Your Go-To Guide for a Perfect Charleston Bachelorette Party Itinerary
Wedding season is in full swing. Cheers to that!
A few weekends ago I traveled to Charleston, South Carolina for a bachelorette weekend. Even though Charleston might not be the first place you think of when planning a bachelorette trip, let me tell you, this is the place to be!
We saw at least 8 other bachelorette groups during the weekend. But that doesn’t mean Charleston is overdone either. This relaxed and historic beach town offers some fun experiences that are perfect for a girlie getaway. I’m talking fantastic brunch spots, dreamy Instagram backdrops, cozy bars, lively (but not wild) clubs, and plenty of relaxing beach spots.
If you are looking for some inspiration or are in the midst of planning a Charleston getaway, keep reading. My Charleston Bachelorette Party Itinerary covers everything you need to create an unforgettable girls trip!
Where To Stay
Charleston is filled with boutique hotels which could offer a great place to stay. But, if you are on a budget (like I was!), consider checking Airbnb. Unlike most budget hotels, Airbnb rentals can provide plenty of space for a group of girls to hang out, relax, and get ready before the big night out!
I suggest staying near the French Quarter or close to King Street in the Cannonborough/Elliotborough neighborhood so you can be within walking distance (or a short Uber ride) from some of the city’s top bars, restaurants, and nightlife.
Getting There
You’ve got options!
Charleston has an International Airport, AMTRAK station, and a Greyhound bus terminal. Or, you could drive into the city. It’s actually pretty close to some major Southern cities like Savannah (2-hours), Greenville (4-hours), Asheville (4-hours), and Atlanta (5-hours).
Transportation
Charleston has limited public transportation options. You will need to drive, walk, or take an Uber to get around. There is a bus system but honestly, I don’t remember seeing any buses around the city so I can’t confirm how often these run.
Luckily, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding parking. Street parking and garages are readily available. Charleston is a pedestrian-friendly city so you will be able to walk between many of your destinations.
Good to Know
Since you are planning a bachelorette weekend, you might want to keep in mind that Charleston has an open container law. So, it is illegal to drink on sidewalks, on the beaches, or in parks. Just be smart and safe!
Also, Charleston’s restaurants can get booked up, so consider making your dining reservations in advance.
Charleston Bachelorette Party Itinerary
Thursday
Get your girls to Charleston! Make a road trip out of it or meet everyone at the Airbnb. Either way, the party starts today!
But, since it is a travel day, Thursday is going to be a lower-key evening. Plan on dinner +drinks, dessert (at one of my ALL TIME favorite ice cream shops) and a night in of self-care.
Dinner + Drinks: The Rarebit
The Rarebit is a fun and funky American restaurant on King Street. The interior is inspired by mid-century modern designs and it almost feels like you are relaxing in a late 70s living room.
Happy Hour runs weekdays from 4-7pm and features $6 Moscow mules (a house specialty) and Greyhounds (my pick!).
Dessert: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream
Essentially across the street, you will see Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream shop. This Ohio-based chain makes serves scoops that are creamy without being too rich. Jeni’s only has a handful of locations throughout the US so don’t miss the chance to try this delightful ice cream. Salted Peanut Butter with Chocolate Flecks is hand’s down my favorite ice cream flavor.
Be prepared, you might see the line stretching out the door and down the sidewalk. Yes, it is that good.
Evening Plans: Wander or Relax
The night is yours! Wander around King Street and scope out some of the trendy bars and restaurants. Or, call it an early night and do some self-care back at the Airbnb. What’s better than a grown-up sleepover? Get some face masks, wine, and a fun movie and spend the night relaxing and catching up.
Friday
After that relaxing first night you should be refreshed and ready for a full day of fun! Today let’s brunch, tour a historic site, take some Insta-worthy pics, and party! The big night out is tonight! Get ready for some dancing!
Brunch: Poogan’s Porch
Poogan’s Porch is THE Charleston brunch spot. This charming Lowcountry dining experience has been raved about by The Travel Channel, Martha Stewart Living, and many other publications. You will find Poogan’s Porch in a resorted home on Queen Street. During the renovations, a dog adopted the porch as his go-to resting spot and the restaurant adopted him as their mascot.
Make brunch reservations online and get ready to enjoy some of the best biscuits of your life. Of and did I mention they serve mimosa carafes?
Historical Tour: Magnolia Plantation or Fort Sumter
Founded in 1670, Charleston is a unique city with a complicated past. This city served as a battle site for both the American Revolution and the Civil War. In fact, the Civil War started on April 1861 just off the shores of Charleston in Fort Sumter.
While in Charleston, spend some time learning more its history. You can tour Fort Sumter to learn more about Charleston’s role in the Civil War. Fort Sumter is a National Historic Park and you can purchase tickets online at this site.
Magnolia Plantation is one of the South’s oldest plantations is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This home and historic garden is one of Charleston’s top tourist destinations. Here you will see America’s oldest public gardens, which first opened in 1870. You can tour the home, explore the garden and nature trails, and visit the on-site petting zoo. An additional tour explores the horrific truth of slavery that occurred on the plantation and throughout the American South.
Lunch: Picnic
You might still be full from breakfast/brunch at Poogan’s Porch. Or, if you visit the Magnolia Plantation, you could visit the on-site Peacock Cafe for sandwiches or snacks.
Otherwise, end the afternoon with a picnic in one of Charleston’s waterfront parks. Head down to The Battery where you can enjoy the views from White Point Garden. The Battery, which was named for a former Civil War artillery, is a now a waterfront promenade lined with mansions. Nearby you will find Waterfront Park, which is another great picnic spot. In this park, you will also find the iconic Pineapple Fountain, which makes for a great photo spot.
