Charleston, South Carolina: The Perfect Weekend Getaway

Is there anything better than waking up in beautiful Charleston and strolling down the waterfront to grab a cup of freshly brewed coffee?

That’s what Florence Brethome and I did every day while we were in Charleston for the Travel+ Leisure Travel Academy.

Held in conjunction with Explore Charleston, a facet of the Charleston Visitors Bureau, the training sessions and city exploration had us falling in love with Charleston from the moment we arrived.

Things to Do in Charleston

Walk Around the Waterfront

Just walking around the downtown area and waterfront is a treat. People in Charleston really embody the spirit of Southern hospitality, and it is a FUN town! There is amazing shopping around every corner, it is a safe and easy place to explore, and the food scene is top notch. One delicious dining recommendation I’ll offer is High Cotton – it’s a great place for a classic, southern, low country shrimp and grits lunch.

Crabbing in Charleston

For a truly unique experience, check out Casual Crabbing with Tia! This was such a blast, and Tia’s story of how she started her company is truly incredible. Our group had so much fun getting out on the dock and learning the different techniques of crabbing. We even scored some blue crabs – real beauties!

International African American Museum

A trip to Charleston is not complete without at least a half day spent at the International African American Museum, and even then, it may not be enough time! It is so well done, highly educational, important, and uplifting. Their mission statement says it all: “To honor the untold stories of the African American journey at one of our country’s most sacred sites.” Both Florence and I left the museum feeling energized, informed, and in agreement that this is one of the best museums in the United States.

The Hotels

The waterfront of Charleston is experiencing an incredible revitalization. We visited and/or stayed at a couple of great luxury properties that both would make perfect home bases for people coming to experience all that Charleston has to offer.

The Cooper Hotel

For the Travel+Leisure conference, we stayed at the brand-new Cooper Hotel. When I say brand-new, I mean it; it opened in March of 2026! Located right near the port in downtown Charleston, it truly has so much potential to become THE ultra luxury spot in the city. The rooms were very comfortable and decorated in the light & airy style that feels like it was pulled right from a southern leisure magazine. Cruiser bikes with little baskets on the front are available to all the guests so they can hop on and take off exploring through the highly bikeable city. The Cooper’s infinity pool looks out across the waterfront, making it the perfect location to kick back and sip a Gin & Tonic. The hotel will be opening up a restaurant and a burger joint soon that will also face the waterfront. For the wellness-minded, the Cooper Hotel has a beautiful spa and a very well-designed fitness center complete with a cryo chamber and a living plant wall.

Wentworth Mansion (an SLH Property)

Where the Cooper Hotel is new, light, and airy, the Wentworth Mansion is great for folks looking for rich, warm, and historic. This Small Luxury Hotels property is in fact designated a historical landmark! The rooms are huge and most have their own fireplaces. Around the hotel, guests will find books and old photographs about the family that lived there for 200 years. The hotel is also home to the Circa 1886 restaurant, a famous fine dining establishment built in the mansion’s original carriage house. If someone likes ambience, character, and beautiful historic detail in every nook and cranny, it doesn’t get better than Wentworth Mansion.

It was so fun getting to know Charleston, South Carolina. It really is a unique destination that feels a little like like strolling around a French city. Suitable for all travelers, feel free to drop me a note to hear more about my trip and recommendations for your South Carolina visit! -James