Discovering the perfect weekend getaways from Charleston SC, can turn a regular weekend into an extraordinary romantic experience. While a weekend in Charleston itself is amazing, with so much to do and see, the nearby cities and towns can transport you someplace you’ve never been while also staying within driving distance.

In this guide, you’ll get a taste of 18 romantic weekend getaways you can embark on from the Lowcountry of Charleston. These weekend trips will take you to places like Savannah, GA’s cobblestone charm, Hilton Head’s beaches, and the lush Blue Ridge Mountains in Asheville, NC.

My husband and I have traveled throughout the Southeast region of the United States and these are some of the best weekend getaways from Charleston, SC, and its surrounding area. No matter where you choose to visit, you can’t go wrong!

Some of the links contained in this post are affiliate links, meaning that at no cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

1. Folly Beach

Folly Beach, affectionately known as “The Edge of America” is a barrier island about 12 miles from downtown Charleston. It’s a great place for waterfront restaurants and casual eateries where you’ll enjoy fresh seafood and Southern favorites.

It will take about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic, which can turn into more like 2 hours if it’s a busy weekend or holiday. We visited on July 4th weekend so it was pretty crowded.

Typical accommodations include cozy beachfront cottages and boutique hotels. Activities at Folly Beach include water sports like surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. You can also rent bicycles to explore the island or visit Folly Beach Pier for fishing or a romantic stroll.

• Vacation Vibe: Laid back, bohemian, beachy.
• Drive time from Charleston, SC: Approximately 20-30 mins without traffic. It could be 2 hours on a busy weekend or holiday.

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2. Isle of Palms

Isle of Palms is a barrier island just a stone’s throw from Charleston, SC. The beautiful beaches, premier golf courses, laid-back atmosphere, and proximity to Charleston, make it a great quick getaway. It’s about 18 miles from downtown Charleston, 30 minutes by car.

In Isle of Palms you can go kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing or play a round of golf at one of the island’s scenic courses; or explore the area by bike.

During our visit, we drove out to the Wild Dunes to spend the afternoon playing golf. The views from the golf course were amazing. One minute you’re surrounded by trees and the next you’re in the marina with sailboats in the background.

• Vacation Vibe: Upscale, relaxing, coastal.
• Drive time from Charleston, SC: Approximately 30 minutes by car.

3. Edisto Island

Edisto Island is a hidden gem along the South Carolina coast and offers a tranquil and secluded escape with unspoiled beaches. It is located about 50 miles from Charleston, SC, about 30 minutes by car.

Edisto Island’s beaches are known for their natural, untouched beauty so if you’re looking for a serene beachfront getaway, you will not be disappointed. It’s the type of vacation where you embark on scenic bike trails or curl up with a good book on the beach.

During your visit, make sure you visit Edisto Beach State Park for fishing at the pier, hiking or biking the trails, shelling on the beach, or watching a sunrise.

• Vacation Vibe: Secluded, natural, peaceful.
• Drive time from Charleston, SC: Approximately 30 minutes by car.

4. Kiawah Island

Situated along the South Carolina coast, Kiawah Island is a serene and luxurious retreat, perfect for a romantic day trip. It’s about a 45-minute scenic drive from downtown Charleston.

My husband and I enjoyed a stay at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort which is luxury at its finest. Everything from the views, the restaurants, the rooms were all 5-star. It is no wonder the resort is the only 5-star and 5-diamond rated in South Carolina.

We also traveled around the island checking out the beautiful homes. The landscapes didn’t seem real, they were truly picturesque!

Kiawah Island has ten miles of pristine beaches, a great spot to watch the sunset. In January, it was a bit chilly, but the weather was amazing. The island’s natural beauty with its marshes and maritime forests, provides a beautiful backdrop for a romantic getaway.

• Vacation Vibe: Tranquil, laid back, luxurious.
• Drive time from Charleston, SC: Approximately 45 minutes.

5. Beaufort, South Carolina

Beaufort, South Carolina, approximately 70 miles or about an hour and a half away from Charleston is a quaint, historic town on Port Royal Island.