And speaking of pictures, you can’t miss Charleston’s classic Instagram backdrop, Rainbow Row. Rainbow Row is a street of pastel-colored houses that every Bachelorette Party needs a group photo with!
If you have extra time, check out the Historic Charleston City Market. This market dates back to the 1790s and is the perfect spot to souvenier shop.
Get Ready
Head back to your Airbnb and get ready for your night out!
Pre-Dinner Drinks: King Street Bars
Ready for your night out? Make sure you have the appropriate Bachelorette Party gear (bridal sash, tiaras, etc.) and head to King Street! There are plenty of bars to grab a pre-dinner drink to get your night started.
I recommend checking out:
- Stars Rooftop Bar & Grill- Head to the rooftop for a 360-degree view & specialty cocktails
- Charleston Beer Works- More of a sports bar than some of the others on King Street, but they offer Happy Hour specials on Friday from 4pm-7pm ($4 local draft/house liquor & wine and 1/4 off small plate apps)
- Republic Garden & Lounge- Relax in the street-level garden and enjoy Happy Hour on Friday from 4-7pm (1/2 bottles of wine and champagne, $7 featured cocktail, $7 bar snacks, and 1/2 off punch bowls & spritz)
Dinner: Indaco
Indaco is a rustic Italian restaurant with an elevated atmosphere. It offers an upscale dining experience that will make the night out feel more special. When we went, the bride was treated to a free glass of prosecco on the house!
The menu features a nice selection of creative cocktails and classic pasta & pizza dishes. You can even opt for a 3-course family-style tasting menu if you want to have more of a unique experience.
Drinks + Dancing: King Street
After dinner, spend your night bar hopping on King Street. Since it’s Friday night, every place will be a bit crowded but you shouldn’t have any trouble getting in anywhere.
I recommend checking out:
- The Cocktail Club- This is a large space with indoor seating and a large outdoor patio with couches. The friendly bartenders are happy to serve you with a variety of inventive cocktails.
- Prohibition– If you are looking for a place to dance, head to Prohibition. Every Friday night from 10pm-close DJ Elementz creates a club-like atmosphere in this restaurant and lounge. When we went, the dancefloor was full but you still had enough room to comfortably dance with your group. We entered just before 10 and had to pay a $5 cover charge. There is also a large outdoor patio if you don’t feel like dancing all night.
- The bars I mentioned for pre-dinner drinks could also be fun to check out now. Republic turns into more of a dance club as it gets later in the night.
Remember to have fun and be safe! Take an Uber back to your Airbnb when the night is over.
Saturday
Did you have fun last night? After the party night, we are going to spend today relaxing at Folly Beach. Folly Beach is located just outside Charleston and, depending on traffic, is only about a 20-30 minute drive from the French Quarter district.
Brunch: Lost Dog Cafe
Lost Dog Cafe is a cute, and very popular, brunch spot in Folly Beach. They don’t take reservations, so be prepared to wait a bit. Or, you can order a coffee drink to go and grab a quick bite closer to the beach.
If you choose to stay at Lost Dog Cafe, you won’t be disappointed. You can enjoy some classic Southern dishes like Shrimp and Grits or Biscuits & Sausage Gravy. Regardless of what you order, don’t skip out on the Cinnamon Rolls. After scarfing down our first order, we had to order another round. Trust me, they are that good.
Folly Beach
After brunch, make your way to Folly Beach. HEADS UP: parking can be a nightmare. Everyone wants to go to the beach and there just isn’t enough parking. Be patient and prepared to drop about $20 on a parking spot.
If you don’t want to pack a bunch of beach gear, make sure to reserve chairs and umbrellas in advance. The Folly Beach Chair Company offers a few rental packages (including some specifically for Bachelorette Party groups). When you arrive, your chairs and umbrellas will be set up and waiting for you!
Lunch: Drop in Bar & Deli
If you want a light lunch but don’t want to leave the beach, place an order with the Drop in Bar & Deli. You can order a salad, sandwich, or soup to be delivered to the beach. What’s better than that?
Dinner
After a full day at the beach, make your way back to Charleston for the evening. For dinner, check out one of these options:
- Blind Tiger Pub- This is a relaxed bar and restaurant with a large outdoor patio space. Don’t miss the Parm-Truffle Frites.
- O-Ku Sushi– O-Ku Sushi was booked the night we were there, but I would love to try this on my next trip. It is a cozy Japanese restaurant serving high-quality and innovative sushi dishes.
- 82 Queen- This is more of an upscale dining experience than the other two options on this list. 82 Queen is located in a historic home and here you can enjoy elevated Lowcountry cuisine and creative cocktails.
Ghost Tour: Ghost City Tours
Charleston is a historic city which means it is a great place for a spooky ghost tour. You don’t have to believe in ghosts to enjoy these tours. Basically, this is a walking tour throughout downtown Charleston where you will learn more about the city’s past and hear the local lore.
The Ghosts of Liberty Tour takes you throughout the French Quarter district and discusses the impact the Revolutionary and Civil War had on the city. You will even see the graveyard that started the modern ghost hunting phenomenon. If you book online, you can save 10% off your ticket with the promo code ghost2019.
Sunday
Brunch: 5 Church
End the weekend with one last brunch! Make a reservation for 5 Church, an upscale Southern restaurant located in a former church. The interior is complete with high ceilings and stained glass.
The menu features mimosa flights and classic Southern dishes like Biscuits & Gravy. Plus, beignets are served as the complimentary bread basket (yes please!)
I hope this helps as you plan your perfect Charleston Bachelorette Party itinerary! Feel free to share your tips and stories in the comments below!
Looking for more? Check out these guides for more girls trip inspiration:
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