These are the best weekend getaways from Charleston, SC including driving distance and exactly where you should book a room for the weekend!
Charleston, South Carolina is one the top travel destinations in the United States. But, what about for those of us that live in Charleston? Every now and then, it is nice to leave the busy city and explore somewhere new for the weekend.
In this guide, I am sharing my top 15 best weekend getaways from Charleston, SC. As a lifelong native of the area and luxury travel blogger, I’ve been almost everywhere within a short drive (or flight) from Charleston so I have you covered with plenty of inspiration!
Read on for the best weekend trips from Charleston, SC! I’ll start with those closest in a short driving distance, then share several that are easy to reach in under a two hour direct flight! You may not realize that there are plenty of short, nonstop flights from CHS.
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1. Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, SC
🚘 Driving Distance from Charleston – 2 hours
Palmetto Bluff is a sprawling resort located south of Charleston in Bluffton, SC. Book a suite at Montage Palmetto Bluff for a relaxing getaway or family vacation. Enjoy luxury amenities like the spa, take a swim at the pool and bike around the scenic property.
You should also head into the main downtown of Bluffton, SC right along the May River. It is a tiny, but super cute town with shopping and dining. Be sure to book a table at FARM for their Southern fare and craft cocktails – it is so good!
2. Saint Augustine, Florida
🚘 Driving distance from Charleston – 4.5 hours
Saint Augustine is located just past Jacksonville along Florida’s Northeast Coast. It is the oldest city in America founded in 1565 and known for its rich colonial history. The town itself is incredibly charming with its Spanish architecture, cobblestone streets and old forts.
There’s plenty to do in Saint Augustine whether interested in history or the outdoors. Explore the historic sites, relax on Saint Augustine Beach, and visit Anastasia State Park, a protected wildlife sanctuary along the shore.
Stay at The Collector, an adults only luxury inn located in the heart of downtown Saint Augustine. With only 30 hotels rooms across 9 historic homes, you’ll feel like you are staying with a friend for the weekend! You will be located steps away from all of the historic sites in this walkable city, but able to retreat to their lush garden courtyard in the evenings.
3. Savannah, Georgia
🚘 Driving distance from Charleston – 2 hours
Savannah is a charming, historic city much like Charleston. Enjoy a weekend exploring the famous squares, strolling along the riverfront and admiring the grand oak trees draped in Spanish moss.
Stay at the all new Hotel Bardo next to Forsyth Park for the ultimate luxury retreat. A Leading Hotels of the World member, they have the most stunning property with a great pool and poolside lounge. The onsite restaurant, Saint Bibiana, serves up Italian fare in a historic building. Each room of the restaurant and upstairs private members club is beautifully designed for the most aesthetic atmosphere.
4. Greenville, South Carolina
🚘 Driving distance from Charleston – 3 hours
Greenville is a vibrant town located in the upstate of South Carolina. Known for Falls Park located right off of Main Street, Greenville offers a perfect weekend trip from Charleston.
Spend the day shopping on Main Street, indulging in the exciting dining scene, catch a baseball game, see a concert at The Well, or hike at nearby Table Rock State Park.
Also consider visiting for one of their many festival like Artisphere, an arts festival, or Fall for Greenville, a weekend long culinary event!
I suggest staying right along the waterfall and Liberty Bridge at the Grand Bohemian hotel. It’s rustic and chic with an amazing spa so you can enjoy a bit of pampering too!
5. Asheville, North Carolina
🚘 Driving Distance from Charleston – 5 hours
Asheville, North Carolina is an eclectic town that’s conveniently accessible to Charleston right from I-26.
Popular for its craft breweries, Asheville is a fun escape for those looking to sample the latest creations. Be sure to plan a visit to the Sierra Nevada brewery for an afternoon on their large outdoor patio.
Asheville is famous for its arts and foodie scenes along with its proximity to the Biltmore Estate. I highly recommend a visit to the Biltmore at Christmas to see it decorated in all its glory!
6. Blowing Rock, North Carolina
🚘 Driving distance from Charleston – 5 hours
Blowing Rock is a charming mountain town within the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you are looking for a quiet getaway this is it.
There is not a ton to do in Blowing Rock which makes it ideal for a quick weekend trip from Charleston. It has a charming downtown with shopping, a park, brewery and several restaurants. On the weekends there is a large art market with artists and local makers selling products from bags to jewelry to paintings.
It’s a great vacation spot for all ages, making it a good multigenerational trip if you are traveling with extended families.
If you want to hike, it’s a great town to base from with convenient trails and access to Grandfather Mountain and the Blue Ridge Parkway. There also plenty of trails right near downtown like Bass Lake and Moses Cone Manor.