There’s a lot of history in Beaufort as it’s the second oldest town in South Carolina. Explore the historic district, where you’ll find charming boutiques and art galleries. You can also go on a self-guided tour, take a carriage ride, or attend one of the local festivals in town.

Popular activities include strolling along the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, watching the boats glide by, or embarking on a scenic kayak tour.

• Vacation Vibe: Historic, serene, coastal
• Drive time from Charleston, SC: Approximately 1 1/2 hours by car.

6. Hunting Island State Park

Hunting Island State Park, is a secluded paradise located off the coast of South Carolina, and the most popular park in the state. It’s known for its beaches, historic lighthouse, and as a natural sanctuary.

The park is approximately 85 miles southwest of Charleston, SC, making Hunting Island easily accessible for a day trip or weekend getaway. There are five miles of unspoiled beaches and a large network of trails through the maritime forests. It’s also a popular sport for camping, kayaking in the lagoon or creeks, and fishing.

• Vacation Vibe: Untouched, peaceful, scenic.
• Drive time from Charleston, SC: Approximately 1 1/2 hours by car.

7. Bluffton, South Carolina

Bluffton, South Carolina is about 95 miles from Charleston and approximately 2 hours by car. It offers a blend of relaxation and Old Town charm with quaint shops and art galleries.

Positioned on the banks of the May River you’ll enjoy kayaking through the marshes, or on a guided boat tour. For a taste of history visit the Bluffton Oyster Company, one of the last remaining oyster shucking facilities in the state. Learn about the local oyster harvesting process and try some fresh seafood.

• Vacation Vibe: Quaint, charming, relaxed.
• Drive time from Charleston, SC: Approximately 2 hours by car.

8. Pawleys Island, South Carolina

Pawleys Island is a small, serene barrier island about 70 miles northeast of Charleston, SC. It’s a tranquil coastal setting with unspoiled beaches, historic landmarks, and the legendary “arrogantly shabby” lifestyle.

Pawleys Island has many accommodation options from cozy beach cottages and historic inns to luxurious vacation rentals with ocean or creek views. The nearby Brookgreen Gardens, a combination of art, history, and zoo in a garden setting, is a must-visit.

• Vacation Vibe: Peaceful, quaint, coastal
• Drive time from Charleston, SC: Approximately 2 hours by car.

9. Columbia, South Carolina

Columbia, the capital city of South Carolina, is approximately 115 miles northwest of Charleston, about 2 hours by car. The city’s history is both deep and wide, with sites like the South Carolina State House and the historic homes in the Robert Mills Historic District.

Visit the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden for both exotic animals and themed gardens. Throughout the year, Columbia hosts many festivals and events such as food festivals, craft beer events, and outdoor concerts.

• Vacation Vibe: Historic, lively, urban.
• Drive time from Charleston, SC: Approximately 2 hours by car.

10. Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, Georgia, stands out as a romantic getaway steeped in history and southern charm. It is located roughly 108 miles from Charleston, SC, about 2 hours by car. This historic city is known for its architecture, picturesque squares, and moss-draped oaks, I mean what could be more romantic?

We love spending time in Savannah and one of the things that makes it unique is their open container policy. You can walk around with open containers of alcohol (16 oz plastic cups). One of our favorite things to do in Savannah is a haunted pub crawl, so if your idea of romance is something spooky, you’re in the right place.

There’s also the Savannah River, along the border of Georgia and South Carolina. It’s the perfect place to watch the riverboat cruises, buy candy from Savannah’s Candy Kitchen, or grab a bit to eat from a riverside cafe. Savannah, Georgia is one of our favorite romantic getaways!

• Vacation Vibe: Historic, charming, romantic.
• Drive time from Charleston, SC: Approximately 2 hours by car.

11. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hilton Head Island, a crown jewel of the South Carolina coast is located approximately 95 miles from Charleston, SC, and 2 hours by car. The island is 12 miles wide and home to world-class resorts and fine dining. You can experience laid-back activities like bike trails, golf courses, and kayaking. You can also browse the boutique shops and art galleries.

