College of Charleston, The Citadel and Charleston Southern in 2 Days: A Charleston, South Carolina College Trip
A parent-first plan for seeing the College of Charleston, The Citadel and Charleston Southern University in two days: how each school's visit works and where to sign up, where to park downtown and on each campus, four hotels from budget to upscale, drive times from Charleston International, Friday parades at The Citadel, sibling stops like the South Carolina Aquarium, and Charleston weather by season, every fact sourced and checked Oct 29, 2026.
Randolph Hall and the Cistern Yard, College of Charleston (October 2022). Photo: Mike Ledford · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · resized and cropped
Last checked Oct 29, 2026. Every fact comes from the pages listed in Sources at the bottom. Some hotel and tour links are affiliate links (disclosure).
The short version
Trip at a glance
Schools
College of Charleston (Charleston, SC) · The Citadel (Charleston, SC) · Charleston Southern University (North Charleston, SC)
Days
2 days: the College of Charleston and The Citadel on day 1 (about 6 minutes apart by car), and Charleston Southern on day 2 on the way back to the airport.
Fly into
Charleston International Airport (CHS), about 18 minutes from downtown and about 14 minutes from Charleston Southern with no traffic.
Best base
Courtyard by Marriott Charleston Historic District on Calhoun Street, about a 7-minute walk from the College of Charleston's Office of Admissions.
Car or no car
Rent a car. Charleston Southern is about 28 minutes north of downtown, and downtown parking is mostly in garages.
Registration
Book each visit on the school's own registration page. The Citadel's Daily Visits run Monday to Friday.
1. Who this guide is for
This plan is for parents bringing a high schooler, and maybe younger siblings, to see three Division I schools in the Charleston area: the College of Charleston Cougars, The Citadel Bulldogs and the Charleston Southern Buccaneers.
The College of Charleston and The Citadel are both on the Charleston peninsula, about 2.4 miles apart. Charleston Southern is in North Charleston, about 8 miles from the airport. The photo in this guide shows Randolph Hall at the College of Charleston.
Why this order
Arrive the day before: Charleston International is about 18 minutes by car from the downtown hotels.
Day 1: a 90-minute, student-led walking tour at the College of Charleston, then The Citadel's Daily Visit, a 1.5-hour information session and guided tour with Admissions Staff and Cadet Ambassadors.
Day 2: a personal visit at Charleston Southern with a Campus Ambassador tour and a one-on-one with an Enrollment Counselor, then about 14 minutes to the airport.
Plan ahead: registration and timing
The College of Charleston says its tours are very popular, so plan to reserve at least two weeks ahead. It asks families to limit the party to no more than three guests.
The Citadel's Daily Visits run Monday to Friday. The Citadel suggests checking its academic calendar so you visit while cadets are on campus.
At Charleston Southern, email admissions@csuniv.edu if more than one student is coming in your group.
Charleston Southern's $1,000 Tour Treasure Grant goes to students who attend an official visit (a personal tour, A Day in the Life or a First Look event), then enroll as a first-time freshman or transfer, submit the FAFSA and live outside Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties.
Can't make the trip? All three schools offer virtual tours on their visit pages.
Tour availability varies by season.
Charleston summers are hot, humid and wet: July averages about 91°F highs and 74°F lows, with about 6.6 inches of rain.
Spring and fall are mild: April averages about 77°F highs and October about 78°F highs.
Check each school's athletics calendar for home games on your dates, since game days bring extra traffic and parking demand.
2. The suggested 2-day plan
Drive times are no-traffic estimates from OpenStreetMap routing, and walking times use OpenStreetMap foot routing, with addresses geocoded by OpenStreetMap Nominatim. Times to the College of Charleston are to the Office of Admissions at 65 George Street, and times to The Citadel are to 171 Moultrie Street at Lesesne Gate.
Arrival: fly into Charleston and check in downtown
Charleston International Airport (CHS) → Courtyard Charleston Historic District
Driving (no traffic)
~18 min, 11.1 mi
Driving and walking
Rental car, rideshare or taxi
Charleston International Airport (CHS) → The Francis Marion Hotel
Driving (no traffic)
~18 min, 11.3 mi
Driving and walking
Rental car, rideshare or taxi
Charleston International Airport (CHS) → Hampton Inn & Suites North Charleston-University Blvd
Driving (no traffic)
~13 min, 8.3 mi
Driving and walking
Rental car, rideshare or taxi
Charleston International Airport (CHS) → Home2 Suites North Charleston-University Blvd
Driving (no traffic)
~13 min, 7.2 mi
Driving and walking
Rental car, rideshare or taxi
The downtown hotels charge for valet parking, so factor that in, or park in a nearby garage.
