Warm days on a sunny beach. Cold sweet tea on an outdoor patio. Fancy cocktails on a rooftop bar. And some of the finest seafood is the USA. You’ll experience all that and more when you step into Charleston, South Carolina.

How To Get TO CHARLESTON

Charleston’s airport is super convenient to fly into. It is about an 20 minute drive from downtown Charleston and 30 minute drive to the beach.

Best Time to Visit CHARLESTON

There really isn’t a bad time to visit Charleston. Each season has its perks. If you’re looking to tan on the beaches, go during the late spring or early summer before it gets too hot. If you want to escape the colder winter temperatures, Charleston isn’t as cold as the majority of the USA – you’ll find temperatures to be in the low 60s.

Summer (June-August): high 80s – low 90s F
Fall (September-November): 60s – 70s F
Winter (December-February): low 60s F
Spring (March-May): 70s – 80s F

How Much Time Do You Need IN CHARLESTON

A long weekend is perfect to enjoy a mix of downtown exploration, sailing, and beachy days – all accompanied by the finest food in the south.

AirBnB + Hotel Recs

There are a couple different areas you can stay in:

Downtown Charleston
Downtown Charleston is a bit pricier, but will provide convenience. You’ll be within walking distance of major sites like the battery and rainbow row, as well as all of the delicious restaurants. Here is a cute Airbnb in a great location.

Sullivan’s Island
Sullivan’s Island is a little bit off the beaten path, but is within close proximity to downtown Charleston and also has a cute downtown of its own.

Isle of Palms
This is where I stayed when I went to Charleston for a Bachelorette party. We all really loved it here because we had pool and ocean access. It was quiet, peaceful, and relaxing. If you’re staying here, you’ll be a little further out from downtown Charleston, so it might make sense to rent a car and have a designated driver, or to pre book Ubers or a car service.

In Isle of Palms, we had some trouble with Ubers – lots of cancellations and lots of time trying to locate cars. If you do decide to rely on Uber, make sure you try calling for one at least 20 minutes before you anticipate actually leaving your location. Most of the Airbnbs and condo rentals are pretty similar – lots of bedrooms, an outdoor deck, a shared community pool, and easy beach access. We used Sweetgrass Properties and were extremely happy with our rental, but this Airbnb also looks nice for a group.

Day 2 – BEACH DAY OR WANDER DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON

Today you have two options – you can either relax on the beach and at the pool or ride over to downtown Charleston to peruse the shops. If you stay in Wild Dunes, many of the properties have their own beach area which you’ll only share with others that are renting properties from the same management company.

If you decide to walk around downtown Charleston, there are a couple sites you’ll want to add to your list to get a good old dose of southern charm:

• The famous pineapple fountain
• Rainbow Row – a whimsical row of pastel-colored houses
• Walk along the battery 
• Shop on King Street
• Walk around the French Quarter and don’t miss Charleston City Market or Philadelphia Alley
• Joe Riley Waterfront Park

Pre-Dinner Drinks at Camellias
After your beach or exploration day, you’re probably ready to start drinking and Camellias is just the spot. Located in the Hotel Bennett, this lusciously pink champagne bar feels so fun and festive for bachelorette parties. If you can, try and snag a reservation. The wait can be long if you don’t have one. They do have a dress code here, so make sure you dress to impress.

Sunset at Restoration Rooftop
Next you’re going to want to catch the sunset while having a drink at Restoration Rooftop. Sitting on top of the Restoration Hotel, you won’t know what to admire first, all of the chic decor, or the sunset. This bar is first come first serve starting at 5 pm and is only open until 9 pm.

Dinner at Darling Oyster Bar
You’ve probably worked up an appetite by this point. Time to head to dinner at Darling Oyster Bar. Our group split a couple different entrees with the standouts being the seared diver scallops and the crispy chicken sandwich (besides the obvious – oysters). I’m pretty picky about scallops, and these were some of the best I’ve ever had – they basically melt in your mouth. You seriously have to get them. 

Let’s Drink!
There are A TON of bars you can go to in downtown Charleston – all within walking distance of Darling Oyster Bar. 
Republic – fun, dance the night away vibe. Crowd ranges from college to late 20s

Prohibition – Indoor and outdoor patio bar with heated lamps and a solid playlist. The crowd is a little older (less fresh out of college, more mid 20s to early 30s). There is a dance floor, as well as tables where you can perch. 

