Water views, cobblestone streets and a cozy corner table for dinner are just the right ingredients for a romantic getaway to Charleston.
Travel & Leisure has named Charleston the second most romantic city, and Yahoo! News, through its weekly “Wanderlust” series, ranked Charleston No. 1 on its list of top surprisingly romantic cities in the United States.
Charleston is getting a reputation for more than history and hospitality, now we can add romance to the list. So to help you get started, here are our top 5 ways to experience a romantic vacation in Charleston:
- Take a dinner cruise. You can capture a sunset over the water, get up close views of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge spanning the Cooper River and enjoy a leisurely dinner and music.
- Stay at a historic hotel or B&B like the Wentworth Mansion, Andrew Pinckney Inn or the Inn at Middleton Place. Schedule a couple’s massage for another level of romance.
- Sit on the swing at Waterfront Park in downtown Charleston. Located on Vendue Range Street, the pier at Waterfront Park is a great spot to catch a sunset, watch dolphins play in the harbor and just soak up the beauty of Charleston. There are a few bench swings on the pier but they go fast so hurry and grab an open one.
- Take a walk on the beach at dusk. What’s more romantic than holding hands while strolling barefoot in the ocean surf?
- Explore the art galleries along Broad Street and through the French Quarter. Some areas have art walks on the first Friday of the month so you can have a glass of wine while admiring some great local artwork.
We could go on, but that should get you started on a nice, romantic weekend. Let’s hear your suggestions for a romantic retreat to the Holy City. What do you recommend?