Looking for a romantic outing to share with your special someone? Charleston has no shortage of amorous adventures, whether you’re planning an intimate evening, relaxing experience, or exciting day trip. With so much to do and to see, the city has a perfect blend of excursions for everyone. From scenic picnics under a shaded tree, elegant world-class meals, or even a luxurious spa experience, your partner will appreciate whatever plans you make to share with them!
1. Enjoy a Leisurely Picnic
If you’re looking for a creative way to woo your lover while getting in touch with nature, a picnic is the perfect pick for you! With so many scenic spots, Charleston has the perfect place for your and your significant other to lay out a cozy blanket, eat delectable treats, and cloud-gaze!
Green Scene
Shaded oak trees welcome you to White Point Garden, where you can enjoy a green, picturesque Charleston scene. With panoramic views of Charleston Harbor, historic cannons, and monuments, it offers a glimpse into not only the beauty of the city, but its’ history as well. Enjoy the parks’ gazebo and plethora of floral accents while you dine! With plenty of open grass to set up camp, White Point Garden is an ideal and romantic place for an outdoor meal with a lover.
Located in the heart of downtown Charleston, Marion Square is a spacious, green oasis that provides a getaway from the cities bustling streets. Take a break from city life and experience sights like a glimmering fountain and the statue of John C. Calhoun, former vice president of the United States. Because of its convenient and tranquil location, you may find furry friends catching rays, College of Charleston students studying, and fellow picnickers on a date!
Coastal Views
Just along the Cooper River, Charleston Waterfront Park provides plenty of lush green lawns, perfect for outdoor dining. After eating in the lawn, feel free to woo your lover with a walk on the dock for a closer look of the Charleston Harbor, relax on the swings together, or admire the sizable fountain. There are also often musical buskers in the park, so you can enjoy a serenade with your partner as well!
This staple Charleston promenade offers the best view of the coast on the peninsula. As a defensive seawall, it is very important to the city for safety, but also for visitors. With ample parking, it makes a great place to set up camp and have a picnic! Because it is on the outskirts of the bustling city life, you and your partner will be able to enjoy a peaceful afternoon on the water together!
Whether you’re looking to get to know someone for the first time, or looking to go deeper with a long-loved one, coffee shops are known for their cozy and intimate settings, perfect for conversation. Each Charleston coffee shop has its own unique character and blends – there is a place for everyone!
Located in the heart of Charleston – King Street- Cafe Stone Art offers so much more than a simple cup of coffee. The shop offers authentic coffee, teas, lattes, and cappuccinos, in addition to dishes such as Turkish appetizers, wraps, toasts and other intriguing ethnic side dishes. Alongside the tasty food and beverages, Cafe Stone Art also has an inventory of precious gemstones, jewelry, and other art for diners to view and purchase for their own. They specialize in sourcing the finest gemstones from around the world and transforming them into elegantly hand-crafted jewelry. Buy your lover brunch and adorn them with jewels at Cafe Stone Art!
Nestled on Spring Street, Bad Bunnies Coffee proudly and consistently is ranked as one of the very best coffee shops in downtown Charleston. The company was founded by a local couple, with a logo derived from love notes spanning over years written between the two, and they make it their mission to make sure everyone in their shop “feels really loved.” The shop offers a variety of coffees and innovative, house-made syrups while giving visitors the opportunity to relax in the tranquil and cozy, hand-crafted cocoa nook. Spread the love with your loved one with a romantic coffee date.
If you and your lover both love coffee, pastries, and furry felines, Pounce Cat Cafe is without a doubt a must-visit date location! The cafe staff has teamed up with shelters and rescues to allow cats to visit and enjoy the cafe right alongside you and your partner, meaning each cat in the shop is available for adoption. In addition to a plethora of coffees and yummy desserts, wine is also served, making a perfect wine outing for friends. You, too, can experience endless joy and fluffiness for the fair price of 17 dollars an hour! Since their grand opening in 2016, the cafe has aided in the adoption of over 1,000 cats, proving to be a great spot for dining and supporting a cause! Visit Pounce Cat Cafe today – you may even bring home a new fluffy family member!
