When planning our babymoon in Charleston, I had two goals: One, eat all the amazing food. And two, enjoy the city without wearing my feet (or back) out walking miles and miles everyday.
These goals can be accomplished by simply driving everywhere and hopping from parking garage to parking garage around the historic district. Or you can build an itinerary that minimizes walking in the historic district.
Where to Stay for a Charleston Babymoon:
In my opinion, a babymoon is the perfect time to splurge on luxury accommodations. Charleston Place, The Mills House, and Market Pavilion Hotel are 4 star hotels with old world classic elegance. The Vendue a more playful take on a historic hotel. Any of these four hotels (among others) will put you right in the middle of the historic district and might eliminate the need for you to move your car at all. Another beautiful option, the Francis Marion Hotel, sits a little farther uptown but faces the lush green space of Marion Square.
Charleston Babymoon Itinerary:
Day 1: Historic Carriage Tour and the Historic Market
Park in the 174 Church Street lot. Take a carriage tour of the historic district from Palmetto Carriage Works. Then wander through the Historic Charleston City Market. Have dinner at 5Church Charleston and visit Kaminsky’s for dessert.
Right around 1 mile of walking, including the city market. Or if you’re staying at either Charleston Place or Market Pavilion Hotel, you can walk from the hotel for about the same total distance.
Day 2: Rainbow Row and the Pineapple Fountain
Drive along the Battery and White Point Garden, starting with Murray Blvd and then turning up E Battery. You’ll pass Rainbow Row on your left side. Park in the East Bay Garage. If you’d like, you can see Rainbow Row on foot, before walking half a mile to lunch at either Poogan’s Porch or 82 Queen (both have fried green tomatoes and menu items featuring pimento cheese).
Total walking time should be around 20 minutes (1 mile).
In the afternoon, park in the Concord Cumberland Parking Garage. Stop by Belgian Gelato and then walk through Waterfront Park and take a photo at the Pineapple Fountain. Enjoy dinner at one of the many nearby restaurants. Our recommendations are: Fleet Landing (on the water), Slightly North of Broad, High Cotton, or Magnolias.
Should be 10-20 minutes of walking (under a mile) depending on which restaurant you choose. Staying at the Vendue reduces the walking for the evening and gives you the option to freshen up in your room or change before dinner if you’d like. Market Pavilion Hotel is also very close by.
Day 3: Explore Charleston by Car
Check out our Things To Do In Charleston post to see what appeals to you. Enjoy the Angel Oak Tree, tour a plantation site, or lounge on the beach. Some fun & casual food recommendations are: Fuel Charleston, Early Bird Diner (both featured on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives), Boxcar Betty’s (get the sandwich with pimento cheese), Home Team BBQ, and Taco Boy (get the street corn).
Other tips for a Charleston Babymoon:
Stay cool. Charleston can be sweltering in the summer months. Carry water and do lots of activities in air conditioning.
Take advantage of the bike taxis. We rode a bike taxi to and from dinner one night, so that we wouldn’t have to worry about finding parking nearby. Call and make a reservation or flag one down when you’re feeling tired.
Don’t overbook yourself. Maybe day 2 looks too involved for how you’re feeling in your pregnancy. Split it into two days instead. Or swap days 2 and 3 to give yourself a break from the walking.
See more of our Charleston Series:
What To Do In Charleston
Charleston 1 Day Itinerary
Charleston 3 Day Itinerary
What To Do In Charleston With Kids
Babymoon in Charleston
