Ready for an insiders scoop into the most romantic things to do in Charleston, SC as a couple? I had the great pleasure of chatting with my favorite couple Andrea & Gustavo, local stylist and apparel expert, in Charleston, to ask them what they felt were the top 10 most romantic things to do in Charleston and they gave me the low down.
Hey, I’m Lumalia (Emmy), guide and one of the photographers behind Celebrate Again. I believe that our relationships deserve romance every day and celebration often. It’s why I started Celebrate Again and it’s why I’ll never stop advocating for couples to keep celebrating their love story no matter how messy and beautiful it is. I believe our world needs to hear and see our stories to hold on to hope when life gets hard. So cheers, my friends, on finding romantic connections as you visit this absolutely beautiful coastal town.
Meet Charleston, SC Your Guides
Meet Andrea: “I’m a Charleston blogger of Charleston Shop Curator and I’ve also been a stylist for over 20 years. I love being a creative in a city like Charleston where you can connect with so many other talented people. I also love raising our two boys in a coastal town where we’re constantly on the water and enjoying the outdoors.”
Meet Gustavo: “I’m a sales manager for a locally owned company called Vapor Apparel. I’m usually the first person on the dance floor and the last one to leave. I love fishing and spending time with my family.”
Tell me about how long you’ve been living in Charleston and why you’re an expert in knowing about what the romantic things to do in Charleston, SC being a blogger and stylist:
“15 years. We can’t say we’re experts but we’re well seasoned in what fun things to do as a local. Being an influencer has opened up my network of people and places in this town. I’ve been able to visit some restaurants and venues before anyone else so I can tease the public on what’s to come.”
I was so lucky to document Andrea & Gustavo’s 15 year Celebrate Again experience while I visited Charleston myself. You can their Folly Beach, SC anniversary session here.
10 Romantic Things to do in Charleston, SC
Here are Andrea & Gustavo’s best recommendations for the best things for couples to do while visiting Charleston, South Carolina.
Don’t forget to consider having your romantic adventure documented. I believe your love story is worth documenting and being told. I believe connection sometimes needs a guide and that’s where I get to step in as a couples photographer and guide. Find out more about Celebrate Again.
1 Bike Riding
“Riding bikes in the south of Broad neighborhoods and Battery – The beautiful houses and flower boxes are so lovely to take in. The view of the harbor from a bike is breathtaking.”
If you’re downtown check out this bike rental company.
I personally got to visit the neighborhoods and Battery while visiting Charleston and totally second how beautiful of an area it is. Its such a romantic thing to do in Charleston, SC!
One recommendation I do want to add is that while visiting these areas be mindful of people creating beautiful grass art. They may offer it to you and require you to pay them. These are beautiful pieces and have rich history around the creation and learning of this artform so if you’d like to support these locals please do but be mindful the interaction is a bit unconventional.
2 Magnolia Plantation
Strolling through the gardens at Magnolia Plantation – you can pet deer and other wild animals in their zoo, walk through the gardens, and until March 15th you can experience Lights of Magnolia, a Chinese lantern display that will blow your mind!
3 Middleton Place
Strolling through the gardens and property at Middleton Place – They have everything from farm animals, the butterfly lake, horseback riding, a bamboo forest, beautiful gardens, and even wine strolls,
4 Boat Cruises
Boat cruise – Watching dolphins jump out of the water and docking on a deserted sandbar is as romantic as it gets.
Don’t forget your swimsuit. We love the affordable prices of Cupshe and the ethical make and retro design of Seea Swimsuits!
5 Morris Lighthouse
Walking on the beach towards Morris Lighthouse – The driftwood scattered on the beach and seeing the lighthouse in the water at a distance is a beautiful sight to see.
6 James Island
Driving over the James Island connector at sunset – Driving over the bridge from downtown at sunset you get the best views. The boats, the marsh, and the vibrant pink, purple and blue sky.
7 Dinner at Chez Nous
Dinner at Chez Nous – The most romantic restaurant tucked away in a neighborhood. You feel like you stumbled upon a secret restaurant in the French countryside.
8 Andell Inn
Staycation at the Andell Inn in Kiawah and walking around Freshfields after the stores are closed
9 Zero George
Staycation at Zero George – You feel like you’re a world away while being in the center of downtown. The 4 historical homes feel like a tiny village. The restaurant serves the most delicious breakfast and dinner. Enjoy a cocktail hour on the porch before dinner.
10 Cypress Gardens
Boat ride through the cypress trees at Cypress Gardens – You feel like you’ve travelled back in time before technology existed. Surround yourself by huge cypress trees and maybe a gator or two.