3. Elegant Dinner
Every classic romantic knows that fine dining is an absolute must. What better place to explore an upscale culinary scene than in Charleston? There’s no shortage of impressive eateries in Charleston, with styles ranging from seafood, Italian, authentic Mexican, and more! Treat your partner with a mouth-watering meal at one of these spots!
Set in a beautifully restored historic building in downtown Charleston, Magnolia’s is an excellent date spot with elegant and classic Southern ambiance. Serving brunch, lunch, and dinner, treat your partner to an upscale eatery at any time of the day! Experience regional flavors with classic such as the famous shrimp and grits, tender fried green tomatoes, and tasty crab cakes. Enjoy both indoor and outdoor seating to tailor your evening to your preference. Can’t get enough of the Southern delicacies? Visit the Magnolia’s Shop to find grits, cookbooks, and more!
Bringing both sophistication and friendly warmth, FIG welcomes you to have an elegant dinner with them. It’s upscale, candle-lit, and intimate dining room makes it the perfect place to get closer to your loved one on a deeper level. Their dedication to farm-to-table dishes ensures that they’re delivering only top-notch delicacies to their guests. The seasonal menu often features standout dishes like their rich ricotta gnocchi, perfectly seared fish of the day, and hearty lamb Bolognese. Couples can also enjoy a chef-approved curated wine list or handcrafted cocktails to pair with their world-class meal. Make reservations with FIG today to treat you and your lover to a dinner date that you’ll never forget!
Tucked within the original carriage house of the Wentworth Mansion, Circa 1886 evokes the romance and old-world charm of historic downtown Charleston. The talented team of chefs are focused on serving from a menu of inventive Southern cuisine, with common dishes like venison, lobster bisque, and Berkshire pork that showcase local ingredient and dining style in a refined way. The restaurant also has an impressive wine list, perfect for pairing with your meal before taking a stroll with your partner or relaxing in bed together. Whether you’re celebrating an important date or just looking to treat you and your partner to some top-quality fine dining, choose to dine with Circa 1886!
Grabbing rooftop cocktails is perfect, more laid-back date idea for those looking for something a little different. Gorgeous views of the Holy City, great drinks, and a chilled vibe make it a great place to unwind with a lover after a busy day or a peaceful day in. Catch a warm breeze, observe a southern sunset, or admire the city night lights in the open-air setting. If you’re looking for an effortless chat with a new love interest or a way to go deeper with your partner, consider one of the rooftop bars to bring your dating life to the next level.
Imbibe on a rooftop over the Holy City with Citrus Club! Tropical themed decor and refreshing, citrus-inspired drinks will bring the sour balance to any sweet love life. Located on the highest terrace in Charleston, Citrus Club promises the best of the best views in the city, adorned with cozy-cushioned pillowed furniture and umbrellas for shade and ultimate leisure. While lively, yet not overwhelming, the bar encourages a laid-back and intimate vibe, setting an amorous tone for your romantic evening.
Located in Hotel Bennet, just off of King Street, Fiat Luxe has one of the best locations for a rooftop bar you could ask for! This rooftop bar delights all of the senses. It’s a Charleston go-to destination for specialty cocktails and an extensive wine list with spectacular panoramic views overlooking the Holy City. Here, sunsets are best paired with a bottle of rosé and a lover. Do you want an upscale rooftop bar experience, but the weather is getting in your way? At Fiat Luxe, this is no problem, as there is a spacious indoor bar seating in addition to their popular patios. Sit back, embrace your partner, and converse over a bottle of wine together!
Looking to branch out and meet other couples? At The Rooftop Bar, a laid-back environment welcomes you to socialize with new friends and to strengthen the bonds that you already have! Bring some friends, order some drinks, and stay a while, enjoying warm lighting and views of the Charleston Harbor. With both high-quality wines, specialty cocktails such as Blush Martini and Sunset Spritz, and small plates to snack on such as dips, lobster rolls, and salads, everyone is sure to leave content and full of liquid courage.
