Charleston, South Carolina is the perfect destination for a girls’ getaway! The Holy City has it all: charming hotels, pretty streets to explore, amazing food, great beaches and world renowned shopping. Not to mention, the year round beautiful weather!
I was born and raised here in Charleston, so I have alllllll the insider tips. I actually know the locals secrets, true hidden gems and insider info to help you plan the perfect girls trip to Charleston, SC!
In this guide, I am sharing exactly how I would plan a Charleston girls weekend when my best friends visit and things we like to do for girls nights in Charleston as locals. From the cutest coffee shops, where to take a morning walk, fun girls group activities, the best shops on King Street, and of course all the best places to eat in Charleston! Consider me your personal Charleston bestie!
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Friday: Charleston Girls Weekend Begins
For this itinerary, we have you arriving to Charleston to kick off Girls Weekend on a Friday. If you are staying longer than 3 days in Charleston, I’ll share more things to do at the end!
Check-In to Your Hotel
First, you all need to pick where to stay! While Charleston has endless hotels, I’m sharing a few of my abolute favorite picks for a girls trip and why. Some are definitely more suited to a girls group than others. I will included a section at the end with much more detail on these hotels to help you decide.
Top Hotel Picks for a Girls Trip:
Here’s a quick overview and I’ll share more below (including pics)!
- The Restoration – I love The Restoration for a girls weekend because they offer apartment style rooms ideal for a group or family. My favorite room is the 3 Bedroom Residence which has 3 rooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a kitchen and living area. You get plenty of space to gather and all the comforts of home WHILE enjoying hotel amenities! You can pick up a cheese board from Goat.Sheep.Cow and biscuits at Callie’s to keep on hand for snacks and breakfast!
- Mills House Hotel – The Mills House is a historic hotel located on Meeting Street close to Broad Street. It’s an ideal location close to The Battery and French Quarter. It’s an iconic pink colored hotel with rooftop pool – perfect for a girls get together! I also love their restaurant, Iron Rose, with its charming courtyard.
- The Dewberry – The Dewberry is my favorite hotel in Charleston and you have to go for drinks even if you don’t stay here. It’s chic, mid century modern style across from Marion Square and upper King Street. If your girls weekend is a mother-daughter trip, this would be a fun luxury hotel choice!
- The Ryder – The Ryder is a fun hotel with outdoor pool, bar and dining area called Little Palm. The rooms a quite spacious with two beds making it great if a few girls are sharing. It’s definitely a popular choice for a bachelorette weekend in Charleston. You won’t see many people over 30 at Little Palm for drinks.
Drinks at Bar 167
If you stay at The Restoration, Bar 167 is right around the corner off of King Street. It’s a Mediterranean inspired cocktail lounge with great drinks and small plates!
You can totally have dinner here, but I would make an early reservation at 5:30/6:00pm and then have someone put you all on the list at 167 Raw. Then, you can enjoy drinks until your table is ready.
Dinner at 167 Raw
167 Raw is one of the most popular restaurants in Charleston known for their fresh seafood, oysters, and a lively atmosphere. You have to get the lobster roll and tuna burger!
If you have a large group (over 5-6 people), I would call in advance to see if they can accommodate you! Otherwise, use the tip I shared above to snag a table.
Saturday: Beach, Spa, Shopping & Night Out
Saturday is for the girls! If it’s summer, you should definitely make plans to visit the Charleston area beaches like Sullivan’s Island or Folly Beach. In the winter, a spa day is definitely in order! Either way, you can’t miss shopping on King Street at some of my favorite local boutiques.
Morning Beach Day (Summer Option)
In the morning, head out to Sullivan’s Island or Folly Beach. In the summer months, you’ll want to get an early start to avoid traffic. Parking can definitely be a pain, so it’s smart to coordinate a driver to take you and pick you up during non-peak times. Uber is an option but less ideal because drivers won’t want to wait in traffic to pick you up!