Day 1: College of Charleston, then The Citadel
Courtyard Charleston Historic District → College of Charleston Office of Admissions
Driving (no traffic)
~1 min, 0.4 mi
Driving and walking
~7 min walk, 0.3 mi
The Francis Marion Hotel → College of Charleston Office of Admissions
Driving (no traffic)
~1 min, 0.3 mi
Driving and walking
~5 min walk, 0.2 mi
College of Charleston Office of Admissions → The Citadel (Lesesne Gate)
Driving (no traffic)
~6 min, 2.4 mi
Driving and walking
Drive
The Citadel (Lesesne Gate) → Hampton Park
Driving (no traffic)
—
Driving and walking
~13 min walk, 0.6 mi
College of Charleston Office of Admissions → South Carolina Aquarium
Driving (no traffic)
~3 min, 0.9 mi
Driving and walking
~20 min walk, 0.9 mi
The College of Charleston's tour starts promptly at the time on your registration. If you're late, you may be directed to a self-guided tour.
Visiting on a Friday during the academic year? The Citadel holds free, public parades on Summerall Field most Fridays. Parking is limited during parades, so arrive 15 to 30 minutes early, and check the parade schedule for dates.
Day 2: Charleston Southern University, then fly home
Courtyard Charleston Historic District → Charleston Southern University
Driving (no traffic)
~28 min, 18.1 mi
Driving and walking
Drive
The Francis Marion Hotel → Charleston Southern University
Driving (no traffic)
~27 min, 17.9 mi
Driving and walking
Drive
Hampton Inn & Suites North Charleston-University Blvd → Charleston Southern University
Driving (no traffic)
~5 min, 1.5 mi
Driving and walking
~26 min walk, 1.2 mi
Home2 Suites North Charleston-University Blvd → Charleston Southern University
Driving (no traffic)
~6 min, 1.8 mi
Driving and walking
~32 min walk, 1.5 mi
Charleston Southern University → Charleston International Airport (CHS)
Driving (no traffic)
~14 min, 8.1 mi
Driving and walking
Drive
If you'd rather not drive up from downtown in the morning, spend the second night at one of the University Boulevard hotels, about 5–6 minutes from campus.
3. Campus by campus
Randolph Hall and the Cistern Yard, College of Charleston (October 2022). Photo: Mike Ledford · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · resized and cropped
Tours start at the Office of Admissions, on the ground level of Craig Hall at 65 George Street. The visit lasts about 90 minutes, including a video and time to speak with an admission counselor.
Your confirmation email includes where to meet and where to park. Tours run rain or shine.
The tour goes inside a residence hall room and past campus landmarks like the Cistern Yard and Randolph Hall. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a refillable water bottle.
For a one-on-one with an academic department, email campustour@cofc.edu.
Visitor parking
The College of Charleston recommends parking in the nearby St. Philip Street Garage or George Street Garage when you visit.
Getting there
The Office of Admissions is about 18 minutes by car from Charleston International Airport.
From the Courtyard on Calhoun Street it's about a 7-minute walk, and from The Francis Marion Hotel about a 5-minute walk.
What to know
Accessible restrooms are in the lobby of the visitor center.
When there's no guided tour, you can pick up a self-guided walking tour at the Office of Admissions and start at the Cistern Yard.
Contact
Office of Admissions: 66 George Street, Charleston, SC 29424, 843.805.5507. Department visits: campustour@cofc.edu.
Last checked Oct 29, 2026. Tour and admissions details change often, so confirm them on the school's official visit page before you go.
The Daily Visit is about 1.5 hours: an information session, Q&A and a guided campus tour with Admissions Staff and Cadet Ambassadors. Pick your date and time on the registration calendar.
Enter at Lesesne Gate, the main entrance, at the end of Moultrie Street. From I-26, take exit 219-A for Rutledge Avenue, follow it 1.2 miles and turn right onto Moultrie Street.
The Citadel also offers Inside the Gates overnight visits, Admitted Students Day and Cadet Chats; see the Campus Tours page.
Visitor parking
Visitors can park along all sides of Summerall Field except Jones Avenue (in front of the barracks), at the rear of the Kovats Field lot, on Hammond Avenue between Coward Hall and WLI Field, and along the side of Deas Hall.
Parking questions go to Public Safety at 843-953-5114.
Getting there
The Citadel is about 6 minutes by car from the College of Charleston and from the downtown hotels.
What to know
The campus covers 300 acres, with 27 Romanesque-style buildings grouped around a 10-acre parade ground.
Stops include the Gothic-style Summerall Chapel, the War Memorial near it, The Citadel Museum and the Gift Shop in Mark Clark Hall.