A couples massage may be the best way to enhance both intimacy and relaxation within your relationship. Skilled therapists work magic with their hands, allowing you to release tension and let go of any and all stressors, allowing you to reconnect on a deeper level. Aside from obvious physical benefits, you and your lover may reap emotional ones by creating a lasting, positive memory together.
Looking for spas off the peninsula? Visit our spa guide!
Earthling Day Spa and Pilates Studio is a refreshing twist on your typical date. Couples can start by enjoying an invigorating pilates class, building both fitness, positivity, and motivation. Want to relax after a sweaty exercise routine, or not the athletic type? Consider treating yourselves to a luxurious spa treatment, called “Massage for Two,” giving both of you the opportunity to sit back, relax, and enjoy a nice pampering. Book with Earthling Day Spa today!
No relationship is perfect, an d every good one is sure to have its share of occasional headaches – what better way to get relief than pampering your mind and body? At Lose Your Mind Headspa, you will receive a massage entirely dedicated to your scalp. Commonly viewed as a “facial for the scalp,” a heads treatment reaps many benefits. With all hands on deck, the scalp massage will get lymph flowing, nurture the hair follicles, and provide ultimate relaxation. Tired of playing with your partners’ hair at night? Pamper them and yourself with Lose Your Mind Headspa!
Achieve nirvana by paying Urban Nirvana Spa a visit! With a convenient location in the heart of downtown Charleston in the Wentworth Mansion, ultimate relaxation is now more accessible than ever! Their one-of-a-kind spa location and intimate setting makes it a perfect place to receive a couples massage and unwind with a loved one. UN offers body massages and scrubs, and prides themselves on reputable massage therapists and staff. If you’re staying in the Wentworth Mansion, consider purchasing a romance package, or paying the nearby restaurant, Circa 1886, a visit after your service!
6. Take an Unconventional Adventure
Looking to spice up your date nights with a dash of adventure and thrill? Charleston is know for its’ serene coastal scenes, but there’s no shortage of exhilaration in the city. Whether you and your partner are thrill-seekers or looking to start spicing up your time together, here are some ideas to ignite a spark between you and your beloved.
Do you and your partner enjoy puzzle-games on a time crunch? At Escape 60, you can experience just that! Choose from 6 different escape rooms, all with different adventures and scenarios and unique problems. Old souls will enjoy “The Pharoah’s Chamber,” “After Hours,” or “Davy Jones’ Locker,” crime lovers can experience “Roulette Me Out,” and horror fanatics will adore “The Witches’ Attic” or “Ransom.” Teleport back from the 80’s, hunt down your stolen treasures, or rescue your kidnapped child. A little brain training is never a bad way to spice up anyones’ love life, whether it be a first or a hundredth date! Book with Escape in 60 today!
Combine laughter, fun, and a little bit of friendly competition with Epic Game Show Experience in Charleston! The interactive experience is a perfect way for couples to bond through various game show inspired challenges, such as “Are You Smarter than a 6th Grader?,” “Friendly Feudin’,” “Is the Price Right?,”and “In it to Spin It.” Go on a group date with beloved friends or book with a couple you’ve never met before! This lively gem is a great place to foster teamwork, playfully banter, and connect with a partner. Book with Epic Game Show Experience today!
In the Kitchen with Bob Waggoner is one of the most hands-on dates you could ask for! Using a kinesthetic approach, couples can bond through cooking classes, with training from world-renowned chef Bob Waggoner. The experience gives you have plenty of time to build skills and deepen relationships with your loved one, or get to know someone better in an intimate setting! You can expect high quality, Lowcountry style dishes with a twist of Bob’s own French-influenced technique to be on the menu. Whether you and your date are self proclaimed chefs, or are prone to burning water, each visitor will walk out as a cooking fanatic.
For more information about the program, or to get to know Bob and his culinary experience, visit his website!
Feel the Love in the Holy City
With so much variety of things to do, it’s no wonder why Charleston is a popular destination among lovers seeking a romantic getaway. Live like you’re on a game show, enjoy a romantic picnic, or sip and socialize at a bar! No matter how you and your partner like to spend time together, Charleston has options for every pairing to find a date night that they will enjoy.
Written by Alexis Boatner
