Charleston, SC
Evenchen Family Vacation 2026
March 30 — April 4, 2026
Dates
Mar 30 – Apr 4
5 nights · 6 days
Destination
Charleston, SC
The Holy City
Travelers
4 travelers
Niran · Ariel · Helen · Leia
Hotel
Courtyard by Marriott
Historic District
✈️ Flights
Outbound — Monday, Mar 30
UA 2355Return — Friday, Apr 4
UA 1289🚗 Rental Car
Hertz Corporation
Confirmed🏨 Hotel
Courtyard Charleston Historic District
Non-Refundable👨👩👧👦 Travelers & Seats
CHS → EWR: 23F
CHS → EWR: 23E
CHS → EWR: 23D
CHS → EWR: 24D
📋 Day-by-Day Itinerary
- 6:45 AM Depart Newark (EWR) → Charleston (CHS)
- 8:51 AM Arrive at Charleston Airport
- 9:00 AM Pick up rental car (Hertz — Nissan Rogue)
- Morning Drop bags at the hotel, start wandering
Start in the heart of the retail district. An easy place to get oriented and let Leia and Ariel explore local boutiques.
- Excellent antique shops in the Lower King area
- Plenty of cafes and quick stops for a relaxed arrival morning
Classic Southern food served in a charming, reportedly haunted Victorian house.
Ground zero for unique local goods — this historic market stretches for four blocks in the center of the city.
- Known for authentic, handmade Gullah sweetgrass baskets
- Great spot to grab local spices, art, and souvenirs
Early dinner at a beloved local spot — fresh oysters and fried chicken in a retro-cool setting.
Charleston's lore and haunted history — a guided walking tour through the city's dark past.
- Pre-booked — 4 Adults · Booking #340894391
- Meet at 18 Anson St. — arrive 20 mins early (6:40 PM)
- 8:30 AM Drive to Savannah, GA (~2 hours)
Arguably the most picturesque scenery in the region — a perfect first stop before downtown Savannah.
- Spectacular mile-long driveway shaded by massive live oaks and Spanish moss
- Short walking trails through the maritime forest
A deeply shaded starting point for walking through Savannah's historic squares.
- Home to the iconic Forsyth Park fountain
- 30 acres of walking paths and green space
Wander the old cobblestone paths along the Savannah River.
- Candy shops (don't miss the pralines), art galleries, and historic buildings
- Great views of massive cargo ships passing through the channel
Laid-back dinner before driving back to Charleston.
- Incredibly creative takes on Southern comfort food
- Relaxed atmosphere with an outdoor beer garden
- 7:30 PM Drive back to Charleston (~2 hours)
Morning run past historic mansions and harbor views.
- Flat, scenic running route around White Point Garden
- Spectacular views of Fort Sumter and the harbor at sunrise
One of the oldest public gardens in America — explore the Audubon Swamp Garden for incredible wildlife.
- Boardwalk immersing you in a blackwater cypress swamp
- Practically guaranteed close-up sightings of alligators, turtles, and herons
Late lunch for authentic local smoked meats.
- 3:45 PM Drop Leia at the hotel for her remote class
Niran and Ariel head out for dolphin watching and boardwalks.
- Dolphins frequently swim right up to the boardwalks
- Fantastic sunset views over the marsh
- Evening Casual dinner downtown
Breakfast at a beloved Folly Beach institution before hitting the sand.
Wander Folly Beach and walk the Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier.
Pre-booked walking food tour through Charleston's French Quarter — guided tastings at multiple stops.
- Pre-booked — 2 Adults + 2 Teens · Ref BK-13532
- Meet at 99 S Market St Suite 5 — arrive 15 mins early · Look for the orange umbrella!
- Evening Relaxed evening downtown
A ~500-year-old live oak — one of the most photographed and historic trees in the country.
Live flight demonstrations with eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls.
Harbor-side stop to explore the state's marine life ecosystems.
- Active sea turtle recovery center with rehabilitating turtles
- Massive, multi-story open ocean tank
One last ghost tour to cap off the Charleston experience.
- ~4:00 AM Check out of hotel
- 4:30 AM Return rental car at CHS Airport
- 6:30 AM Depart Charleston (CHS) → Newark (EWR)
- 8:29 AM Arrive at Newark Airport
🎟️ Pre-Booked Tours
The Charleston Ghost & Dungeon Tour
$167.36Less than one block from the Market on the right-hand side. If you get to Pinckney Street, you've gone too far.
⏰ Arrive 20 minutes early — 6:40 PM.
Charleston — The French Quarter Food Tour
$409.96Your guide will be waiting with an orange umbrella and a big smile!
⏰ Arrive 15 minutes early — 1:45 PM. Tour departs promptly at 2:00 PM.
No need to print tickets. Dress weather-appropriate, wear comfortable shoes. Gratuity not included but appreciated.
🧳 Packing List
Packing list coming soon!