At the end of September, I had three days to escape, and what better way to do that than a girls’ trip to Charleston? I went a few years ago and fell in love with the city, so I knew I had to make it happen again. With its Southern charm, gorgeous architecture, and seriously good food, it’s the perfect place for a long weekend getaway.
Below is my 3-day Charleston itinerary, packed with the best activities in Charleston, recommendations for the best restaurants in Charleston, and the top spots for where to stay in Charleston. If you’re planning a getaway, this guide will help you make the most of your time in this beautiful city.
Looking for a more detailed guide to Charleston? Check out my Ultimate Charleston Travel Guide for all the insider tips!
Arrival
We flew into Charleston International Airport, grabbed an Uber, and were at our hotel in no time. One of the things I love most about Charleston is how close the airport is to everything—you’re not stuck spending hours in a car, which is especially nice when you’re on a short trip.
Where to Stay in Charleston
For our girls’ trip to Charleston, we stayed at The Palmetto Hotel in the heart of the French Quarter—my absolute favorite neighborhood in Charleston. This hotel is gorgeous! The eclectic décor mixed with Southern touches made it the perfect home base for our weekend getaway. The lobby bar is super popular, making it ideal for a pre- or post-dinner drink, and they offer a light continental breakfast to start the day. The spacious rooms have super comfy beds, making it a great spot to relax after exploring.
Other Places to Stay in Charleston
If you’re looking for other options, here are a couple of different places I’d recommend:
Emeline
I stayed at Emeline a few years ago, and it was fantastic. The hotel has stylish, cozy rooms and a trendy bar and restaurant, Frannie and the Fox, where you can enjoy craft cocktails. The outdoor fireplace is a great spot to relax before or after dinner.
Maven Tip: Request a renovated room for the best experience!
The Dewberry
For a sleek, modern stay, The Dewberry is an excellent option. With its mid-century vibe and stylish rooftop bar, the Citrus Club, you can enjoy amazing views. The Living Room downstairs is perfect for unwinding after a busy day.
Lunch and Drinks
After checking in, we grabbed an Uber and headed straight to Leon’s for lunch. We had oysters, a fried chicken sandwich, the most amazing hush puppies, and frozen gin & tonics. It’s the perfect spot for a girls’ trip to Charleston, with its fun, energetic vibe and incredible food. If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Charleston, this one definitely makes the list.
After we ate, it was pouring outside, so we decided to go to The Living Room at The Dewberry for a cozy spot and a dirty martini.
Dinner and Drinks
We kicked off our evening with a pre-dinner drink at The Gin Joint, just a few steps from The Palmetto Hotel. Whether you’re a gin lover or not, this place is a must-visit for any craft cocktail enthusiast in Charleston. The atmosphere is dark, warm, and cozy—perfect for a relaxing start to your night.
For dinner, we went to Melfi’s, a stylish Italian restaurant with great energy. You can’t go wrong with any of the pasta dishes, but I love the spicy Caesar salad and the prosciutto and burrata.
Charleston Itinerary: Day 1
Breakfast and Walk The Battery
We started the day with breakfast at the hotel, then walked along the water to The Battery. This is one of my favorite activities in Charleson. You can enjoy Charleston’s historic architecture while taking in beautiful views of the water. Not in the mood to walk? No problem—grab the hotel bikes and explore at your own pace.
Lunch
For lunch, we headed to 167 Raw—hands down, one of the best restaurants in Charleston! The nautical vibe is adorable, and the food is always incredible. I love the pastrami’d swordfish sandwich, the tuna burger, and, of course, the oysters. Our amazing bartender recommended the Oysters French, topped with caviar and crème fraîche, and honestly, it might just be the best oyster topping I’ve ever had.
There was a bit of a wait when we arrived, so we put our names in and wandered over to Bar 167 for a drink while we waited for a seat at the bar. It also has nautical vibes and is perfect for a quick pre-lunch drink. This restaurant should be on everyone’s Charleston itinerary.
167 Raw is located on King Street, a popular shopping destination. After lunch, it’s the perfect time to hit the shops. If you love to shop, you’ll find plenty to explore, but I’ll be honest—I couldn’t wait to escape the crowds. I was ready for something a bit quieter!
