7 Romantic Things to Do in Charleston for Couples
Charleston might be the most romantic city in the US. It’s small and walkable, with cobblestone lanes, candlelit restaurants, gas lamps flickering in the evening and the sound of horse carriages on the streets. It’s no surprise it’s one of the most popular wedding and honeymoon spots in the South.
In this guide
- 1. Walk Rainbow Row in the early morning
- 2. Watch the sunset from the Battery
- 3. Swing on the pier at Waterfront Park
- 4. Take a sunset sail on the harbor
- 5. Stroll the gardens at Middleton Place
- 6. Visit the Angel Oak
- 7. Catch the sunrise at Folly Beach
- Where to eat
- End the night on a ghost tour
- Where to stay
- Common questions
I’ve put together seven things to do as a couple, plus where to eat. You can fit most of them into a long weekend without rushing.
1. Walk Rainbow Row in the early morning
Rainbow Row is a stretch of 13 pastel-colored houses on East Bay Street, and it’s the most photographed spot in Charleston. Go early, with a coffee in hand, before the tour groups arrive. The light is soft and the streets are quiet.
Then wander the lanes nearby. Tradd Street, Church Street and the tiny alleys like Philadelphia Alley are full of hidden gardens, iron gates and window boxes. Getting a little lost here together is half the fun.
2. Watch the sunset from the Battery
The Battery is the seawall at the southern tip of the peninsula, where the Ashley and Cooper rivers meet. On one side are the grand old mansions, on the other the harbor, with Fort Sumter in the distance.
Walk the promenade at sunset, then sit under the huge live oaks of White Point Garden. It’s free, it’s beautiful and it’s one of the best date spots in the city. On a warm evening, you’ll see couples, dog walkers and even the odd marriage proposal.
3. Swing on the pier at Waterfront Park
A short walk up the water from the Battery, Waterfront Park has the famous Pineapple Fountain, a symbol of Southern hospitality. On hot days, kids splash in it. In the evening, it’s lit up and romantic.
Head out onto the pier, where there are big wooden bench swings facing the harbor. Grab one, rock slowly and watch the boats go by. It’s simple, but it’s one of my favorite moments in Charleston.
4. Take a sunset sail on the harbor
Seeing Charleston from the water is something special. Several companies run sunset sails on tall ships and schooners, and some include wine or champagne. You’ll sail past the Battery, Fort Sumter and, if you’re lucky, a few dolphins.
If you’d rather stay on land, walk out onto the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge instead. It has a wide path for walkers and bikers, and the view of the harbor and the city from the top is stunning. Just know it’s a long walk, about 2.5 miles each way.
5. Stroll the gardens at Middleton Place
About 30 minutes from downtown, Middleton Place has the oldest landscaped gardens in America, laid out in the 1740s. There are terraced lawns, reflecting pools, the Butterfly Lakes and centuries-old camellias that bloom in winter.
Plan a half day. The gardens are incredibly peaceful, and there’s a good restaurant on site serving Lowcountry food for lunch. The house museum and Eliza’s House exhibit tell the history of the enslaved people who built and worked the estate, which deserves your time too.
6. Visit the Angel Oak
On Johns Island, about 25 minutes from downtown, the Angel Oak is a live oak tree that’s estimated to be several hundred years old. Its huge branches spread out over a wide area, some resting on the ground. It’s one of the most impressive trees I’ve ever seen.
It’s free to visit, though it closes in the late afternoon and on some holidays. It’s a calm, almost magical place, and it doesn’t take long. Combine it with a trip to the beach.
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7. Catch the sunrise at Folly Beach
Folly Beach is the closest beach to downtown, about 20 minutes away. It’s laid-back, a bit funky, with surfers and taco shacks. For something romantic, drive to the north end of the island and walk out to the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve.
From the beach there, you’ll see the Morris Island Lighthouse standing alone in the water. At sunrise, it’s breathtaking. Bring a blanket and coffee. It’s worth the early alarm, I promise.
Where to eat
Charleston is one of the best food cities in the South. For a special dinner, book a table at Husk or one of the small restaurants on upper King Street. Try shrimp and grits, she-crab soup and anything with local oysters.
For drinks with a view, head to a rooftop bar like The Rooftop at The Vendue, overlooking the harbor. Book dinner reservations early, especially on weekends. The good places fill up weeks ahead.
End the night on a ghost tour
This one sounds odd for a romantic list, but hear me out. Charleston is one of the most haunted cities in the South, and the evening ghost walks through the old graveyards, alleys and the Old City Jail are a lot of fun as a couple. There’s something about walking dark, gas-lit streets together and jumping at the same moment.
Pick a walking tour rather than a bus, keep it to around 90 minutes, and book it for after dinner. You’ll learn more real history than you expect, and you’ll have a good excuse to hold hands on the way back to the hotel.
Where to stay
Stay in the historic district so you can walk everywhere. Small inns and boutique hotels in old mansions are worth the splurge for a romantic trip. Many include breakfast, evening wine and quiet courtyards to come back to.
Common questions
Is Charleston good for a romantic weekend?
It’s one of the best in the US. It’s walkable, beautiful and full of great restaurants.
When is the best time for a couples trip?
Spring, from March to May, when the gardens are in bloom, and fall, from October to November, when it’s warm but not humid.
How many days do we need?
Three days is ideal. That gives you time for the city, a garden and the beach.
Is a carriage ride worth it?
Yes, for one evening. It’s touristy, but the guides know the history well and it’s a sweet way to see the old streets.
Do we need a car?
Not in the historic district. Rent one for a day, or use rideshare, for Middleton Place, the Angel Oak and Folly Beach.
