day 3:

Beaches & Outdoor Activities

On your last day in Charleston, soak up some sun with a day out on the beach. From our hotel, you’ll have easy access to some of the best beaches in town, like Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, Sullivans Island, and Kiawah Island. During your visit to one of these local beaches, get out of the water with everything from paddle boarding and jet skiing, to kayaking and sailing.

Spend your final night in town with the delectable flavors cooked up at local beach restaurants, including The Obstinate Daughter on Sullivan’s Island and Lost Dog Cafe on Folly Beach.

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old fashioned drinks
a shelf of colorful books
Theater arts production
The Dock Street Theater In Charleston, South Carolina, USA Lit Up At Night.
The pier at Folly Beach
Person playing the drums
metal map of charleston
Gibbes Museum of Art
art gallery
A woman in a red sweater
woven baskets
pizza on a wooden board
Beach boardwalk with a beautiful sunset in the background
Charleston, South Carolina, USA at the Waterfront Park Pineapple Fountain.
Dining in Charleston 2
Men's clothing
old fashioned drinks
Sushi
Steak Dinner
Horse-drawn carriage ride
Rainbow Row colorful and well-preserved historic Georgian row houses in Charleston, South Carolina, USA
Woman shopping
Silhouette of a young woman watching fish in a large aquarium.
The beach at sunset at Sullivan's Island
Alligator skulls
Wooden shelf with booking, boxes and candles
a hand crafted cocktail
people having drinks on a rooftop patio
Ryder Hotel Room
pink roses

Our Social Circle. @theryderhotel

Bring on the rum! 🎉 Join us at Little Palm following the Cooper River Bridge Run on April 1st, for an After Bridge Rum Party in partnership with Hilton Head Rum. ⁠
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Enjoy live music by our very own, Forrest Daniels, poolside and enjoy light bites paired with refreshing cocktails to cool down after your run. Registered runners receive one complimentary mini green light, topped with a Hilton Head rum runner, while supplies last. ⁠
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Event is 21+. Reservations highly encouraged.
Take home a piece of The Ryder. 🕯️ Pick up our signature candle during your stay! In collaboration with the experts at @shopcandlefish, we've encapsulated fresh lemon leaves, warm cedarwood and refreshing eucalyptus to enjoy at home.
There is no other hotel that embodies the bachelorette and bachelor spirit quite like The Ryder. 💍⁠
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Book our “Fling Before The Ring” offer to make your bachelorette or bachelor planning a breeze! Leave the hassle of decorating your hotel room to us and our friends at @bach_babes, and get the party started as soon as you check in. Select our room décor add-on customizable and very Instagram-able, room decorating to your room. Now, let’s get the celebrations started! ⁠
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Link in bio to start booking your Spring and Summer getaways!
Special event? Business trip? At The Ryder, pick your perks to ensure a rewarding stay for your travelers. 🧳⁠
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Book your 2023 program with us by March 31, 2023 and take advantage of our limited time Pick Your Perk offer, where the value adds increase based on the size of your program. Book multiple 2023 programs simultaneously and receive the perks based on the combined values. ⁠
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Head to our link in bio to plan your 2023 gatherings!
Get ready for a Charleston Spring Fling on April 27! 🌸 ⁠
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To celebrate the kickoff of Bach season, The Ryder has partnered with some of our favorite boutiques and vendors to present a “Spring Fling Fashion Show.” Tickets are $50++ and include access to the show, passed appetizers, and 2 drink tickets so you can enjoy the good vibrations around the pool at Little Palm. Whether you’re a single queen or soon-to-be, this is an event you won’t want to miss. ⁠
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This event is 21+. Get your tickets now! Link in bio.

