Labor Day falls on the first Monday of September, allowing for an extended weekend with plenty of time to celebrate in Charleston, SC. There is no shortage of activities to do, whether you want to take it easy with your toes in the sand, feel like partying, or do a mix of the two. Start making your plans now because you’ll want to cram as much as you can (or be busy doing nothing!) during your visit to this Southern locale.
Visit Isle of Palms County Park
Approximately 30 minutes from Charleston is the Isle of Palms County Park in Isle of Palms, SC. This oceanfront park offers beautiful scenery, water access, and plenty of fashion spotting. You’ll have to pay for parking, but you won’t have to pay for access to the park. There are several places to stay nearby, including the Isle of Palms Wild Dunes Resort, which offers multiple amenities.
You can purchase snacks and beverages at the Isle of Palms County Park, bring your own pre-made food, or pick up meals from one of the nearby restaurants. There are also first-come, first-served grills where you can make the quintessential burgers, chicken, and brats.
Bring your own beach gear, or rent some items. Children can play in the sand or in the kid’s playground, where they can let go of some extra energy while having a good time.
Explore Folly Beach
Requiring another approximate 30-minute trip from Charleston is Folly Beach and its multiple activities and beach access points. You can take surfing lessons, do a little fishing, engage in the art of shopping, and learn more about the local wildlife. You might get so charmed by this oceanfront city that it might inspire you to explore Folly Beach homes for sale while you’re in the area.
Visit Concerts, Parties, and Markets
If concerts, parties, and markets are your thing, there is no shortage of options for you during Labor Day weekend in and near Charleston on and off the water. Keep an eye on the event as Labor Day gets closer. Just in case the event gets canceled for inclement weather or other reasons, you don’t want to head over to its location only to find out it’s not happening. Make sure to check if you need to buy tickets in advance or if you can buy them on the day of the event.
Take a Local Cruise
Charleston is beautiful within the city, but don’t hesitate to get a view of it from the water. You can enjoy sailing, themed, dining, and sightseeing cruises where you can learn about the area’s history and indulge in delicious food. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for dolphins playing in the water!
Cruises take place at many points throughout the day, including during sunset and at night, offering added excitement to the experience.
Meander Through Waterfront Park
Charleston’s Waterfront Park is home to the fabulous pineapple fountain. Take a walk on the pier while you chat with loved ones and watch the ships on the water, sit on one of the swings or park benches, and enjoy the beautiful landscaping.
Visit Fort Sumter
History buffs will want to visit Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor. It’s where the Civil War started on April 12, 1861. Private boats are not permitted to access the fort. The only ways to reach the fort are by taking a tour through the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center or the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, both of which require tickets. The former is open every day between 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., whereas the latter is open until the end of the day on Labor Day from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (the office closes at 5 p.m.) before the new hours take effect the following day.
Get to Know the Ghostly Side
There’s a ghostly side to Charleston that you should consider exploring during Labor Day weekend. The tours, which typically last about an hour each, are available on land and water. You may even find yourself in a graveyard after dark. Taking a ghost tour will give you a chance to learn some interesting stories about the city and its previous inhabitants and happenings in a safe (and legal) manner. You never know what you’ll see as you make your way through this historic city.
Eat Your Way Through the City
The incredible food selection in Charleston is enough reason to visit the city. Seafood, pub food, Italian, Southern cuisine, Chinese food, Thai food, and American fare are some options available at restaurants and food trucks. Prices range from inexpensive to highly expensive, so there’s something for every budget.
Shop for Secondhand Goods
Charleston is full of places to buy secondhand goods, whether you want to peruse garage sales and estate sales or visit brick-and-mortar stores. You could easily take a few days and spend several hours buying vintage, antique, new, and fairly new items to bring home with you. Don’t forget to check if any flea markets are happening in or near Charleston during Labor Day weekend.
Make Your Labor Day Weekend Bookings in Charleston, SC
Don’t wait to make your reservations and buy your tickets for hotels, events, and tours in and near Charleston, SC, during Labor Day weekend. The city is an extremely popular destination (with good reason!), and you don’t want to miss out on doing an activity or staying where you want. Make sure to check the opening and closing hours for each place you want to visit, as they may be different due to Labor Day.
