Historic horse-drawn carriage tour
A one-hour ride through the historic district's mansions and gardens.
See dates and prices →☀️ Relaxed things to do
Fort Sumter ferry and tour
A harbor ferry to the fort where the Civil War began.
See dates and prices →Sunset harbor cruise
Drinks on the water with views of the Battery and Ravenel Bridge.
See dates and prices →Magnolia Plantation and gardens
America's oldest public gardens, with an honest look at the plantation's history.
See dates and prices →Savannah day trip from Charleston
Two hours south to Savannah's oak-shaded squares, River Street and a Southern lunch.
See dates and prices →Gullah culture tour
Learn about the Gullah Geechee heritage that shaped Lowcountry life.
See dates and prices →Private boat charter to Morris Island Lighthouse
Your group's own boat for sandbars, dolphins and the lighthouse.
See dates and prices →🍷 Foodie things to do
Lowcountry food walking tour
Shrimp and grits, biscuits, pralines and the stories behind Southern cooking.
See dates and prices →Southern cooking class
Learn shrimp and grits, biscuits and pralines with a local chef, then sit down to eat.
See dates and prices →Cocktail history walking tour
Historic bars and the drinks Charleston made famous.
See dates and prices →🧗 Adventure things to do
Ghost and graveyard walking tour
Charleston's spookiest stories, told by lantern light in old churchyards.
See dates and prices →Dolphin kayak tour
Paddle the tidal creeks where dolphins feed. Beginners welcome.
See dates and prices →Where wedding guests should eat in Charleston
Husk
Queen Street
Southern ingredients only, in a Victorian house.
Map ↗FIG
Meeting Street
Award-winning farm-driven cooking. Book weeks ahead.
Map ↗The Ordinary
Upper King
Oyster hall in a former bank. Great raw bar.
Map ↗Magnolias
East Bay Street
Classic upscale Southern, easy for groups.
Map ↗Slightly North of Broad
East Bay Street
Known as S.N.O.B. Shrimp and grits done right.
Map ↗Poogan's Porch
Queen Street
Brunch favorite in a historic house.
Map ↗Leon's Oyster Shop
Upper King
Casual, fun and good for a group.
Map ↗167 Raw
East Bay Street
Lobster rolls and tuna burgers. No reservations.
Map ↗Rodney Scott's BBQ
King Street
Award-winning whole-hog barbecue.
Map ↗Hannibal's Kitchen
East Side
Gullah-style soul food. Try the crab rice.
Map ↗Bertha's Kitchen
North Charleston
Lunch counter with legendary fried chicken.
Map ↗Callie's Hot Little Biscuit
King Street
Hot biscuits to go. Perfect hangover breakfast.
Map ↗Where to stay
- Hotel Bennett $$$
Marion Square. Grand hotel with a rooftop pool bar. - The Dewberry $$$
Marion Square. Mid-century style and a popular rooftop bar. - The Restoration $$$
King Street. Suites with kitchens. Good for families.
Getting around
- Downtown is easy on foot. The free DASH trolley loops the historic district.
- Use rideshare to reach Folly Beach, Sullivan's Island or Shem Creek.
- Street parking is limited. Use city garages if you drive.
- Holy Spokes bike share has stations all over the peninsula.
Arriving
Charleston International (CHS) is 20 minutes from downtown.
Good to know for guests in Charleston
- Currency: US dollar (USD).
- Tipping: Expected: 18 to 22% in restaurants. Large groups often get an automatic gratuity.
- Dinner time: Dinner usually from 6 to 9 pm. Popular restaurants book up weeks ahead.
- Power plugs: Type A and B plugs, 120 V.
Popular tours in Charleston right now
Questions guests ask about Charleston
When is the best time for a wedding in Charleston?
March to June, September to November is the most popular season. Pastel townhouses, cobbled lanes, Lowcountry cooking and beaches 20 minutes away. Downtown is compact and very walkable.
How do guests get to Charleston?
Charleston International (CHS) is 20 minutes from downtown.
How do guests get around Charleston?
Downtown is easy on foot. The free DASH trolley loops the historic district. Use rideshare to reach Folly Beach, Sullivan's Island or Shem Creek. Street parking is limited. Use city garages if you drive. Holy Spokes bike share has stations all over the peninsula.
What can wedding guests do in Charleston as a group?
Good group options include historic horse-drawn carriage tour, lowcountry food walking tour, fort Sumter ferry and tour, ghost and graveyard walking tour. Most have private options for 10 to 20 people.
Is there a ready-made weekend plan for guests in Charleston?
Yes. Our Charleston wedding weekend itinerary has relaxed, foodie and adventure plans for the day before, the wedding day and the day after.
Getting married in Charleston?
Turn this list into a personal guest page with your names, dates, venue and day plans. Free, in two minutes.
Create your guest pagePlan the weekend
Charleston wedding weekend itinerary
Ready-made relaxed, foodie and adventure plans for the day before, the wedding day and the day after.
See the plan →Welcome dinner restaurants in Charleston
Group-friendly places for the welcome or rehearsal dinner and the day-after brunch, with local dinner times and tipping.
See the restaurants →Wedding welcome bag ideas
40 wedding welcome bag ideas for destination weddings: essentials, local treats, hangover kits and the itinerary card guests actually keep.
Read the guide →Compare Charleston with other destinations
Other destinations
AlgarvePortugalAmalfi CoastItalyAshevilleUSABaliIndonesiaBarcelonaSpainCaboMexicoCartagenaColombiaDubrovnikCroatiaLake ComoItalyLake TahoeUSALisbonPortugalMallorcaSpainMarrakechMoroccoMauiUSA (Hawaii)MykonosGreeceNapa ValleyUSANew OrleansUSAParisFranceProvenceFrancePuerto VallartaMexicoPugliaItalyRomeItalySantoriniGreeceSavannahUSASedonaUSASevilleSpainSicilyItalyTulumMexicoTuscanyItaly