Last updated on March 18th, 2025 at 08:13 pm

A Charleston Weekend Getaway At A Glance

Looking to enjoy a Charleston weekend getaway? As an avid solo traveler who has lived in the States for over 20 years, I was wondering why it took me so long to travel to South Carolina! When you visit Charleston, it feels like stepping back in time with all the comforts of home. Cobblestone streets, colorful facades, cozy restaurants, and diverse neighborhoods- it’s the ideal getaway for a solo weekend trip. 

TO STAY: The Loutrel Hotel or 86 Cannon
TO AVOID CROWDS: Off season (Dec-Feb) or pre peak season (Mar-May)
TO DO: Adventure Sightseeing Bus Tour, hat making at Southern Ruetz, museum hopping, the old City Market

When Is The Best Time To Visit Charleston?

Charleston is one of the many places that thrive as a year round destination. I visited in January and it was between 40-60 the whole weekend with a mix of sun and clouds.. Which according to the locals is pretty rare! Usually, temperatures are pretty consistent throughout the year, but with global warming creeping in, there have been more days below the 50’s.. and even snow! 

In my opinion it was nice to explore Charleston during the off-season (Dec-Feb). There were still a lot of people around during the day, but it didn’t feel overwhelming as a solo traveler. If you want to visit when the weather is tolerable and the city comes alive with events and festivals, then March-May is perfect. Peak-season is between the end of spring to early fall.. But be prepared for high humidity and extremely warm days. With an influx of tourists, hotel prices sky-rocket, it’s often difficult to get reservations, and it’s a little more hectic downtown. 

How Can I Travel Around Charleston?

The charm of visiting small cities is the ease of strolling around at your own leisure. When I spent a weekend in Charleston I walked everywhere (and ride-shared to the airport of course). At every turn you’ll discover a new charming street, a pastel building, or a cafe to visit- and you don’t want to miss any! During my trip I stayed in the downtown area and the Elliotborough/Cannonborough neighborhoods, and even trekking “across the city” only took about 25 minutes by foot. 

Of course what makes Charleston so special is its deep-rooted history and culture, so you may be planning to visit a few of the plantations and attractions further away. For this, you’ll either need to rent a car or book a trip in advance (with transportation options from downtown). There’s also the option to bike or take public transportation, but any way you choose here is pretty seamless and offers a different viewpoint. 

To see it all, book a sightseeing bus tour (below is the exact one I took), OR opt for a historic walking tour of the city with a guide!

Where To Stay For A Charleston Weekend Getaway

If you only have a weekend to spend in Charleston, you’ll want to be in a central location that’s easy to walk to everything you’d like to see during your trip. It can get a little confusing when you’re looking at where to stay, since the Downtown area technically consists of Cannonborough/Elliotborough, Radcliffeborough, Mazyck-Wraggborough, King Street Historic District, Harleston Village, Ansonborough, the French Quarter, and South of Broad neighborhoods. Most visitors want to stay near the harbor, but due to its popularity and location, the prices can often reflect this. 

The Loutrel Hotel: Steps from the old city market in the heart of the French Quarter, the Loutrel is the ideal escape with a lobby bar and rooftop area during warm months.

French Quarter

Teeming with history, the streets of Charleston’s Historic French Quarter are now lined with galleries, colorful homes, and restaurants. For years, the City Market is the central hub in the city to shop locally-owned and to chatter with the locals. Steps from the Market sits the Loutrel Hotel. With 50 rooms and suites, the charming boutique property is the perfect place to stay for a solo weekend in Charleston. Inspired by Charleston’s public and private gardens, the interiors showcase neutral colors, greenery, and open communal spaces. Spend an evening at the Veranda Lounge or catch some rays on the rooftop- Loutrel is a home-away-from-home. 

What To Do In The French Quarter

• Do some local shopping at the City Market
• Learn the history of the Old Slave Mart Museum
• Explore the Waterfront Park
• Slightly North of Broad: Lowcountry cuisine
• Carmella’s Cafe: Breakfast or late-night desserts
• Rudy Royale: Chicken and cocktails 
• Tempest: Coastal Modern-American food

86 Cannon: With only a few rooms, 86 Cannon is the epitome of Southern Charm inside a renovated historic home. Owners Lori and Marion Hawkins host a wine and cheese evening every night, and will ensure you feel part of the family!

Cannonborough/Elliotborough

A Charleston weekend getaway isn’t complete without visiting this trendy neighborhood.. but don’t be fooled by how far it may look on the map! Actually a 20-25 minute walk (5-10 minute drive) from the waterfront, Cannonborough/Elliotborough is a great neighborhood to stay for a solo weekend in Charleston. Popular with working professionals, students, and restaurateurs, the neighborhood is brimming with creativity and new food concepts. If you’re looking for fewer crowds during peak season, this is the spot. Located inside a renovated historic home, 86 Cannon is a home-away-from-home with spacious rooms showcasing original wooden frames and furnishings. 

What To Do In Cannonborough/Elliotborough

• Spanish Tapas at Malagon
• Sandwiches at The Pass
• Aiken-Rhett House Museum
• Spa day at Solt Wellness
• Wine evenings at 86 Cannon

Lower and Upper King Street

A street that spans through Charleston’s Downtown neighborhoods, King Street is lined with southern boutiques and locally owned businesses. In Lower King between Broad and Calhoun streets, many of the buildings still bring the old-world charm with rustic buildings, antique stores, and galleries. Many of the buildings in Upper King have been repurposed into distilleries, cafes, and restaurants- making it a hub for students. The bustling strip is the prime location!

What To Do In Upper And Lower King

• Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit
• “The Notebook” American Theater
• Charleston Distilling Co.
• Hat making at Southern Ruetz
• Shop women-owned at Ibu Movement
• Cocktail Club for drinks

Notable Events For Trip Planning

If you’re planning a Charleston weekend getaway, be sure to check their upcoming events calendar to start planning! Whether you want to be there for one or know when to avoid the crowds and high prices, with its year-round events, Charleston is a hub of Southern charm and celebration.

• Spoleto Festival USA draws visitors in the Spring with its world-renowned arts performances, including opera, theater, and dance.
• Charleston Wine + Food Festival showcases the city’s culinary scene, bringing together chefs and food lovers from all over.
• Summer is marked by the family-friendly Charleston City Market and the low country’s iconic beach events to enjoy the outdoors and warm weather.
• Charleston Fall Tour of Homes & Gardens happens in the fall, where guests can explore historic properties and luxurious gardens.
• MOJA Arts Festival celebrates African-American and Caribbean culture.
• During the winter months, the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park transforms the park into a glowing winter wonderland.
• Charleston Parade of Boats shows a beautiful display of decorated vessels.