12 Epic Things to Do on a Girls’ Weekend in Charleston, SC

Charleston, South Carolina offers the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable girls’ getaway. With its blend of Southern charm, rich history, and modern attractions, this coastal gem has something for every friend group to enjoy. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just need some quality time together, these 12 activities will make your Charleston girls’ trip absolutely epic.

1. Stroll Through Historic Downtown Charleston

Charleston’s downtown area feels like stepping into a living postcard. The rainbow-colored historic homes along Rainbow Row create the perfect backdrop for group photos that’ll make your Instagram followers jealous.

Wander down Church Street to spot hidden gardens peeking through wrought-iron gates. The cobblestone pathways have stories etched into every stone – just watch those heels!

For the best experience, head out early morning when the streets are quiet and the light is golden. The Battery promenade offers stunning harbor views that capture Charleston’s timeless appeal.

2. Sip Cocktails at a Rooftop Bar

Nothing says ‘girls’ weekend’ quite like clinking glasses against a backdrop of Charleston’s skyline.

The Rooftop at The Vendue transforms from day to night, offering 360-degree views that capture both the harbor and historic district. Stars Rooftop & Grill Room serves up handcrafted cocktails with fresh, local ingredients that perfectly complement the sunset palette. Their famous Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka drinks are dangerously delicious!

For something truly special, time your visit during the golden hour when the city is bathed in warm light. Remember to make reservations – these spots fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

3. Indulge in a Lowcountry Food Tour

Your taste buds are in for a Southern treat! Charleston’s food scene combines traditional Lowcountry cuisine with innovative twists that showcase the region’s incredible seafood and produce.

Guided culinary tours take you behind the scenes at local favorites where you’ll sample shrimp and grits so creamy they’ll make you swoon. The she-crab soup, a local delicacy, tastes like the ocean and cream had a delicious baby. Between bites, you’ll gather cooking tips and historical tidbits from passionate local guides.

Many tours include stops at hidden gems you’d likely miss on your own – the perfect way to discover where locals actually eat!

4. Shop Along King Street

Retail therapy reaches new heights on Charleston’s famous King Street. This shopping paradise stretches for blocks, featuring everything from high-end boutiques to quirky local shops filled with one-of-a-kind treasures.

The Lower King Antique District houses centuries-old collectibles with fascinating stories. Middle King offers fashion-forward finds at shops like Hampden Clothing and Luna. Upper King serves up trendy home décor and locally-made gifts perfect for souvenirs.

Take breaks at charming cafés tucked between storefronts when shopping bags get heavy.

5. Take a Historic Carriage Ride

Clip-clop your way through Charleston’s storied past aboard a horse-drawn carriage. These leisurely tours offer a perfect blend of education and entertainment as knowledgeable guides share fascinating tales about the city’s 300+ year history.

Your journey winds through narrow streets inaccessible to larger vehicles, offering unique perspectives of hidden courtyards and architectural details. Many guides mix historical facts with amusing anecdotes that bring the city’s colorful characters to life.

Each carriage route is determined by lottery, ensuring you’ll have a somewhat unique experience. Morning rides offer cooler temperatures, while evening tours showcase Charleston’s buildings beautifully illuminated against the night sky.

6. Visit Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

Founded in 1676, Magnolia Plantation offers a glimpse into Charleston’s complex past while showcasing breathtaking natural beauty. The romantic-style gardens burst with colorful azaleas, camellias, and ancient oak trees draped in Spanish moss. Stroll along winding paths that lead to hidden bridges and peaceful ponds where alligators sometimes sun themselves.

The plantation house tour provides context about the property’s history, including perspectives of the enslaved people who built and maintained it. Nature lovers should explore the Audubon Swamp Garden, home to countless bird species. For the perfect group photo, find the iconic white bridge that arches over reflective waters – it’s pure Southern magic.

7. Brunch at a Charming Café

Charleston mornings were made for leisurely brunches with your besties. Poogan’s Porch, housed in a Victorian-era yellow home, serves up Southern comfort classics like chicken and waffles drizzled with bourbon maple syrup. Toast on Meeting Street offers life-changing French toast – their signature sweet tea glazed version will have you plotting ways to extend your stay. The mimosa flights let everyone sample different fruity combinations while comparing notes about the previous day’s adventures.

Many Charleston cafés source ingredients from nearby farms and waters, ensuring farm-to-table freshness. Make reservations well in advance, especially for weekend brunches when wait times can stretch to hours.

8. Hit the Beach at Folly Beach

Just 20 minutes from downtown, Folly Beach offers the perfect coastal escape when you need a break from city sightseeing. This laid-back beach town has a distinctly bohemian vibe that encourages you to slow down and embrace island time.

The Folly Beach Pier stretches 1,000 feet into the Atlantic, providing spectacular views and prime dolphin-spotting opportunities. After working up an appetite, head to one of the beachfront restaurants for fresh-caught seafood and frozen drinks. Rita’s Seaside Grille and Loggerhead’s Beach Grill serve up vacation vibes alongside delicious coastal cuisine that tastes even better with sand between your toes.

9. Explore the Charleston City Market

Dating back to the 1790s, the Historic Charleston City Market stretches across four city blocks and buzzes with energy from morning till night. Local artisans display handcrafted treasures that make perfect souvenirs – from sweetgrass baskets woven before your eyes to locally-made jewelry. The market’s central halls offer welcome shade during hot summer days.

Watch in awe as basket weavers practice this Gullah tradition that’s been passed down through generations since the days of slavery. Food vendors tempt with praline samples and benne wafers that practically melt in your mouth. For a cool treat, stop by Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit for their famous cinnamon biscuits that’ll have you dreaming of Charleston long after you’ve returned home.

10. Enjoy a Spa Day

Every girls’ getaway deserves at least one day dedicated to pure pampering, and Charleston’s luxury spas deliver unforgettable relaxation experiences.

The Spa at Belmond Charleston Place offers treatments that incorporate local ingredients like pluff mud and seaweed. Book a group package where you can all enjoy massages, facials, and mani-pedis while catching up in serene relaxation lounges.

For something uniquely Charleston, try treatments that feature Southern botanical ingredients like magnolia and jasmine. After your treatments, many spas provide access to pools, saunas, and steam rooms where you can continue unwinding together before heading out for evening adventures.

11. Take a Sunset Harbor Cruise

Charleston’s beauty reaches peak magic when viewed from the water at sunset. Board a harbor cruise and watch as the city’s skyline transforms into a silhouette against watercolor skies. Many cruises offer historical narration, pointing out landmarks like Fort Sumter and the stunning Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. The real stars of the show, however, are often the playful dolphins that frequently accompany boats through the harbor waters.

Bring light layers – even on warm days, the harbor breeze can get chilly once the sun dips. Most cruises offer drinks for purchase, but some allow you to bring your own champagne to toast the day’s adventures as pelicans glide by and the sky erupts in pinks and oranges.

12. Dance the Night Away

When the sun goes down, Charleston’s nightlife heats up with options for every style of celebration. The Cocktail Club on King Street crafts sophisticated drinks in a speakeasy atmosphere with exposed brick walls and leather seating perfect for girl-talk between dance sessions.

Prohibition channels 1920s vibes with craft cocktails and live jazz that often transforms into energetic dance music as the night progresses. Their dance floor fills quickly with locals and visitors alike moving to everything from swing to current hits. For a truly memorable night, Republic Garden & Lounge offers bottle service and DJs spinning until the early hours.