Living in the #1 city in America can be tough. Sure, we have warm weather, friendly people, and beautiful beaches surrounding us, but where are we supposed to vacation when nowhere compares to the place we call home? That’s why we suggest skipping the tough decision of where to vacay, and make it a staycay.
Whether you’re looking for fun for the whole family or a romantic getaway, we’ve found a place to stay and some things to do for every type of staycationer– guaranteed to make you fall even more in love with the city that you call home.
Petite Queen room | Photo by Andrew Pinckney Inn
Quintessential charm
To stay: Andrew Pinckney Inn | 🛏 Petite Queen room | 💰$369/night |📍Downtown | 👤 2 guests | An iconic boutique hotel with modern luxury.
To eat: Picnic in Gadsdenboro Park | Located just a 15-minute walk (0.7 mi) from the Inn, this large park is great for having a nice picnic lunch on a sunny day. The downtown Harris Teeter is conveniently located along the route so you can pick up your items on the way.
To do: Charleston Harbor Tour Boat Cruise | 💰$28/person | Post-picnic, take a boat cruise around the harbor. Sure you see some of these locations on the daily, but it’s always great to get a change of perspective.
Cozy Avondale room | Photo by AirBnB
For the budget-conscious
To stay: AirBnB | 🛏 Cozy Avondale room | 💰$45/night |📍West Ashley | 👤 2 guests | A shared space with a private room.
To eat: Mario’s Italian Grill | Both your stomach + your wallet will find amore – feast like Italian royalty without emptying your coin purse.
To do: Break Out Escape Game | One of the top rated escape room games in the area – with various play options from ‘Escaping Death Row’ to ‘Serial Killer’. Take a break from the tourist stops and put your mind to the test.
Inn at Middleton Place | Photo by Middleton Place
For those wanting a little romance
To stay: Ashley River Room at Middleton Place | 💰$379/night |📍West Ashley | 👤 2 guests | A suite with a wrap-around deck and a birds-eye view of the Ashley River + surrounding marshlands.
To eat: Middleton Place Restaurant | Simply step out your door and walk to the restaurant at Middleton Place. Enjoy a menu with classic Lowcountry favorites made from fresh ingredients.
To do: Explore Middleton Place | Middleton Place is like your own little resort – take advantage of the greenery and spend some time exploring the different areas it has to offer. From the history, to the gardens, to the dining options – you’ll find something to love.
Spacious downtown haven near King St. | Photo by AirBnB
For those who need SPACE (multi-family rental)
To stay: AirBnB | 🛏 Spacious downtown haven near King St. | 💰$2,250/night |📍Downtown | 👤 16+ guests | A stunning, newly renovated home perfect for the LARGE group.
To eat: Carolina Ale House | 145 Calhoun St. | A delicious + spacious American restaurant with a large menu perfect for every member of the group. Located a mere 15-minute walk from where you’re staying.
To do: South Carolina Aquarium | For many Charlestonians, the SC Aquarium is one of those things that is always on their “bucket list” to go to, but they never actually end up completing. Take advantage of this staycation to do one of the most popular stops for Charleston tourists… it’s popular for a reason.
Governor’s Suite at Hotel Bella Grace | Photo by Hotel Bella Grace
For those who live a life of luxury
To stay: Hotel Bella Grace | 🛏 Governor’s Suite | 💰$454/night |📍Downtown | 👤 2 guests | Amenities include a fully-equipped kitchen and bathrobes. #Cozy.
To eat: Halls Chophouse | A classic in fine Charleston dining, with a menu full of elegant options.
To do: King St. shops | While most locals do their regular shopping here, head in to the stores you don’t usually peruse for a little retail therapy.
Private Folly Beach paradise | Photo by AirBnB
For the beach bums
To stay: AirBnB | 🛏 Private Folly Beach paradise | 💰$249/night |📍Folly Beach | 👤 4 guests | A charming vintage beach bungalow retreat.
To eat: Rita’s Seaside Grill | 2 Center St., Folly Beach | As its name suggests, Rita’s is located right next to the water, perfect for that mid-beach day lunch break or a casual dinner after the infamous post beach day nap (you know, the one before you realize how sunburnt you actually got and how painful it’s going to be to sleep that night).
To do: The Beach | Folly Beach | I mean, this one was a pretty obvious pick – but you’re staying in this bungalow for a reason. Enjoy the warmer temps and get some sun + sand.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort private home | Photo by Kiawah Island Golf Resort
A golf lover’s paradise
To stay: Kiawah Island Golf Resort | 🛏 127 Halona Ln. | 💰 $495/night | 📍Kiawah Island | 👤 10 guests | A modern + sleek, yet warm and inviting private home.
To eat: The Atlantic Room | 1002 Ocean Course Dr., Kiawah Island | No need to leave the island – located just a 15-minute drive away from your resort home, The Atlantic Room is perfect for a classier dinner after a long day.
To do: Take a bike ride | The Kiawah Island Golf Resort has bike rentals available where you can take a ride along their ten miles of beach and take in the natural beauty of it all. Not looking to be the next Tour de France winner? Don’t worry, the resort has plenty of other activities – view the full list here.
**All prices marked are for dates March 15-17 as of March 12. 2019.