Beyond the beaches, you may want to take some time to explore the Gullah Heritage Trail. During a tour, you’ll gain insight into the Gullah Geechee culture, unique to the Sea Islands, and learn about the traditions, language, and history of the descendants of enslaved Africans who have preserved their heritage over centuries.

• Vacation Vibe: Relaxed, scenic, charming.
• Drive time from Charleston, SC: Approximately 2 hours by car.

12. Congaree National Park

Congaree National Park is approximately 115 miles northwest of Charleston, SC, about 2 hours by car. The park showcases some of the tallest trees and the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the Southeastern United States.

The Congaree River and its adjacent creeks give way to canoeing or kayaking. It’s a great activity to spot wildlife such as river otters, turtles, and many types of birds. You can take this opportunity to pack a lunch and head to the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, which offers picnic tables and grassy areas under the shade of trees. The perfect place for a romantic picnic!

• Vacation Vibe: Wild, majestic, tranquil.
• Drive time from Charleston, SC: Approximately 2 hours by car.

13. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach is located approximately 95 miles northeast of Charleston, SC, about 2 hours by car.

Myrtle Beach is known for having many entertainment options like live music, theater performances, and comedy clubs. If you’re looking for something fun and romantic take a ride on the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel.

You can also enjoy water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, and scuba diving, or explore the nearby state parks and wildlife reserves.

• Vacation Vibe: Fun, beachy, vibrant.
• Drive time from Charleston, SC: Approximately 2 hours by car.

14. Camden, South Carolina

Camden, South Carolina blends equestrian culture, and Southern charm, located approximately 115 miles northwest of Charleston, about 2 hours by car. As the oldest inland town in South Carolina, it boasts a rich colonial history.

In Camden, you can explore historic sites, antebellum homes, and museums, like the Camden Revolutionary War Site. It’s also known for its deep equestrian roots and hosts several prestigious horse racing events throughout the year, including the Carolina Cup and the Colonial Cup.

• Vacation Vibe: Elegant, historic, tranquil.
• Drive time from Charleston, SC: Approximately 2 hours by car.

15. Aiken, South Carolina

Nestled in the heart of South Carolina’s Thoroughbred Country, Aiken is a quaint town located approximately 140 miles west of Charleston, about 2.5 hours by car. Aiken’s downtown area is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants set among historic buildings.

The city is renowned for its rich equestrian heritage. You can attend a polo match, horse race, or other equestrian event, depending on the season. You and your partner may even want to take a horseback riding lesson at one of the many stables.

For romantic walks, there’s always the Hopelands Gardens or Hitchcock Woods, one of the largest urban forests in the United States.

• Vacation Vibe: Equestrian, historic, charming.
• Drive time from Charleston, SC: Approximately 2 1/2 hours by car.

16. Greenville, South Carolina

Greenville, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains is located approximately 212 miles northwest of Charleston, about 3.5 to 4 hours by car. This city has emerged as a cultural and culinary hotspot, with its scenic downtown, parks, and arts scene.

Make sure you visit Falls Park on the Reedy with its cascading waterfalls and the iconic Liberty Bridge, which is a centerpiece of downtown Greenville. It’s the perfect place for a romantic walk through the gardens or a picnic by the river.

• Vacation Vibe: Chic, cultural, Scenic.
• Drive time from Charleston, SC: Approximately 4 hours by car.

17. Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville, NC in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is an artistic city with historic architecture, and panoramic mountain views. It is approximately 267 miles from Charleston, around 4 to 5 hours by car. We’ve done the drive from South Florida which took a whopping 12 hours and it’s not as scenic of a drive as it is from Charleston.

Asheville’s location in the Blue Ridge Mountains gives you many opportunities to explore hiking trails and scenic drives. Our favorite was when we visited the historic Biltmore Estate during their Christmas festivities. There’s nothing more romantic than a cozy mountain town.

• Vacation Vibe: Eclectic, artsy, hilly.
• Drive time from Charleston, SC: Approximately 4-5 hours by car.

