Plan Your Charleston Trip 🌿

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HOTELS 🏨

🏨 Top Charleston Hotels for a Girls’ Trip:

  • Hotel Bennett: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Plan a luxury stay on King Street with a rooftop pool, spa, and afternoon tea or champagne at Camellias. A beautiful pick for dressing up and celebrating with the girls.
  • The Dewberry: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Enjoy mid-century style, a luxury spa, and rooftop cocktails at Citrus Club. A polished downtown home base for exploring Charleston and unwinding between outings.
  • The Restoration Charleston: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Spread out in spacious suites near King Street, with a heated rooftop pool and dining at The Watch Rooftop Kitchen & Spirits. Great for girls who want extra room to relax together.
  • Emeline: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Stay in historic downtown with courtyard dining at Frannie & The Fox and coffee at Clerks. A stylish home base for shopping, sightseeing, and evenings out.
  • The Mills House Hotel: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Choose Charleston’s iconic pink hotel for a central downtown location, rooftop pool, and courtyard dining at Iron Rose. A fun blend of Southern charm and poolside downtime.

OTHER STAY OPTIONS 👇🏻

Want more room to spread out with the girls? Browse vacation homes and condos on Vrbo or Airbnb.

COMPARE HOTEL RATES & OFFERS 👇🏻

  • Booking.com — Browse hotels, availability, and current offers.
  • Expedia — Compare hotel stays and flight-and-hotel packages.
  • KAYAK — Compare hotel prices across multiple travel websites.

💡 Check the hotel’s own website, too, and compare the total price, cancellation policy, and included perks before booking.

HOTEL REWARDS PROGRAMS 👇🏻

Free to join • Access to member offers • Earn points toward reward nights on eligible stays

💡 Book directly with the hotel when using its loyalty program, and check the program’s terms. Early check-in and other perks depend on your membership benefits, the property, and availability.

EAT 🍽️ & DRINK 🍸

💡 PRO TIP: Book your must-try restaurants ahead of time through OpenTable, Resy, or Tock. If your restaurant isn’t listed, check its official website for reservations or walk-in details.

🥞 Must Go To for Breakfast & Brunch:

  • Millers All Day: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Start your day with Southern breakfast favorites, grits, and baked treats at this cheerful King Street spot. A fun choice for a relaxed brunch with the girls.
  • Poogan’s Porch: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Gather for Southern comfort food at this longtime Queen Street restaurant. Brunch is served daily, making it an easy addition to your itinerary beyond the weekend.
  • Halls Chophouse Charleston: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Make Sunday brunch an occasion with live gospel music and a lively steakhouse setting. Reserve ahead for this memorable Charleston tradition.
  • The Daily: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Keep breakfast casual with coffee, smoothies, loaded toast, and pastries. A convenient stop before a morning of shopping and exploring.
  • Bodega Charleston: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Enjoy hearty breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, and a colorful atmosphere at this downtown Ann Street spot. Great for a casual brunch before the day’s adventures.

🍽️ Must Go To for Girls’ Night Dinner:

  • Frannie & The Fox: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Share wood-fired pizzas and Italian-inspired dishes at Emeline. The courtyard adds a pretty backdrop for dinner and catching up with the girls.
  • Church and Union Charleston: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Enjoy modern American cuisine inside a dramatic former church on Market Street. A memorable setting for getting dressed up and heading out together.
  • The Darling Oyster Bar: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Gather for oysters, seafood, and cocktails in a restored King Street storefront. A lively pick for starting your girls’ night over a seafood spread.
  • Le Farfalle: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Settle in for handmade pasta, Italian dishes, and wine at this downtown favorite. A lovely choice for a long dinner filled with conversation.
  • 82 Queen: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Enjoy Lowcountry classics such as she-crab soup and shrimp and grits. Ask about courtyard seating for an especially charming Charleston dinner.

🍽️ Fine Dining & Michelin Guide / Recognized:

  • Malagón Mercado y Tapería: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Share Spanish small plates and explore Spanish wines at this Michelin-starred neighborhood restaurant. A great choice for the girls who love ordering several dishes together.
  • Vern’s: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Make this Michelin-starred neighborhood restaurant one of your planned-ahead dinners. Reservations open through Resy 30 days in advance, so keep an eye on your dates.
  • Wild Common: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Treat yourselves to a Michelin-starred, multi-course tasting menu from chef Orlando Pagán. An occasion-worthy choice for the dinner you want to build an evening around.
  • FIG: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Enjoy a seasonal menu that celebrates carefully sourced ingredients and Lowcountry flavors. A strong pick for a special dinner with friends who love food.
  • Husk Charleston: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Explore modern Southern cooking built around seasonal ingredients and regional food traditions. Add this downtown restaurant to your list for a thoughtful taste of the South.

