Exploring Charleston in 16 Hours: A Perfect Road Trip Stop from Florida to Maryland

16 Hours in Charleston, SC

Last weekend we road-tripped from Florida to Maryland, and since we didn’t have Lizzie with us (our 16.5-year-old pup), we decided to break up the drive and stop somewhere new. Charleston, South Carolina!

Neither Scott nor I had ever been and now we’re already planning to go back. Even with just 16 hours to explore, we got a great little taste of the city’s charm, especially with a stroll down King Street. The architecture, the shops, the restaurants… it just had that kind of vibe.

We made the most of our short time by hopping between three spots for the evening:

Stop #1: Vintage Lounge – We popped in to see one of our kids’ friends bartending. It’s got a sleek, intimate feel (you can tell it gets packed later in the night). He made me a custom cocktail that somehow tasted like pickles… and I loved it!

Stop #2: 167 Raw Oyster Bar – Our Charleston-based friend said to go for lunch, but we made it work with drinks and small plates since we weren't there at lunchtime. The drink menu alone was worth the visit… leather-bound with illustrations and descriptions that made you want to try everything. Our waiter picked my drink (the “Tzatiki”) after I told him I wasn’t into sweet cocktails. It was light, lemony, and had a hint of dill, so refreshing. The real standout? The Crudo. Sweet, spicy, fresh, and beautifully plated. We also shared the tuna tataki which was another win.

Stop #3: 82 Queen – Scott had a shrimp and grits craving and this place delivered. Their version had a BBQ twist… shrimp, cheese, and bacon all in one dish. He called it the least kosher thing you could order… and he wasn’t wrong! Ha. It was rich and flavorful, definitely a Southern indulgence.

Before we left, I popped into the cutest shop next to 82 Queen called Noddy. So many fun little finds. I snapped a few pics to share.

Charleston is officially on our must-return list. If you’re ever driving up or down the East Coast, I highly recommend using it as a charming overnight stop.