Vendue Rooftop – more laidback, rooftop drinks environment

Stars Rooftop – we didn’t have time to visit since we were having too much fun at Prohibition, but if I were to visit again, this would be at the top of my list.

Bar Vauté – try and find this hidden speakeasy, serving up some of the best custom cocktails. Drinks are on the pricier side, but if you tell the bartender your favorite flavors and alcohol type, they’ll make you a unique drink that you will most likely love.

Let’s Eat Brunch
Basic Kitchen, Church and Union or Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit are all great choices depending on what you’re looking for.

Basic Kitchen
Here you’ll find food similar to what you’d find at a California breakfast cafe. The light and airy vibe felt very clean and inviting – think lots of greenery and sunlight shining in through the windows. They also have gluten free and vegan options. It’s hard to say no to gluten free banana bread or sweet potato fries with vegan ranch dressing. The real standouts here were the bowls – my personal favorite was the Veggie Hash which came with farmer’s market veggies, potatoes, eggs, and the yummiest chimichurri sauce.

Church and Union
This is one of those restaurants that is more about the environment than the food. Enter the converted church and order all your favorite southern comfort breakfast foods – sausage gravy and biscuits, praline french toast, or their famous HOLY $H*T BREAKFAST (fried chicken, scrambled eggs, bacon, donuts, biscuits and jam). You can also get a mimosa flight here, which I highly recommend! Church and Union has a super upbeat vibe, which is absolutely perfect for a bachelorette brunch.

Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit
Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit is perfect if you need a meal on the go or just want something filling to help with your hangover. Try and go early before the line snakes around the block. You can also get a sampler pack (3 smaller biscuits for $6) if you want to try a few – highly recommend the cinnamon biscuit and the pimento cheese spread on a plain buttermilk biscuit.

Meander around downtown Charleston
Pick up some snacks and drinks, and make your way over to the dock for your sailing trip. There’s a Harris Teeter near the dock if you need some last minute groceries.

Sailing Trip with Charleston Sailing Adventures
This sailing adventure was a highlight of our trip and we highly recommend it.

Dinner at Husk
If you’ve asked someone for Charleston recommendations, they’ve most likely pointed you to Husk. What started as a Charleston institution now has three locations – Charleston, Nashville, and Savannah. The menu changes regularly, but if they have catfish, fried green tomatoes, or pimento cheese dishes, you should definitely pick those. Don’t forget to get a drink – they’re all so unique and flavorful. If you’re early for dinner, take a seat on their swinging chair on the front porch. It’s a lovely spot to relax and recap the day.

Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe
You’re in the south, so you might as well go for their famous bourbon pecan pie! They have a whole bunch of other desserts, as well as “adult milkshakes” with alcohol in them. The raspberry cake was also very very good!

Check out and leave

Sadly the trip has come to an end. Time to check out of your accommodations and head to the airport or your next location. If you have more time, you can easily visit Savannah before heading home.

HAVE EXTRA TIME?

Consider these restaurants and activities:

RESTAURANTS

Slightly North of Broad
Yum! One of the pricier meals we had, but definitely worth the splurge. Try their famous shrimp and grits and don’t sleep on the butternut squash bisque. They also have live music most nights which really adds to the ambiance.

The Ordinary
The best (mostly raw) seafood. Def get the oyster sliders, the snapper ponzu, smoked amberjack pâté, and some oysters! The sweet potatoes are great if you want a veggie dish. One note, the price to portion ratio is not great (aka small portions for big prices). While this was unanimously our group’s favorite meal of the trip, one member did have to make a sandwich when we got back to our AirBnB.

Leon’s Oyster Shop
Great spot for outdoor drinking, fried chicken or fish sandwiches, and oysters of course! Definitely get the char-grilled oysters! Yum! The fried chicken sandwich is good, but even better if you add hot honey and hot sauce (provided on every table).

Poogan’s Porch
Solid eggs benedict and standard brunch options.

Xiao Bao Biscuit
Still haven’t made it here, but it’s highly recommended and number one on our list for our next visit.

