Girls’ Trip Guide to Charleston, SCEverything you need to know about planning an epic girls' trip to Charleston, South Carolina—the 350-year-old city is not only of the most visited places in the US, but also the jewel of the east coast. SECRET CODE: CRUISING #TripsbySteller #FavoriteTrips #StellerHashtagChallengeAuthorslunaticatlarge
DestinationsCharlestonItinerary

Where to Stay

Zero George
With 18 rooms and suites split between five different historic buildings, Zero George is my top pick for a more B&B vibe in Charleston when you want to stay in the same place with all your friends but have your own spaces. It's also a former Conde Nast Traveler’s Hot List honoree and has a great on-site restaurant.
See More
Book
The Spectator Hotel
This art-forward boutique hotel in downtown Charleston has 41 rooms and one of the city's most Instagrammable lounges. Even if you don't stay there, pop in for a cocktail in the Art Deco bar that's giving Gatsby.
See More
Book
The Vendue, Charleston's Art Hotel
Located in Charleston’s French Quarter, the Vendue occupies a pair of old warehouses dating back to the 1700’s, but also boasts an extensive, alluring contemporary art collection—numbering more than 300 works—scattered throughout the rooms and in the common areas. Request a corner room overlooking East Bay Street.
See More
Book
The Dewberry Charleston
For the girl group looking for a more modern hotel and a super-luxe experience, the Dewberry on Marion Square checks both boxes.
See More
Book

Where to Eat

Callie's Hot Little Biscuit
The ultimate grab-and-go breakfast spot, Callie's has long been a Charleston icon—and also has gluten-free biscuits on the menu. If possible, go on a weekday, as there are no reservations here.
See More
Xiao Bao Biscuit
Dumplings, noodles and Japanese cabbage pancakes all have a place on the small, but curated menu at this Asian-meets-Southern food stop that's been a beloved local staple since it opened in 2009.
See More
FIG
One of Charleston's top dining spots has been FIG, a fusion of Italian, French, and New American, for the past decade. It's interior is rather cozy, so if you're traveling with a small group and can't find a reservation, there's often space at the bar.
See More
Slightly North of Broad Restaurant
This is a great lunch spot for the group who wants a traditional Southern meal (cream of crab soup, fried chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits). Tip: Make reservations, and don't pass on the cocktail menu.
See More
Brown Dog Deli
Sometimes all you want is a sandwich and beer, and Brown Dog Deli delivers in both camps—only make the sandwiches extra tasty and the beers extra frothy. With menu items like The Devil Wears Burrata (Burrata, pepperoni, prosciutto, pistachio mortadella, salami, sundried tomato pesto, giardiniera, truffle oil vinaigrette, provolone, tomato, onion, mixed greens on focaccia) and Pig 'N Fig (Ppulled pork, fig-rosemary preserves, bacon jam, cheddar, Granny Smith apple on a pressed baguette), you can't go wrong with whatever you order.
See More
The Ordinary
Fancy seafood, oysters and top-notch cocktails all have a place at the table at this fine-dining restaurants that's also a knockout for brunch.
See More
The Darling Oyster Bar
This former 1920s bank with vaulted ceilings now lives a second life as the best oyster bar in Charleston. The lobster roll, clam chowder and blue crab tagliatelle are other standouts.
See More
The Tattooed Moose
The Tattooed Moose on Park Circle is in a delightful complex of murals, breweries, indie shops and even a cidery. So you know it's going to be good. The duck club is delightful, as is the Thanksgiving Sammy. For the girl who loves her beer, this brewpub has plenty on tap to choose from.
See More
The Obstinate Daughter
A beachfront restaurant with a nautical theme, it's a slam dunk—especially in Charleston. Totally worth crossing the Cooper River Bridge for. Must-order: the fig pizza if it's on the menu.
See More

Where to Drink

The Gin Joint
This 1920s-themed bar focuses on booze-forwarded cocktails you won't find elsewhere, as well as small plates that pair well with the drinks. The patio is cozy on balmy evenings, and if you're bold with your cocktails, go for the Bartender's Choice every time.
See More
Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar
This waterfront restaurant in downtown Charleston specializes in seafood staples (she crab soup, calamari, peel-and-eat shrimp) and boasts a brand-new raw bar with a bevy of oyster options on tap.
See More
Edmund's Original (Formerly Edmund's Oast)
Not far from the airport, this brewery and restaurant is a great last stop before heading home. They have a PBJ stout that tastes like my childhood, and the food like burgers, Pimento cheese spreads and fancy grilled cheese sandwiches is also on point.
See More
Firefly Distillery
The home to Sweet Tea Vodka is a fun afternoon activity for the gals who like their liquor. Want something even more niche? Sign up for the Oyster Shooter Cocktail Class.
See More
Westbrook Brewing Company
One of Charleston's OG breweries still makes the best beer in town with rotating taps mingling with my personal favorite mainstays, the White Thai (a wheet beer) and the Key Lime Pie Gose. There's also wine and cocktails for those not keen on beers.
See More
Commonhouse Aleworks
This lively taproom in the trendy Park Circle neighborhood boasts a core roster of staples (like a lager and pale ale), as well as rotating seasonal brews (such as a marzen, imperial stout and numerous fruited sours). The beers pair well with the food on the menu, like the mouthwatering brisket burger.
See More
Poe's Tavern
This pub on Sullivan's Island has long been a local's go-to for fish tacos, quesadillas, and a deep well of burgers and chicken sandwiches.
See More
The Rooftop at the Vendue
Sunset doesn't get better than on the rooftop of art hotel, the Vendue Inn, with killer views and divine cocktails and snacks.
See More

What to Do

Charleston City Market
It's touristy, sure, but it's also one of the oldest public markets in the country—dating back to the 1790s, this four-block market complex features a wide array of produce, meat, trinkets and more.
See More
Rainbow Row
This row of candy-colored historic homes in Charleston's core is one of the most Instagrammed spots in town.
See More
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
One of Charleston's iconic views, this cable-stayed bridge connects the peninsula to Mount Pleasant and is the third longest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere.
See More
Isle of Palms County Park
For the closest beach to downtown Charleston, look no further than Isle of Palms, a barrier island with sandy beaches and relatively flat surf located just across the Cooper River Bridge.
See More
Angel Oak Tree
Head to the west side of the peninsula and out to Johns Island to glimpse one of the most magnificent trees in America. The Angel Oak is in the neighborhood of 400-500 years old; it's 65 feet tall, but it's the canopy created by the limbs—some extending nearly 100 feet—that make it so remarkable.
See More
Shem Creek
Over the bridge in Mount Pleasant, Shem Creek flows into the Charleston Harbor and is a popular spot for boating, whether you're chartering a boat and captain, taking a day trip or renting your own. Bonus: There are a lot of boat-up bars along Shem Creek.
See More
King Street
Feel like exercising your plastic? King Street is peppered with boutiques and other fun shops.
See More
French Huguenot Church
This pink-and-pretty Gothic Revival church makes a great backdrop for your group photos.
See More
Folly Island
By way of beach communities in Charleston, there's Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms to the east and Folly Island to the west. This barrier island has a more surf community vibe and is the perfect spot for a group of friends to while away an afternoon. There's no shortage of beach bars, but if you're looking for a tasty marg, head on over to Rita's Seaside Grille and grab a table on the patio.
See More