The Complete Charleston Bachelor Party Guide

A Charleston bachelor party is the perfect destination for the groom who likes to indulge in delicious eats, play some golf, and enjoy the beaches close to the downtown area of this port city. Small but mighty, Charleston has plenty of things to do, especially for larger-sized groups. Between its thriving dining scene and well-regarded boutique hotels and rentals, everything leans into Southern charm and hospitality. Read the complete Charleston bachelor party city guide and itinerary below for some inspiration… or just trust us to plan the entire thing for you.

• What Are Some Charleston Bachelor Party Ideas?
• What Do You Do at a Bachelor Party in Charleston?
• Where Should I Stay in Charleston for a Bachelor Party?
• Charleston Bachelor Party Nightlife
• Expert Charleston Travel Tips

What Are Some Charleston Bachelor Party Ideas?

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You'll find a whole load of Southern charm in Charleston, along with a ton of things to do. From spending the days at the beach or on the links to making your way from cocktail bar to cocktail bar and eating top-notch Southern fare, this is the mecca for a boys' weekend. Thank everyone for coming with some gifts from The Knot Shop.

For Beach Bums

If he's looking for sun and sand, look no further than just outside the city on Folly Beach, where you can find a surf-town vibe and a small downtown with good bars and restaurants.

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For the Foodies

Charleston is well known as a food capital in the US, and for good reason. This spot boasts tons of restaurants, from top-tier fine dining options to taco stands. You'll find everything from shrimp and grits to steakhouses here. Plus, a truly walkable downtown area that is outfitted with bar after bar for cocktails, rooftop views, and good beers.

For Those Who Want to Play

Pick your poison between a plethora of golf courses on offer in and around Charleston, as well as other game options including paintball and bowling.

What Do You Do at a Bachelor Party in Charleston?

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There's a little something for everyone on a Charleston bachelor party, and our three-day itinerary in this charming southern town allows you to fit the most in just a long weekend.

Day 1

Morning: Kick off the weekend with a local Charleston favorite, Poogan's Porch, whose brunch menu includes cocktails (try the Zoe's Ice Coffee with espresso vodka, Bailey's Kahlua, and Coffee), as well as southern fare like chicken and waffles, sunrise shrimp and grits (served with ham gravy and sausage), or the Poogan's Monte Cristo.

Afternoon: Get your bearing on this first day with an afternoon of exploring the city. You can go by foot and check out famous spots like Rainbow Row or the Battery, or consider getting to know Charleston in another way: by indulging in a brewery tour. The Crafted Travel Axe Throwing, Booze, and BBQ tour is a great option. This includes a party bus, an ax-throwing competition, a stop at a local brewery and distillery, and lunch at a top barbeque destination. You'll get five drinks included in the tour, not to mention some great memories.

Evening: After dinner, make your way to Halls Chophouse for a night of prime steaks and good wine. Then make your way to Mercantile and Mash, a great spot to enjoy whiskey and beer, as well as some lively bocce ball.

Day 2

Morning: Start the second day with brunch at the beloved Butcher & Bee, where you'll find an espresso bar, morning cocktails, and options that range from a pulled pork sandwich made with Cheerwine BBQ sauce to a fried soft-shell sandwich. More traditional offerings include a sausage, egg and cheese option, and French toast made with peanut butter creme fraiche.

Afternoon: Pick your game for today. Golfers should make their way over to Kiawah Island for the day, a 45-minute drive from downtown, to play a round at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort, a five-championship golf course that's worth the tee time for its quality course as well as its stunning setting. If golf isn't your thing, try Paintball Charleston, which features 9 playing fields across 31 acres for you and your boys to have a little game of war.

Evening: Start tonight with happy hour drinks at Charleston Distilling Co. where you'll find handmade small-batch cocktails or flights available in their tasting room. After drinks, head to The Ordinary for a seafood dinner on King Street. You'll find a raw bar and seafood towers, along with options like crispy oyster sliders, Creole seafood gumbo, and a crispy tarvin white shrimp roll. After dinner, it's time to explore what downtown Charleston has to offer with a little bar hopping. Some must-tries along King Street include Prohibition for speakeasy-style creative cocktails; Proof, a more intimate space for cocktails and a great beer list; The Cocktail Club, a lounge with a lively scene and rooftop terrace; or Uptown Social, a great spot for frozen cocktails, beer, and live music on a great rooftop.

