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Your Guide to An Unforgettable Charleston Girl's Weekend from a local
- Victoria Etheridge
- 4 hours ago
- 5 min read
A chic and relaxed guide for a girls weekend you will talk about forever!
Charleston is the perfect combo of Southern charm, vibrant food and drink culture, walkability, and style. It’s ideal for a girls trip — enough to do but not so overwhelming you feel like you need to rush. Charleston is the kind of place made for lingering: pastel houses, shops, culture and an undercurrent of refinement in food, design, and hospitality. Here’s how to plan a Charleston unforgettable weekend that balances luxe relaxation, local flavor, and lots of laughter with friends.
Where to Stay for you unforgettable weekend in Charleston
Here are three standout hotels to anchor your weekend (choose the vibe you’re going for):
This brand new boutique hotel on Upper King (Cannonborough neighborhood) has 50 design-minded rooms and suites, many with full kitchens, washers/dryers, dining & lounge spaces, and residential comforts. The core of The Nickel’s design is a lush interior courtyard with a fountain and fireplaces, plus a stunning a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city and Ravenel Bridge. It is lively: surrounded by bars, restaurants, and shops along King Street — great for being in the mix, though occasionally you might hear some evening energy.
Who it’s for: Friends who want a design-forward, social hotel that gives you both privacy and connection to Charleston’s energy.
A classic, full-service luxury option in the heart of the historic district. The Charleston Place is large, elegant, and iconic in its own right. The Charleston Place is home to luxury shopping: Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Kate Spade and more are all located in the hotel. It offers comprehensive amenities (restaurants, concierge, etc.), and it's location gives you easy walking access to many downtown attractions.
Who it’s for: if you want the “tried-and-true” luxury experience, with all the bells and whistles and a more traditional hotel feel.
Located on King Street in the historic core, Hotel Bennett blends stylish charm with top-tier luxury. Adjacent to Marion Square, you can enjoy weekend markets and strolls through the park. It offers refined interiors and a sense of boutique grandeur, placing you steps from restaurants, shops, and nightlife. The property features its own restaurants/lounge. Their plush champagne lounge Camellias is a highlight of the property
Who it’s for: if you want a balance of luxury, style, and walkability in the heart of downtown.
Where to Eat: A Culinary Tour for Your Charleston Weekend
Charleston’s restaurant scene is one of the top reasons travelers fall in love with the city. From Italian to French to seafood, you’ll have an impeccable lineup to choose from. Below are a few of my favorite places that will make for unforgettable meals and memories:
Tucked into 492 King Street, Legami is the new Italian gem in town. The design is dreamy — soft plaster walls, warm lighting, and intimate corners — with a menu that blends creativity and comfort (made-from-scratch pasta, seasonal Italian dishes, and inspired small plates).
Why go: It gives your weekend an elegant, continental flavor — a calm contrast to Southern or seafood heavy meals. It’s ideal for a slower dinner where you can savor multiple courses and linger over wine.
Tips & timing:
They offer a “story” approach — seasonal, refined cooking.
Make reservations via Resy or their direct site.
It’s on King Street, so it’s fairly central, but depending on where you stay, you may need a short drive or ride.
"The Palm Room" at Legami The Darling Oyster Bar
For lovers of the sea, The Darling Oyster Bar is a must. Set at 513 King Street in a beautifully restored storefront, it channels vintage Charleston charm.
Their menu leans heavily into oysters, seafood entrees, and locally inspired preparations.
Why go: It’s one of the city’s standout seafood spots — a chance to taste local waters, see oyster shuckers in action, and enjoy a lively, briny atmosphere. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner when you want something fresh and light.
Tips & timing:
They open in the afternoon and keep evening hours.
There’s a private lot behind the restaurant (via Morris Street) available after 6 pm for guests.
Because it's popular, go earlier or make a reservation (or call in).
Here’s the French twist your weekend lineup was missing. Félix, located at 550 King Street #100, brings a Paris-inspired menu and ambiance to Charleston.
Walking in, you’ll feel the thoughtful design: white subway tile walls, mirrored archways, leather banquettes, and a soft, elegant glow. The vibe is both polished and cozy — a spot that’s chic without being intimidating.
Why go: Félix gives your dining rotation a European counterpoint. It’s a little romance, a little playfulness, and a place to sip, share, and toast. It’s not the typical Southern or seafood experience, which makes it a refreshing pivot.
Tips & timing:
Kitchen typically closes around midnight, so it’s great for late dinners or post-cocktail stops
They run a “Petit Menu” in off-peak hours (small-plates style)
Parking: guests can use the public garage behind the Hyatt Place (access via King Street)
Reservations are safer via direct call or their site (some listing services are unreliable)
Located inside Hotel Emeline at 181 Church Street, Frannie & The Fox is a wood-fired, Italian-sensibility eatery that leans regional and shareable.
In a garden-courtyard and greenhouse setting, the space combines rustic warmth with modern flair. The menu features shareable dishes, pizzas, pastas, and seasonal local ingredients.
Why go: It’s a solid choice for nights you want comfort + creativity. The setting is inviting and flexible (dinner, brunch, cocktails) and it feels more casual but still special.
Tips & timing:
They encourage reservations, especially for groups.
Their espresso martini is one of the best in Charleston!
Their menu changes seasonally; the wood-fired concept gives rustic depth to familiar flavors.
Where to Relax & Unwind
Charleston Head Spa can host up to a party of 8 in their 4,000 feet spa with 2 double rooms and 4 single rooms. This is a specialty head + scalp spa offers 3 tiers of head spa treatments and facials! Reviewers say clients “left feeling refreshed, glowing, hair incredibly soft,” and many say it was “the best beauty/spa service” they’ve had.
The atmosphere is relaxing and peaceful, the perfect spot to wind down and enjoy being pampered with friends. You’ll want to book in advance (especially for groups) because spots can fill.
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