With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, I thought I would share a guide for the perfect romantic getaways in Charleston, SC! It is a city dripping with charm and romance. As a local, I have put together all of my favorite spots around town for couples including swanky hotels, romantic restaurants, and things to do whether your anniversary, honeymoon, babymoon or simply a getaway.
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Romantic Places to Stay in Charleston
From bed and breakfasts, tiny inns, to trendy boutique hotels and full service luxury properties, there is no shortage of romantic Charleston hotels. These are some of the most charming that are perfect for your couples trip to Charleston.
The Dewberry
The Dewberry is one of the tallest hotels at eight stories high with one of the best rooftop views in the city. It is styled in mid-century decor with a charming, modern edge to it. The Living Room is one of my favorite cozy places for a cocktail or head upstairs to the Citrus Club for an incredible view over the city.
It is my favorite romantic hotel in Charleston and love having staycations here. It was the hotel I chose for our wedding night, too!
Zero George
Zero George is the most charming bed and breakfast style property. It is comprised of only 16 luxury suites throughout their several renovated historic buildings. It feels like you are staying at your Charleston friend’s house with the sweeping piazzas (porches) and twinkling gas burning lanterns.
The Spectator
What is it that makes the 1920’s feel so romantic? The Spectator has a 1920’s theme that gives it so much character. You will love the speakeasy lobby bar and the personal butler service in the rooms! It is one of the most romantic hotels so would be perfect for a couples getaway or Charleston honeymoon. The hotel is located off of the city market so it’s in a great location, too.
More Amazing Places to stay in Charleston!
Romantic Things to Do in Charleston
There are tons of activities to enjoy in Charleston from the gardens to the beaches. These are some of the more romantic things to do for your next couples getaway to the Holy City!
Spa Day at The Dewberry
Have I mentioned how much I love this hotel? Whether you stay here or not, visit their spa for the most romantic day of pampering! I love it so much that my husband and I have treated ourselves to a spa day the past 3 years instead of exchanging Christmas gifts. After, head upstairs to the Citrus Club for a cocktail or lunch!
Stroll through Middleton Place
Middleton Place is an English style garden with perfectly manicured plants, rolling green lawns and a lake. It is the dreamiest spot to wander around.
Watch Sunset from the Citrus Club Rooftop
The Citrus Club is the rooftop bar at The Dewberry Hotel and has the most stunning views of the city. You are in a prime spot to watch the sunset behind the church steeples.
Stroll down Cobblestone Streets and Alleys
Do a self guided walking tour to see some of the most iconic sites and historic architecture. I suggest starting at Waterfront Park, then head South past Rainbow Row, down Tradd Street, up Church Street, and on towards the Battery ending at White Point Gardens.
Visit the Angel Oak
Visit this unbelievable oak tree on John’s Island. Depends who you ask, but everyone claims it is 500-1,000 years old! It is way more massive than it looks in photos.
Picnic at Hampton Park
Grab some sandwiches from Goat Sheep Cow and head to Hampton Park to setup a picnic. Hampton Park is a neighborhood park located near The Citadel College. It is the largest park in the city and there is always something beautiful in bloom!
Tour a Historic House Museum
The Nathaniel Russel House is a historic home and garden in downtown Charleston. It is my absolute favorite home to tour as it is restored to how the home would have looked back in its day.
Visit Cypress Gardens
Have you seen The Notebook? Remember that scene when Allie and Noah paddle through a swamp filled with white swans? Yep, it was filmed here in Charleston at Cypress Gardens.
Shop on King Street
King Street is one of the best streets for shopping in the United States. There is a mix of local companies, art galleries, and national retailers.
Visit Local Art Galleries
One big section of King Street is filled with art galleries and antique stores. Pick out the perfect souvenir for your home.
Sunset Sail
I always say that Charleston is best viewed from the water. Go for a sunset sail aboard a tall ship and you may even be able to spot dolphins!
Best Sunset Sails in Charleston:
More Things to Do in Charleston SC
Romantic Restaurants in Charleston SC
Charleston has one of the top culinary scenes in the country. Be sure to visit some of my favorite restaurants for a romantic night out on the town!
Chez Nous
Chez Nous is super romantic, tucked down an alley inside a tiny Charleston single style home that has been renovated into a restaurant. At night, the lights are dim and the gas lanterns are flickering.
The menu changes daily, but there are always two apps, two entrees, and two desserts.
Circa 1886
Circa 1886 is located at the iconic Wentworth Mansion, a tiny bed and breakfast inn. It is the perfect spot for special occasions in Charleston or a romantic date night.
Edmund’s Oast Restaurant
Edmund’s Oast is one of my absolute favorites for lunch or dinner. I love sitting outside in the inviting courtyard for lunch or grabbing a spot at the dark inside bar for dinner or dessert. The dessert menu is often longer than the food menu.
The Living Room at The Dewberry
I love the Living Room either for cocktails or dinner. The dim lighting, cozy seating and delicious cocktails make for the perfect, romantic setting.
Obstinate Daughter
Located on Sullivan’s Island, Obstinate Daughter is another all time favorite for homemade pasta and amazing pizza. It is consistently good and I really love the atmosphere.
The Restaurant and Bar at Zero George
This is the perfect occasion to try the tasting menu at Zero George. It is a very elevated dining experience in their tiny kitchen tucked away in one of the most charming hotels in South Carolina. The tasting menu is a culinary journey based on whatever ingredients are in season along with wine pairings. It’s the closest thing to a Michelin star restaurant in Charleston.
R Kitchen
R Kitchen is definitely a local’s top spot in Charleston. The tasting menu is different every single day, but you will get 5 courses and can order drinks a la carte. It’s a pretty casual space, but the food is incredible and the team of chefs makes it so fun. Highly recommend sitting at the bar when it’s only two people so you can interact with them.
Peninsula Grill
Peninsula Grill is just so charming. Book a table in the outdoor courtyard surrounded by flickering gas lanterns and wrought iron gates. Be sure to try their famous coconut cake for dessert! It’s an amazing spot for your romantic getaways in Charleston SC.
Park and Grove
Something about a tiny neighborhood restaurant is so charming to me. Park and Grove is located near Hampton Park in the Wagener Terrace neighborhood. You will need to Uber, but it’s only about 2 miles away. The restaurant has a moody vibe and the food is fresh with local veggies, seafood, and more. I absolutely love their pastas and creative cocktails! It’s also a top brunch/lunch restaurant that feels totally different during the day!
All My Favorite Restaurants in Charleston!
Romantic Weekend in Charleston Itinerary
The perfect itinerary to plan for your loved one whether a babymoon, anniversary or any romantic getaway!
Charleston Day One
Arrive to the holy city!
- Check into one of my favorite hotels!
- Dinner at R Kitchen
Charleston Day Two
Explore historic downtown.
- Take a walking tour through historic Charleston and visit the Nathaniel Russel House
- Lunch at Basic Kitchen
- Relax at your hotel
- Drinks at The Tippling House before dinner (it’s right next door to the restaurant)
- Dinner at Chez Nous
Charleston Day Three
Treat yourself to a spa day!
- Morning visit to Middleton Place
- Lunch at Park and Grove
- Massage Appointments at The Dewberry
- Drinks at The Citrus Club
- Dinner at Zero George
Charleston Day Four
- Try the cinnamon biscuits from Callie’s Hot Little Biscuits
- Depart Charleston
Enjoy planning your romantic getaways in Charleston SC!
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