——-|——–|———–|———|
| Accommodation (per night) | $75-125 | $175-300 | $400-600+ |
| Dining (per day) | $60-85 | $100-150 | $200-300+ |
| Activities | $40-75 | $100-175 | $250-400+ |
| Nightlife | $40-60 | $75-125 | $150-250+ |
| Transportation | $30-50 | $50-75 | $100-150+ |
Estimated Total Per Person (3 nights/4 days):
– Budget: $600-900
– Mid-Range: $1,200-2,000
– Splurge: $2,500-4,000+
Money-Saving Tips:
– Book an Airbnb instead of hotel rooms for groups of 6+
– Visit during shoulder season (March-April or September-November) for lower rates
– Take advantage of happy hour specials at restaurants and bars
– Split activities (not everyone needs to do every activity)
– BYOB on boat tours and beach days
– Look for $3 mimosa specials instead of bottomless brunch
Local Tips & Insider Secrets
Reservation Strategy: Charleston restaurants book up fast, especially on weekends. Make reservations for large groups 4-6 weeks in advance for your must-visit spots. If you can’t get the time you want, try for an early dinner (5:30-6:00 PM) when tables are more available.
Best Photo Spots: Rainbow Row (colorful historic houses on East Bay Street), Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park, the Battery promenade with harbor views, and any of the rooftop bars at sunset. For less crowded shots, visit early morning.
Weather Preparation: Charleston weather can be unpredictable. Pack layers even in summer (restaurants can be freezing), bring an umbrella for afternoon thunderstorms, and have a backup indoor plan for any outdoor activities.
Transportation Tips: Downtown is extremely walkable, but if you’re going to the beaches or plantations, you’ll need transportation. Uber and Lyft are reliable, but surge pricing hits hard on weekend nights. Consider renting a car if you’re planning multiple beach trips, or hire a party bus for a full day of activities.
Sunday Blues: Many restaurants and bars are closed or have limited hours on Sundays. Plan accordingly and make reservations early for Sunday brunch spots.
Local Lingo: Sweet tea is a religion here (and it’s very sweet). She-crab soup is the local delicacy you must try. The Battery refers to the waterfront promenade. Lowcountry means the coastal region of South Carolina. And if someone calls you “sweet” or “honey,” it’s a term of endearment, not condescension.
Getting There & Around
Airport: Charleston International Airport (CHS) is just 30 minutes from downtown Charleston. It’s a major airport with direct flights from most East Coast cities and several Midwest and West Coast hubs. The airport is small and easy to navigate.
Ground Transportation: Uber and Lyft operate throughout Charleston with reasonable rates, except during surge pricing on weekend nights. Many hotels offer airport shuttles. If you’re planning to visit beaches or plantations, consider renting a car, but be aware that downtown parking can be expensive ($20-30 per day at hotels).
Walkability: The historic downtown district is extremely walkable, which is one of Charleston’s best features for bachelorette parties. King Street, most restaurants, bars, and hotels are within a 1-2 mile radius. Wear comfortable shoes (those cobblestone streets are charming but tough on heels).
Getting to the Beaches: Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island are 20-25 minutes from downtown (without traffic). Folly Beach is about 20-30 minutes. You’ll need a car or rideshare to get there. If you plan multiple beach trips, renting a car for the weekend makes sense financially.
Parking: If you rent a car, expect to pay for parking. Street parking downtown is metered and hard to find. Hotel parking typically costs $25-35 per day. Many restaurants offer valet parking for $5-10.
Ready to start planning? Use our budget calculator to estimate costs, or take our destination quiz to confirm Charleston is the right fit for your bride tribe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many nights should we stay in Charleston?
Three nights (arriving Friday, departing Monday) is ideal for a Charleston bachelorette party. This gives you two full days plus arrival and departure days to experience the city’s restaurants, nightlife, and activities without feeling rushed.
Is Charleston expensive for a bachelorette party?
Charleston can accommodate various budgets. Expect to spend $600-900 per person for a budget weekend, $1,200-2,000 for mid-range, and $2,500+ for a luxury experience over 3 nights. Staying in an Airbnb and taking advantage of happy hours can significantly reduce costs.
What should we pack for Charleston?
Pack comfortable walking shoes, sundresses or casual outfits for daytime, at least one dressier outfit for a nice dinner, swimsuit if you’re visiting beaches, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a light jacket (restaurants can be cold). Don’t forget matching bachelorette party outfits if that’s your vibe.
Do we need a car in Charleston?
Not if you’re staying downtown and focusing on restaurants, bars, and walking tours. The historic district is very walkable. However, you’ll need transportation (car rental or rideshares) if you want to visit beaches, plantations, or other areas outside downtown.
What’s the best area to stay for nightlife?
Upper King Street area offers the best access to nightlife, with the highest concentration of bars, clubs, and late-night spots within walking distance. Hotels like The Restoration and properties near Marion Square are ideal.
Related Posts:
– Savannah Bachelorette Party Guide
– Nashville Bachelorette Party Guide
– 25 Bachelorette Party Themes
– Best Bachelorette Party Games
Sources
- Charleston Bachelorette Party Ideas – The Knot
- Charleston Bachelorette Party Guide – Stag & Hen
- Charleston Bachelorette Party Guide – Kylie Kreischer
- Ultimate Charleston Bachelorette Party Guide – We Are Travel Girls
- Planning a Charleston Bachelorette – JetsetChristina
- Best Restaurants in Charleston for Groups – JetsetChristina
- Charleston Nightlife Guide – Empire Charleston
- Best Rooftop Bars in Charleston – Charleston CVB
- The Rooftop at The Vendue
- Best Airbnbs in Charleston for Bachelorette Party – Matador Network
- Where to Stay for Girls Trip in Charleston – Let’s Jetty
- Looking for Bottomless Mimosas – Post and Courier
- Bachelorette Party Boat Charleston – Tiki Tours