Charleston Bachelorette Party Guide: Where to Stay, Eat, and Celebrate

Charleston Buildings
Getty

If you're planning a bachelorette party and want to make a weekend of it, consider Charleston, South Carolina. With a bustling historic district, pastel-colored buildings, palm tree-lined beaches, and an unparalleled food and drink scene, Charleston is the South's ultimate destination for your pre-wedding getaway.

We've rounded up everything a bachelorette needs to know about visiting the city with her best friends—including the best hotels, food, drink, and activity recommendations. Categorized by where to stay, where to eat and drink, and what to do, there's enough here to fill several days worth of fun. Inside, you'll find a little bit of everything, from crispy oyster sliders and historic home tours to must-visit cocktail bars and a nightclub to rival Las Vegas' entertainment scene. No matter what your party style is, you'll leave this city wishing for more time.

Make the most of your long weekend by packing your itinerary with our picks: Check in at one of these incredible hotels, visit the boutiques on King Street, a famed shopping district, stop for lunch or brunch at Basic Kitchen, and then take a walk across the famous Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. If you're not jet-lagged, get dressed up after dinner at FIG or Husk and head to Trio lounge for cocktails and dancing. Sound like a plan? Scroll through to plan the rest of your stay.

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Where to Stay: Hotel Bennett

Charleston Guide, Hotel Bennett Suite Interior
Modus Photography

Inspired by native Charlestonians and classic European design, Hotel Bennett, is the perfect home base for your bachelorette weekend. Conveniently located on King Street, exploring downtown Charleston is easy, but with so many luxury amenities available, you'll have a hard time deciding whether you want to stay in or go out. Once you check-in at the brand-new hotel, you'll find a pink Champagne bar called Camellias that's made for Instagram, a rooftop pool with incredible city views and full bar, plus a beautiful spa suited for pre-wedding unwinding. You'll also want to book a dinner reservation at the property's in-house restaurant, Gabrielle, and order the gnocchi and clams olio.

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Where to Stay: The Dewberry

the dewberry charleston living room
Courtesy of The Dewberry

The hotel's founder, John Dewberry, had a simple vision when designing his mid-century-inspired lodge: "Southern reimagined." After an eight-year-long restoration project—which repurposed the L. Mendel Rivers Federal Building landmark into a bustling home away from home—it's safe to say that his mission was accomplished. While the rooftop terrace, Parisian-style Henrietta's bistro, and complimentary bike rentals are standout amenities, the main star of this 155-room property is its incredible spa. Book the Dewberry Signature Massage to experience what pure bliss truly feels like.

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Where to Stay: The Beach Club

charleston beach club
Courtesy of The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina 

Located on Mount Pleasant's waterfront, The Beach Club is a living homage to Charleston. Each of the property's 92 rooms is designed in the low-country aesthetic, and the hotel also boasts classic wraparound porches perfect for sunset gazing and cocktail sipping. In addition to its grand views—which include sights of the marina, historic homes, and the city's skyline—The Beach Club also offers a full-service spa, an intimate movie theater, and private pool-side cabanas.

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Where to Stay: The Restoration

charleston restoration hotel
Courtesy of The Restoration

Since your bachelorette weekend is all about celebrating with your best friends, getting in girl time is essential. This hotel's sprawling suites were designed for sharing, which allows you and your friends to enjoy your stay together, sleepover-style. The hotel's very layout also fosters that community feel. Guests are invited to visit and explore each of the hotel's five adjacent 19th-century buildings—each with a history of their own.

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Where to Stay: Zero George

charleston city scape
Courtesy of Jetsetter

Named for the property's street address, Zero George is comprised of sixteen studio-style rooms in three restored historic residences. With period millwork, contemporary art, and original pine floors, the hotel walks the fine line between the old and the new. And if location really is everything, you're in the right place—the residence is within walking distance of all Charleston has to offer. Upon arrival, inquire about the hotel's sailboat, house tour, and helicopter tour packages—they shouldn't be skipped.

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Where to Stay: The Spectator Hotel

charleston spectator hotel
Courtesy of The Spectator Hotel

If you and your girls are looking to be pampered, check into The Spectator Hotel at the intersection of the City Market and the historic French Quarter. The hotel boasts an old-school butler service, welcome cocktails, and hand-delivered breakfasts. Designed and decorated with the Jazz Age in mind, the art deco residence is also beautiful—you don't want to miss the hand-painted wallpaper in the lobby.

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Where to Eat and Drink: Husk

Charleston Guide, Husk Restaurant Menu and Cocktail
Courtesy of Husk Charleston via Facebook

Lowcountry native Travis Grimes serves as the executive chef at Husk, which means that the menu is packed with classic southern dishes. In fact, the restaurant chooses it's offerings with one motto in mind: "If it doesn't come from the South, it's not coming through the door." The menu changes frequently based on the freshest local offerings, so you'll find that no two visits are exactly the same.

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Where to Eat and Drink: Basic Kitchen

Charleston Guide, Basic Kitchen Interior
Courtesy of Basic Kitchen

If a casual, delicious brunch is what you're after, make a reservation at Basic Kitchen. Don't let the laid-back setting fool you, though: The food is as good as it gets. Whether you're in the mood for avocado toast and eggs or a twist on the classic burger, you'll leave this sunny spot feeling full and happy.

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Where to Eat and Drink: The Ordinary

charleston ordinary
Courtesy of The Ordinary

Visit The Ordinary for their crispy oyster sliders and a delicious rum cocktail. The American seafood brasserie, located in an old bank, also serves up the freshest catches from local and regional fishermen and crabbers, making for an authentic Charleston dining experience.