Dinner and Drinks
We went to Felix, a lively French spot with an upbeat atmosphere for dinner. The burger and fries were delicious, but overall, it’s more about the energy of the place than fine dining. It’s popular and great for a fun night out. I wouldn’t say it has the best food in Charleston, but I enjoyed it, and it definitely has a good vibe.
I’d heard a lot about Henry’s from my last trip, but we never made it, so I knew we had to check it out this time. And wow, they were right—it’s a must-visit! Henry’s is so much fun and quickly became one of my favorite spots in Charleston. This place must be added to your Charleston itinerary if you’re in town with a group or planning a bachelorette party. With multiple levels, each offering its own vibe and live music (everything from acoustic to country hits to Motown), there’s something for everyone. The energy in the place is contagious, and it’s a blast!
Charleston Itinerary: Day 2
Breakfast, Sullivan’s Island and Brunch
We had a quick breakfast at the hotel and then took a 20-minute Uber to Sullivan’s Island. It’s quaint, peaceful, and the perfect place to spend a few hours. We had brunch at The Obstinate Daughter—definitely make a reservation if you’re planning to go. We shared the scone platter, beet-cured salmon, and a lobster roll. The food was amazing, and the vibe was just right for a leisurely morning.
After brunch, we popped into a few local shops, grabbed a coffee at The Co-Op (try their frose on a hot day)and then walked to the beach. The wide stretches of sand were beautiful. Next time I visit, I’ll rent bikes and ride over to Isle of Palms!
Shem Creek and Drinks
After spending a few hours on Sullivan’s Island, we drove over to Shem Creek—this is a must-do! We had planned to walk along the waterfront boardwalks, but we heard live music coming from Saltwater Cowboys and decided to head straight there. We sat outside, listened to music, and had drinks. It was the perfect waterfront spot!
You may not have time for both, but you need to put either Shem Creek or Sullivan’s Island on your Charleston itinerary. These stops are close enough to downtown, so they’re easy to fit in and definitely worth adding to your list.
Dinner and Drinks
After a jam-packed day, we were ready for a relaxed dinner and went to Oak Steakhouse. This place has a classic steakhouse vibe and always great food. Every time I visit, the place is filled with regulars who know the staff, giving it a welcoming neighborhood feel, despite it being a small chain. The wedge salad is my favorite—seriously, the bacon here is the best I’ve ever had.
We went to the rooftop at Citrus Club at The Dewberry for drinks. I had a coconut margarita that was so refreshing. The vibe up there is pretty chill, making it the perfect spot to end our busy day.
Charleston Itinerary: Day 3
Coffee and Farmer’s Market
We woke up early and grabbed a coffee from The Mercato at Sorelle—this place is gorgeous. The outdoor tables are perfect for people-watching, and inside, it’s all tan leather chairs, white marble tables, and brass finishes—so chic. After our coffee, we wandered over to Charleston’s Farmer’s Market to explore the local vendors and food stands. I loved this flower shop outside of Hotel Bennett!
Lunch
We couldn’t resist going back to 167 Raw for lunch and drinks—it’s just that good. We ordered the same dishes as our first visit because, honestly, it’s hard not to. The place is always amazing.
Dinner and Drinks
For pre-dinner drinks, we got Manhattans at Husk Bar. It’s in a charming old kitchen dating back to the 1890s, and it’s the perfect spot for a craft cocktail.
Afterward, we took a short walk back to Sorelle for dinner, and I was SO excited to eat here. The restaurant is absolutely stunning—white marble, velvet chairs—honestly, one of the prettiest spots in Charleston. The patio was gorgeous too. The food was good, but I don’t think it holds up to the price. That said, if you’re willing to trade a little on taste for a gorgeous vibe, definitely add this to your Charleston itinerary. I’ll definitely be going back, though—just for the ambiance alone.
After dinner, we went back to Henry’s to catch the Motown band we’d heard the first night. The place was packed again (no surprise!), and the energy was just as fun as before!
Departure
Our flight was early, so we grabbed breakfast at the hotel and took an Uber to the airport. I was definitely sad leaving—I could absolutely see myself living in Charleston!
We had such an amazing time on our girls’ trip to Charleston. This 3-Day Charleston Itinerary is packed with the best restaurants in Charleston, the top recommendations for where to stay in Charleston, and, of course, the best activities in Charleston to help you plan the perfect trip.