🍸 Fun Bars & Nightlife:

  • Camellias at Hotel Bennett: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Toast the trip in this pink Champagne lounge. It’s a beautiful stop for bubbles with the girls, and afternoon tea is another option with advance reservations.
  • Citrus Club at The Dewberry: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Head to The Dewberry’s eighth-floor rooftop for citrus-inspired cocktails, light bites, and skyline views. A pretty place to settle in as evening approaches.
  • The Cocktail Club: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Start your evening with craft cocktails at this Upper King Street lounge. The rooftop terrace gives your group another inviting place to gather.
  • The Commodore: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Dance to live jazz and funk in a vintage club with plenty of character. Check the music calendar before going—entry is ages 23 and up.
  • The Watch Rooftop Kitchen & Spirits: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Meet above The Restoration for rooftop drinks, city views, and Southern-inspired food. A convenient choice when the girls want cocktails and something to eat in one stop.

☕️ Coffee & 🥐 Sweet Treats:

  • Clerks Coffee Company: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Stop inside Emeline for espresso drinks, pastries, and a breakfast or lunch bite. An easy place to recharge between downtown adventures.
  • Harken Café & Bakery: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Take a coffee-and-cookie break in a cozy café with exposed brick and warm wood details. A lovely stop for slowing down between sightseeing and shopping.
  • Sugar Bakeshop: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Pick up small-batch baked treats at this Cannonborough–Elliotborough neighborhood bakery. Choose a few goodies to share during an afternoon break with the girls.
  • Off Track Ice Cream: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Cool off with ice cream made from scratch, including traditional and vegan options. Choose a classic flavor or try something more adventurous.
  • Christophe Artisan Chocolatier-Pâtissier: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Browse handmade chocolates, French-style macarons, and pastries. A sweet stop for a treat during the trip or a little something to bring home.

EXPERIENCES✨

🎵 Major Concert Venues:

  • Credit One Stadium: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Catch major touring artists at this outdoor stadium on Daniel Island. A fun choice for making a concert the centerpiece of your girls’ trip.
  • North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Check these North Charleston venues for major concerts, touring Broadway productions, and other live entertainment. Plan transportation from downtown Charleston when booking your evening.
  • Charleston Music Hall: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Enjoy concerts and special performances in a historic downtown venue near Upper King Street. Pair your show with dinner nearby for an easy night out.
  • Charleston Gaillard Center: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Get dressed up for orchestral concerts, touring performers, dance, and other cultural events at this downtown performing arts center.
  • Music Farm: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Catch live bands, touring performers, and themed music nights at this downtown venue. Check your event’s age requirements and seating details before booking.

🏛️ Must-Visit Museums:

  • Gibbes Museum of Art: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Explore American art, rotating exhibitions, and Charleston’s artistic heritage. A lovely addition to an afternoon of exploring downtown.
  • The Charleston Museum: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Discover the Lowcountry’s history through archaeological finds, historic objects, and natural history collections. A useful starting point for understanding the city beyond its beautiful streets.
  • International African American Museum: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Explore African American history, culture, and contributions through immersive galleries. Leave time for quiet reflection in the African Ancestors Memorial Garden.
  • Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Step aboard the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier and explore naval and military history across Charleston Harbor in Mount Pleasant.
  • Old Slave Mart Museum: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Learn about Charleston’s role in the domestic slave trade at a former slave auction site. A sobering stop for understanding this part of the city’s history.

🩷 Fun Girly Activities:

  • Candlefish Candle-Making Workshop: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Create your own scented candles together at this King Street shop. Schedule your workshop before your final day—candles cure overnight and are ready for pickup the following day.
  • Schooner Pride Sunset Sail: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Sail Charleston Harbor aboard a three-masted tall ship as the evening light settles over the waterfront. A beautiful way to unwind with the girls after sightseeing.
  • Charleston Culinary Tours: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Taste your way through Charleston while learning about its food and history. The downtown walking tour explores the Historic French Quarter and City Market area.
  • Afternoon Tea at Camellias: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Dress up for tea, finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries inside Hotel Bennett’s pink lounge. A pretty setting for catching up and celebrating together—advance reservations are required.
  • Bulldog Tours’ Charleston Ghost and Dungeon Tour: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Explore Charleston after dark with ghost stories and a guided visit inside the Provost Dungeon. A memorable evening activity for the girls who enjoy a little spooky history.
  • Shem Creek Kayaking with Coastal Expeditions: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Paddle past shrimp boats and coastal scenery on a guided kayak outing in Mount Pleasant. Keep an eye out for dolphins and shorebirds along the way.
  • In the Kitchen with Chef Bob Waggoner: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Cook alongside Chef Bob in his downtown showcase kitchen, then enjoy the seasonal meal you helped prepare. A fun dinner experience for friends who love food and learning something together.

