Ultimate Charleston SC Bachelorette Party Itinerary

Ahh yes, wedding season is in full swing. Cheers to that!

I took a trip to Charleston, South Carolina for the weekend last month celebrating my guy Will’s upcoming wedding. Charleston may not be the first bachelorette destination you consider, but let me assure you it is a top spot!!

As we visited, at least seven other bachelorette parties passed through this small space. Relax, Charleston is still very real. There is so much to enjoy in this laid-back, historical beach down for a fabulous girls weekend. Picture perfect photo ops, delish brunch spots, cozy as heck bars and vibrant (but not too rowdy) nightlife followed by days spent lying chilling out the front of member-filled beach clubs.

If you need some inspiration or if you are actively planning your Charleston getaway, read on. Need a little help planning the ultimate getaway with your girls. Look no further, my Charleston Bachelorette Party Itinerary has you covered!

Where to Stay

Charleston has boutique hotels providing comfy accommodations across the spectrum. But if you’re on a budget (which I was!), look into Airbnb choices instead. With an Airbnb rental, unlike most budget hotels you will have some room to gather and relax — and get ready for the night ahead.

I would recommend a location near the French quarter, or down towards King Street in Cannonborough/Elliotborough. This will bring you within easy walking or a short Uber ride of many of the best bars, restaurants and nightlife in town.

Getting There

You’ve got choices! There are plenty of reasons to love Charleston—and all the ways you can travel here. You will either fly into Charleston International Airport, take the AMTRAK train or catch a Greyhound bus. If none of you have your driver’s license, then obviously the driving is not an option. Easily Accessible to the South — The city is well-located situated with several Southern metropolises just a few hours drive away, including 2hrs from Savannah and nearby Greenville (4–5 hrs), Asheville (6) and Atlanta.

Transportation

When it comes to public transportation, Charleston is not the most convenient. You will be driving, walking maybe Uber-ing. The town has a bus system, but I barely saw any buses during my time there so have no idea how regular they come.

That said, parking is usually a cinch. There is plenty of street/to own parking lots. But Charleston itself is a walkable city, so you can walk to most of the places on this list.

Important Information

Note the open container law in place as you plan your bachelorette weekend! No, you cannot drink on the streets or Santa Monica Beach and in its parks (be careful!)

On top of it, Charleston Restaurants fill up fast! And last but least, probably best is to make your dining reservation ahead of time.

Plan the Perfect Charleston SC Bachelorette Weekend

Thursday

Get your group down here in Charleston! Road trip with your crew or meeting at the Airbnb, it all starts today.

This is a travel day so take it easy Thursday evening. Have dinner and drinks somewhere very casual, then head for dessert to one of my best ice cream spots in the city. End your Friday relaxing with Saturday night self-care.

Dinner & Drinks: The Rarebit

Situated on King Street, The Rarebit provides a stylish take of American dining. With a dash of mid-century modern decor, serious 1970s living-room vibes flood the restaurant.

Happy Hour, Monday through Friday 4pm-7pm with $6 Moscow mules – a classic Redwood House drink – and Greyhounds (also highly recommend!).

Dessert: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream

Right across the street is Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream This Ohio-based chain takes the cake with it’s cinnamon gelato that’s creamy but not too decadent. This one will come to you case only a limited number of locations scattered across the USA so give this treat up for dropped anything. My personal fave is the Salted Peanut Butter with Chocolate Chips.

Expect a line down the sidewalk, you might still have to wait.

Evening Plans: Explore or Unwind

Now the evening is yours! Take a stroll up King Street and explore the swanky bars and eateries. On the other hand, you might just want to have a quiet night in at your Airbnb instead. Consider it a big kid sleepover: take out some facemasks, open that bottle of wine and pop on your favorite movie to watch and chill with the girls.

Friday

You will have had a good first-night sleep so day 1 is truly loaded with fun for you! Let today begin with brunch, visit a sight to behold historical sites, take some Instagram worthy photos and prepare for an even more exciting night out!

Brunch: Poogan’s Porch

Do not miss brunch at Poogan’s Porch in Charleston. This cozy Lowcountry restaurant is one of our favorites and has been featured in The Travel Channel, Martha Stewart Living + more. Housed in a renovated home on Queen Street, the front porch of 416 Snack bar claims this local pup as their mascot.

Make your brunch reservations online — and save room for some of the best biscuits you’ll ever have.

Added bonus: they pour mimosa carafes!

Historical Tour: Magnolia Plantation or Fort Sumter

Founded in 1670, Charleston is full of history. The City’s significance continued when it became a focal point for both the American Revolution as well as the Civil War, where by April of 1861 with it’s bombardment being conducted at Fort Sumter.

Fort Sumter- visit this National Historic Park to learn about the checkered history of Charleston. After arriving in Xining you can buy tickets really at the station and also online.

Or spend a day at Magnolia Plantation, one of the oldest plantations in the South and an entry on the National Register of Historic Places. Visit this historic home and garden for a look at the granddaddy of American public gardens, existing since 1870. The property opens at 9:00 a.m. and you can explore the grounds and walk through some gardens, tour the house, hike the woods or visit with miniature horses in their small petting zoo area. A second tour educates visitors on the brutalities of slavery, not just at this plantation but all across the South.