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Where to Eat and Drink: Hominy Grill

charleston hominy grill
Courtesy of Hominy Grill

Hominy Grill opened their doors in 1996, but their menu and homey vibe makes it feel as if it's been passed down through the generations. With renowned chef Robert Stehling at the helm, the small restaurant makes some of the best Low Country classics in Charleston.

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Where to Eat and Drink: Butcher & Bee

charleston butcher and bee
Courtesy of Butcher & Bee

If you're a sandwich fan, you can't leave Charleston without a visit to Butcher & Bee. The renowned shop opened in 2011 and began serving Middle Eastern food, but it has since grown into a mini market, full of locally-sourced veggies, meats, beer, and wine.

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Where to Eat and Drink: FIG

FIG Charleston
Courtesy of FIG

FIG, an acronym for "Food Is Good," holds itself to its title. Head chef Mike Lata—who's also responsible for the cuisine at The Ordinary—offers a rotating menu of seasonal dishes. From fresh snapper to bone-marrow salsa verde, the food is surprising, but still familiar. Just a heads up: The restaurant doesn't accept large reservations, so be sure to show up for an early seating if you're dining with a big bachelorette group.

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Where to Eat and Drink: Christophe Chocolatier

Christophe Chocolatier in Charleston
Courtesy of Christophe Chocolatier

When a sugar-craving hits in the middle of your King Street shopping excursion, let it guide you to Christophe Chocolatier, a shop owned and operated by third-generation French chocolatier, Christophe Paume. Famous for his hand-painted treats, chocolate sculptures, and truffles, Paume is also a bread and pastry chef.

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Where to Eat and Drink: The Belmont

charleston belmont
Courtesy of The Belmont

While The Belmont is predominantly known for its creative cocktails, the King Street restaurant also offers a broad selection of cheese imported from all over the world. Nosh on Wisconsin's Cacao Cardona or France's buttery Belletoile with a mute black-and-white film in the background. Best of all, the intimate cocktail bar seats just 40 at a time, which makes it a perfect place for an evening out with close friends. Before you call it a night, be sure to share a homemade pop tart.

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Where to Eat and Drink: Edmund's Oast

charleston edmund oates
Courtesy of Edmund's Oast

A combination of a brewery, seasonally-focused kitchen, and bar program, Edmund's Oast is unlike any other restaurant in Charleston—all of the menu's food was inspired by the beverage list. While this means that it's important to sample your way through the beer hall's libations, it's also worth asking your waiter about food and drink pairings. Be sure to post up at one of the long outdoor tables.

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Where to Eat and Drink: Le Farfalle

le farfalle charleston
Andrew Cebulka

For comforting Italian cuisine, reserve a table at Le Farfalle in the charming Harleston Village. The airy restaurant's creative cocktails are just as delicious as the homemade pasta offerings.

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Where to Eat and Drink: Cannon Green

cannon green charleston
Eric Kelley

Plan your trip to coincide with one of Cannon Green's Sunday "Beats and Brunch" events, where a local DJ spins music as guests dine on Mediterranean-inspired fare in the courtyard. Book seats at the "Chef's Table" and enjoy the prix-fixe brunch menu.

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What to Do: Croghan's Jewel Box

interior of croghans jewel box in charleston
Rick Rhodes Photography

Love jewelry and antiques? Make a stop at Croghan's Jewel Box. Not only are its walls filled with relics of the past, but the store itself is also a piece of history. Opened over 100 years ago by hand engraver and jeweler, William Joseph Croghan, Croghan's has been serving Charleston for four generations and is the oldest family-owned jewelry store in town.

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What to Do: Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits

charleston charleston academy
Courtesy of Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits

There's nothing like authentic southern hospitality, but Suzanne Pollak's Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits will teach you how to replicate it back home. With entertaining, cooking, and etiquette classes, the Academy's curriculum shows you how to "use every inch of your house," says Pollak. It's a fun (and useful!) place if you're about to move into your first home, but it's also the perfect activity for a bachelorette party. You can all take turns throwing picture-perfect house parties when you return home.

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What to Do: Nathaniel Russell House

charleston nathaniel russell house
Courtesy of Nathaniel Russell House

If you want to see what an 18th century wedding present looked like, visit Charleston's Nathaniel Russell House. After five years of construction (which cost the equivalent of $80,000), the home was completed in 1808 and served as a wedding gift for merchant Nathaniel Russel's new wife. The magnificent three-story staircase, geometrically-shaped rooms, and formal gardens made it well worth the wait. Today, the property has been restored to its original splendor and serves as a public museum. If you're a group of 12 of more, be sure to call ahead to reserve a time slot.

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What to Do: Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge

Charleston Bridge
Getty

If you're looking to burn off your shrimp and grits, hop on a bike and pedal across the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. The cable-stayed landmark connects downtown Charleston to Mount Pleasant, which means there's plenty to do on either side. Just be sure to get a group shot with the sparkling Cooper River in the background.

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What to Do: Carolina Queen Riverboat

charleston riverboat
Courtesy of Carolina Queen Riverboat

For the history buff, a paddle-wheel riverboat ride is an absolute must. Cover over 75 landmarks on a relaxing 90-minute tour, with epic views of the marina. Want to make a night of it? Inquire about private charters and dinner cruises, which can be arranged ahead of time.

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What to Do: Trio Lounge

Charleston Trio Dance Floor
Sean Isaacs

At Trio, you'll find a little piece of Las Vegas embedded into Charleston's historic district. With expansive dance floors, master DJs, private VIP tables, and a large outdoor patio, the dance club is perfect for a classic bachelorette night out. If Trio makes your list, definitely don't think twice about bringing along a cute cocktail dress.

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