18. St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine is known as the nation’s oldest city and is located approximately 250 miles south of Charleston, SC, about 4 hours by car. It’s a nice mix of historic cobblestone streets, ancient buildings, and beautiful beaches.

St. Augustine is one of the most romantic cities and one of our favorites in Florida. As native South Floridians, we love the diversity of landscapes when visiting Northeast Florida. The historic, coastal charm of the city comes out when you visit places like the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the United States.

Of course, the beaches in Florida do not disappoint, Anastasia State Park has beautiful beaches that are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying a romantic sunset walk.

• Vacation Vibe: Historic, romantic, enchanting.
• Drive time from Charleston, SC: Approximately 4 hours by car.

Ready for Weekend Getaways from Charleston SC?

When planning your weekend trip from Charleston, South Carolina, it can be hard to choose which is right for your romantic getaway. That’s why we’ve put together this list of 18 romantic trips, each giving you an array of possibilities from peace and tranquility to active and adventurous.

What’s great about this list is that you can choose to stay closer to home or drive a little further out while still staying within 5 hours of Charleston. There’s no reason to hop on a plane when you can get in your car and go from a coastal beach setting to quaint historic charm.

So what are you waiting for? The perfect weekend adventure is calling!

Looking for more romantic getaways?

• Romantic Getaways in Florida
• Romantic Things to Do in Disney World
• Romantic Glamping in Florida

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If you’ve read about Charleston, SC before, you probably know that it’s known for its charming and beautiful scenery. This coastal city is also a magnet for visitors from all over the world who are eager to explore its rich culture and delicious cuisine. Whether you’re looking for something outdoorsy or prefer a city-centric experience, 4 days in Charleston SC will offer you the opportunity to do just that.

If you’re looking to explore the South and visit a few of its most beautiful cities, then Charleston, SC is the perfect location. As someone who has visited Charleston, SC on a few separate trips I have learned a lot about the city and know many hidden spots that locals love!

Moreover, Charleston provides an excellent opportunity to immerse in the local culture. The city is one of the best places to experience Southern hospitality and learn about historic plantations, plantation life, and other local themes that give this place such a special charm.

If you’re planning a trip to this enchanting city and want to spend your time here doing as little or as much as possible then you need this 4 days in Charleston SC itinerary!

Some of the links contained in this post are affiliate links, meaning that at no cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

How to spend 4 days in Charleston SC

Day 1

• Explore King Street and Historic sites like Charleston City Market, Rainbow Row, The Battery or Waterfront Park
• Breakfast, Lunch or Brunch – Callie’s, Miller’s All Day, Brown Dog Deli or Bodega
• Book a tour of your choice or visit a museum or The Aquarium
• Book a Day or Sunset Cruise
• Check out the rooftops at The Vendue or The Dewberry
• Have a drink at Camellia’s Champagne Lounge at The Hotel Bennett
• Dinner at Husk, Fig or Amen Street in downtown

Day 2

• Take a drive out to Wadmalaw Island to visit Deepwater Vineyard and The Charleston Tea Plantation. Stop by Angel Oak on the way and stop at Low Tide Brewery on the way back.
• Or
• Take a drive out to Folly Beach for the day and have breakfast or lunch at Lost Dog
• If you want to visit a Plantation on this day, I’d recommend heading to Magnolia Plantation or Boone Hall which are not far from downtown. There also are plenty of great places to eat in West Ashley and Mount Pleasant. If you’re in West Ashley check out Bear-E Patch for breakfast or Home Team BBQ for lunch or dinner. If you’re in Mount Pleasant check out Tavern & Table or any of the restaurants at Shem Creek.

Day 3

• Day trip to Kiawah Island
• Breakfast or Lunch at Jasmine Porch
• Golf at one of the many courses
• The Ryder Cup Bar and The Ocean Course Club house for lunch
• Beaches and Cream for ice cream and desserts
• Tomasso or Cherrywood BBQ for dinner

Day 4

Since this is your last day, I’d recommend reserving it for anything that you did not get to do the other 3 days. For example, if you didn’t get a chance to see all the sites downtown like The Battery or Rainbow row.

What is Charleston best known for?