Day 3

Morning: For your last brunch, head to a Charleston mainstay, Stars, which offers rooftop seating with fantastic views, a build-your-own omelet station, and deals on Bloody Marys and mimosas.

Afternoon: Spend today on the water, or water adjacent, at Folly Beach. This is one of Charleston's best beaches, with surfer vibes all around (you can take lessons). Alternatively, you can simply enjoy the sun and sand, or bring along some beach games to play. Make sure to grab lunch at Taco Boy while you're here, a great, affordable taqueria for tasty tacos, quesadillas, and nachos, plus margaritas and beer within walking distance to the beach.

Evening: Back in the city head to High Cotton for your last dinner, a great spot for your last night if you want to go a bit classy. Menu options include shrimp and grits, tempura fried lobster tail, crab cakes, and rack of lamb. Close out the night—and the weekend—at The Alley, a retro-inspired bowling alley that also has a 40-foot bar for cocktails and beers.

Where Should I Stay in Charleston for a Bachelor Party?

Tides Folly Beach

If you're in or near downtown, almost everything in Charleston is walkable. You can stay at larger houses on the outskirts or places like Folly Beach, but that will require a cab ride (easily available) into the city for your meals and fun.

Best Charleston Party Hotels

Charleston Marriott: This property is a wallet-friendly destination that includes modern rooms, an outdoor pool, and easy access to downtown and historic Charleston.

Tides Folly Beach is perfect for those looking for a resort vibe (big outdoor pool, lounge chairs and umbrellas) right on the beach. Though, you must not mind the drive into Charleston.

The Ryder: The centrally-located boutique hotel offers everything from plush and cozy interiors to an on-site bar and restaurant. One of the biggest perks, however, is that it's home to one of the few hotel pools in all of Charleston proper. Plus, there's a beach service involved too.

The Hyatt House Charleston is where you want to be if you want to be in the heart of the action in the Upper King Historic District. Free daily breakfast is included.

By the way, The Knot has partnered with Hotel Planner to help you secure the best group hotel rate and get free hotel advice from an expert travel planner.

Best Charleston Bachelor Party Home Rentals

There are plenty of housing options for a Charleston bachelor party, so check out TripAdvisor, Vrbo , Airbnb and Hopper Homes. 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.

Downtown Charmer Property: This rental offers three bedrooms in historic downtown Charleston, so you'll be in walking distance to everything you need. It's perfect for medium-sized groups.

Waters Edge Townhome: If you want to be both on the beach and on a budget, consider the Waters Edge Townhome, which sleeps up to 8 and is steps to Folly Beach and just over a 20-minute drive into downtown Charleston.

The Inns: This option is perfect for large groups (up to 16) looking to be within walking distance to everything and with a good budget to spend. The six-bedroom/six-bath home is worth the cost for the location alone.

Charleston Bachelor Party Nightlife

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Line up your stomachs on Charleston's delicious pub grub, barbecue, and noodles, before hitting the town's best bars which range from jazz clubs to a sports bar bowling alley.

Best Charleston Bachelor Restaurants

Edmund's Oast: Beer and pub grub go hand in hand, so give the boys a ye ol' English evening on Morrison Drive. Edmund's Oast is a neighborly restaurant joined with a brewery and taproom, peddling British-American comforts like stews and steaks, and familiar desserts like the banana pudding. An outdoor courtyard and covered patio are available for a spot of Southern sun.

Rodney Scott's BBQ: Award-winning pitmaster, Rodney Scott, cooked his first hog aged 11, and the fire hasn't gone out since. He now has five (and counting) restaurants in the South. The Charleston outpost is where hungry lads can get their fix of the finest barbecue in the city, including smoky pulled pork and racks of juicy ribs. And because you're in the South, of course, there's catfish on the menu for those who want to avoid getting the meat sweats.

Pink Bellies: Once a humble food truck, Pink Bellies grew in notoriety and followers, today with its own beaming brick-and-motor on trendy King Street. You come here, not just for photos (for which the bright colors are ideal), but for Vietnamese American cuisine that will make your eyes roll back. Try their signature garlic noodles and spicy lamb dumplings, and say yes to accompanying cocktails like the Certified Lover Boy.