Wedding Planning + Design: @honeythymeevents⁠
Bachelorette Planning + Design: @olivebranch.ht by @honeythymeevents⁠
Venue: @theryderhotel⁠
Makeup: @makeupbycaitlyn⁠
Hair: @hairby_nataliya⁠
Florals: @seededeventsanddesign⁠
Fabrications: @_unspokendesigns_⁠
Print (stationery suite + itineraries): @tiedandtwoweddings⁠
Bar: @blackmothbars⁠
Dress: @lovelybrideclt⁠
Cake: @flourandbatter⁠
Suit: @omjclothing⁠
Outfit Styling: @vestique, @vestiquecharlotte ⁠
Models: @emily.harris, @kingalexking1,⁠
@trainerdanger_, symonemp, @jenniferaustinphoto, @makeupbycaitlyn⁠
Photographer: @avonnephotography⁠
Videography: @luckypennyfilms⁠
Rentals: @curatedeventscharlotte ⁠
Balloons: @balloontherapycharleston⁠
Rental Car: @whipdashchs⁠
Pool Float: @funboy
Plan ahead and save this Spring and Summer at The Ryder. ☀️⁠
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Whether you’re looking for an escape filled with relaxing vibes and Southern charm, an authentic experience in the Historic District, or a getaway close to Charleston’s best shopping, dining, and attractions, book your stay in advance at The Ryder to lock in the Good Vibes. Pay now and save 15% when you book early. ⁠
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Valid for new bookings through 9/4/23. Book our Lock In The Good Vibes limited time offer via our link in bio!
Spotlighting our Wellness Passport partner: @f45_training_downtownchs ✨⁠
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Stay on track with your fitness goals with The Ryder Wellness Passport, providing access to Charleston's premier fitness studios like F45. Join in a functional full-body workout while improving energy levels, metabolic rate, strength, and endurance.⁠
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See a Ryder team member for a complimentary Wellness Passport.⁠
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📷️ @f45_training_downtownchs
3 days left until we ring in Spring at Little Palm! From March 18-April 9, enjoy poolside fare alongside our flock of rubber ducks while hunting for Easter eggs around the property. You might win some pretty egg-cellent prizes. 😉 ⁠
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Link in bio to book your Little Palm reservation.
Have you heard? 🎉 The Ryder is a Gold Badge winner in the 2023 US News & World Report’s Best Hotels! We are honored to be placed in the top 10% of all ranked hotels in the country. ⁠
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🍾 #16 in Best Charleston, SC Hotels ⁠
🍾 #24 in Best South Carolina Hotels
Are you feeling lucky? 🍀 Head over to Little Palm to try our March special, frozen Irish Coffee, just in time for St. Patrick's Day!
The only thing better than coffee is free coffee. 😉 ⁠
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Hotel guests at The Ryder can enjoy 24 hour free coffee, lattes and espressos at Front Desk. Whether you're getting your day started or powering through business meetings, we're here to caffeinate you.
The Ryder is under 2.5 miles from some incredible Charleston campuses, and we have a package for each school! 🧳 Make us your "home away from home" during your visit with our University Offers to stay and save on our best available rates!⁠
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Link in bio to book!
Mark your calendars for Spring at Little Palm. 🌸⁠
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In the spirit of spring, The Ryder pool will be occupied by a flock of rubber ducks from March 18-April 9! Put your egg hunt skills to the test by finding the easter eggs hidden around Little Palm and The Ryder to receive the prize inside of the egg (including golden egg prizes).⁠ Prizes are geared toward adults. ⁠
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Make your reservation for Charleston's favorite breezy poolside cafe and don't forget to bring your camera to take pictures with our rubber duck friends! Link in bio.
There’s nothing like that first post-run chilled cocktail. 🍹 Join us at Little Palm following the Cooper River Bridge Run on April 1 for an After Bridge Rum Party in partnership with Hilton Head Rum.⁠
⁠
Registered runners will receive one complimentary mini green light, topped with a Hilton Head rum runner, while supplies last. Enjoy live music by Forrest Daniels poolside and enjoy light bites after running up an appetite.⁠
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Reservations are not required but are highly encouraged. The event is for 21+.
WIN A DREAM TRIP TO CHARLESTON! GO TO THE LINK IN OUR BIO TO ENTER!
 
Includes a hotel stay at @theryderhotel and all the style you’ll need to pack. One winner will get a package valued at over $3000 that includes gifts and experiences from @stylest @tidalwavewatersports, @officialglambaby, @super.smalls, @barre3charleston, @janewin_jewelry, @lagunabeachtextileco, @yogasleepusa, and @francisandbenedict
 
TO ENTER: Go to the link in our bio and enter your email!
 
No purchase necessary. This giveaway is in no way sponsored by Instagram and is only open to US residents over the age of 18. Winner will be chosen by Wednesday, March 15, 2023 via email. ***Airfare not included
Plans are better with furry friends. 🐶⁠
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📷 @ashleebock
Spotlighting our Wellness Passport partner: @janedo ✨⁠
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Our Wellness Passport offers complimentary access to some of Charleston's premier fitness studios, including Jane DO. Created by Radio City Rockettes, choose from 5 unique classes that fuse aerobics, strength training, and flexibility. All classes are 50 minute, total body workouts and leave you feeling empowered to "DO" it all. ⁠
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See a Ryder team member for a complimentary Wellness Passport.⁠
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📷️ @janedo
It's giving year-round beach energy. ⛱️ Grab your Ryder beach towels, beach blankets and beach games for a visit to Sullivan’s Island or Folly Beach.
Spring has sprung at Little Palm and The Ryder Hotel! 🪺⁠
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You're never too old for a good old-fashioned Easter Egg Hunt. Find the easter eggs hidden around Little Palm and The Ryder from March 18th-April 9th and receive the prize inside of the egg. Prizes are geared toward adults. There are a couple of golden prizes, which are pretty epic. Overnight stay at The Ryder, anyone? ⁠
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Make your reservation to spend spring poolside! Link in bio.