Looking for a Charleston Travel Guide, I’ve got you. I absolutely love Charleston, and I’m sure you will too.
There’s something about Charleston, South Carolina, that feels effortlessly cool.
Maybe it’s the pastel-painted houses, or the moss-dropped oak trees, or the cobblestone streets, but for me it was love at first sight.
This town is a wonderful mix of Southern charm and coastal fun.
It is one of my favourite weekend getaways in the South, especially for a girls’ trip.
Whatever your reason for wanting to visit, this Charleston Travel Guide is your roadmap to an unforgettable girls’ trip.
This Charleston Weekend Itinerary is chic, relaxed, and wildly photogenic. You are going to love it.
Why Charleston Belongs On Your Bucket List
If you’re planning a Charleston girls’ trip, expect a blend of history, culture and fun.
It’s a city that was built to be explored on foot. You will find hidden courtyards, boutique hotels, and some incredibly Instagrammable streets.
Charleston has a rhythm all its own, I like to call it slow and stylish.
Whether you’re here for the history, the food, or simply the vibes, this Charleston Travel Guide will help you plan the perfect itinerary.
When To Visit And What To Pack
Charleston is gorgeous year-round, but spring and fall are pure magic.
March through May brings warm days, blooming magnolias, and fewer crowds than the humid summer months.
Autumn (September to November) is perfect for outdoor patios, day trips to nearby beaches, and exploring the city without melting your makeup.
Summer can be hot and sticky, but it also has that festival energy, think rooftop cocktails, beach days, and live music echoing from open-air bars.
Winter is mild, with highs around 60°F (15°C), ideal if you prefer cozy restaurants and fewer tourists.
If you are visiting Charleston at Christmas, read here for pointers.
Pack flowy dresses, light layers, and something a little dressier for nights out.
Bring comfortable sandals or sneakers for walking, plus a hat for those sunny afternoons along the Battery.
Getting There And Getting Around
Charleston International Airport is small but efficient, with flights from most major U.S. cities.
Once you arrive, rideshares and walking are your best friends, especially downtown, where everything feels close.
For longer day trips, renting a car for a day or two is worth it.
If you’re staying near King Street, you can explore most of Charleston without ever getting behind the wheel.
There’s even a free DASH trolley that loops around downtown, which is handy for quick rides, especially when it gets hot.
Top Places to Visit in Charleston SC
Before diving in, it’s worth knowing the main places that make Charleston, South Carolina, so unforgettable.
Even if you only have a weekend, these spots will give you a real feel for the city’s soul.
Rainbow Row is the face of Charleston you’ve probably seen a hundred times in photos.
It is a stretch of pastel Georgian townhouses that is an Instagram dream.
It is beautiful and one of the most photographed streets in America.
No Charleston Travel Guide would be complete without a mention of this place.
A short walk away is The Battery, a waterfront promenade lined with stately antebellum mansions.
The whole area looks like a movie set.
Waterfront Park is another Charleston must. It’s famous pineapple fountain has become a staple on the Instagram feed, and it’s the best place in town for a morning coffee or sunset stroll.
Sit on one of the swinging benches and watch the boats drift by; you’ll probably want to stay all day.
Look Here: Old Town Trolley Tour
For shopping and people-watching, King Street is the city’s heartbeat.
It’s lined with stylish boutiques, vintage stores, and rooftop bars perfect for a mid-afternoon break.
Whether you’re after handmade jewelry or designer finds, King Street blends charm and sophistication in that perfectly Charleston way.
The French Quarter is where the city feels more nostalgic and romantic.
Here, centuries-old churches share space with art galleries and wonderful courtyards.
Wandering here is one of the best things to do in Charleston; every turn reveals another piece of history.
You’ll eventually find yourself at the City Market, a landmark that’s been part of Charleston life since the 1800s.
Inside its long, open-air halls, you’ll meet local artisans weaving sweetgrass baskets, selling spices, and chatting with visitors as if you were old friends.
If you have time to explore beyond downtown, head toward Sullivan’s Island or Folly Beach, two of Charleston’s most beloved escapes.
Sullivan’s has a relaxed, upscale energy with beautiful homes and calm waters, while Folly brings surfer vibes and casual beach bars, both perfect for lazy afternoons and sunset photos.
Best Experiences in Charleston SC
Charleston is one of those cities where every corner begs to be photographed.
But beyond the beauty, there’s a lot to do.
Whether you’re into history, food, or just good old-fashioned fun, Charleston delivers.
When I arrive in a new city, the first thing I like to do is stretch my legs.
This walking tour of Charleston’s history and architecture seems wonderful.
It’s the best way to peek behind those ornate gates and learn about the city’s layered past.
If walking isn’t your thing, how about a guided bike tour through the Low Country and the shores.