Enjoy time on the beach, then have a late lunch at some of my favorite restaurants on Sullivan’s Island like Mex1, Home Team or Sullivan’s Seafood. On Folly Beach, grab margaritas at Taco Boy!
Spa Day (Non-Beach Alternative)
If the weather is not ideal for a beach day, head to the spa! The Dewberry Spa is my favorite spa in Charleston, but it’s best if you only have 1-3 people. If you have a large group, make a reservation at Woodhouse Day Spa with their larger space so you all can relax and chat between treatments.
Lunch at Leon’s Oyster Shop
Leon’s is known for their oysters, fried chicken, and a laid-back atmosphere. It’s a must for any first timer’s to Charleston! We love to sit on the patio and sip frozen rose and enjoy oysters! My go to items are: oyster tray, siam salad, fried oyster sandwich and avocado toast.
PRO TIP: If you have more than 6 people, just give them a call or email and they can do a preset menu for you and hold a larger table. It’s so easy and we’ve done this many times for our group of friends! It can definitely be a long wait and is harder with a big group!
Get Permanent Jewelry at AL&EM
After lunch, get friendship bracelets. But, high end and made to last!
If you are interested in getting some matching permanent jewelry, head over to see my friends at AL&EM. They have an adorable new storefront right next to Hampton Park. They were the first to start doing permanent jewelry in Charleston and the trend has grown incredibly popular. It’s such a fun activity for a girls group to commemorate your trip and mark your friendship!
The offer all types of chain styles and gems to personalize a bracelet or necklace for you! They are by appointment only so be sure to book one for your group in advance!!
Make Charm Bracelets at HART
Alternatively, for a fun, creative activity with a keepsake pop into HART Jewelry after lunch at Leon’s. It’s just a few doors downs from the restaurant.
They offer a charm bar experience where you can pick a bracelet or necklace chain then select any charms you’d like! It is so fun and an ideal girls activity in Charleston.
Shopping on King Street
King Street is known for its boutiques, local shops, and designer stores. It is one of the best shopping districts in the Unites States. There are so many local retailers, but in recent years many big brands have added store fronts like LoveShackFancy, Kendra Scott, and Alice & Olivia.
I have a whole guide to shopping on King Street that you can read. My favorite local shops are: Croghan’s, LAKE, Candlefish, Madison Mathews, and Beckett.
Drinks at Citrus Club
The Citrus Club is a rooftop bar with stunning views of Charleston in all directions. It’s seriously the best (and highest) rooftop and you just can’t miss it! It feels like you are sipping cocktails in a tropical resort surrounded by the olive trees and pops of orange!
It’s definitely a nice place so dress cute – no yoga pants! And you do have to be over 21. Large parties over 8 people can inquire in advance to secure a reservation.
Dinner at Frannie and the Fox
Frannie and the Fox is a known for their wood-fired dishes and cozy courtyard setting. The courtyard is adorable withe a brick fireplace and string lights under the stars. If you love Italian food, you’ll love this spot with plenty of options like pizza, pasta and fresh salads. It is sure to please any picky eaters.
It is located at the Emeline hotel in the french quarter area. You can book a group table on Resy for up to 7 guests.
>>>Check out more group friendly restaurants in Charleston here.
Sunday: Relaxed Morning & Farewell Brunch
Sunday is for taking it easy with a walk through the park and a yummy brunch at one of my favorite spots in Charleston.
Juice & Coffee at Huriyali
Huriyali is my favorite healthy restaurant in Charleston for fresh juices, smoothies, and coffee. Their breakfast burrito is the best in town – I order it nearly every weekend with chickpea and tempeh bacon!
It’s definitely more of a neighborhood spot (near where I live) located close to Hampton Park. So you won’t find many tourists here, just locals enjoying a Sunday morning!
Morning Walk in Hampton Park
After grabbing juice and coffee, enjoy a peaceful start to the day in Hampton Park. It’s an absolute hidden gem in Charleston, SC and one of my favorite places to be. I love to walk here and see what’s in bloom! It feels like you’ve left the city and are strolling through an English garden!
