Weekend Getaway | A Charleston Travel Guide

I was originally going to post this last week, but I had to get some Super Bowl Sunday content for you all! Better late than never right? With Charleston being the #1 city to travel to in the US (and now the world, apparently), I knew I could be of some assistance. Since I lived in Charleston last summer, I wanted to put together a travel guide for the weekend warriors; the people who want to get in as much traveling as possible. The way I wanted to set this up is for a weekend getaway. Whether you are wanting to go on a Galantines Day road trip with your girls or a romantic weekend with your man, I have a bunch of different ideas for you all to do around the city. Without further ado, let’s get traveling!

Weekend Getaway | A Charleston Travel Guide

First thing’s first, I’m going to be mentioning everything in relation to King Street. This street is the life of the city and if you want to embrace the Charleston vibes, this is where you should go! I must admit, at times it can be very crowded and touristy, but that’s what happens when the city is ranked as the #1 city destination. It’s fun to be a tourist though, because you get to fully embrace the culture and history of the city.

Where To Stay:

Anyways, my best suggestion is to go-through Airbnb or VRBO to find a place to stay. One, they are going to be wayyyyy cheaper than a hotel. Two, this way you get to have more of an authentic, Charleston experience. I actually went through VRBO and found the cutest little bed & breakfast carriage house. Just hop on one of those websites and start researching some cute places. Use King Street as a reference. To stock up on your beach snacks + drinks while your there, just go to Harris Teeter. If you want to stay in a hotel, I have listed a couple of super cute places to stay. Some of them are going to be pricey, but I wanted to provide you all with an assortment of options.

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[Views from my VRBO Carriage House]

If you are flying from out of town, the airport is about 20 minutes from King Street. In addition, it’s usually not too crowded and a pretty small airport. You won’t have to worry about making it back with enough time to tackle the crowds. Nobody’s got time for that! It’s actually a really nice airport, as well. Just take an Uber to your new place and if you want to save $15, you can use my code “bryannab177ue”. If you are driving, then you obviously don’t need to know that tid bit of information. Just know that everyone drives so slow in here, and that there are a bunch of one-way roads. I’d definitely make sure to follow your GPS to be safe.

Things To Do:

Charleston City Market & A Carriage Tour

Now for the fun stuff! I would definitely start off with some touristy things to get a feel for the city. I’d go by the Charleston City Market (on Market Street, easy enough) and check those out. They have a bunch of cool trinkets and pieces that are super unique to Charleston. Right outside the market are a bunch of carriage tours. My parents always wanted to do one of these and I actually regret not doing one. It’s a fun way to explore the city.

Shopping! DUH

If you want to continue the shopping, there is a bunch of shopping on King Street and on its off streets. You name it, it’s there. I’d check out the Urban Outfitters for sure, because it was originally a theatre! Plus, they always have killer clothes. Also check out the Simply J Boutique right next door. They have a bunch of cute Charleston pieces, which is where I got my car key chain from!

Weekend Getaway | A Charleston Travel Guide

[Keychain from Simply J Boutique]

Cat Cafe For Drinks & Snuggles

You are bound to get hot and need a refreshment. The best and fluffiest place to go to is Pounce! It’s a cat cafe that allows you to sip a beer, coke, or some coffee while playing with a bunch of cats for an hour. Does it get better than that?! Yes, it actually does. The goal behind this cat cafe is to help these little kitties to find homes. If you find one that you fall in love with, you can take it home with you! Within the first month that they had been open, they had found homes for over 80 cats! Such a genius and awesome company.

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[Pounce Cat Cafe]

Betty Bridal Atelier

If you are getting married, possibly getting married, or like to look at stunning, high-end, bridal gowns, then stop by Betty Bridal Atelier! With designers such as Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Peter Langner, Sabrina Dahan, & Mira Zwillinger, you are bound to see some impressive dresses. If you do decide to go, make sure you tell the girls (+ the 3 puppies) that I sent you there!

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[Doggies from left to right: Penny, Olive, Oliver]

Bike Riding

You don’t have to be a tourist to explore the city though! There are a bunch of bike shops around the city, that will allow you rent bikes for about $20 a day. Definitely check out The Battery and explore all the colorful mansions in the city. On the other side is the seawall that has gorgeous views of the southernmost tip of the Charleston peninsula, where the Cooper River and Ashley River meet. That alone is just incredible and is such a cheap option to exploring the city.

