The Complete Charleston Bachelorette Party Guide

You'll find sun, sand, fun, and pineapples in the Holy City
Bachelorette Party - Downtown Charleston South Carolina
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allyson johnson the knot
by
Allyson Johnson
allyson johnson the knot
Allyson Johnson
Wedding Planning Contributor
  • Allyson writes articles for The Knot specializing in registries, wedding planning, and travel.
  • She’s written articles on such topics as best bachelorette and bachelor party destinations, top bridal shower games, and registry gifts.
  • Allyson has also written for WeddingWire, Brides.com, Brit + Co., and Bustle.
Updated Feb 09, 2024
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Walk any street of Charleston and you're bound to find a pineapple—represented in homes, in fountains, and in the city's architecture. This symbol of hospitality is exactly why you should plan a Charleston bachelorette party. Full of Southern charm, comfort, and hospitality, you'll find plenty to do, see, and eat in this bustling bachelorette destination. From beachside getaways to urban oasis, you can plan a Charleston bachelorette party itinerary to suit any type of bride.

Charleston Bachelorette Party Planning in this Article:

Charleston Bachelorette Party Ideas & Themes

Theme a Charleston bachelorette party in one of two ways: City-focused or beach retreat. But with sandy shores close to the city center, you can also combine the two bachelorette themes into one perfect girls' weekend. Whatever you choose, make sure to visit The Knot Shop for plenty of gear to outfit your bride trip—like these "Sun, Sand, and Ring on my Hand" tees.

For the Beachy Bride

With Folly Beach, Sullivan's Island, and Isle of Palms all well under an hour from the city, you can plant yourselves oceanside for the weekend or just take a day trip for surf and sun. You'll find plenty of sandy shores, and in the summertime, the water is warm enough for a good dip.

For City Dwellers

In the city, you'll have plenty to choose from, whether your bride is a history buff, a foodie, a shopper, or an explorer. From waterfront eateries to exquisite spas, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. The city is meant for walking and you can tackle much of it in a day—so be prepared to dine, drink, and see your way by foot here.

Charleston Bachelorette Party Itinerary & Activities

Charleston Bachelorette Activity - Carriage Ride
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You won't be wanting for options in Charleston—the city was meant for bachelorette fun. The city is loaded with history and fun, from century-old colorful buildings on Rainbow Row to white sand beaches dotted with starfish. Here's a three-day itinerary to help you discover it all. Discover it all on a carriage ride through the city.

Day 1

Morning: After checking in to your hotel or AirBnB, grab a classic Southern brunch at Poogan's Porch where you can sample mac & cheese with country ham, she crab soup, fried green tomatoes, and pimento fritters.

Afternoon: Burn off the heavy fare with a stroll around the city to get a sense of your surroundings: Must-see stops include walking The Battery (Charleston's defensive seawall and promenade along the water with gorgeous mansions to take in); Rainbow Row; shopping on King Street; and a tour of Charleston's City Market, where you can buy cute handicrafts. If you don't feel like walking, consider a carriage tour.

Evening: Grab pre-dinner drinks at Stars Rooftop Bar, the best way to take in the city from above while also enjoying wines on tap and specialty cocktails. Then it's off to The Ordinary for a seafood dinner (including one of the best raw bars in town) in a 1920s bank on King Street. If you're group is small and your bride isn't a seafood fan, head back towards Poogan's for tasting menu at Husk, a Southern eatery that helped put Charleston on the food map. Husk is also a great spot for post-dinner drinks if you're not going to dine in. After dinner, cozy up in the nooks of Cocktail Club for tasty hand-crafted drinks (try a classic Bourbon Smash or the "She Took Everything" with bourbon, cinnamon, apple cider, lemon, and peach bitters). Then end the night Bar Mash, where Jell-O shots are served alongside creative cocktails and bocce courts.

Day 2

Morning: Start with a must-have breakfast from Callie's Hot Little Biscuit (be prepared to wait in line or order catering to your Airbnb).

Afternoon: You have two options for day two. Your first is to put on your suits and head over to Folly Beach, a small surfer-friendly beach that's an excellent spot to sunbathe and ride the waves; don't miss eating lunch at Taco Boy while you're there. If you'd rather a different kind of relaxation, head to Belmond Charleston Place for spa treatments. The Luxury hotel offers a spa package designed for bachelorette parties, including facials, massages, pedicures, and lunch by the pool. All while having the chance to experience Charleston's historical opulence.

Evening: Keep dinner a bit more casual at Butcher & Bee, which offers Medditerannean-style shared plates, along with dinner options like kebabs, lamb kofta, and smoked chicken with Israeli couscous. Then grab a table at Republic Garden & Lounge, where you can sip on a punch bowl in the bar's outdoor garden or dance inside to a live DJ. If you're looking for a different type of thrill, try for a spook via a haunted carriage ride through the city.

Day 3

Morning: Grab brunch at 5Church, where menu items include a peanut butter & jelly cinnamon roll and praline French toast. The restaurant is right next to City Market, giving you a chance to shop for handmade local crafts and souvenirs.

Afternoon: You can take a harbor sightseeing cruise, a foodie tour of the renowned King Street area, or discover Charleston's charming alleys and hidden passageways on a guided walking tour. If history's your bride's cup of tea, consider having a sip at the famous Magnolia plantation, where you can enjoy high tea after strolling the manse's beautiful gardens.

