Charleston, South Carolina is a very romantic city on the East Coast of the United States in North America, with lots of history, natural beauty and things to see. It’s the perfect place for couples to vacation to, or even to work remotely from during a long-term stay.
Charleston is a special place for my husband and I. We got engaged at Folly Beach, and went on one of our first ever couples trips to the city. We also spent a month in Charleston while traveling and working remote, and we fell even more in love with the city.
After spending so much time here, I’ve put together a list of the most romantic things to do in Charleston SC for couples that are also unique to the city. ❤️
- Top 10
- Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through Charleston’s Historic District
- Have a romantic stroll at waterfront park
- Take a sunset cruise on the Schooner Pride
- Couples massage at the Dewberry Spa
- Enjoy a candlelit dinner
- Visit Cypress Gardens for a private boat ride like a moviestar
- Experience an intimate cooking class at Zero George
- Take a sunset stroll at Folly Beach
- Sip cocktails at a cozy cocktail bar
- See live jazz music over cocktails at Forte Jazz Lounge
- More ideas
- Map
Top 10 Romantic Things to Do In Charleston SC For Couples
Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through Charleston’s Historic District : #1 of the Top Romantic Things to Do In Charleston SC For Couples
What’s more romantic than a carriage ride through a historic city?! My #1 choice for the most romantic things to do in Charleston SC is this horse drawn carriage ride past historic landmarks in Downtown Charleston, on cobblestone streets hearing stories along the way, where you can soak in the rich history together. Truly one of the best ways to explore this historic small city.
The horse-drawn carriage tour is one of the most romantic things to do in Charleston SC for couples and one you definitely don’t want to miss if it’s your first time in Holy City.
If you’re visiting for a special occasion or just really want to impress your significant other, consider taking a private carriage tour for an experience straight out of a movie!
Have a romantic stroll at waterfront park
Another top choice for the best romantic things to do in Charleston SC for couples is to take a stroll along waterfront park and the Charleston harbor.
You’ll have no problem getting alone time as it’s spread out and usually not crazy crowded outside of holiday weekends, and it’s a great way to see the beauty of the city as a couple.
You’ll see the iconic pineapple fountain and White Point Garden if you walk far enough, combing natural beauty and the architecture of historical homes – making for the perfect backdrop for your stroll. I recommend late afternoon or sunset time for the best atmosphere.
P.S. Stray a little off of waterfront park to see Rainbow Row, and at waterfront park there are rows of swings looking out over the water which are perfect for couples.
The waterfront park and taking a stroll along the Charleston Harbor is also one of the top free things to do in Charleston SC. Don’t miss it – especially if it’s your first time in Holy City.
Take a sunset cruise on the Schooner Pride
The sunset sailing trip aboard the Schooner Pride gives you the best view of the sunset in the city, and it’s absolutely one of the most romantic things to do in Charleston SC for couples.
My husband and I ended up going on an afternoon dolphin sightseeing tour on the Schooner Pride with another couple, which was a really cool shared experience and made for the perfect happy hour spot as they had plenty of drinks for sale. Either way you can’t go wrong on the Schooner Pride!
Couples massage Charleston SC : Relax and unwind at the Dewberry Spa
Enjoy the spa suite specially made for couples massages at the Dewberry Spa just off of King Street for a relaxing spa day together. Known for having excellent service and top-notch massages, this is one of the most luxurious things to do in the city which will leave you feel more relaxed and connected afterwards.
The Dewberry is also one of the most romantic hotels in the city and best choices for where to stay. Consider staying a night or two for the perfect romantic getaway.
Enjoy a candlelit dinner at Verns or Chez Nous
Charleston is known for its amazing food scene, and there’s not one but two fantastic restaurants in Charleston where you can dine over romantic candlelight. Chez Nous and Vern’s are a few of the best restaurants in the city, both perfect for a romantic evening or special occasion where you can have a delicious meal in an intimate setting unique to Charleston.
Visit Cypress Gardens for a private boat ride like a moviestar
The Notebook is hands down one of the most romantic movies of all time, and you can put yourself right in the middle of it at Cypress Gardens.
A self-guided swamp tour is a magical way to get quality time on the water and feel like you’re in a romantic movie as a couple. Plus, Cypress Gardens is one of the best romantic things to do in Charleston SC for couples, that you can brag about to all your friends.
