Girls Weekend in CharlestonThe perfect weekend for hanging with your BFFs in Charleston! I included the routes I take with friends and some alternative ideas if you want to get out of downtown Charleston.Authorskerrieturcic
DestinationsCharlestonItinerary

Stay

Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton
Stay at this cute hotel in the heart of downtown with an excellent bar and restaurant, Iron Rose.
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Iron Rose
Grab a bite to eat in the outdoor courtyard after you check in and enjoy a cocktail.
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Friday: French Quarter & Waterfront

Harken Cafe
If you need some coffee and a quick bite, this charming coffee shop is super popular and delicious. Go early, though. The line does move quickly.
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Philadelphia Alley
Now it’s time to tour the French Quarter! I would head here after brunch and stroll this stunning and historic alleyway. You might see the French Huguenot Church on the way, but you’ll circle back after Philadelphia Alley.
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French Huguenot Church
This is an iconic spot for photos. You can usually find another person to snap pics for you around here. Cross the street for a better view.
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17 Chalmers St
Now make your way to Charleston ‘s iconic Pink House. It’s such a cool street (cobblestones) and historic house. The one big con here is that the people who live in the area park on the street in front of the house so it’s tough to get a clean photo.
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Poogan's Porch
Brunch time! Poogan’s brunch menu that’s available every day. I adore this place. Get Zoë’s Iced Coffee. It is my favorite! Other recommendations: biscuits and gravy, the chicken and waffle, and the chicken sandwich. Make reservations; it gets packed. Fun fact: Poogan’s Porch was named after the owner’s beloved dog. 🐶
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Waterfront Park
Walk off brunch with a stroll through the park to see the pier and the Pineapple Fountain.
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Waterfront Park Pier
If you’re lucky some of the swings will be open on the pier. Walk to the end and look out at the Ravenel Bridge and wave hello to Mount Pleasant!
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Pineapple Fountain
If you time it right, sunset is a beautiful time to be in Waterfront Park and near the fountain. There’s no shortage of people to snap a pic for you either.
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Tinto y Crema
This is a cute gelato place if you need to cool off.
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Indigo Home
A great little gift shop!
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Church and Union Charleston
This is a pretty epic place for dinner. Make reservations well in advance.
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Saturday: Shopping & Strolling

Clerks Coffee Company
This is a charming place to grab coffee and a bite to eat before exploring the market.
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Charleston City Market
Hit the market early before it gets too busy in the afternoon. Especially on a Saturday. Start at the Meeting Street end so you finish at East Bay.
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Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar
It’s time to treat yo-self! The line can be long here, but I hear it’s worth it.
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The Rooftop at the Vendue
The perfect spot for lunch, cocktails and a view.
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Rainbow Row
Now it's time to walk off lunch. Stroll through the historic streets and make your way to Rainbow Row for some epic photos.
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Public Pier
Across from Rainbow Row is the other end of Waterfront Park and this pier.
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The Battery
Keep walking along East Bay and you’ll end up here at this historic waterfront. Water views on one side, historic mansions on the other.
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White Point Garden
This charming garden is part of The Battery and features old military statues and canons.
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Trip Highlight
Now head back toward where you started from. You’re in the gorgeous “South of Broad” area. Take your time exploring! Good streets are King and Tradd. Take your time reading the historic markers on the houses. You’ll find homes that once belonged to signers of the Declaration of Independence, for example. (Personal note: I’m partial to Tradd Street since my great great great grandfather lived there.)
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John Robert Pringle House
If you’re curious, this was the house.
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The Shops at The Charleston Place
Okay! Now it’s time for some air conditioning and luxury shopping. It's always fun to check out the Louis Vuitton store.
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The Palmetto Cafe
I’ve always wanted to eat in this gorgeous restaurant. I do know you need reservations!
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King Street
You’ve got more shopping to do. Stroll the shops on King Street. This is a very tourist-heavy area so be aware. Lots of fun bars to stop in along this street, too. Tip: Switch this to Sunday if you’re here the second Sunday of the month. They close the street to traffic on Second Sundays and it’s quite fun!
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Gateway Walk
There’s a hidden alleyway that is absolutely so cute off of Ling Street. Find it next to the Gibbes Museum of Art.
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The Darling Oyster Bar
This place is so cute and has a great bar.
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Republic Garden & Lounge
A fun place to end the night—and you never know, you may see some “Southern Charm” cast members here!
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Sunday: More Ideas

Callie's Hot Little Biscuit
This place is famous for its biscuits. A line does form quickly, though.
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Private Tour! Capture the best of Charleston with a multi-location photoshoot.
How fun would a photoshoot be?!
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Camellias
Before you leave Charleston, if you can make time go here for high tea and the most aesthetic decor ever.
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Little Palm
If the weather is nice, definitely see if you can get a spot poolside here!
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Sullivan's Island Beach
This beach is only about 20 minutes from downtown. I prefer it or Isle of Palms over Folly (touristy).
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Isle of Palms Beach
Isle of Palms is a bit further than Sullivan’s but I also love this one. It’s a little more difficult to get to.
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Folly Beach
Some people love Folly, but I find it touristy.
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Angel Oak Tree
This is a bit of a drove but if you’re headed to or from Folly Beach, it’s on the way.
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Middleton Place
If you want to tour gardens, head here or to Magnolia.
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Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Gorgeous gardens. Especially in spring.
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Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
You can actually walk or jog over this bridge for fantastic views. One side is Charleston and the other is Mount Pleasant.
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