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Top 7 Charleston, SC Romantic Locales – Secluded Settings

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Gate by Philip Simmons
Love is reflected in some historic Charleston gates like this one at 91 Anson St. by Philip Simmons.

There’s something about Charleston that stirs the heart. Maybe it’s the cobblestone streets, the water views or the candlelight dinners … whatever it is, this city has plenty of romance. In fact, it’s become one of the country’s hot spots for weddings. So whether you’re looking for a place to pop the question, tie the knot, celebrate a golden anniversary or simply get away for a romantic weekend, you’ve come to the right place.

We’ve highlighted a few spots that are sure to get the sparks flying.


#1) Magnolia Plantation

Many a proposal has taken place at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens. During the early winter, the azaleas, camellias and daffodils are blooming so the garden is breath-taking. Plus, there are so many trails through the garden, it’s easy to find a secluded spot to steal a kiss.

Magnolia is actually one of the last large-scale “romantic gardens” left in the United States. This garden style traces back to the industrial revolution in Europe. It’s tied to the empowerment of the common man, who worked in the factories and therefore wanted to design gardens to help him forget the dreary workday. Romantic gardens are designed to help you forget everyday life and feed your soul.


Wentworth Mansion/photo by Charming Inns
Wentworth Mansion/photo by Charming Inns

#2) Wentworth Mansion & Circa 1886

If you need a romantic place to stay, Wentworth Mansion, 149 Wentworth St., is tough to beat. This stately 21-room inn is teeming with luxury and romance. The rooms all feature gas-lit fireplaces with original marble mantels, king-size sleigh beds and whirlpool tubs. Built in 1886, the inn has a restaurant, Circa 1886, on the grounds. Plus, The Spa at Wentworth Mansion is housed in the mansion’s former stables (think couple’s massage). You do not want to miss one of the mansion’s best features: the rooftop cupola with incredible views of the city. If that doesn’t impress your sweetie, nothing will.


#3) Carriage TourCharleston Carriage Tours

A carriage ride through the historic streets of downtown Charleston makes a perfect outing for two. And if the weather is a little cool it’s all the better – a perfect excuse to snuggle. Check Palmetto Carriage for private tour options. Coupon for Palmetto Carriage Tour


#4) Picnic at White Point Gardens

White Point Garden is a 5-acre public park on the Charleston peninsula at the intersection of E. Battery Street and Murray Boulevard. The park is home to several military relics and monuments. A bandstand pavilion is located in the park and is often used for weddings. A favorite sculpture is a bronze statue of a dancing girl. It was created in the 1960s by sculptor Willard Hirsch and gifted to the city. It sits on a low granite base so it’s easily accessible to children.


#5) A Walk on the Beach

Ocean sunsets and the calming sounds of the waves make for a magical setting as you and your sweetheart take an evening walk on a beach. A favorite is Folly Beach where the Morris Island Lighthouse makes for a beautiful selfie background to commemorate a date night. The best spot to see the lighthouse is from the northeast end of Folly Beach. Take East Ashley Street until it ends. You can park there and the walk about a quarter mile to the beach. Folly has plenty of restaurants where you can grab a drink after your evening beach stroll.


#6) Walk Charleston’s Historic District

The cobblestone streets and alleyways of historic downtown Charleston are beautiful, quiet spots for a hand-holding stroll. Pause to look at the historic homes or venture on to King Street for some window shopping and dinner. Enjoy a nightcap at the Thoroughbred Club in Belmond Charleston Place, 205 Meeting St. It has an extensive beverage menu and a selection of tapas, appetizers and desserts. Plus you can wind down the evening listening to the live music. Take a guided tour with Charleston Strolls to better experience the history of the city on a professionally guided tour.


#7) A Cruise on the Harbor

Everyone can agree that being on the water is romantic and has a calming effect. Take a sunset or moonlight sailing tour on The Schooner Pride, an 84′ tall

The Schooner Pride
The Schooner Pride

ship that is modeled after the 18th Century coastal trading schooners that once dotted the Charleston harbor.