A personal visit pairs a Campus Ambassador tour of academic buildings, residence halls and key spots with a one-on-one meeting with an Enrollment Counselor. You can also ask to meet a professor in your student's intended major.
Admissions is in the Hunter Center.
Other options include group tours, A Day in the Life and First Look open houses; see the Campus Visit page.
Visitor parking
The Hunter Center Parking Lot is open to guests, and the Student Center lot has spaces marked for visitors.
Getting there
Campus is about 14 minutes by car from Charleston International Airport and about 27–28 minutes from the downtown hotels.
From the University Boulevard hotels it's about 5–6 minutes by car.
What to know
The Caf is the dining hall on the Student Center level.
4. Where to stay: downtown Charleston, or University Boulevard in North Charleston
Price tiers (Budget, Mid-range, Upscale) follow each hotel's star class on Expedia. Rates vary by date, so check your dates on Expedia.
Hotel · Our pickMid-range
Courtyard by Marriott Charleston Historic District
125 Calhoun St., Charleston, SC 29401
Why here
It's about a 7-minute walk from the College of Charleston's Office of Admissions, about 6 minutes by car from The Citadel and about 18 minutes from the airport.
Expedia lists this hotel as a 3-star property, so we place it in the Mid-range tier. Rates vary by date, so check your dates on Expedia.
Good to know
Expedia lists an outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant with breakfast for a fee, valet parking for a fee, pets for a fee and a minimum check-in age of 18. Confirm details on the Expedia listing before you book.
Hampton Inn & Suites North Charleston-University Blvd
2688 Fernwood Dr., North Charleston, SC 29406
Why here
Expedia lists this hotel as a 2.5-star property, so we place it in the Budget tier. Rates vary by date, so check your dates on Expedia.
It's about 5 minutes by car from Charleston Southern and 13 minutes from the airport, but about 27 minutes from the College of Charleston.
Good to know
Expedia lists free self-parking, a free buffet breakfast, an outdoor pool, pets for a fee and a minimum check-in age of 18. Confirm details on the Expedia listing before you book.
Home2 Suites by Hilton North Charleston-University Blvd
9341 Blue House Rd., North Charleston, SC 29406
Why here
Expedia lists this hotel as a 3-star property, so we place it in the Mid-range tier. Rates vary by date, so check your dates on Expedia.
It's about 6 minutes by car from Charleston Southern and 13 minutes from the airport.
Good to know
Expedia lists free self-parking, a free buffet breakfast, an outdoor pool, pets for a fee and a minimum check-in age of 21. Confirm details on the Expedia listing before you book.
Expedia lists this hotel as a 4-star property, so we place it in the Upscale tier. Rates vary by date, so check your dates on Expedia.
It's on King Street, about a 5-minute walk from the College of Charleston's Office of Admissions and about 6 minutes by car from The Citadel.
Good to know
Expedia lists The Swamp Fox Restaurant on site, breakfast for a fee, valet parking for a fee and a minimum check-in age of 21. Confirm details on the Expedia listing before you book.
Stay downtown near Marion Square for the College of Charleston and The Citadel, or on University Boulevard in North Charleston if you'd rather be close to Charleston Southern and the airport. The College of Charleston suggests asking hotels about special rates for visitors attending College of Charleston events.
5. Meals between tours
Hours change, so check before you go.
At Charleston Southern
The Caf is Charleston Southern's dining hall, on the Student Center level.
At the hotels
Downtown, the Courtyard has an on-site restaurant with breakfast for a fee, and The Francis Marion has The Swamp Fox Restaurant. On University Boulevard, the Hampton Inn and Home2 Suites include breakfast.
6. Things for siblings along the route
With siblings
South Carolina Aquarium
100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston, SC 29401
Open daily except Thanksgiving and December 25; the aquarium suggests allowing at least 90 minutes. The closest parking is the city garage at 24 Calhoun Street. It's about a 13-minute walk from the Courtyard.
Hands-on rooms including a full art room, for families with young children (adults must come with children). It's about an 11-minute walk from the College of Charleston's Office of Admissions.
At the College of Charleston, park in the St. Philip Street or George Street garage.
At The Citadel, park along Summerall Field (not Jones Avenue), behind the Kovats Field lot, on Hammond Avenue or beside Deas Hall.
At Charleston Southern, use the Hunter Center Parking Lot or the visitor spaces at the Student Center.
Flying in and out
Charleston International (CHS) is about 18 minutes from downtown and about 14 minutes from Charleston Southern with no traffic.
Weather by season (1991–2020 NOAA normals: Charleston Intl AP station)
Spring: April averages about 77°F highs and 55°F lows, with about 3.3 inches of rain.
