A Long Weekend in Charleston, South Carolina

With plenty of direct flights from major cities, Charleston makes for an easy weekend getaway! On arrival day, check into your hotel and head straight to dinner (if you arrive later in the evening) at Leon’s Oyster Shop. This neighborhood favorite is lively yet relaxed, perfect for the first night. I highly recommend that you order the crispy fried chicken (two to three pieces or the sandwich, or both!), add a side of the scalloped potatoes, and get a glass of frosé. This is the perfect way to ease into Charleston vibes. After dinner, take a stroll through the nearby historic streets, then call it an early night to rest up for the weekend ahead.

The perfect start to any trip is hitting the beach! Head to Isle of Palms, one of Charleston’s most loved beaches. Spend the day lounging by the water, swimming in the Atlantic, and walking along the sand. For lunch, grab a bite at Coconut Joe’s, a casual beachfront spot with stunning ocean views.

After your beach day, head back to freshen up, then start your evening with rooftop cocktails at The Vendue—the views of downtown at sunset are unbeatable! Then head to dinner at The Ordinary, a chic seafood hall set inside a restored bank building. My personal favorites were the smoked swordfish pâté, wagyu steak tartare, and fried grouper. They also had amazing cocktails!

End the night with a cocktail at Vintage Lounge, one of Charleston’s most stylish wine and cocktail bars (the espresso martini was incredible). Or, if you’re in the mood for something more casual, walk over to Prohibition for live music to finish off the night!

Now that you’ve had a day to relax, it’s time to explore the historic streets of Charleston! Start your day off with a delicious Southern brunch at Magnolias. The fried green tomatoes were honestly the best I’ve ever had, and the spicy shrimp and sausage was full of flavor. I wish I had room to try more dishes as I was eyeing every plate that passed my table!

Now that you are fueled up, it is time to spend the afternoon wandering the city’s most picturesque corners. Walk through the French Quarter, stop into Philadelphia Alley, and check out all the amazing art galleries nearby. Stop by Carmella’s Café & Dessert Bar or a mid-afternoon coffee and sweet treat, then make your way to Waterfront Park to swing on the pier benches and take the must-have photo at the Pineapple Fountain. From there, stroll down to Rainbow Row, and keep walking until you reach The Battery and White Point Garden. Be sure to admire the architecture of the houses along the way! Loop back up toward King Street, stop along the way for some great shopping and beautiful art galleries, and don’t miss stopping by the Charleston City Market for local goods and souvenirs.

After your day of exploring, head over to Halls Chophouse, one of Charleston’s most iconic steakhouses, for a martini. The bar is a local hot spot and perfect for people watching. You could also stay here for dinner, or continue your night elsewhere—you’ve got plenty of other options! The Darling Oyster Bar is a trendy and lively spot and is perfect if you want seafood in a buzzing setting. The Creole shrimp and crab pasta were my personal favorites. If you’re in the mood for a splurge, Peninsula Grill is the move—you must order a steak and the lobster trio, and don’t skip the coconut cake!

After dinner, spend the night exploring the amazing nightlife in Charleston. You can pick your vibe: Try The Cocktail Club for rooftop dancing, The Gin Joint for a classy cocktail experience, or Republic if you’re in the mood to dance until late (and maybe spot a Southern Charm cast member while you’re at it). You can’t go wrong with any of these options!

On your final day, cross the bridge to Shem Creek, one of the Lowcountry’s most scenic and fun waterfront areas. The boardwalk is lined with restaurants and bars, where shrimp boats dock and dolphins often swim by. Take a late breakfast or early lunch at Saltwater Cowboys or Tavern & Table, both serving fresh seafood with great creek views. Stroll the boardwalk one last time, soak in the coastal breeze, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere before heading to the airport. It’s the perfect ending to a Charleston weekend!