Charleston is best known for delicious food, great beer and southern charm, no contest! Some of the best restaurants in the world call Charleston home. Charleston is a uniquely beautiful place, with a special charm that is impossible to replicate anywhere else in the country.

Delicious Food: The food in Charleston is phenomenal! There are so many spots for some of the best food that the south has to offer. From seafood to Southern comfort food, there is something for everyone!

Great Beer: There are so many breweries in Charleston that we can’t visit them all! My favorites are Commonhouse Aleworks, Edmunds Oast Brewing Co., Munkle Brewing Co. and Low Tide Brewing! But honestly, there’s so many all around the Charleston area that you really can’t go wrong.

Southern Charm: That southern charm that southern people are so well known for is truly a thing in Charleston! The people of this city are ridiculously friendly and welcoming. It doesn’t matter if you are from out of state or if you have been living there your entire life, they will make you feel at home.

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Is Charleston SC expensive to visit?

It’s all relative but, if you’re staying in downtown Charleston or visiting during a busy time of the year – Charleston can get expensive. But it doesn’t have to be!

Here are some ways to make Charleston SC less expensive:

• Don’t stay in downtown Charleston
• Use Points and Miles for your hotel or accommodations
• Eat where the locals eat
• Find the free activities

Don’t stay in downtown Charleston

There are times of the year where you can get an inexpensive place to stay downtown, but the hotels on King Street are very expensive. Try looking at hotels in the surrounding areas like Mount Pleasant, West Ashley or closer to the airport.

Charleston is a small city, so these areas will be a short drive from the city center. Also, these areas will be closer to some iconic Plantations and other areas of interest.

Use Points and Miles for your hotel or accommodations

I will always mention this tip! If you have your heart set on staying in downtown Charleston, you can off set the cost by redeeming points and miles that you get from using credit cards, loyalty programs, shopping portals etc. I have some posts on this!

• How to Plan a weekend trip on a budget: The easy way!
• Easy tips to save on holiday travel.
• Simple ways to save money for your next vacation.

Eat where the locals eat

Any restaurants in touristy areas are going to be expensive and they are not always the best just because everyone goes there. It’s the restaurants off the beaten path, the “hole in the walls” that you really want!

Find the free activities

There’s honestly so many free things to do in Charleston! Read on for a list!

How many days do I need in Charleston?

4 days in Charleston SC is the perfect amount of time to soak in all the history and experience what the city has to offer. Charleston is a charming city. Whether you are looking to explore the history, culture, or art of the city, or you just want to relax and enjoy the beautiful weather, Charleston is a perfect fit for you!

What is the best month to visit Charleston SC?

The fall months, October through November are probably the best months to spend 4 days in Charleston SC. It will be less crowded in the fall, but the Spring is also a great time to visit. However, I have visited in January and in July and those were amazing as well.

January was a little chilly, but the city was not crowded so we loved it! We stayed on Kiawah Island on the beach and it was magical! I don’t love laying out on the beach when it’s hot, but taking walks on the beach when it’s a little chilly is my favorite!

Although it can get chilly during the fall and winter months (even early spring), when the sun is out it doesn’t matter.

We visited during July 4th one year and had the best time. Charleston had so many great activities and a restaurant on the water at Shem Creek even had their own fireworks. We had a table at Saltwater Cowboys and had a blast!

Basically, you can’t go wrong when visiting Charleston any month out of the year!

Getting to Charleston

The most efficient way to get to Charleston is by plane. We live in South Florida and have both driven and flown to Charleston. Flying is hands down the way to go! Getting to and around Charleston is quite easy. The city is located on the South Carolina coast, near the border with North Carolina.

However, if you do need to drive it’s pretty easy to get to Charleston by car. Charleston SC is centrally located between Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head. It has access to several highways and is a relatively short drive from cities in North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia and Kentucky.

Fly Breeze Airways non-stop to Charleston

We got lucky because Breeze Airways started offering non-stop flights from PBI to CHS. They were the only airline offering a non-stop flight and it was super affordable! This was our first time flying Breeze Airways and it was great. Breeze Airways was founded by David Neeleman who also cofounded Jetblue, so we knew that it would be a breeze (see what I did there)!

