Looking for both city and laid-back beach vibes for your Bach?
Full of sunshine, southern charm, and sweet tea, this southern destination is the perfect picturesque getaway for you and the girls.
Written by Mira & Lauren
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Looking for the best things to do in Charleston, South Carolina?
With it’s historic cobblestone-lined streets, horse-drawn carriages, brick-lined alleyways, and colorful architecture, downtown Charleston hosts an array of upscale hotels to stay in, courtyard and rooftop dining options to chose from, and endless photo ops.
After a day or two of hitting the city streets, head to Folly Beach for a day of beachside R&R before heading home.
We recommend a 3-4 day stay.
Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are the best times to visit because the weather is perfect. Summer will leave you swimming in your own sweat and escaping the mid-day heat in the AC of your hotel room. Winter isn’t cold, but it can be chilly and cloudy.
April and May are best for exploring the city because all the gardens are in bloom.
September is the absolute best time to go for the beach. The tourists have all gone home and the water is warm from months of summer heat.
Read on for the best things to do in Charleston, South Carolina: where to stay, where to eat, the best drink and brunch spots, as well as the best tours, activities, and photo ops in town.
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Things to do
Eats
Drinks
Brunch
Coffee
Photo Ops
Activities + Tours
Pool
Beyond Downtown
Beaches
West Ashley
James Island
Mount Pleasant
Things to do in Charleston, South Carolina
Brunch, night out, and all things photo ops
Places to eat in downtown Charleston, SC
High Cotton
High-end restaurant on East Bay Street where they filmed the big band engagement scene in The Notebook!
Hyman’s Seafood
Another upscale restaurant with some of the best seafood in town
Fleet Landing
Harbor-side dining with seafood and American fare, wait times can be long, so plan accordingly or make a reservation
82 Queen
Upscale restaurant in a historic building with New Orleans type courtyard to dine in
Charleston Photo Ops
Rainbow Row
Pineapple fountain in Waterfront Park
White Point Garden + The Battery
Washington Square
Price’s Alley, Longitude Lane, St Michaels Alley
Mount Pleasant Historical District
Another filming location from The Notebook
Pitt Street Bridge
Charleston Activities + Tours
Wander through the historical cobblestone streets + alleyways with Lowcountry Walking Tours
Visit the Charleston City Market
Shop on King Street
Take a carriage ride with Palmetto Carriage Works or Old South Carriage Co
What’s more fun than an Uber? A bike taxi!
Things to do in Charleston, South Carolina:
Beyond downtown
Beaches
Folly Beach
$10 parking lots in front of the Folly Beach Pier
Eat at Taco Boy
Isle of Palms Beach
More family-oriented, full-amenity beach
Getting around
Downtown is very walkable, but you will need a vehicle to explore outside the city.
West Ashley
Middleton Place Plantation
Formal gardens and grounds on the Ashley River
(Eyes out for alligators sunning themselves on the banks!)
Magnolia Plantation + Audubon Swamp Garden
Wonder-y + whimsical vibes with lots of walking trails for scenic strolling
Try this tour with Adventure Sightseeing (includes transportation)
And stop by the Charleston Coffee Exchange while you’re out there for some of the best coffee around!
James Island
Bohemian Bull Tavern and Beer Garden
Hit this spot up on the way to Folly Beach!
Mount Pleasant
Shem Creek Park and boardwalk
Waterfront dining (validate parking at restaurant)
Where to Stay in Charleston, South Carolina
The Meeting Street Inn
Historic courtyard + porch
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Hotel Bennett
Rooftop pool + pink Champagne bar!
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Mills House Charleston
Pool, courtyard, bars + coffeeshop
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Emeline
Courtyard + coffeeshop
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The Ryder Hotel
Pool + vibesss
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Planters Inn
Historic courtyard
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The Vendue
Sleek white and red decor scheme
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The Spectator Hotel
Elegant, modern vibes
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The Restoration
Pool and rooftop terrace near the College of Charleston
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X marks the spot!
Pocket Guide to Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina: Bachelorette Edition
Stay
Boutique hotel in the French quarter
Eat
MESU • Bumpa’s • Little Palm• Slightly North of Broad
High Cotton • Hyman’s Seafood • Fleet Landing
82 Queen• Magnolia’s
Drinks
Ink Charleston Bar
Republic Garden & Lounge
The Rooftop at the Vendue
Brunch
Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit
Poogan’s Porch
Toast All Day
Coffee
Carmella’s Cafe & Dessert Bar • Kudu Coffee
Vintage Coffee Cafe • Charleston Coffee Exchange
Photo Ops
Rainbow Row • Pineapple fountain • White Point Garden
The Battery • Washington Square • Price’s Alley
Longitude Lane• St Michaels Alley • Pitt Street Bridge
Mount Pleasant Historical District
Activities
Charleston City Market • Shop on King Street
Palmetto Carriage Works • Old South Carriage Co
Lowcountry Walking Tours
Pool
The Ryder Hotel
Beaches
Folly Beach
Isle of Palms Beach
Beyond Downtown
Middleton Place Plantation
Magnolia Plantation + Audubon Swamp Garden
Bohemian Bull Tavern and Beer Garden
Shem Creek Boardwalk
Frequently Asked Questions
We recommend a 3-4 day stay.
2 days to explore downtown, 1 day to hit the beach, 1 day to visit a plantation or garden
Charleston is one of America’s oldest colonial towns and is known for its history, picturesque colonial architecture and cobblestoned streets, and its dining scene.
Downtown is very walkable, but you will need a vehicle to explore outside the city.
Absolutely! It is one of America’s oldest and most beautiful historic cities.
Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are the best times to visit because the weather is perfect. Summer will leave you swimming in your own sweat and escaping the mid-day heat in the AC of your hotel room. Winter isn’t cold, but it can be chilly and cloudy.
April and May are best for exploring the city because all the gardens are in bloom.
September is the absolute best time to go for the beach. The tourists have all gone home and the water is warm from months of summer heat.
From exploring historic plantation gardens to walking centuries old streets to drinking ice-cold margaritas in chill, surfs up Folly Beach, there are so many things to do in Charleston, South Carolina!
And with so many things to do and explore, there really is something for everyone: from staying in beautiful boutique hotels, to wandering the cobblestone streets on historical tours, shopping the Charleston City Market, to drinking with rooftop views from the bar and beyond downtown to the beaches.
Pack your flip flops, cutest sundresses, and sunscreen (don’t forget those walking shoes!) and hit the streets and sand of sunny Charleston, South Carolina for your perfect Bach destination!