Lunch: Picnic

You must be so stuff from your Poogan’s Porch brunch. You can grab a quick bite near Magnolia Plantation at the Peacock Cafe. Otherwise, head to a scenic waterfront park for a Charleston-style picnic. White Point Garden at The Battery Through the Battery, an old Civil War artillery spot now turned into a waterfront promenade with historic mansions. Waterfront Park is another great picnic spot, and also features the iconic Pineapple Fountain (even more photo opportunities!) Rainbow Row Colors, a row of historic colorful houses in downtown Charleston – another classic Instagram spot and group photo opp!

If you have a bit more time, stop at the Historic Charleston City Market that has been around since the 1790s and is perfect for buying souvenirs.

Get Ready

Return to your Airbnb to prepare for your night out!

Pre-Dinner Drinks: King Street Bars

Ready for the evening? Throw on a bridal sash, tiaras and your bachelorette party gear (yes you want to be cheesy) and go down King Street. With lots of bars for a pre-dinner drink to start the night.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Stars Rooftop Bar & Grill: Head to the rooftop for sprawling views and craft cocktails.
• Charleston Beer Works: This sports bar hosts Happy Hour Fridays from 4-7pm with $4 local drafts, house liquor and small plates at 25 % off.
• Republic Garden & Lounge: Sitting in the street-level garden is best, as there’s a Friday Happy Hour from 4-7pm with half-priced bottles of wine and champagne, $7 featured cocktails, and $5-$7 bar snacks.

Dinner: Indaco

Indaco is the classic rustic Italian with sophisticated ambiance. This little high end spot will be the proper touch to your evening , and when you visit the bride gets a complimentary glass of proseccoullah!

There’s a selection of inventive cocktails, in addition to pasta and pizza. With a 3-course family-style tasting menu to make your dining experience one you won’t soon forget!

Drinks & Dancing: King Street

If you are not too full, take a walk along King Street to visit various bars. Friday nights will obviously be busy, but you should not have a problem gaining entry.

Consider these spots:

• In Charleston: The Cocktail Club has a big indoor space and an even bigger outdoor back patio, which has couches. Try one of the craft cocktails from your friendly bartenders.
• Prohibition: Take your dancing shoes to Prohibition. DJ Elementz sets a fun, lively environment nightly from 10pm to close on Fridays. Dance floor is population but to move. I showed up a few minutes before 10, paid my $5 cover charge. There is also a spacious outdoor patio if you prefer an intimate setting.

• If you hit up the aforementioned room-hopping a little earlier in the evening, some of those bars could be good stops on your way back as well — Republic becomes an after-hours dance club for shuffling into dawn.

Enjoy yourself and be safe! Ride share an Uber back to your Airbnb after the night comes to a close.

Saturday

Had a great time last night? Today, after the party excitement and last minute preparations we spend time beaching at Folly Beach. Folly Beach is less traffic-ridden, and 20-30 minutes by car from the French Quarter (strategically located right outside Charleston).

Brunch: Lost Dog Cafe

One of the most charming brunch spots in Folly Beach is Lost Dog Cafe. ‍ Since they take no names it’s worth imaging the wait fest. Otherwise, you can get coffee and a nibble to take down near the beach.

A stop at Lost Dog Cafe will not disappoint. The menu offers traditional Southern dishes such as Shrimp and Grits or Biscuits & Sausage Gravy. Also if you come here never miss the Cinnamon Rolls, after finishing our 1st round we had to have more. They’re that good.

Folly Beach

After brunch, make your way to Folly Beach. Parking is small and can be a problem as you have plenty of folks using the beach linear miles end. Continue and anticipate that you will pay about $20 for stopping.

You may also book your chairs and umbrellas in advance if you want to avoid lugging a lot of beach gear. Rental packages from the Folly Beach Chair Company, with Bachelorette Party groups in mind. So your setup is waiting for you once on arrival!

Lunch: Drop in Bar & Deli

Get a light lunch without leaving the beach with something from side street cafe Drop In Bar & Deli. First and foremost, they deliver salads, sandwiches or soups to the beach. It is an easy way to enjoy food!

Dinner

Dine in Charleston after a day at the beach. Here are a few choices:

• Blind Tiger Pub: A casual bar and eatery with a spacious backyard patio. Don’t neglect to go with the Parm-Truffle Frites.
• O-Ku Sushi: We missed out on O–Ku Sushi this time, but apparently the atmosphere is cozy and wonderful for going off script with your sushi choices. Cannot wait to give it a try next time.
• 82 Queen: If you want something a bit fancier, 8 Queens is our top pick for fancy lowcountry cuisine or cocktail in historic settings.

Ghost Tour: Ghost City Tours

This ancient city is one of the most popular places in America for ghost tours — and well it should be. Even if you do not believe in ghosts, these tours give an intriguing view into the history and legends of a city.

We will never forget your ghost tour examines the French Quarter region of town ties each pipe to understand why there was lots of activity by Union and Confederate soldiers during both the Revolutionary USA Independence Wars along with also Civil War. And you will stop by the graveyard that launched today’s wave of ghost hunting.

Sunday

Brunch: 5 Church

Finish off the current weekend with one last brunch at 5 Church. This upscale Southern is in a converted church with high ceilings and stained glass contributing to the décor.

The restaurant serves creations like mimosa flights, and traditional Southern dishes such as Biscuits & Gravy. Do not forget to order the beignets, which come with your bread basket and are a delicious bonus!

I hope this guide helps getting you started planning the perfect Charleston Bachelorette Party itinerary!