3 days in Hilton Head, Charleston & Southport Itinerary

Start off your visit on the 15th (Sat): get up close to creatures of the deep with a dolphin and whale watching tour, then look for gifts at The Silver Garden Gallery, then kick back and relax at Coligny Beach, and finally trek along Hilton Head Island Bike Trails.

To see ratings, traveler tips, and other tourist information, refer to the Hilton Head day trip website.

Charlotte to Hilton Head is an approximately 3-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Charlotte in October, expect somewhat warmer with lows of 62°F in Hilton Head. Cap off your sightseeing on the 15th (Sat) early enough to go by car to Charleston.

Kick off your visit on the 16th (Sun): get thoroughly spooked out with a ghost and vampire tour, capture your vacation like a pro with an inspiring photography tour, then settle in for a delightful tour with a horse-drawn carriage tour, and finally tour the pleasant surroundings at Joe Riley Waterfront Park.

For maps, other places to visit, photos, and other tourist information, use the Charleston day trip planning site.

Getting from Hilton Head to Charleston by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: take a bus. In October, daytime highs in Charleston are 78°F, while nighttime lows are 60°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 16th (Sun) so you can go by car to Southport.

Kick off your visit on the 17th (Mon): view the masterpieces at Franklin Square Gallery, take in the spiritual surroundings of Trinity United Methodist Church, then take a leisurely stroll along Southport Pier and RIverwalk, then visit Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry, and finally stop by Bullfrog Corner.

For traveler tips, ratings, more things to do, and other tourist information, you can read our Southport itinerary planning app.

Traveling by car from Charleston to Southport takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or do a combination of train, bus, and taxi. Expect a daytime high around 75°F in October, and nighttime lows around 58°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Mon) to allow enough time to fly back home.