Breeze Airways has several non stop flights going in and out of CHS to many cities throughout the country. So, if you haven’t checked out Breeze Airways yet this is your cue!

The easiest way to find flights is to use Google’s free flight tool – Google Flights. You can set flight alerts and book a deal when you see one! Most airlines let you cancel within 24 hours no questions asked and if it’s after 24 hours then you can usually cancel or change your flight without penalty (just pay the difference for the new flight).

Before you book your flight, check out some of my other posts:

• 5 Big mistakes to avoid when booking flights – You’d be surprised how many people make these mistakes that can save them a lot of headache and time. Time is money!
• 5 Best tips for packing a carry on – If you don’t want to pack for a checked bag, this will help you learn how to pack a carry-on like a pro!

Things to Do in Charleston SC

One of the best things about a long weekend in Charleston, SC is that you can experience the city’s rich history and amazing architecture. The city has a long, impressive history, so you’ll want to make sure to visit some of Charleston’s historic sites as well.

The Battery and the Old City Cemetery are both on the National Register of Historic Places, so you can find out more about their history and see why they’re important. You’ll also want to check out the Citadel (Military Academy) and the College of Charleston.

You can also check out some of the city’s many festivals and events, like the Charleston Wine and Food Festival (usually in early March). There’s so much to do and see!

Historic sites:

• The Battery
• Old City Cemetery
• Rainbow Row
• Charles Towne Landing
• Caw Caw Interpretive Center
• The Morris Island Lighthouse
• Angel Oak Tree
• Fort Sumter

Museums and Aquarium:

• South Carolina Aquarium
• The Charleston Museum
• Charleston Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry
• International African American museum – opens January 2023
• The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
• The Old Slave Mart Museum
• The Gibbes Museum of Art
• Mace Brown Museum of Natural History
• Aiken Rhett House & Nathaniel Russell House tours
• Edmunston-Allston house

Plantations, Gardens and Parks:

• Cypress Gardens
• Charleston Waterfront Park (also known as Riley Waterfront Park)
• Folly Beach
• Charleston Tea Garden
• Magnolia Plantation – Charleston’s most visited plantation and the inspiration for books, tv shows and movies.
• Boone Hall – scenes from the movie The Notebook were shot here.
• Middleton Place

Entertainment:

• The Riviera Theatre at The Charleston Place
• Charleston Music Hall – intimate venue that locals enjoy
• Charleston Gaillard Center
• Charleston Pour House

Shopping and Markets:

• Charleston City Market
• Charleston Farmers Markets
• The Historic Charleston Foundation – local artists and vendors, the proceeds go towards preserving the city of Charleston
• Second Sunday on King Street

What are things to do in Charleston, South Carolina, that are free?

4 days in Charleston SC does not need to be expensive. There are so many things to do and see that are completely free. Check out this post from Explore Charleston about free things to do in Charleston and see the list below!

Free and Fun things to do in Charleston SC:

• Charleston City Market
• Angel Oak Tree
• Charleston/Riley Waterfront Park
• The Battery
• Rainbow Row
• Fort Sumter – no entrance fee, but you do have to pay for the ferry to the island.
• Folly Beach
• Shem Creek Park
• West Ashley Greenway
• Charleston Tea Plantation
• Charleston Farmers Markets
• Stroll down King Street and Historic District
• Marion Square Park
• Mace Brown Museum of Natural History

Charleston Tours

You can visit all of the above sites on your own or if you more prefer a guided tour experience then definitely check out Charleston Tours on Viator.

Here are some of our favorites:

• Charleston Harbor Boat Tours
• Charleston Sunset Harbor Tour
• Charleston City Bus Tour

There’s also walking tours, food tours, ghost tours, you name it! We really like using Viator because it’s so easy to book. Most tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before for a full refund! This way if your plans change you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Get cashback when you book through Viator!

Don’t forget to stack on cashback offers when you book through Viator. I like to use my Citi Premier card (after activating the offer). And if you like shopping portals, you can stack that onto your purchase.