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[The Battery]

Let’s Go To The Beach!

If you have a car, this is going to be much more of an adventure for you. My favorite thing to do in Charleston is to explore the beaches. Charleston has six main beaches, but I only went to three of them. If you are a college kid and looking to have a very social experience, I suggest going to Folly Beach. When my brother and his friend came, I would always send them here to “attempt” to pick up chicks. 😂 This one definitely has the most action going on of all the beaches. Although, parking is the most difficult here. I suggest just pay the $10 parking fee so, your car doesn’t get towed. I would also check out Taco Boy, if you decide to come to Folly. They have some killer tacos and margs.

If you want more a family friendly beach, I’d check out Isle of Palms (IOP). I do have a little secret for parking, if you decide to come here. After you cross the long bridge over the swamps, take a left at the stop light. Follow that road until you hit all the beach houses and then park on either side in their yards. Sounds a bit weird, but this way you don’t have to pay and it’s legal! Just make sure you are a foot away from the road, and make sure nobody tries to give you their parking ticket… it’s been done before.

For a more quiet and relaxed beach trip, I suggest Sullivan’s Island. This was the beach that I would always go to, mainly because the parking is easy and the food options. If you do go here, you have to eat at Poe’s Tavern. It’s a beach bar essentially inspired by Edgar Allen Poe! They have some killer burgers and beers of draft.

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Plantations

If you have to go out of your way for one thing on your trip, I suggest saving it for a plantation. My mom and I went to Boone Hall Plantation, which is home to the famous Avenue of the Oaks! If you don’t know what I’m talking about, just invision the Notebook or Blake Lively & Ryan Reynolds’ wedding. The Avenue of Oaks alone, is worth going. We ended up doing photoshoots there, so we didn’t do the plantation tour… #bloggerprobs. I highly suggest going to some sort of plantation though, while you are in Charleston!

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[Boone Hall Plantation + Avenue of the Oaks]

Where To Eat:

There are a million and one places to eat in Charleston. I couldn’t even make it around to all the places, but I do have a list of some amazing and hyped up places to eat. I divided them up into the appropriate categories, so without further ado:

Seafood Restaurants

 

Southern Comfort Food

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[Husk Restaurant + The Market Pavillon Rooftop bar ]

A+ Mexican Restaurant

 

Nightlife & Rooftop Bars

 

These were all my favorite places to go throughout the summer in Charleston. Needless to say, it was a summer full of excitement and adventure. I hope that this will help you on your next trip to Charleston, and please let me know if you need any other recommendations or have any questions! If you have been to Charleston, let me know what some of your favorite places are. I go back frequently and would love to try them, as I’m sure everyone else would! Regardless, I hope you get the chance to go sometime soon, because I can truly see why it’s the #1 destination to travel to. Have a happy Tuesday you all!

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26 Comments

  1. January 6, 2018 / 3:45 am

    I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. I am hoping the same best work for you in the future as well
    Send flowers to Pakistan .

  2. February 20, 2017 / 1:00 am

    Wow charleston seems like a beautiful place to visit! It definitely has a southern vibe to it. I’ve heard great things about the city and it would be lovely to visit there one day!

    • February 22, 2017 / 5:04 pm

      You would absolutely love it there! You definitely have to find an opportunity to go out there!

      xoxo Bryanna

  3. February 11, 2017 / 12:18 am

    Ah, Charleston is just the best!! I love all of the boutique hotels and inns they have. Also OBSESSED with Minero’s!! I went there and to Husk and Poogan’s Porch on my visit 🙂

    Xx,

    Lauren // http://www.mylifeaslaurr.com

    • February 14, 2017 / 1:57 pm

      YASSSSSS, Minero’s!!! Such a freakin good Mexican restaurant! How’d you like Husk and Poogan’s Porch?

      xoxo Bryanna

  4. Danielle
    February 8, 2017 / 2:18 pm

    Charleston has been on my list for the longest time, and this is really making me want to just take the plunge and get myself a ticket! So detailed, and something I will definitely be bookmarking for when I finally make it there! Thanks for sharing lady!

