Charleston, SC
Your 48 hour guide to a chic weekend in lowcountry South Carolina
There is something about the southern charm of Charleston that has always had a pull on me. After talking about visiting for many years, I finally decided to extend a work trip in Charlotte into the ultimate coastal detour. Whether you’re traveling solo or with your favorite people, this guide is curated for anyone looking for a chic, slow-paced weekend away.
Welcome to Charleston
Arrival: CHS (Charleston International Airport) is the primary hub and incredibly convenient, located just 20–25 minutes from downtown. While I used CHS airport for my departure, driving is a fantastic alternative if you’re regional. The trip from Charlotte took me exactly three hours by car and was a breeze.
The Layout: Downtown Charleston is situated on a peninsula, making it a dream for those who love to explore on foot. The area is composed of several distinct neighborhoods, including the historic French Quarter, the bustling Upper King Street, and the serene South of Broad. My personal favorites were the French Quarter, for its romantic, cobblestone charm and Parisian-inspired architecture, and Upper King, for its high-energy dining scene and chic boutiques.
Where to Stay
Hotel Emeline: Located in the heart of historic downtown Charleston, Hotel Emeline effortlessly blends Southern charm with chic, contemporary design. It is the perfect retreat for travelers seeking a boutique experience complete with a seasonal welcome drink, a captivating vinyl record library, and a warm energy that makes you feel welcome from the moment you arrive.
The Ryder: Situated in downtown Charleston, this charming, design-forward boutique hotel is the ultimate destination for a chic girls' weekend. It is the quintessential choice for those who prefer a curated, intimate experience over the sprawling feel of a large resort. The overall vibe is effortlessly light, breezy, and fun - perfectly encapsulated by Little Palm, their vibrant, tropical rooftop pool lounge and adjacent restaurant that’s perfect for relaxing on a warm day.
Hotel Bennett: Overlooking Charleston's historic Marion Square, Hotel Bennett is the premier choice for the luxury-minded traveler who appreciates grand European elegance mixed with classic Southern hospitality. The atmosphere is opulent yet inviting, boasting a world-class spa, a stunning pink champagne lounge, and unmatched panoramic views from its rooftop pool.
Hotel Emeline details (Where I stayed)
Number of nights: 2
Room Type: Travelers King Bedroom Suite
Hotel Emeline offers a breadth of rooming options. I opted for the Travelers King Bedroom Suite and was very impressed with how spacious it was. The room was thoughtfully designed featuring:
Comforts: A remarkably soft bed with a fluffy comforter, nightstands, and a dedicated sitting corner with two plush robes.
Little Luxuries: Upon entering, you’re greeted with a spacious living room complete with a green suede L-shaped couch and a large flat-screen TV. As you progress down the hallway, you’re met with a quaint area complete with a vintage record player, coffee maker, and refrigerator.
The Bathroom: The bathroom was also well-appointed with a large shower boasting excellent water pressure (which I always look for in a luxury stay).
Food: The dining at Hotel Emeline is exactly what you’d hope for in a chic weekend getaway.
Frannie and the Fox: Evenings at Frannie and the Fox bring a lively, sophisticated energy, offering a wood-fired menu with distinct Italian offerings. They are known for their incredible artisanal pizzas, house-made pastas, and a lively, courtyard atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to share a bottle of wine and indulge in a chic, savory meal after a day of exploring the city.
Clerk’s Coffee: For those seeking an early start to explore the city, the coffee shop and adjacent retail space (conveniently attached to the lobby) are a lifesaver. It’s stocked with quick breakfasts like artisanal sandwiches and yogurt, plus excellent coffee and curated local goods to grab before a day of walking the historic streets.
Amenities & Leisure: Hotel Emeline offers ample amenities to keep you entertained and relaxed during your stay. A few standout features that I love include:
Valet: If you’re like me and have a rental car, you’ll appreciate their curbside valet service. Not only did the attendants help with my bags, but they were also incredibly swift every time I wanted to take the car out to go sightseeing.
Bike Rental: This was my favorite amenity the hotel offered and certainly not to be missed! Emeline offers complimentary beach cruiser rentals with your stay, and in my eyes, this is truly the best way to see the city. I rented a bike for two hours and made my way through the Battery, the French Quarter, and so many cute side streets that I otherwise wouldn’t have covered on foot.
Sights not to miss
Rainbow Row: This iconic stretch of East Bay Street features 13 historic, shoulder-to-shoulder homes painted in vibrant, pastel hues. Dating back to the 1700s, it is easily one of the most photographed and picturesque landmarks in the entire city.
King Street: The ultimate spot for walking and window shopping, King Street is the bustling main drag of downtown. It’s divided into antique, fashion, and restaurant districts, making it perfect for an afternoon of wandering, shopping, or grabbing a drink.
American Gardens: Tucked right between King and Meeting Streets, this gorgeous new public park is downtown’s newest hidden gem. It’s a beautifully landscaped breezeway filled with green lawns, fountains, and mature trees - making it a perfect spot to take a break from walking and shopping before continuing your afternoon.
Pineapple Fountain: Nestled in the heart of Waterfront Park, this stunning, tiered fountain is Charleston's famous symbol of Southern hospitality and warmth. It is a beautiful gathering spot to snap a photo, enjoy the harbor views, or cool off on a warm day.