Experience an intimate cooking class at Zero George Cooking School : Best Romantic Things to Do In Charleston SC For Couples Who Are Foodies
A romantic dinner after an intimate cooking class taught by a top-of-the-line chef at Zero George is one of the most romantic things to do in Charleston SC, perfect for foodies or couples who love to cook.
Turn your class into a romantic getaway by staying at the Zero George for a night or two, which is one a historic mansion-style hotel and one of the most romantic hotels in Charleston SC.
Keep in mind these are “watch by learning” cooking classes at Zero George, where you are mainly watching and sipping wine, and taking notes if you want to. If you want a more interactive class, which I tend to prefer, try Coastal Cupboard or a class with Chef Bob Waggoner.
Take a sunset stroll at Folly Beach (or sunrise!) : Best Romantic Things to Do In Charleston SC For Couples On A Budget
Under a thirty-minute drive from Charleston, Folly Beach is the perfect spot for couples to take a sunset stroll down the beach. You can catch a clear view of the sunset at Folly Beach State Park. Or even better, if you’re both morning people, try heading to the beach to catch the sunrise, which rises directly over the ocean on Folly.
This is my personal favorite of the things to do in Charleston SC for couples – there’s no better way to connect on a deeper level than in front of a beautiful sunrise or sunset. Afterwards, sip some cocktails or dance the night away at the best bars in Folly Beach which have a really fun, casual atmosphere.
The photo below is of my now husband and I after he proposed on the beach at Folly Beach. 💛 If you’d like to take a romantic getaway to Folly Beach, check out my guide to the best places to stay in Folly.
P.S. There are lots of other Charleston SC beaches to explore together, like Kiawah Island, Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms.
Sip cocktails at a cozy cocktail bar : Best Romantic Things to Do In Charleston SC For Couples & Cocktail Lovers
My husband and I love finding cocktail bars for a night cap after dinner while visiting new cities. Charleston has a collection of fantastic cocktail bars, from the Rooftop bar at the Vendue with beautiful views, to Carmella’s dessert bar with drinks like frosetto and drunken shakes, and even secret bars.
A unique bar, for example one of the ones I just mentioned, is also a great place for a first date, where you can have a glass of wine or craft cocktail and maybe connect a little better with your date. 😉
Use my guide to the speakeasy Charleston SC scene to find the hidden bars of the city, including Scotty Doesn’t Know which is my personal favorite.
See live jazz music over cocktails at Forte Jazz Lounge
Experience Charleston’s jazz history through a live music experience at one of Charleston’s best music venues or cocktail bars.
Forte Jazz Lounge is my #1 choice for an intimate jazz show for couples. When you buy your ticket you’ll choose between a table for two or cozy couches at the front, where you can order hors d’oeuvres and specialty cocktails or glasses of wine.
Some other options are Thoroughbred Club, which is a bar in the romantic Charleston Place hotel with live music each night from 6:00-9:00pm, which is often live jazz. Charleston Music Hall is also a historic, must-see venue in Charleston that occasionally offers performances by Charleston Jazz.
If you love live music like I do, I put together a complete guide to Live Music Charleston SC which you can read here.
Some More Ideas For Romantic Things to Do In Charleston SC For Couples : Honorable Mentions
There are SO many things to do in Charleston SC for couples, and it was very hard to choose the top 10. Here are some honorable mentions in case you need them:
- Take a tour of the beautiful Boone Hall Plantation, one of the best things to do in Charleston
- Explore the stunning Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
- Wine tasting at Deep Water Vineyard together
- You can also visit this one with roundtrip transportation during this fun tour
- Visit the gorgeous Middleton Place
- See a show at the Dock Street Theatre
- Kayaking during sunset at Shem Creek with rentals from Nature Adventures
Map of the Romantic Things to Do In Charleston SC For Couples
Romantic Things to Do In Charleston SC For Couples Link
Now you know the most romantic ways to experience Charleston SC. If you’re headed to Holy City, read my popular guide to Where to Stay In Charleston SC to find the perfect hotel for you.
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Lauren Kessel is the author of this blog post and the creator of the Inspired Backpacker travel blog. She is a passionate digital nomad, with the mission to make slow travel a more accessible way of life for everyone. Lauren believes travel is an important means of education and more importantly, a way for people of different cultures to come together and understand each other better. She has a BS in Tourism and has planned countless domestic and international trips for herself, her family and friends, having visited over 12 countries and 30 states so far.