    xx, Danielle | Pineapple & Prosecco

    • February 8, 2017 / 8:18 pm

      You definitely should! You would love it! Thanks so much Danielle 🙂

      xoxo Bryanna

  5. February 8, 2017 / 8:32 am

    Charleston seems like an ideal getaway and there’s a lot of history imbedded in that city as well, something I always enjoy! The things you list and the pictures you show really opened my eyes to this cute city! Thank you for the tip as I had no idea it was the #1 city to travel to!
    xoxo
    Thomas

    http://thomasfalkenstedt.com

    • February 8, 2017 / 8:20 pm

      Yea! It’s also a huge wedding destination, so that could be a contributing factor. Thanks so much for the awesome feedback!

      xoxo Bryanna

  6. February 8, 2017 / 12:54 am

    Wow, so much prettiness in one post!! I loved your outfits and the colors you chose; they went so well with the beautiful buildings!! Thanks for sharing all of the tips and places! I would DEFINITELY go to the cat cafe!! I’m obsessed with cats and love that idea! Hope you had fun!
    -Laurelle
    http://www.bellebylaurelle.com

    • February 8, 2017 / 8:21 pm

      Oh my goodness, you would fall in love with the cat place! Hope you get to go soon 🙂

      xoxo Bryanna

  7. February 8, 2017 / 12:35 am

    This has got to be the cutest post ever! Everything about Charlestown looking welcoming and cozy. That café is super adorable! Definitely pinning this in my to travel board 💕

    • February 8, 2017 / 8:24 pm

      It’s such a great idea for a business! So glad you liked it so much and thanks so much for the pin!

      xoxo Bryanna

  8. February 7, 2017 / 10:32 pm

    Well talk about making me itch to go go go!! Charleston is only about a six hour drive from where I’m at in RVA, and I’ve got to say I’ve been tempted to do some weekend jaunts here in the past. This spring or summer I need to make it actually happen. I’ve passed through it on family vacations before but never actually stopped to enjoy it. Ummm I’m dying to visit that cat cafe (the only problem being I might end up bringing home a car full of cats haha) and also see that stunning plantation! It’s totally dreamy! Charleston itself is just gorgeous through and through, and I hope I get the opportunity to make a trip happen soon! I will definitely be coming back to this post for tips 😉

    Stephanie // SheSawStyle.com

    • February 8, 2017 / 8:28 pm

      I really hope you do! You will absolutely love it, and a 6 hour drive isn’t bad at all! I had to try so hard not to bring one of the kitties home, and I’m not even a huge fan of them 😂 Let me know if you end up going!

      xoxo Bryanna

  9. February 7, 2017 / 7:53 pm

    What wonderful ideas! Thank you!

    • February 8, 2017 / 8:29 pm

      So glad you found it helpful, Lisa! thanks so much for stopping by 🙂

      xoxo Bryanna

  10. February 7, 2017 / 6:09 pm

    I’m going to Charleston for my bachelorette party. Great suggestions!

    • February 8, 2017 / 8:30 pm

      AHHHH, that’s going to be such a fun time for you! Congratulations, Jennie!

      xoxo Bryanna

  11. February 7, 2017 / 5:29 pm

    Charleston is SUCH a lovely city! I did a girls weekend once but this definitely makes me want to go back with my husband, if only to get better photos haha!

    • February 8, 2017 / 8:31 pm

      It really is! So much to do, so much to see. I hope you do get to go back with your husband and I’m glad you found this helpful. Thanks so much for the love 🙂

      xoxo Bryanna

    • February 7, 2017 / 1:05 pm

      AHHH, thanks so much Abbie! You are seriously the best 😘

      xoxo Bryanna

  12. February 7, 2017 / 11:53 am

    Absolutely loved this post! Going to Charleston in April and I will definitely be checking these places out. Especially the kitty cafe! Your maxi is to die for, too! 🔥

    • February 7, 2017 / 1:15 pm

      No way, you will absolutely love it! April is such a great time to go, because it won’t be too unbearably hot yet. You are going to fall in love with those cats, though. I hope you have such a fun time and let me know how it goes! I’d love to hear what you did and what you loved.

      xoxo Bryanna

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