🧖🏻‍♀️ Best Spas:

  • The Dewberry Spa: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Unwind in a peaceful downtown spa with warm cypress interiors. Explore signature treatments such as a warming ginger massage or body scrub for a relaxing break between outings.
  • The Spa at Hotel Bennett: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Book a massage, facial, or body treatment at this luxury downtown hotel. A convenient choice for pairing spa appointments with afternoon tea at Camellias.
  • The Woodhouse Spa at Wentworth: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Enjoy massages, facials, and body treatments in an intimate setting at Wentworth Mansion. Reserve early if the girls want appointments around the same time.
  • The Estuary Spa at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Head across the harbor to Mount Pleasant for personalized treatments in a coastal-inspired spa. A relaxing addition to a day exploring the waterfront nearby.
  • The Spa at Sweetgrass at Wild Dunes Resort: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Plan a spa outing on Isle of Palmswith massages, facials, and body treatments. You don’t need to stay at the resort to book; check which spa amenities your reservation includes.

📅 For local events and more trip ideas, check out Charleston’s official tourism website, Explore Charleston (Click here for: WEBSITE). Browse its EVENTS CALENDAR to see what’s happening during your trip.

MUST DO ✅

🌿 Must Do in Charleston

🍍 Walk Through Waterfront Park

The iconic Pineapple Fountain, beautiful harbor views, and waterfront paths make this a perfect spot for a relaxing stroll and photos.

🌈 Explore Rainbow Row & The Battery

Admire Charleston’s famous pastel homes, grand historic mansions, and beautiful waterfront scenery while wandering some of the city’s most picturesque streets.

🛍️ Shop Charleston City Market

Browse local vendors, discover unique souvenirs, and admire traditional Gullah sweetgrass baskets at one of Charleston’s best-known shopping destinations.

👻 Take a Ghost Tour

Discover Charleston’s spooky side with an evening tour filled with ghost stories, local legends, and tales from the city’s historic streets and graveyards.

🍹 Enjoy Rooftop Cocktails

Sip cocktails while taking in views of Charleston’s historic skyline and harbor at one of the city’s rooftop bars.

👗 Explore King Street

Shop charming boutiques, browse for a special find, and head to Upper King Street for cocktails and a fun night out.

🍤 Try Lowcountry Favorites

Don’t leave without trying shrimp & grits, she-crab soup, and fresh local seafood at one of Charleston’s restaurants.

⛵ Take a Harbor Cruise

See Charleston from the water while enjoying coastal breezes, waterfront scenery, and a different perspective on the city’s history.

TIP/TRICKS💡

💡 Charleston Tips & Tricks

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Charleston is best explored on foot, but cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks make comfortable walking shoes a must.

🍽️ Make Restaurant Reservations Early

Book your must-try restaurants before your trip, especially if you’re hoping to dine at popular spots like Husk or FIG.

🚶 Park Once & Explore

Plan to walk between nearby downtown sights instead of moving your car for every stop. Choose a centrally located garage for your sightseeing day.

🚌 Use the Free DASH Shuttle

Give your feet a break with Charleston’s free Downtown Area Shuttle. Check the routes and schedules to see which stops fit your plans.

☀️ Plan Around the Heat

Summer afternoons can be hot and humid. Save outdoor exploring for mornings or late afternoons, and leave midday for lunch, shopping, or indoor attractions.

📸 Make Photo Stops Part of Your Route

Visit Waterfront Park, Rainbow Row, and The Battery during the same outing so you can enjoy the scenery without backtracking.

🚗 Plan Transportation Beyond Downtown

Angel Oak is on Johns Island, and beach visits require a separate transportation plan. Check driving routes, parking, and return transportation before heading out.

🍹 Check Rooftop Details Before Going

Before planning sunset cocktails, check your chosen rooftop’s hours, reservation options, dress code, and age policies so everyone in your group is prepared.