Evening: Make your last night in town special with a wine flight at Josephine's, an upscale low-country dinner at The Grocery (we're talking warm shrimp salad and cornmeal-dusted oysters) and drinks at The Rooftop at the Vendue, Proof Bar, and the Gin Joint—three of Charleston's quintessential bars.

Charleston Bachelorette Scavenger Hunt

Introduce some friendly competition and turn your itinerary into a game with a Charleston scavenger hunt. Distribute a list of activities with points awarded for each completed task and ask participants to provide proof with pictures. Download an editable template to customize the list and include local attractions and sights. Don't forget to give the winner a prize such as a souvenir or t-shirt.

Places to Stay in Charleston for a Bachelorette Party

There are plenty of hotel options in Charleston so check out TripAdvisor in advance for reviews and special rates for your crew). If you'd rather stay together, consider booking a house rental for the weekend.

Best Hotels in Charleston for a Bachelorette Party

Hotel Bennet: Steeped in tradition, this upscale, classic Charleston stay boasts luxurious accommodations, amenities, and dining experiences. in the center of the historic downtown.

Courtyard Charleston Historic District: This moderately priced hotel in Charleston's historic district features an outdoor pool and attractive seating areas to gather your group before (and after) hitting the town.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charleston Downtown-Westedge: This budget-friendly hotel has been recently renovated and is also in a good location just minutes from historic downtown. It offers parking

Pro tip: The Knot has partnerd with Hotel Planner to help you secure the best group hotel rate and get free hotel advice from an expert travel planner.

Charleston Bachelorette House Rentals

There are plenty of housing options for a Charleston bachelorette party, so check out the best vacation rental sites like Vrbo and Airbnb. Pro tip: If you're looking to supplement your vacation rental stay with some hotel amenities such as a swimming pool or a fitness facility, you can secure Charleston hotel day passes on ResortPass.

Alexander Wilson House St. Philip Square (Downtown): Located in Charleston's historic downtown, this Vrbo is less than a block away from King Street's eclectic shops and delicious dining. With four bedrooms and four bathrooms, this property can host bachelorette gatherings of up to eight guests for around $620 per night.

The Agave Historic Cottage (Downtown): This three-bedroom VRBO can sleep up to eight guests for just $300, making it a stellar budget-friendly option. Surrounded by cafes and restaurants, it's just a 15-minute drive away from Charleston International Airport, making it an easy option for anyone flying in from out of town.

The Inns Downtown Home (Downtown): With enough room to accommodate up to 16 guests, this six-bedroom home in downtown Charleston is fabulous for large groups. It's located in the charming district of Elliotborough, which is close to cozy restaurants, cute cafes and plenty of shopping. At an average of $1,000 per night, it's a total steal if you choose to fill the space.

Rental One Block to King Street (Downtown): Here's a six-bedroom, five-bathroom Vrbo in Charleston that can sleep up to 16 guests. It's considered super walkable as it's just steps away from King Street's trendiest shops and restaurants. Originally built in 1820, you and your bachelorette guests will find yourselves in a historical space that'll make your stay unique. It averages around $730 per night.

Oceanfront Condo (Folly Beach): This luxury condo on Folly Beach with four bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms and three balconies sleeps up to 10 guests. Enjoy jaw-dropping views, an open-concept living space, stylish furnishings and easy beach access.

Charleston Bachelorette Party Nightlife

Charleston Bachelorette Party Ideas - Pineapple Fountain
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Consider heading south for your bachelorette party. Charleston is filled with amazing restaurants that pretty much all make their own delicious hot sauces and bars with flavorful cocktails and oyster shooters.

Best Charleston Bachelorette Restaurants

The Darling Oyster Bar: If you love oysters, particularly oyster shooters, Darling Oyster Bar is an absolute must while visiting Charleston. Located on King Street, they have an extensive raw bar selection among other delicious dishes. If you love oysters, you have to try their incredible oyster shooters made with their secret mix of 22 ingredients.

Park & Grove: Park and Grove has a small menu, but they do everything right. The limited menu is filled with delicious dishes like their fried oysters or their sandwiches like their shrimp roll. There might not be many choices on the menu, but everything on there is amazing.

Edmund's Oast: Edmund's Oast has a ton of beers on tap. This is a particularly good place to go if the bride loves a good craft beer, they have a ton of options and their food is amazing. Even their charcuterie is special, because many of the items are created and cured right in the restaurant.

Best Charleston Bachelorette Party Bars

Prohibition: The jazz-themed bar has live music every Thursday, featuring different bands and talented artists. While listening and swaying to the music, you and your group can sit back and sip a craft cocktail from the bar.

The Belmont: If you love craft cocktails, check out the Belmont. They not only have incredible cocktails, but they love to play black and white movies in the back, with a projector against the wall. In addition to the special drinks, they have small bites to snack on.

The Commodore: The Commodore bar is a good spot to have a drink and dance. It has a really old-school, vintage feel. Not only are they slinging amazing cocktails at the bar, but if you love live music, this is the perfect place for you and your group to end up.

Expert Charleston Travel Tips

When traveling to Charleston from New York, you can look into flights with JetBlue, Spirit, and American, among other airlines. If you're coming from the West Coast in LA, you can look into Spirit, United, JetBlue, American, Southwest, and more. Visiting in the spring or late fall is generally a good time because the weather is a little more mild. Charleston is extremely easy to get around by foot, but you can also rent a car, use the shuttle buses, or ride-sharing options like Uber.

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