Charleston City Market: Spanning four historic city blocks, this bustling market has been around since the 1790s. It’s packed with local vendors selling everything from unique souvenirs and treats to the beautiful, hand-woven Gullah sweetgrass baskets. Be sure to stop at Byrd’s across the street for some of the best cookies you’ll ever have.
French Quarter: Easily one of the most romantic neighborhoods in town and my favorite areas to explore, this area is all about cobblestone streets, gas lanterns, and hidden courtyards. It’s the perfect spot to stroll, duck into an art gallery, and just soak up the old-school charm.
Breakfast & Caffeine
Sorelle Mercato: I am often skeptical about TikTok-famous spots, but Sorelle Mercato was worth every bit of hype it gets. The interiors are elevated and chic, and the unique specialty lattes are to die for. I ordered the banana bread latte and was in absolute heaven.
Harken Cafe: Harken is the cutest, rustic coffee shop located just blocks from Sorelle. Their coffee and matcha selection is excellent, but the true standout item was their ricotta biscuit with orange zest butter and homemade jam. This was single-handedly the best thing I ate during my entire time in Charleston.
Millers All Day: For those looking for a great, unfussy breakfast in a fun and laid-back environment, this is the spot for you. I sat at the bar and immediately struck up a conversation with the bartender. I opted for a classic breakfast and it did not disappoint—not to mention, all of their other Southern classics looked incredible.
Poogan’s Porch: Perhaps the most iconic of Charleston’s breakfast joints, Poogan’s Porch has been serving traditional Southern cuisine to the community for decades. Tucked away in a historic Victorian townhouse, the cozy atmosphere makes you feel like you’re dining right in someone’s home.
Cocktails
Camellia’s Champagne Bar: Located inside Hotel Bennett, this ultra-chic champagne lounge is famously pink, opulent, and inspired by the design of a Fabergé egg. It’s the ultimate spot to grab a glass of bubbly, indulge in some caviar or cake, or book a fancy afternoon tea. (This actually ended up being my dinner on night #1, and I have zero regrets!)
Little Palm: Tucked away at The Ryder Hotel, this breezy, tropical-inspired poolside bar and lounge feels like an easygoing oasis in the middle of downtown. With its colorful coastal plates, refreshing spritzes, and lively evening music sessions, it is the perfect place to relax between sights.
a note on dinner
You might notice a lack of traditional dinner restaurant recommendations in this guide! Because this was a quick 48-hour trip, night one was happily spent sipping champagne and eating caviar at Camellia's. As for night two? The dinner spot I tried didn't live up to the hype, and since this guide is strictly curated with places I genuinely love and recommend, I'm gatekeeping the skips to save your itinerary!
Dessert
Off Track Ice Cream: Tucked just off King Street, this local favorite serves up ultra-creamy, artisanal scoops made completely from scratch. Half the menu features classic dairy flavors, while the other half is an incredible lineup of inventive vegan flavors, making it the perfect end to your day of exploring and sightseeing.
Top Local Experiences
Magnolia Plantation: This was a major highlight of my trip, and I am so glad I made the time to visit. Located roughly 30 minutes from downtown Charleston, it is a stunning property rich with history and incredible scenery. I added on the tram tour for an additional $15, which was the perfect way to see the expansive grounds while learning all about the estate's past.
Sullivan’s Island: For the beachgoer, this is an absolute must! Located just 20 minutes across the bridge from downtown, it offers a beautifully quiet, uncommercialized stretch of sand that feels worlds away from the city hub. After soaking up the sun, you can head over to Middle Street to grab an amazing bite at local favorites like Poe's Tavern or The Obstinate Daughter.
packing essentials
Charleston is a romantic city made for flowey dresses, pastels, and walking. There are a few travel essentials, linked here, that I swear by when I travel. I’ve also listed a few additional items below that I brought on our trip and love.
Good quality luggage: This is a non-negotiable for me. I absolutely love my Beis carry on and checked bag. My go-to weekend bag is my Quince Italian Leather weekender. I love that this bag is both sophisticated, practical and can fit under the seat in front of you on a plane. (Quince Code: INFG-26XXLAURENBENNETT10 for 10% off your first order!)
Vacation Ware: I picked up a few staples from Abercrombie and Quince for my Charleston getaway that I have linked here. The white flowy dress I wore was perfect for sightseeing and I also own the linked Quince Cashmere sweater in several colors. It’s perfect for layering in case it gets chilly.
Good sunscreen: I swear by the Supergoop Unseen sunscreen. This sunscreen holds all day and layers great under makeup.
When to Visit
Best Time: Spring (March – May) - This is widely considered the absolute best time to visit. The weather is beautiful (usually in the 70s and low 80s), and the entire city bursts into color with blooming jasmine and azaleas. It's the ultimate time for walking around, but because it’s peak season, you’ll want to book your hotels and dinner reservations well in advance.
Local Favorite: Fall (September – November) - If you want amazing weather without the massive spring crowds, fall is a total hidden gem. The oppressive summer humidity finally breaks, leaving you with warm days and crisp, cool nights. October and November are especially incredible for outdoor dining, rooftop drinks, and catching sunsets on the beach.
How long to visit: For a first visit, I would recommend 3 nights in Charleston so you have time for a day at the beach, a day to explore Magnolia Plantation, and a day for exploring the city. I was there for 48 hours and found myself needing to be strategic to hit all the places I wanted to, sometimes needing to cross town to ensure I hit everything given my time constraints.