Want to document your love story while visiting Charelson? I’d love to chat with you about guiding you to Celebrate Again
Tips for Your Visit to Charleston
Wanting to make sure you and your beloved fully enjoy your couple time in Charleston I asked Andrea & Gustavo for some advice to help you have the best time together!
Best Advice For Couples
“Have no expectations and be open to anything.”
I love this advice because expectations can make life harder. Something I include in my free anniversary trip planning guide is to sit down ahead of time and talk about your expectations for what you want your experience to be like. I know personally many times I have expectations I didn’t realize I had until after they aren’t met. Sitting down ahead of time can help me think through those expectations and really get realistic with them making my time more enjoyable than if I had not done this.
Download our free anniversary trip planning guide
Touristy Things To Avoid When Visiting Charleston?
“Hyman’s Restaurant, walking through Market St. in the dead of summer, Folly Beach Pier in the summer”
Having visited the pier myself I do highly recommend it, but the whole island of Folly Beach is bigger than you realize and you can spread out pretty far on the beach. I visited the pier at night which was super romantic. If you are in the area in summertime this may be a better option!
What’s the most romantic experience you’ve had in Charleston as a couple?
“We stayed at the Woodlands Inn in Summerville for one of our earlier anniversaries. It was such an escape from our everyday life and we had one of our best meals at their restaurant.”
Best Time To Travel to Charleston
“It gets very hot between June – September. If you do come then plan to stay somewhere near the water or a place that has a pool. Most people can’t take the humidity, but we love it.”
After visiting Charleston in late October and it was absolutely perfect weather! I’d highly recommend this season to other travelers.
Best Places To Stay
Wondering if you should stay in a hotel or homestay like VRBO or Airbnb Check out our helpful graph!
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Then still wondering which home stay platform to use? Check out this graph!
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Pro Tip We highly recommend shopping around to find the best bang for your buck between
One Piece of Advice From Andrea & Gustavo For Couples
I asked Andrea & Gustavo what’s one piece of advice to couples having been married for 16 years yourselves? Here’s what they said:
“Never stop sneaking in romance. Even if you can’t plan to have that date night on the regular, surprise your spouse with something or cook a special meal that you might experience at your favorite restaurant.”
Thank you Andrea & Gustavo for sharing your insight about romantic things to do in Charleston! If you’d like to check out Andrea & Gustavo’s work you can view that here:
Andrea Charleston Stylist or Charleston Shop Curator
Gustavo Vapor Apparel
Want to see how they celebrate their 15 year anniversary with me? Check out their Folly Beach anniversary photography session with me.
Ready to plan your own Celebration Again experience?
Hire US To Guide Your Anniversary Trip Expereince
Hey! We’re Lumalia (Emmy) and Team anniversary photographers but more importantly we’re anniversary experience makers.
We believe that your anniversary deserves a unique celebration, one that takes you away from the every day overwhelm and into a place that allows for deep connection. We’d love to help guide you in crafting an unforgetable experience that we hope will transform your marriage deeply. Learn more about hiring us as your anniversary photographers! Or what to do for your anniversary.
Download our free anniversary trip planning guide
P.S. Not sold on Charleston for your anniversary trip? Check out our Best anniversary trip ideas for more inspiration or consider looking at our Romantic things to do in Maui post!
Or looking for more ideas for Charleston? Check out this guide to the best day trips from Charleston!
Need some self care?
Here at Celebrate Again we’re on a mission to cultivate a lifestyle of celebration. But we know that first begins with ourselves. We must first care well for ourselves so we can show up with 110% for everything else in life.
Not sure where to start? Join Lumalia (Emmy) as she uses the tools of yoga and meditation to help you along in your self love yoga, and self care journey.
Try out our Celebrate Again Yoga membership for free today!
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13 Responses
I regret not visiting when I lived in NC!
I was so close
So many relaxing and fun things to do! I’D love to visit every single place that you featured!
It does look like a lovely place! And The photOs are reAlly gorgeous too! Thanks for sharing!
Aww everything looks so romantic and perfect! Great ideas! I would love to visit here with my hubby someday 🙂
WE absolutely love Charleston! Such a great guide!
Looks like a fab place to spend the time as a couple. I liked James Island and would love to visit it in the future when I visit US.
Oh my gosh these are such awesome suggestions! I was just in Charleston with my boo and wish I would’ve seen this before! We do plan on going back though so I’ll definitely use this in the future!
This is so sweet and wholesome! Definitely saving this list for when my husband and I (hopefully) visit Charleston
I had a family home here years ago and was dating my future husband. This article brings back so many happy memories since we did a lot of this list. Excellent read! Now, I want to make a trip back for our anniversary!