photo by Shea Leigh Mills
Weddings
24 Reasons Charleston Is a Perfect Bachelorette Party Destination
Beautiful beaches with dolphins that can be seen swimming just in the distance, green parks and tree-lined streets, historic architecture, a buzzing restaurant scene, and a coast-centric culture are just a few of Charleston’s...
photo by Shea Leigh Mills
Beautiful beaches with dolphins that can be seen swimming just in the distance, green parks and tree-lined streets, historic architecture, a buzzing restaurant scene, and a coast-centric culture are just a few of Charleston’s highlights. Sound right up your alley for a girls’ getaway or bachelorette party weekend? That’s because it’s perfect for such an occasion.
Our Associate Director of Sales and Marketing, Bailey, is a Carolina transplant whose affection for Charleston has us all wanting to plan a trip. Here, she shares all the best places to grab freshly shucked oysters, which luxury hotels are currently on her radar, and some of her favorite things to do in and out of the city.
Reporter: Alyssa Brown
Our Associate Director of Sales and Marketing, Bailey, is a Carolina transplant whose affection for Charleston has us all wanting to plan a trip. Here, she shares all the best places to grab freshly shucked oysters, which luxury hotels are currently on her radar, and some of her favorite things to do in and out of the city.
Reporter: Alyssa Brown
Posh, but with a dash of that comfortable southern style, The Dewberry is a great place to stay if you and your girls are envisioning a weekend of morning rooftop yoga and hopping around town on the hotel’s bikes. Hot tip: the grand queen rooms sleep four lovely ladies and we’re certain the double vanity in the bathroom will come in nice and handy when you’re all getting ready to hit the town for dinner.
When you’re traveling with a bachelorette squad, where you stay is a big part of the fun! If it’s luxury, comfort and hospitality you’re after, check out newcomer Hotel Bennett, where the double queen rooms are plenty spacious for bunking up with your girls.
Belmond Charleston sits in the heart of Downtown Charleston, offering a stately escape the likes of which you’d only find south of the Mason-Dixon Line. Here, your whole bachelorette weekend experience can be tailored to suit your style and you can book into a presidential suite with a large living room and connected double suite so all the girls are in one place.
Located just a block from City Market, The Spectator’s in the middle of some of the best shopping and sightseeing in Charleston. A balcony suite for Queen Bey (aka the bride) is so spacious it’s guaranteed to become the hangout spot for the weekend, while your Beyhive can comfortably bunk up in the queen rooms.
Eclectic suites, a cool rooftop bar and an art gallery are just a few of the draw cards at The Grand Bohemian Hotel. Reserve the double queen rooms if you want to spend the maximum amount of time possible snuggling and catching up with your girls.
In Bailey’s words, “So. Freaking. Cute.” For real, this spot is a gorgeous space for hosting a tasty, health-conscious meal during an otherwise indulgent bachelorette party weekend. Basic Kitchen is open for lunch and dinner most days, with brunch on the weekends.
A casual oyster shed with an awesome courtyard space, Leon’s is the place to go when you’re in the mood for frozen G&Ts, rosé on tap, freshly shucked oysters, and fried chicken. In short, it’s a good spot to hit when you’re ready to kick bachelorette party day one’s hangover.
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Local Lowcountry fare is cooked over wood-fire at this 19th century home in historic Charleston. The upstairs cocktail bar is a gorgeous space to kick off a bachelorette weekend or to end up late night for a pick-me-up snack. The main space downstairs serves a delicious brunch with highlights like buttermilk biscuits and gravy, or dinner that includes lots of small and large share plates with a local vibe.
Also on Sullivan’s Island, Poe’s is the spot to head to when you and the girls need to grub up on big, juicy burgers or crispy fish tacos. This casual pub is a good place to take a break from the beach around lunchtime.
This buzzy oyster bar and restaurant is set inside a 115-year-old storefront yet feels almost brand new in its glossy aesthetic. Check it out for brunch or dinner when raw or fried seafood is calling your name. Don’t worry though, there’s always something on the menu for anti-seafood eaters too.
