Charleston SC family vacation guide. Check out all the fun things to do and see in Charleston South Carolina.….

We decided to get away for a few days before baby #2 made his big debut. Charleston is only about a 4 hour drive from where we live in NC and I’d never been there before so we packed up the car and headed south. The weather was perfect and after a quick road trip we arrived at our destination ready for a few days of fun in the sun. 

Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina 

Looking through the hotels in Charleston online I came across the Harbor Resort & Marina and it looked like exactly what we wanted for our short stay. Something scenic with a great pool, entertainment for our kiddo, close to the city sights and convenient enough for an almost 8 months pregnant mama to enjoy. 

The Harbor Resort had everything we wanted and needed. It’s a sprawling resort with gorgeous views of the harbor, a large pool, restaurant, shops, spa and all the amenities. It’s close to everything and yet feels like a little piece of paradise tucked away from the busy-ness of a touristy town. 

Check-in was quick and easy. We made our way to our room overlooking the pool and the harbor. The interior reminded me of Key West, shabby chic coastal cottage style that’s a little worn in but still comfortable. Our room was spacious with a large bathroom, plenty of closet space and a small walk-out balcony. 

My little guy was excited to walk around and check out the rest of the resort so we headed down to the beach side to see what kids activities were still taking place. The resort holds a whole run of family-friendly activities for kids and adults morning to evening. Everything from making crafts to roasting s’mores.

We joined in on a tie dye t-shirt making party and then spent some time examining the sand pit of hermit crabs. They also have plenty of games available for guests – a giant connect four set, checkers, chess, board games and more. 

 

The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina

28 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant SC

• family friendly
• large pool area
• free high speed internet/ wifi acess
• fitness center and gym
• childrens activities
• baby sitting available
• spa on-site
• restaurant and bar on-site
• room service available
• ocean view rooms available
• gift shop and convenience store
• 10 minutes from downtown or 20 minutes via water taxi

Visit TripAdvisor to read reviews or check availability and hotel rates

Tiki Bar and Pool

After walking around the resort awhile we headed back up to our room to change and head to the pool. I was very impressed with the pool. It’s big, with lots of comfortable lounge chairs for sunbathing. There are cabanas available for rent, a Tiki Bar and waitstaff so you can order food and drinks wherever you’re relaxing. The boys jumped into the pool and I ordered a virgin frozen margarita. It was delicious, every sweet sip!

 

Charleston Restaurants

Since we had already had a pretty busy day we decided to eat at the restaurant on the resort. The Fish House is casual/upscale dining featuring American favorites and plenty of seafood dishes. Overlooking the harbor, it’s a pretty place to enjoy a meal. We started off with the calamari and it was very good. My husband had King crab legs and I ordered a steak, while our five year old settled on chicken tenders. My steak was perfectly prepared and seasoned, I savored every bite. 

 

Charleston Harbor Fish House Restaurant

32 Patriots Point Rd 
Mount Pleasant SC 29464

American, Seafood
average $10 to $35 
oysters, raw bar, peel and eat shrimp, shrimp cocktail, calamari, tuna poke, fish, scallops, crab cake, shrimp and grits, steaks, surf and turf

The Estuary Spa 

Voted best spa in Charleston SC, Estuary offers a whole menu of wellness and relaxation services. Indulge in a deep tissue massage or couples massage. Melt the stress away with a eucalyptus Swedish massage. Or try a salt scrub, hot stone massage or seaweed body wrap treatment. 

**Massage (ask for Shannon or Joe)

Things to Do in Charleston SC

• Take a sightseeing tour. There are tons of Charleston tours that explore popular areas and attractions. Walking tours, bus tours, boat tours, bike tours, horse carriage tours.
  • Charleston Water Taxi rides
  • Charleston Footprints Walking Tours info
  • Palmetto Carriage Works horse drawn carriage rides
• Visit Boone Hall Plantation, home of the world famous Avenue of Oaks (admission info)
• Explore Fort Sumter National Monument, a historic Civil War site
• Take a private sailing charter around the harbor
• Charter a fishing boat for the day
• Visit the Morris Island Lighthouse
• Explore Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
• Shop at Charleston City Market 
• Dolphin sighting along Bull Island with Coastal Expeditions boat tours
• Walk the Plank and learn pirate history with Charleston Pirate Tours 

Charleston SC Weather

Know before you go. Charleston weather is best from March to May when temperatures average high 60’s to high 70s. Same for September to November when temperature is warm and mild.

Summer months from June to August can be very hot and humid, and also fall in hurricane season. 

Check to see what Charleston weather looks like currently 

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