Shopping portals like Rakuten even let you connect a rewards program like American Express so you can earn rewards points. You can even use points to book these tours via a credit card portal like Citi Thank you Points or Ultimate Rewards.

If you’re new to shopping portals, check out this guide to maximizing shopping portals from The Points Guy. I always check Cashback Monitor so I can see which shopping portal is offering the best cashback!

Visit the Breweries, Distilleries and Vineyards

If you enjoy a good adult beverage then Charleston SC is the place for you! There are so many really great spots in downtown Charleston and the surrounding areas. Chances are that wherever you stay, you’ll have a brewery or distillery near you!

Brewery District Downtown Charleston SC

If you love beer, you need to spend the day down at the Brewery District near downtown Charleston. Every Saturday, there is a hop on/hop off trolley shuttle that will take you to all 10 of the breweries in the district. The trolley runs from 1pm-9pm every Saturday and anyone can ride it.

1. Tradesman Brewing Company
2. Edmund’s Oast Brewing Company
3. BrewLab
4. Cooper River Brewing Company
5. Palmetto Brewing Company
6. Baker & Brewer
7. Revelry Brewing Company
8. Fatty’s Beer Works
9. Lo-Fi Brewing Co.
10. Munkle Brewing Co.

Our favorites in the district are Edmund’s Oast, Revelry, Fatty’s and Munkle. My husband really enjoyed the vibes at Munkle and Fatty’s. Fatty’s serves Delta-8 infused beer and also has a vending machine with Delta-8 gummies.

Firefly Distillery

Firefly Distillery has some of best spirits that we have ever enjoyed. I’d recommend signing up for a tasting, you get a shot glass and taste 12 spirits! Well, it’s actually 6, but if you have 2 people you can share. They have 2 spirits each round that you can choose from.

I love how some options can be mixed together like the lemonade (made with fresh lemons!) and the sweet tea to make an Arnold Palmer. Some of the spirits taste exactly like dessert, my favorite is the Pecan Pie. It comes in a whiskey or vodka. It’s honestly so delicious!

The distillery is a great place to spend the day as well. They serve cocktails that you can enjoy outside under the pavilion. There’s also monthly events including live music and food trucks. It’s really a fun and family friendly place to be.

Other Favorite Breweries and Distilleries

• Holy City Brewing
• Low Tide Brewing
• Estuary Beans and Barley shares a parking lot with Charleston Distilling Co.
• Commonhouse Aleworks
• Ship’s Wheel – Hard Cider

Commonhouse Aleworks and Ship’s Wheel are located on Park Circle which is a great place for shopping, restaurants and bars!

Deep Water Vineyard

Deep Water Vineyard is a little further out on Wadmalaw Island, but it’s also a great way to spend an afternoon. They grow muscadine grapes which if you’ve never had muscadine wine can be very different, but they have partnerships with other vineyards and serve other varietals as well. They also serve Mead from their brand Bears Bluff Meadery.

We loved the vibe at Deep Water, they host events and 4 main festivals every year. You should definitely check them out and visit their website!

Places to Eat in Charleston

Charleston’s food scene is really amazing so this is list is pretty long, I’m sure you will find something to suit your palate.

Downtown Restaurants

Fine Dining – you need reservations

• Fig
• Husk
• 82 Queen

Non Fine Dining

• Daps Breakfast Imbibe
• Baquette Magic – multiple locations
• Brown Dog Deli
• Ladles Soups – multiple locations
• Bodega – sandwiches and coffee
• Miller’s All Day – Brunch, get the banana bread!
• Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit – get there early because of long lines
• Fast & French
• Lewis BBQ
• Rodney Scott’s BBQ
• Moe’s Crosstown Tavern – Burgers!
• Blind Tiger
• Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar – Oysters!

Dessert Cafe’s

• Carmella’s Cafe and Dessert Bar – great drinks!
• Kaminsky’s
• Off Track Ice Cream

Wine Bars

• Bin 152 – you can try wines by the glass that you would normally only be able to get by the bottle at most other places.