A bright, energetic atmosphere is what you can expect when dining at Butcher & Bee, where the food is always changing, always seasonal and always delicious. We’d recommend reserving a space of your own if you’re rolling with a bachelorette party crew of ten or more.
Located on Sullivan Island, The Obstinate Daughter does all-day dining in an elevated beach shack setting with comfort foods like Lowcountry shrimp rolls, handmade pastas and wood-fired pizzas. Bailey says, “We grabbed lunch here before hitting the beach of Sullivans Island during my friend’s bachelorette party and it was perfect! Such a cute spot that easily accommodated our group!”
If you're looking to celebrate among fellow bachelor/bachelorette parties, Stars is a must. Bailey recommends this rooftop spot for a night out with the girls, or for a daytime brunch downstairs followed by drinks on the roof. The views really can’t be beat and the drink list is solid.
Fish tacos, shrimp tacos, carnitas tacos, fried chicken tacos, all of the tacos! Taco Boy slings the basics and then some, serving up rice bowls, quesadillas, margaritas, mezcal, and more for those in the mood for serious Mexican deliciousness. Outposts are downtown, in Folly Beach and coming soon to Summerville.
When on Sullivan’s Island or in Downtown Charleston, a trip to Home Team BBQ is a must. Go for brunch, lunch or dinner and Bailey says don’t miss their signature Game Changer – a slushy sweet drink of rum, pineapple, coconut and nutmeg.
This fancy seafood and oyster hall is an easy place to pop open a couple of bottles of bubbly, and spend hours noshing on peel-and-eat shrimp, raw or smoked oysters, caviar, steak tartare, and more. The Ordinary would be a great place to kickoff the weekend’s festivities.
You don’t have to be a guest of the Restoration Hotel to hang on their fabulous rooftop with views of downtown. Just head on up to the farm-to-table restaurant in time for sunset, order up a round of Starburst Pouch cocktails for the ladies and enjoy watching the sky light up in Technicolor.
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Brewery-meets-kitchen, Edmund’s Oast is the place to go if your group of gals love drinking beer. The dining menu here is based largely around the beer selections, making it a well-rounded party for the tastebuds. Inside tip: if you happen to be gluten free, Bailey says they have the best gluten free bread she's ever had.
You can’t make the trip to Charleston and not enjoy some of South Carolina’s best beaches. Bailey’s top recommendations are Sullivan's Island, Folly Beach and Isle Of Palms. Each of these beach towns has its own distinct village feel and personality.
During a boat tour to Morris Island you and the girls will have a chance to spot dolphins, sea turtles and plenty of beautiful seabirds. The lighthouse is the main attraction on the island, with the Carolina coastline the star of the show.
This luxury spa offers everything from massages and body scrubs to facials and fitness. There’s a spa package that includes a facial, massage, pedicure and spa lunch by the pool that’s designed for a girls getaway weekend. There’s also a full salon, so if you and the ladies want to get dolled up before hitting the town, be sure to book in for makeup or a styling session.
If shopping is on your bachelorette party agenda, head to Charleston’s famous King Street for the best stores. Know before you go: the shops along Upper King are mostly design-centric, Mid King is where you’ll find all the good clothing boutiques, and Lower King is the destination for antiques.
Schedule a calming lavender sugar scrub, deep tissue massage or Atlantic Ocean facial at The Dewberry on the final day of your bachelorette festivities and you’ll be feeling rested and rejuvenated just in time to head back home. Nail and hair treatments are also available.
Shem Creek flows through Mt. Pleasant and there’s a park here where you can go for a stroll with your girls, occasionally spotting dolphins in the water. There are tons of great bars and restaurants nearby, so it’s an easy daytrip destination. Bailey recommends heading to Table & Tavern or Saltwater Cowboys if you’re looking for a drink or a bite to eat.