ACTIVITIES

Visit a Plantation
There’s no easy way to say it, but a big part of South Carolina was built on the backs of slaves. Visiting a plantation in South Carolina offers a poignant and reflective journey through history, providing insight into the complex and tumultuous layers of the region’s past. It’s an opportunity to engage thoughtfully with the heritage of the land, acknowledging the stories of those who lived and worked here. These plantations, while picturesque, carry the weight of a complicated history, rooted in both the beauty of the landscape and the painful legacy of enslaved individuals. Approaching these sites with sensitivity and reverence is crucial, honoring the resilience and contributions of enslaved people while acknowledging the hardships they endured. It’s a chance to learn, reflect, and pay homage to the diverse narratives that have shaped the cultural tapestry of South Carolina. In my experience, Boone Hall did a better job acknowledging and educating on this topic. If you’d like to visit a plantation I’d recommend:

Boone Hall Plantation Tour
Snap a picture on the majestic Avenue of Oaks, a mile-long drive lined with ancient oak trees, leading up to the plantation house.
Attend the Gullah Cultural Presentation to learn about the language, traditions, and resilience of the African American community.
Explore the Black History in America Exhibit and see original slave housing.
Take a guided tour of Boone Hall mansion.

Magnolia Plantation Tour
The area where Magnolia is located is truly beautiful with flowering trees and manicured lawns. In addition to the main historic mansion, Drayton Hall, you can walk the gardens or take a train throughout the property. If you’re visiting from Charleston, plan to spend a half day here. Touring the grounds is around $35/person, but your ticket is valid for two visits within a year. If you’d like to tour the house, there is an additional fee. You can also save a few dollars if you pre-purchase your ticket online. 

Don’t forget to explore the Audubon Swamp Garden. There is a nice boardwalk that meanders around the swamp. Watch where you step here! While you’re walking under the beautiful cypress trees and admiring the spanish moss, you might just spot an alligator. This is also a great spot for bird watching – you may see herons, ibis, and egrets!

There are some food options on-site, but I did not eat at them, so I’m afraid I can’t weigh in on their tastiness. 

Fort Sumter
Take a ferry out to Fort Sumter to learn about the pivotal role this sea fort played in the Civil War. This site is actually where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. You’ll need to check the timetables and potentially book your ticket in advance if you’re visiting during high season. Sadly your National Park Pass (America the Beautiful) will not cover the cost of the ferry.

Sullivan’s Island
Head to Sullivan’s Island for a beachy environment with some solid restaurant options.
– The Obstinate Daughter is raved about, so we had to check it out. The short rib gnocchi is a knockout. Don’t miss the lemon cake either!
– Poe’s Tavern, named after Edgar Allen Poe, is a great spot for a burger or bar food if you end up on Sullivan’s Island. The burgers have fun names like the Tell Tale Heart, the Annabel Lee, or The Raven.

Folly Beach
If you’re looking for beachy walks, make some time to visit Folly Beach.
– Take a stroll on the graffiti path. This colorful walkway is crammed with bright designs. Walk to the end of the path for views of the Morris Island Lighthouse! The path is about a half mile long. It doesn’t readily come up on Google Maps, so you’ll want to drive to the end of East Ashley Ave and park there to start your walk.
– Folly Beach has a really nice pier at the base of their downtown. Walk to the end of the pier for some nice views – maybe you’ll even see a dolphin. 
– If you’re hungry, you might want to check out Chico Feo for some drinks and tacos. While we personally didn’t eat here, we heard great things!

Night Ghost Tour
Take a spooky night tour where you’ll hear about the resident ghosts of Charleston and maybe even spot some of your own!

See the Angel Oak Tree
Angel Oak is one of the more impressive trees I’ve ever seen. It’s estimated to be between 400 and 500 years old with branches overlapping one another and dropping to the ground under its immense weight. While the tree is impressive, I wouldn’t drive out of my way for it. The tree is heavily guarded (for a tree). While it’s free to enter, the tree is fenced in and visitation hours stop abruptly at 5 pm. We got there at 4:50 and were denied entry, so I’d advise getting there about 20 minutes before closing time. You can still take pictures of the tree from the parking area, but you won’t be able to get up close and be in any photos if you arrive after closing time.

NOT DONE TRAVELING?

Check out our guides of nearby areas:
Nature Near Savannah
Savannah