Recommended Charleston Restaurants further from Downtown

• Bagel Nation – multiple locations
• Early Bird Diner
• Xiao Bao Biscuit
• Home Team BBQ – multiple locations
• Nico – Oysters!
• Saltwater Cowboys – great place on the water
• Tavern & Table
• Lost Dog Cafe – Folly Beach
• Bear-E Patch Cafe – hole in the wall with amazing breakfast!
• Bowen’s island
• The Tattooed Moose – multiple locations, definitely a hole in the wall. You come here for the duck fat fries!

Where is a good place to stay in Charleston SC?

You can stay in downtown which can be expensive, but there are a few hotels that I would recommend staying at or at least visiting! I like Hilton hotels, but Marriott has a lot of great hotels in the area as well.

If you don’t stay downtown, you can stay in the surrounding areas like West Ashley or Mount Pleasant or closer to Charleston International airport. The surrounding areas are 15-20 mins from downtown Charleston.

Recommended Downtown Hotels

• The Mills House Hotel is currently part of the Curio Hotel Collection which can be booked with Hilton Honors points!
• Hampton Inn Charleston-Historic district is super cute and also part of the Hilton family! It’s located in the Historic district so it’s a good location for some of the historic sites.
• Hilton Club Liberty Place Charleston is a beautiful Hilton Hotel near the Aquarium and King Street.

Recommended Downtown Hotels to visit

• The Vendue is a gorgeous art inspired hotel with an awesome rooftop bar!
• Hotel Bennett is home to Camellias Champagne lounge which is absolutely gorgeous! It’s also next door to Marion Square where the statue of John C. Calhoun was removed in 2020. The square is located near several landmarks and a great place for a picnic!
• The Dewberry has a great vibe, I’d recommend stopping by for a drink in The Living Room or going up to the rooftop and grabbing a drink at The Citrus Club!
• The Charleston is rich with Charleston history! Have a drink at The Thoroughbred Club and/or have dinner at The Charleston Grill (fine dining). If you’re looking for some upscale shopping, check out The Shops at Charleston Place.

Day Trips from Charleston

One of the best things about a 4-day weekend in Charleston, SC and a long weekend itinerary is that you can spend a day or two and discover the surrounding areas. There are plenty of nearby places to visit, and with the Lowcountry being so close, it’s easy to get out of the city and into natural beauty.

Kiawah Island SC

Kiawah Island is only about 45-60 mins from downtown Charleston, but it’s a day trip affair. The Kiawah Island Golf Resort is definitely worth a visit. There are great restaurants, golf courses, a spa and just an all around beautiful place. The Spa at The Sanctuary is the only 5 Star, 5 Diamond Spa in the state of South Carolina.

The resort has 5 golf courses, one of which is the world renowned Ocean Course. The Ocean course was the home of the 2021 PGA Championship and the back drop for the movie The Legend of Bagger Vance.

The Ocean Course Club house is a great spot to sit for lunch, have a drink and just watch the golfers at the 18th hole with the ocean behind them. They partner with Low Tide brewing to serve their house special “The Ocean Course Ale”. It’s super tasty!

Isle of Palms SC

On our most recent trip to Charleston, we could not get a tee time at Kiawah Island resort, so we drove out about 45-60 mins to Isle of Palms SC to golf at Wild Dunes Charleston’s Island Resort. The course had beautiful scenery and honestly may even be our first choice on our next trip!

Wild Dunes Charleston’s Island Resort is owned by Hyatt Hotels and has 4 different options for accommodations – Sweet Grass Inn, Boardwalk Inn, Residences at Sweet Grass and Wild Dunes Vacation rentals.

Montage Palmetto Bluff SC

The Montage Palmetto Bluff Resort is a gorgeous resort offering golf, dining and experiences like bike riding or a shooting club. It’s definitely worth the drive for the scenery alone. The Montage Palmetto Bluff Resort is about 2 hours from Charleston SC.

Ready for your trip to Charleston SC?

The bottom line of your 4 days in Charleston SC is to slow down and enjoy your time with friends and family. Charleston is a great place to do this, as it’s a small city that’s full of culture and history!

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