Spend a Cozy Winter Weekend in Charleston

Check in to your hotel and catch a beautiful Charleston sunset while strolling along Lockwood Drive & Broad Street. Grab a glass of wine at neighborhood favorite Roseline. You might make a friend or two at this warm and homey new addition to the city before enjoying a phenomenal burger at Lowland, an upscale Southern tavern from James Beard winner Chef Jason Stanhope. Find the best people-watching in town while enjoying a nightcap at Halls Chophouse.

After grabbing a coffee and pastry at Harken Cafe (the line moves fast!), lace up your sneakers and get your steps in while walking the Battery, White Point Gardens and the history-drenched streets of the South of Broad neighborhood. Reach out for a personalized map of some of my top picks if you want to do it solo. You can also get my recommendations for the best public and private tour offerings in the city if you prefer to join a group. Rainy Day? Check out the highly regarded International African American Museum, open since 2023. You'll find thought-provoking and informative exhibits and content as you explore some of the darker sides of Charleston's history.

Once you have worked up an appetite for lunch or brunch, try 167 Raw for some of the freshest seafood in the city or Millers All Day if you need a classic, casual Southern meal. Pro tip for both of these: Add your name to their lists mid-walk, as both restaurants are walk-in only and tend to be hot spots year round. Spend your afternoon casually strolling the King Street shops. The blocks between George and Broad Streets are where you will find the most unique and local offerings. New to the neighborhood include Buru, Hill House and La Ligne, and don't forget to grab a pair of the most cozy PJs at Lake. If shopping is not on your to-do list, head over to the water and immerse yourself in Low Country crabbing for something very different and outside the box. Casual Crabbing with Tia has had phenomenal success and is open year-round. Depending on what hotel you are staying at, some offer to cook what you have caught that day!

Regroup back at the hotel before enjoying Aperitivo by the outdoor fireplace at Frannie and the Fox or enjoy the coastal vibes and serene shades of blue found at Bar 167. My picks for the coziest winter dinners are Verns for downtown or Post House, right over the Ravenel Bridge in Mount Pleasant if you want to venture outside the city.

Start your day with a 'Nduja Toast and cappuccino at Sorelle's Mercato before soaking up the last bits of Vitamin D as you prepare to head home. Patriots Point is your closest option for year round golf, located about 10 minutes from downtown. Check out Serenity Tree Yoga's Instagram, as they often do pop up winter classes on the beach on nice days as well. They offer a relaxed, donation based flow class. There is a strong chance of spotting dolphins at their Branch Inlet classes located in Isle of Palms ( ~25 minutes from downtown). Although not ' beach weather,' Sulivan's Island is still a great option for a brisk beach walk or rent bikes and explore the beautiful residential streets before grabbing the best meal of your life (in my humble opinion!) at Obstinate Daughter. *Note, they had a kitchen fire in January 2025 and will be closed temporarily as they complete repairs. My pick for one last meal downtown would be Leon's Oyster Shop. They are best known for their fried chicken and roasted oysters, though I always go for the fried shrimp roll.

Roll on home after a delicious 36 hours in Charleston and start daydreaming about your next trip to the Holy City!