Brunch at Park & Grove
Park & Grove is a long time favorite spot of mine for brunch in Charleston. They are known for their farm-to-table dishes, great atmosphere, and awesome brunch menu. It’s a great spot for a group with plenty of large tables on the patio to dine al fresco! You can easily book a table on Resy.
Make sure to order the fried egg breakfast sandwich – it’s so good with avocado mash and served with fresh grapefruit! They also have some of the best drinks including mocktails.
More Things to Do for a Charleston Girls Weekend
I have you covered with all the girly things to do in Charleston, South Carolina! Swap out any of the activities mentioned for one of these.
Candle Making Workshop
The Candle Making Workshop at Candlefish is such a fun thing to do in Charleston for a girls weekend. You’ll be guided by their chandlers in selecting various scents from their library. Then, you mix the wax and oils into a jar. At the end, you’ll get to take home two of your own candles.
I did this with my sister and we had the best time. I also recommended it to my mother-in-law when her girlfriends visited Charleston recently and they were raving about it!
Wine Blending Class
If you like wine, get the girls together for a wine blending class at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in downtown Charleston. Their master sommelier will lead you all as you each blend your very own wine! You’ll taste plenty of wines and get to create something personalized to your taste. They can even make custom labels for the group with advance notice.
Cooking Class
A cooking class is always a fun group activity and we have one of the best in Charleston. Join this experience for a hands on cooking class where you will learn all about Lowcountry cuisine. It’s guaranteed to be a memorable experience for your girls trip to Charleston.
Photo Session in Historic Charleston
You won’t regret hiring a local photographer to snap a few pictures of your group. Whether a girlfriend reunion, bachelorette or mother/daughter trip, having some photos with your favorite people among the charming Charleston backdrop will be so special!
Afternoon Tea at Camellia’s
Camellia’s is an all pink bar and lounge at Hotel Bennett. It has the cutest pink floral wallpaper sparkly chandelier and plenty of rosé!
Go in the afternoon for a an afternoon tea with various tea offerings, snacks and of course wine or bubbly drinks! Be sure to make a reservation in advance – it’s small and very popular among tourists and locals, alike!
Take a Sunset Sail in Charleston Harbor
The best way to experience Charleston is being on the water. The view of the skyline dotted with steeples as the sunsets is truly magical. You’ll probably spot dolphins too! I would take a sail on the Schooner Pride – a stunning tall ship. Or book a private boat charter for just your group. Check it out here:
Where to Stay for a Charleston Girls’ Trip
There are several incredible places to stay for a Charleston girls trip! The Restoration Hotel offers spacious apartment style suites while the Mills House charms with its pink facade and rooftop pool. The Dewberry is the ultimate luxury retreat with its midcentury modern design and tropical themed rooftop restaurant.
My advice is to stay in the Historic District of downtown for the best walkability. You will want to be South of Marion Square.
These are my top picks for where to stay for a girls weekend in Charleston! And check out my full guide for where to stay in Charleston here.
These are all very safe places to stay in Charleston so you won’t have to worry.
The Restoration
I love The Restoration hotel for its apartment style suites that are perfect for a group of girls. The 3 Bedroom Residence offers 3 rooms with 2 King Beds and 1 Queen in the 2300 sq ft suite. It sleeps up to 7 people.
It is a beautiful room with exposed brick, high ceilings and full kitchen. It’s ideal for gathering as a group in the spacious living area or having breakfast or happy hour in the kitchen!
The hotel has an incredible rooftop bar, The Watch, with 365 degree views of Charleston’s skyline dotted with church steeples. In the morning, you can easily grab breakfast at their coffee shop, The Rise. They also have a very small outdoor pool.
Don’t miss grabbing a bite at one of my favorite lunch spots, Basic Kitchen. It is right across from the hotel offering a healthy dining option.
PRO TIP: Order a cheese plate from Goat.Sheep.Cow and some biscuits from Callie’s to keep on hand throughout your stay!