Another romantic night on the water can be had on a SpiritLine Dinner Cruise. A 3-4 course dinner, made to order onboard featuring “farm to table” fresh local ingredients is served along with live music on this 2.5 hour experience. $10 off coupon for dinner cruise

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Charleston FAQ's

Choosing a hotel and where to stay in Charleston all depends on your budget and goals. Do you want to stay Downtown, at the beach or in the outer areas such as North Charleston where you have to drive to get everywhere? For more help on deciding: https://travelerofcharleston.com/articles/hotels/

Charleston has 3 main public beaches which are: Folly, Isle of Palms and Sullivans. Each beach has it’s own atmosphere. The most common beach that people visit is Folly Beach and then Isle of Palms followed by Sullivans Island. For more info on Charleston’s beaches visit: https://travelerofcharleston.com/guide-charlestons-beaches/

Charleston, SC is full of historical things to do. Everything from museums, to public sites and free landmark sites such as Rainbow Row and the Battery can be seen. For more info on Charleston’s top historical sites visit: https://travelerofcharleston.com/places-to-learn-about-charleston-sc-history/

There are many things that will keep the kids and family entertained and educated in Charleston. There are historic sites such as Fort Sumter, a Children’s Museum, Aquarium and the USS Yorktown…a WWII era aircraft carrier you can tour. For more info visit: https://travelerofcharleston.com/charleston-family-fun-activities/

There’s so many  things you could do in Charleston it can be overwhelming. We recommend that first time visitors, checkout the ultimate first-time visitor guide here: https://travelerofcharleston.com/charleston-first-time-visitors-guide/

Spring in Charleston, SC is an amazing time of year to visit. The flowers are blooming and the weather is mild and sunny. For more info, check-out our spring guide to Charleston here: https://travelerofcharleston.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-springtime-in-charleston/

Summer in Charleston is a great time to visit. There’s plenty of things to keep you busy and visiting the beach will probably….or should be on your short-list. Also water-based activities and tours are popular. Checkout this summer guide to Charleston for more info: 

Our 10 Favorite Summer Activities in Charleston

Fall is one of the best times to visit. The weather cools down a bit and the skies are typically blue and clear. In addition there are many great events, festivals and the large crowds of summer have gone back to school or work. For more info on visiting in the fall, checkout this article: https://travelerofcharleston.com/charleston-12-things-to-do-fall/

There are so many great things to do that it’s difficult to narrow the list down. This article does a great job with figuring out the must do things to do in Charleston

7 Can’t Miss Reasons to Visit Charleston, SC Now

The consensus is a minimum of 3-days is needed to settle in and experience Charleston. For instance, many people take 2 days exploring downtown and another day visiting sites outside of downtown such as the plantations, Angel Oak Tree or beaches. Checkout this page for a list of tours and attractions: 

Charleston’s Top Tours & Attractions | Things to do

Downtown Charleston was made for walking and for sure one of the best way to soak up and experience the history first-hand. This article goes over getting around Charleston with and without a car as well: 

Getting Around Charleston, SC

We’re of course partial to Charleston, but here’s the truth. There are many similarities however there are some differences in our opinion: 

  • Both cities are historic and beautiful. 
  • Both cities are extremely walkable. Savannah, with it’s park-like squares maybe more walkable than Charleston. 
  • Charleston has a more established and food scene with many more options. 
  • Charleston has better hotels and shopping.
  • Both cities have equally good tours.
  • Charleston has better beach options. Savannah has Tybee which is great, however it’s 1 beach vibe versus Charleston which has 3 beaches with different vibes. Checkout this Charleston beach guide article: https://travelerofcharleston.com/guide-charlestons-beaches/
  • In Savannah you can walk with alcoholic beverages on the street. This is not allowed in Charleston. This can be good or bad depending on your stance. 
  • Savannah is more affordable.
  • TourPass offers all-inclusive passes in both cities: https://tourpass.com

There are always great and world-class events happening in Charleston. For a calendar of events and things to do in Charleston, checkout our online calendar of events: https://travelerofcharleston.com/events/

Of course there are free money-saving coupons that you can use. Visit the coupons page for a bunch of ways to save: https://travelerofcharleston.com/coupon/

Charleston has some fantastic can’t miss tours such as Fort Sumter, carriage, ghost, harbor, historic and culinary tours. For a full list with more info visit: https://travelerofcharleston.com/attractions/

Checkout the Charleston Relocation Guide page which will guide you during your move: https://travelerofcharleston.com/charleston-sc-relocation-guide/

Additional Places to Explore

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