Charleston, South Carolina had us within the first hour—and honestly, it didn’t take much. We had barely checked in before my husband and I were back outside, walking with no real destination. A turn here, a quiet street there and suddenly we were passing hidden gardens and catching glimpses of the harbor. It felt easy, romantic and completely welcoming from the start.
Highlights from Our Romantic Charleston Getaway
- Historic charm and art: Stay at The Vendue, Charleston’s Art Hotel, and enjoy a rooftop bar with harbor views.
- Dining experiences: From Bistronomy by Nico to Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit and Michelin-recognized Lewis Barbecue.
- Culture and history: Explore Magnolia Plantation, Liberty Trail walking tours and Charleston’s thriving art scene.
Editor’s Note: The writer was hosted.
Seeing Charleston: Trolley Tours and Carriage Rides
We started with Old Town Trolley Tours, departing from the Visitor Center, worth a stop for helpful exhibits and a sense of arrival. From Rainbow Row to the Battery and City Market, the narrated ride gave context, making everything explored afterward feel connected.
Carriage rides add another layer of charm, rolling past pastel homes and along cobblestone streets at an easy pace. It is a relaxed way to soak in the city and slow down together.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Start with the trolley overview, then explore on foot or by carriage. Refuel at Sweet Palm Coffee nearby.
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Sleep Amid History and Art
The Vendue is more than a hotel, it is Charleston’s Art Hotel, blending two historic properties, each with its own character.
The buildings date back to the 1780s, and today the space also serves as an art gallery. More than 300 original works are displayed throughout the property. Every hallway invites you to pause and look a little closer. There is always something new to discover. Evenings often led us upstairs to the rooftop bar, where harbor breezes and glowing skies became our ritual, one last toast before calling it a night.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Do not miss the daily guided art tour (5–6 p.m.) led by an in-house curator with a glass of bubbly.
Strolling the Battery and Waterfront
Staying near the Battery meant stepping straight into Charleston’s rhythm. Morning and evening visits revealed shifting light across the water. Fishermen called greetings from their boats while gulls circled overhead and cobblestones echoed the clip-clop of carriage horses.
The Pineapple Fountain in Waterfront Park became a favorite stop, with Fort Sumter in the distance and historic homes lining the shore. Rainbow Row and City Market offered sweetgrass baskets and Lowcountry finds.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Walk from the Battery to Rainbow Row in one outing for a scenic, uninterrupted experience.
Charleston’s Art Scene: Creative Energy Around Every Corner
Charleston is an art-forward city with a thriving gallery scene. Spending an afternoon exploring the French Quarter and its galleries is a perfect way to experience the city’s creative spirit. The Charleston Gallery Association connects visitors to local and international artists, including many women-owned spaces that showcase Charleston’s creative leadership.
- Helena Fox Fine Art
- Ella Richardson Fine Art
- Principle Gallery
- Meyer Vogl Gallery
- Atrium Gallery
- Lese Corrigan Fine Art
SheBuysTravel Tip: Visit during the First Friday ArtWalk (except January and July) and download the gallery map in advance.
Charleston Museums: History and Art
Charleston’s museums offer a rich glimpse into the city’s history, culture and artistic heritage:
- Aiken-Rhett House – a preserved antebellum home showing 19th-century domestic life.
- Old Slave Mart Museum – interprets Charleston’s role in the domestic slave trade.
- Charleston Museum – traces Lowcountry history from ancient artifacts to the Civil War.
- Gibbes Museum of Art – a historic arts institution showcasing American and Southern works across centuries.
A walking tour through Charleston’s museums is like tracing the city’s story in real time.
Step Back in Time: Charles Towne Landing and Magnolia Plantation
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site – Wander 664 acres of trails and marshes where South Carolina’s first English settlement took root in 1670. Interpretive sites include active archaeological digs revealing colonial and earlier artifacts, plus a replica 17th-century trading vessel.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens – Founded in 1676 and still held by the Drayton family, this former rice plantation features America’s oldest public gardens. Ride the narrated nature train through moss-draped landscapes, spot alligators along the waterways and take the “From Slavery to Freedom” tour.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Morning and late afternoon visits offer the best conditions for exploring at a relaxed pace.
Savoring Charleston: A Culinary Journey Through Lowcountry and Global Flavors
Charleston knows how to set the table. Do not miss:
- Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit – woman-owned gem serving her mother’s rich, buttery iconic recipe.
- Lewis Barbecue – Texas-style brisket and ribs that keep people coming back.
- Bistronomy by Nico – a cozy bistro with French classics subtly infused with Asian flavors.
- Costa Charleston – coastal Italian cuisine in a warm nautical setting.
- Indaco – where rustic Italian tradition meets handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas and seasonal local ingredients.
- The Establishment – refined Southern seafood in a historic Broad Street home.
Sunset on the Harbor: A Magical Evening
One of our most memorable Charleston moments was on the water with Charleston Sailing Adventures. Departing from the Charleston Maritime Center, we sailed past the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and Battery antebellum homes as the sun dipped, casting golden light across the harbor.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Book a sunset sail in advance and bring a layer—it gets breezy.
Walk Through Charleston’s Layered Past
A walking tour with Lowcountry History Strolls brought Charleston’s past to life. On the Historic South of Broad tour, we traced stories often left out of history books while exploring the original walled city.
Highlights included:
- Admiring antebellum architecture
- Learning hidden stories of the city’s residents
- Reflecting together while gaining a deeper understanding of Charleston’s complex history
SheBuysTravel Tip: Walking tours are best in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy soft light for photos.
Romantic Charleston Getaway FAQ
Spring and fall, with mild temperatures, blooming gardens and fewer crowds—perfect for strolling historic streets.
Yes. It is iconic for Charleston and offers a slower, romantic perspective of the historic district.
Yes. Visit Magnolia Plantation for its gardens and the “From Slavery to Freedom” tour, Charles Towne Landing for trails and historical context and take a Lowcountry walking tour to explore neighborhood gardens and historic architecture.
Start with Indaco for casual meals, then Costa and The Establishment for refined dining.
Explore galleries throughout the city and plan your visit around First Friday ArtWalk. Download the gallery map in advance.
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