ROMANTIC CHARLESTON ITINERARY

5-Day Romantic Getaway in Charleston

Charleston has all the ingredients for a romantic getaway: historic streets made for strolling, intimate restaurants, waterfront sunsets, beautiful gardens, and plenty of ways to slow down and enjoy the city together.

Tucked away just off historic King Street, Fulton Lane Inn makes a peaceful home base for exploring it all. Spend five days discovering some of Charleston’s most romantic experiences, from carriage rides and candlelit dinners to gardens, beaches, and sunset views, with plenty of time to simply enjoy the city together.

Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, planning a couples getaway, or simply escaping for a few days together, use this five-day Charleston itinerary as inspiration for your stay.

  • Pineapple fountain
Day 1— Welcome to Charleston!

WEDNESDAY

  • Arrive at Fulton Lane Inn. Check-in begins at 4:00 pm, but you’re welcome to drop your bags early and start exploring Charleston.
  • Ease into the evening with wine and hors d’oeuvres. At 5:00 pm, head next door to our sister property, Kings Courtyard Inn, for complimentary afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres in the Pineapple Courtyard.
  • Enjoy a romantic dinner at Magnolias. Just a short walk from Fulton Lane Inn, this longtime Charleston restaurant is known for its refined take on Southern cuisine.
  • Stop for a nightcap at The Gin Joint. Settle into the intimate bar for a creative cocktail before making your way back to the Inn.
  • End the evening with a glass of sherry. Return to Fulton Lane Inn for complimentary evening sherry before retreating to your room.
  • circa 1886 food
Day 2 — Explore Historic Charleston

Thursday

  • Begin with breakfast in bed. Enjoy complimentary Continental breakfast delivered directly to your room before heading out for the day.
  • Take a romantic walk through the historic district. Stroll from King Street toward the Battery and White Point Garden, continue past Rainbow Row, and make your way to Waterfront Park and the Pineapple Fountain for some of Charleston’s most recognizable views.
  • Stop for lunch at 167 Raw Oyster Bar. Enjoy fresh seafood at this popular spot just steps from Fulton Lane Inn.
  • Discover Charleston’s history with Bulldog Tours. A guided walking tour offers a deeper look at the people, places, and stories behind the historic streets you’ve been exploring.
  • Enjoy cocktails at Bar Vauté. Tucked beneath Brasserie La Banque, the intimate bar makes an inviting stop before dinner.
  • End the evening at Circa 1886 Restaurant. Enjoy a romantic dinner inside the historic carriage house of Wentworth Mansion®, our sister hotel.
  • cypress gardens
Day 3 — A Romantic Lowcountry Escape

Friday

  • Start the morning at Harken Café. Stop in for coffee and breakfast before setting out for the day.
  • Recreate a scene from The Notebook at Cypress Gardens. Head beyond downtown for a self-guided boat ride through the cypress swamp, where scenes from the film featuring Noah and Allie were filmed.
  • Browse the Charleston City Market. Back downtown, explore local art, sweetgrass baskets, gifts, and other Charleston finds.
  • Take a sunset walk on the beach. Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island, and Isle of Palms each offer a beautiful setting for an evening along the Lowcountry coast.
  • Keep dinner casual at Edmund’s Oast. End the day over dinner, cocktails, wine, or beer at this Charleston favorite.
  • horse and carriage
Day 4 — Gardens, History & Charleston Favorites

Saturday

  • See Charleston by horse-drawn carriage. Take a carriage tour with Palmetto Carriage Works for another perspective on Charleston’s historic streets and architecture.
  • Visit the Nathaniel Russell House. Explore this remarkable historic home, known for its architecture, distinctive free-flying staircase, and carefully preserved interiors.
  • Enjoy lunch at Basic Kitchen. Stop for a relaxed midday meal at this light-filled King Street restaurant.
  • Wander through Magnolia Plantation & Gardens. Spend the afternoon exploring the romantic-style gardens, or add a tour of the historic house to your visit.
  • End the day with dinner at FIG. Return downtown for a memorable dinner featuring seasonal ingredients and a menu rooted in the Lowcountry.
  • 2nd-Sunday-on-King
Day 5 — One Last Charleston Morning

Sunday

  • Enjoy brunch at Poogan’s Porch. Spend your final morning over Southern favorites at this longtime Charleston restaurant tucked inside a historic Queen Street home.
  • Take one last stroll along King Street. Browse boutiques, antique shops, galleries, and local stores, or pick up something to remember your Charleston getaway.
  • Make the most of your final hours. Check-out is at noon, but you’re welcome to leave your bags at Fulton Lane Inn if your travel plans allow time for a little more exploring before heading home.
  • angel oak tree

More Romantic Things to Do in Charleston

  • Take a sunset sail. See Charleston from the water with an evening sailing excursion from Charleston Harbor Tours.
  • Plan a couples spa experience. Slow down together with a visit to Woodhouse Spa at Wentworth, located at our sister property, Wentworth Mansion®.
  • Visit the Angel Oak Tree. Venture to Johns Island to see the centuries-old live oak and explore another side of the Lowcountry.
  • Visit Deep Water Vineyard. Head to Wadmalaw Island for a relaxed afternoon at Deep Water Vineyard.
  • Find live music. Check the schedules at venues such as the Charleston Music Hall for performances happening during your stay.

Make Your Romantic Getaway Even More Special

Want a few of the details planned for you? Our Romance Package pairs your stay at Fulton Lane Inn with thoughtful touches for two, including Champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries, dinner at Circa 1886 Restaurant, and rickshaw transportation for your evening out.

Please Note:

Charleston’s most popular restaurants, tours, and experiences can fill quickly, so we recommend making reservations in advance. If you’d like assistance planning any part of your romantic getaway, our concierge team is happy to help. Call us at (843) 720-2600. Please note: Recommendations, hours, schedules, and availability may change. We recommend confirming details directly with each business or attraction before your visit.

Continue Exploring Charleston

Every stay at Fulton Lane Inn offers an opportunity to discover another side of Charleston. Explore our collection of curated guides for insider recommendations, local favorites, and memorable experiences throughout the Holy City.

Browse All Charleston Guides →