It’s a relaxed way to see more, and you’ll get plenty of photo stops along the way.
If you’re craving a different viewpoint, hop aboard a Charleston Harbor cruise for skyline views, dolphins, and that fresh coastal breeze.
For something less obvious, wander down Chalmers Street, one of the last cobblestone roads in the city, or explore White Point Garden, where you’ll find shady paths and glimpses of Charleston Harbor.
If you’re like things a little spooky, don’t miss the Charleston Haunted Tour, a fun, slightly spooky way to end an evening.
Between adventures, spend time wandering King Street’s boutiques, art galleries, and local cafés.
Cannonborough and Elliotborough have a younger, trendier vibe, while the French Quarter is filled with galleries and wine bars.
Here are some more Charleston Tours if you are a guided tour junkie like me.
Where to Eat And Drink
Charleston’s dining scene is every bit as tempting as its scenery.
You’ll find fine dining next to tiny cafés, all serving up some of the most amazing food.
Start your mornings at Harken Café or The Daily, where avocado toast and iced lattes are practically an art form.
For brunch, Poogan’s Porch is a classic, set in a restored Victorian home, with shrimp and grits you’ll dream about for weeks.
Lunch is best kept casual. Highly recommended is 167 Raw for lobster rolls, Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit for, you guessed it, flaky biscuits with pimento cheese, or Basic Kitchen for something light and plant-based.
Dinner is where Charleston really shines. Splurge on seafood at The Ordinary, or share plates at The Darling Oyster Bar.
If you’re in the mood for a late-night cocktail, The Citrus Club at The Dewberry offers one of the best rooftop views in the city.
And for the girls who love a little nightlife?
Republic Garden & Lounge mixes rooftop drinks with live DJs, while Vintage Lounge brings Parisian elegance to King Street.
Charleston Boutique Hotels – Where To Stay In Charleston
Finding the perfect home base is half the fun. Charleston is full of boutique hotels that feel custom-built for a girls’ getaway.
These are all stylish, walkable, and a little indulgent. These are my Charleston Travel Guide places to stay.
The Ryder Hotel. This trendy downtown spot has a playful, boho vibe, an outdoor pool, and an on-site bar that feels straight out of Palm Springs.
Hotel Emeline is one of my favourites. It’s all about details here, cozy robes, in-room record players, and a courtyard café that’s basically an Instagram backdrop waiting to happen.
The Restoration is perfect for a Charleston girls’ trip; this hotel even has a “Girls Getaway” package that includes rosé, rooftop yoga, and spa access.
The Dewberry Charleston is where mid-century glamour meets modern luxury.
Ideal for those who want a little pampering, think plush robes, marble bathrooms, and a stunning rooftop lounge.
French Quarter Inn is a Southern classic with charm to spare, right by the City Market and Waterfront Park.
All of these hotels are walkable to Charleston’s main attractions, and most have on-site bars or rooftop lounges perfect for late-night catch-ups.
Charleston Travel Guide: Essentials Packing List
Here are my tips on how to pack lightly. using a carry-on when traveling. And WHY it is almost a necessity!
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.
These RFID sleeves are another solution.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday.
It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.
I never leave home on a trip without a non-disposable water bottle.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you as well.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great for a daily go-pack.
These quick-dry slip-on Aqua shoes will be useful when visiting local beaches!
These men’s quick-dry trunks are essential.
For women, this one-strap one-piece bathing suit is amazing.
Consider bringing along quick-dry super-absorbent microfiber towels.
This wet-dry bag with handles is a good option.
These unisex polarized sunglasses come in many lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable, too.
If you like aviator-style sunglasses, these polarized aviators may interest you.
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Sample Charleston Weekend Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive and settle in at your boutique hotel. Take a walking tour, stroll along The Battery, and grab dinner at The Darling Oyster Bar.
Finish with cocktails at The Citrus Club.
Day 2: Brunch at Poogan’s Porch, then explore Rainbow Row and the French Quarter.
Spend the afternoon on a harbor cruise or plantation tour. Dinner at Husk, followed by a ghost tour.
Day 3: Enjoy a relaxed morning shopping along King Street, then brunch at Basic Kitchen before heading home.
If you’re lucky enough to have an extra day, drive out to Folly Beach or Sullivan’s Island for a beach picnic and one last sunset.
Practical Tips for Your Charleston Girls’ Trip
Charleston is safe and friendly, but it’s wise to book tables and tours in advance, especially on weekends.
Bring sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and a backup outfit for evening plans.
Parking can be tricky downtown, so use your hotel’s valet or park once and explore on foot.
Charleston South Carolina is best enjoyed slowly, with time to stop for iced coffee, admire the architecture, and soak in the atmosphere.
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