Mills House Hotel
The Mills House is an iconic historic hotel in Charleston with its charming pink facade. It opened in 1853 and just recently underwent a complete renovation with modern touches and new dining outlets.
If you are looking for a hotel with a rooftop pool, this is one of the only ones in downtown Charleston. It’s great for a girls weekend so you can relax poolside in the afternoons.
The location is ideal on Meeting Street near Broad Street. It’s the closest hotel to the Battery so it makes for a great spot to take a morning walk around this historic area.
The Dewberry
The Dewberry is a luxury hotel in Charleston and one of my absolute favorites. It is in the perfect location, off the main tourist areas, but just across from Marion Square and upper King Street.
The midcentury modern style is expertly designed offering a charming boutique feel. I love this hotel for their spa and restaurants. As a local, I’ve staycationed at the hotel a couple times, but I visit the spa many times a year! It’s so relaxing from the moment you walk in and the massage is always incredible.
The Living Room is the cozy bar and lounge located off the lobby and the Citrus Club is their rooftop bar with the best view in Charleston!
This hotel is perfect if your girls group is looking for a quieter, upscale hotel in Charleston.
The Ryder
The Ryder is a cute boutique hotel with an amazing onsite pool and restaurant called Little Palm. The whole place transports you to a tropical, bohemian paradise.
The rooms are ideal for a girls group offering two queen beds while still being quite spacious! They do offer several suites, like the Palm Suite, which has room for a group to gather with its 1,000 sq ft.
If you are traveling as a bachelorette, this is an ideal place to stay! Your group will love the pool outdoor bar and restaurant, plus proximity to the French Quarter and King Street!
Emeline
Emeline is a cute boutique hotel located right off of the Charleston City Market. It’s an ideal location for walking around the Historic District.
One of my favorite parts is the hotel restaurant, Frannie and the Fox. It features an open-air courtyard with brick fireplace and string lights. It is the perfect setting for a cozy dinner of Italian cuisine. Plus, they are group friendly!
How to Get Around Charleston with a Girls’ Group
- Walk: The historic district is super walkable so plan to explore on foot!
- Bike Taxi/Pedicab: Fun and easy for short distances or if you walk a bit too far and need a ride back!
- Uber & Lyft: Best for getting around quickly or to the beaches, plantations, etc. There are plenty available.
- Rental Car/Driving: If you are mainly staying in downtown Charleston, you do not need a car. Avoid the hassle and parking fees by using a ride-share app. If you need to rent car, check the best rates here.
- Private Transfers: If spending a day at the beach or need a ride from the airport, book a private transfer for the whole group.
Best Time to Visit Charleston
I have a whole guide on the best times of year to visit Charleston. Spring and fall are ideal for the nicest, warm weather days. Summers are hot and winters are mild. Here’s a quick guide with tips:
- Spring & Fall: Best weather for exploring downtown or if you plan to do a lot of walking. Temperatures are usually average around 75ºF during the day throughout the spring and fall with cooler mornings and nights. They are definitely the nicest seasons in Charleston.
- Summer: Ideal for beach lovers, but it gets very hot and humid! I would not plan to spend much time walking around downtown in July or August. Summer is so fun in Charleston so plan to spend time near the water or catch a summer concert!
- Winter: Cozy escape with fewer crowds and one of my favorite times of year as a local. The average high is 65ºF in the winter time, so you may catch a really nice day! It very rarely snows in Charleston and is usually very mild. Christmas in Charleston is a fabulous time to visit!
Also Read: Best Places for a Girls Trip around the World!
The Wrap-Up: A Perfect Girls’ Weekend in Charleston
Charleston is the ideal destination for a girls weekend – which you already know! It offers a mix of relaxation, amazing food, shopping, and unique experiences only found in Charleston. It is the perfect balance of local charm and luxury, effortlessly blending old with new. Which always means there is something anyone can find to love about Charleston!
I hope this guide has helped you plan the perfect Charleston girls weekend. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below. I would be glad to help!
Save this Charleston Girls Weekend Itinerary for Later!
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