7. Highlands, North Carolina
🚘 Driving distance from Charleston – 5 hours
A visit to the Highlands is ideal for a romantic getaway to stay at the Old Edwards Inn and Spa. This charming bed and breakfast is ideal for couples with its world class spa, private golf course and farm to table dining experience. As a Relais & Chateaux property you can always count on impeccable service and really great food!
8. Kiawah Island, South Carolina
🚘 Driving distance from Charleston – 45 minutes
Kiawah Island is the perfect weekend getaway from Charleston as it is only 45 minutes outside of downtown. This remote island is the perfect staycation with its 5-star property, The Sanctuary, and Ocean Course golf course.
Stay right on front beach at The Sanctuary and enjoy all of the luxury resort amenities at one of SC’s most beautiful beaches. With onsite spa, several golf courses, biking, pools and shopping, you’ll find plenty to do! I love to visit in the off season when it’s not so busy and rates are more approachable.
Alternatively, you could plan a stay at the brand new Auberge Collection hotel, The Dunlin, located in the Kiawah River development. It’s situated right along the marsh with breathtaking views of the Lowcountry scenery. The property is whimsically designed by Amanda Lindroth creating the perfect home away from home for the weekend!
Look no further than Kiawah Island for a convenient vacation spot near Charleston, SC!
Finally, here are a few options if you are interested in a short flight for the weekend! These cities are easy to reach from Charleston via air in under a 2 hour direct flight!
9. New York City, New York
✈️ Flight time from Charleston – 2 hours
New York City is one of the easier places to reach from Charleston via air. As one of the biggest markets for airlift, there are several daily nonstop flights on various carriers and into several airports including, JFK, La Guardia, and Newark.
New York is always fun for a weekend to trip to take in the big city. Book a room at The Pendry Hotel, dine at the top restaurants, stroll through Central Park and of course do a little shopping! Be sure to explore some of the top sites like the Empire State Building and 9/11 Memorial.
10. Washington, DC
✈️ Flight time from Charleston – 90 minutes
Head to our nation’s capital city for a fun vacation from Charleston. It is even easier to reach for a long weekend than driving somewhere else. Hop on a flight from CHS and be there in 1.5 hours!
I recommend to stay in Adams Morgan at The Line Hotel which is housed inside a former church. They even used the original brass organ to repurpose into an amazing chandelier that hangs over the lobby and lounge. Some of my favorite things to do include a bike ride to all the monuments, seeing the Monet’s at the National Gallery, and enjoying drinks overlooking the White House.
If you can go in the spring time, plan to catch Cherry Blossom season to see the city blooming with these pink flowers! Sooo dreamy and perfect for some nice photos!
11. Miami, Florida
✈️ Flight time from Charleston – 1 hour and 40 minutes
If you want to head somewhere warm and easy to reach, Miami is a great spot. Fly into Miami International Airport and make the 20 minute drive to South Beach.
While it’s known for its vibrant nightlife, Miami has so much more to offer visitors. Of course, you’ll want to spend your days on South Beach, but in the afternoons visit the shopping district, art museums, and international restaurants across the city.
I visited Miami for my babymoon recently where we stayed at the fabulous 1Hotel South Beach, relaxed at the beach, visited the spa, and dined on renowned cuisine at places like Mandolin and Michelin-starred, Le Jardinier. It was the perfect long weekend away from Charleston.
14. Nashville, Tennessee
✈️ Flight time from Charleston – 90 minutes on Southwest Airlines
Nashville is easy to reach on a direct flight from Charleston on Southwest Airlines. The flight into BNA is only 90 minutes!
Music City is always a fun spot for a weekend trip from Charleston. Plan your visit around a concert at The Ryman or the CMA Fest which takes place every June. Honestly, every day of the week you can hear live music somewhere in Nashville so there’s always a good time to visit!
Tour the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame to really understand more about the history of country music. Catch a live performance anywhere on Broadway like at the iconic, Tootsies, and eat at some of the popular restaurants around town.
Book a room at The Thompson hotel to be close enough to Broadway, but not too close! It is located in the Gulch, an upscale area with high end shops and great restaurants. The hotel is walkable to all of the best of Nashville including Broadway and the Ryman Auditorium.
15. New Orleans, Lousiana
✈️ Flight time from Charleston – 2 hours nonstop on Breeze Airlines
A sister city to Charleston, New Orleans offers many similarities, but is ultimately very different. NOLA is known for its Southern charm, but also its creole cuisine, vibrant nightlife and music scene.
While you might be familiar Bourbon street, there is much more to love about New Orleans. You will enjoy listening to live jazz music, exploring the garden district and dining at several incredible restaurants. A few musts for your itinerary include a cooking class, beignets at Cafe du Monde, and drinks at the Carousel bar at Hotel Monteleone.
Where will your next weekend trip from Charleston take you? Are there any I should add to this list? Let me know in the comments below!
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