Summer: July averages about 91°F/74°F, with about 6.6 inches of rain.
Fall: October averages about 78°F/58°F, with about 4.3 inches of rain.
Winter: January averages about 60°F/39°F, with about 3.4 inches of rain.
Parent checklist
Book a College of Charleston tour at least two weeks ahead, for no more than three guests.
Book a weekday Daily Visit at The Citadel, checking its academic calendar so cadets are on campus.
Book a Charleston Southern personal visit, and ask about the Tour Treasure Grant if you live outside Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties.
Visiting on a Friday? Check The Citadel's parade schedule.
Book flights into Charleston International and plan a rental car.
Book a hotel downtown or on University Boulevard in North Charleston.
Pack for heat and humidity from late spring through early fall.
After each visit, take five minutes to jot down what stood out to your student.
8. Student-athlete recruiting visits
For families whose student hopes to play a college sport. Rules below are the NCAA's; each school's links were checked Oct 26, 2026.
Coaches arrange the recruiting part of a visit, not the admissions office. The tour sign-ups in this guide are for the regular family visit. An official (school-paid) visit is offered by the school, and contact with coaches follows NCAA rules that vary by division, sport and grade level.
Start with your sport's questionnaire, then email the coaches. The NCAA suggests emailing coaches with your achievements, highlight videos and interest in their program, including your name, position, NCAA ID and graduation year.
3 Division I
Athletics
College of Charleston
NCAA Division I Coastal Athletic Association
RecruitingWe found no department-wide recruiting page. Look for a questionnaire on your sport's team page at the athletics site ↗, or email the coaches.
RecruitingWe found no department-wide recruiting page. Look for a questionnaire on your sport's team page at the athletics site ↗, or email the coaches.
RecruitingWe found no department-wide recruiting page. Look for a questionnaire on your sport's team page at the athletics site ↗, or email the coaches.
Unofficial visit: any campus visit you or your family pay for. You can take as many as you like; in Divisions I and II each one has to come after the first permissible date for your sport.
Official visit: a visit paid for by the school. Each school can offer your student only one. Before a Division I official visit, your student must be registered with the NCAA Eligibility Center, be on the school's institutional request list, and the school must have their high school transcripts.
Division I (College of Charleston, The Citadel and Charleston Southern University): on an official visit the school can pay for travel for the student and up to two family members, lodging, up to three meals a day for the student and up to four family members, and up to $60 a person in entertainment, including five home-game tickets. On an unofficial visit there are no free meals, but the school can give up to three home-game tickets. Division I uses recruiting calendars with contact, evaluation, quiet and dead periods; in a dead period, no in-person contact and no visits.
Rules change. Confirm with the coach, or check the NCAA's recruiting page and recruiting calendars, before you plan dates.
Planning around the season
Check each school's athletics schedule (linked above) before you pick dates, so a coach meeting doesn't land on a road trip or game day for your sport.
Our recommendation, not a school rule: ask the coach whether they can line up an admissions session or tour around your meeting. If not, book the regular family tour yourself through the official sign-up links in this guide, and leave time between the two.
Add your dates and how you're getting there, and we'll pull this guide into one plan: tour sign-up links, the hotel base, parking or airport notes, the route and meals.
Coming soon
Planning more college trips?
Visit-season reminders and new trip guides from College Visit Guides. Newsletter coming soon.
Sources
All checked Oct 29, 2026. Tour schedules change constantly, so always confirm on each school's official sign-up page. Photo credits are under each photo and on our About page.
Expedia listing: Courtyard by Marriott Charleston Historic District (star class and amenities, checked 2026-10-29 via same-id Hotwire listing) (not linked: https://www.expedia.com/Charleston-Hotels-Courtyard-Charleston-Historic-District.h327824.Hotel-Information)
Expedia listing: Hampton Inn & Suites North Charleston-University Blvd (star class and amenities, checked 2026-10-29 via same-id Hotwire listing) (not linked: https://www.expedia.com/Charleston-Hotels-Hampton-Inn-Suites-North-Charleston-University-Blvd.h2545280.Hotel-Information)
Expedia listing: Home2 Suites by Hilton North Charleston-University Blvd (star class and amenities, checked 2026-10-29 via same-id Hotwire listing) (not linked: https://www.expedia.com/Charleston-Hotels-Home2-Suites-By-Hilton-North-Charleston-University-Blvd.h36714800.Hotel-Information)
Expedia listing: The Francis Marion Hotel (star class and amenities, checked 2026-10-29 via same-id Hotwire listing) (not linked: https://www.expedia.com/Charleston-Hotels-The-Francis-Marion-Hotel.h41204.Hotel-Information)
