Your Guide to an Unforgettable Girls' Trip to Charleston

Welcome to Charleston, South Carolina – the charming Southern city tailor-made for an unforgettable girls' trip! You and your besties will find picturesque streets, rich history, fabulous dining, and endless photo opportunities when you explore Charleston together.

Ready to plan an indulgent girls' trip to Charleston with a few of your closest friends? Discover delicious cuisine, explore historic sites, or simply relax and spend time together. Feel free to make this itinerary your own to maximize your weekend getaway in the Holy City!

Where to Stay on Your Charleston Girls' Trip

First, you and your girls will need a place to stay that sets the tone for your trip. Make the most of your exploration time by staying in the heart of the city, or opt for a serene retreat to relax together after a day filled with adventures. Indulge in a spa treatment at an up-scale hotel, or gather in the living room of a cozy vacation rental.

Whatever your choice, you'll discover the ideal home away from home during your visit. Here are some top recommendations to start your trip out just right.

• Hotel Bennett blends Southern hospitality and modern elegance. Plan your stay here to experience luxury accommodations with easy access to shopping and dining. Spend some time at the champagne bar or unwind with a spa treatment after a day of exploring the nearby sights with the girls. End your night by taking in a view of the city from the rooftop lounge.
• Vacation Rentals like Airbnb and VRBO are the right mix of convenience and comfort for your girl's trip. Think cozy Southern vibes, elegant decor, and a private place just a short stroll from the best spots in the city. Single homes might also be your most affordable option when you and your friends split the bill!
• Emeline is a Charleston hotel full of vintage Southern charm with a modern twist. Its central location and stylish decor make it a fantastic choice for fashion-forward groups of friends. The historic downtown Charleston location is conveniently close to shopping, dining, and sightseeing.
• Moxy Charleston will set the tone for a girl's trip filled with laughter, local brews, and good vibes! Here, you’ll find daily themed events, rooftop terrace views, and comfy rooms. The downtown location is in the Upper Peninsula near the scenic Ravenel Bridge, so you’ll have plenty of chances for group photos and downtown adventures.
• The Dewberry Charleston is a hotel and local landmark bordering Marion Square, full of timeless beauty and luxurious amenities. Grab drinks with the girls on the highest rooftop bar in Charleston, or ride around the city on the bikes available for guests! You and your gals can even book a botanical spa treatment that uses the antioxidant-rich dewberry plant (how appropriate!).

Itinerary for Your Girls' Trip to Charleston

Now that you've settled on a place to stay, it’s time to fill your Charleston girls' weekend with a combination of dining, touring, shopping, and relaxing! This itinerary will give you ideas for several must-see attractions while leaving plenty of time for spontaneous adventures.

Day 1: Arrive & Enjoy

Check-In and Get Settled

As you arrive in Charleston, excitement is in the air! After checking in and freshening up, it's time to kick off your girls' trip in style.

Happy Hour Drinks

Start your evening with happy hour drinks to toast the beginning of your adventure. If your hotel has a bar, like the rooftop Fiat Lux at Hotel Bennett or the Citrus Club at The Dewberry, you already have an easy, no-transportation-needed option! Otherwise, head to The Gin Joint for craft cocktails made with one of Charleston’s largest spirit selections. If you and your friends prefer wine, The Graft offers an impressive selection in a relaxed setting.

Go Out for Dinner

When you’re ready for dinner, you’ll have several delightful options to choose from. At Fleet Landing, you’ll enjoy waterfront dining with fresh seafood and stunning views. If you and your girls are foodies, you’ll want to snag a table at the ever-popular 167 Raw, known for its outstanding oyster bar and seafood dishes. Or enjoy seasonal, locally sourced cuisine (with Instagram-worthy presentation) at FIG!

Enjoy the Nightlife or Make It An Early Night

After dinner, if you're feeling fancy, check out the nightlife at Republic Garden & Lounge for dancing and drinks. Just make sure to check the dress code that requires everyone to "dress to impress." If you’d rather chill out and relax, ditch the heels and opt for craft cocktails and city views at The Rooftop, which has been awarded the “Best Rooftop Bar” in Charleston. Of course, there's no shame in heading back for a girls' night in – sometimes the best memories are made in your PJs!

Day 2: Explore Charleston

Fuel Up for your Big Day 

Rise and shine for your first morning in this incredible city! Today is all about immersing yourselves in Charleston's old-world charm and history. Fuel up for your day of exploration with a delicious breakfast at Callie's Hot Little Biscuit, which serves exactly what you’d think it does – hot, comforting biscuits and breakfast sandwiches. Miller's All Day is a retro diner with modern twists on classic breakfast items (also be sure to look for their food truck at lunchtime!)

Take a Carriage Tour through Charleston's History

After breakfast, it's time to get your bearings with a Historic Charleston Carriage Tour from Old South Carriage Company. You’ll learn about the city's fascinating history from friendly guides, and collect ideas for spots to revisit later on in the weekend. Your equine host—a beautiful Belgian and Percheron horse will lead your comfortable, authentic carriage, while your knowledgeable tour guide will share entertaining information throughout the tour. Tours sell out fast; book your Historic Carriage Tour right here.

Sightseeing and Photo Ops

After saying goodbye to your tour guide, it's time to spend the afternoon exploring more of the rich history and picturesque sights of Charleston with your besties. Stroll down to the colorful Rainbow Row to find the perfect group photo op. Then, head to Waterfront Park to see the iconic Pineapple Fountain – a symbol of Southern hospitality. For a pleasant afternoon stroll before dinner, walk along The Battery, to admire the lovely old-world antebellum mansions that meet the harbor.

Set Sail for a Dinner Cruise

As the day winds down, treat yourselves to a sunset dinner cruise in Charleston Harbor! There's nothing quite like seeing the city from the water while enjoying a delicious meal and live music with your best friends. Book a Charleston Harbor Cruise for an unforgettable evening on the water.

Day 3: Indulge and Unwind

Go to Brunch

Sleep in and start the final day of your girls' trip to Charleston with a leisurely brunch. Head to Poogan's Porch to spend the morning dining in a beautifully restored Victorian house. At Church & Union, you’ll find modern-American cuisine in a gorgeous converted church building. For a classic Charleston experience, check out Magnolias, which has been a staple in the city’s restaurant scene for over 30 years.

Enjoy the Shops

Your Charleston girls' trip wouldn’t be complete without shopping for a souvenir or two! The King Street shopping district has everything from high-end boutiques to quirky local shops. You’re sure to find your next favorite outfit or a unique trinket to remind you of your trip.

Visit a Museum

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Charleston's rich culture by visiting one of its many museums or historic homes. There are so many options to choose from, your gals may want to split into smaller groups to visit their museum of choice. One option is America's first museum (founded in 1773), The Charleston Museum, which will inspire curiosity and conversation about South Carolina’s Lowcountry. Art lovers will love the Gibbes Museum of Art, while history buffs might prefer the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon. For a deeper understanding of African American history, visit the International African American Museum. If you’d like to see more of Charleston's historic architecture, tour the Aiken-Rhett House, one of the best-preserved antebellum townhouses in the country, or make a stop at the Nathaniel Russel House, a national historic landmark.

Saying Goodbye

As your Charleston girls' trip winds down, we hope you take a moment to reflect on the memories you've made and the time you’ve shared with your gal pals! This wonderful city has a way of capturing hearts, and we're sure you'll be planning your return visit before you even leave! Here's to friendship, adventure, and the magic of the old south! For more ideas and tips on things to do in Charleston for any kind of group, visit our blog.