Articles

January 5, 2024 · by Opulist

Image 1

Nestled in the heart of the South, Charleston is a city that whispers tales of elegance and grace, inviting you to explore its cobblestone streets and historic charm. Imagine a getaway with your closest girlfriends, where quiet luxury meets Southern hospitality. This guide is curated for those seeking a fun, beautiful, and intimate escape, where the beauty of Charleston unfolds in carefully selected stays, delightful breakfast spots, exquisite dining, and the most stylish bars that Charleston has to offer.

Stay

The Pinch, Charleston, SC

Image 2

Elegance finds a home at The Pinch, an intimate retreat where luxury meets comfort. The blend of classic design and modern aesthetics creates a timeless ambiance. With carefully curated furnishings, spacious suites, and a rooftop offering panoramic views of the city, The Pinch is a sanctuary for those craving tranquility in the heart of Charleston. Every corner is a testament to thoughtful design, ensuring that each guest is enveloped in a cocoon of comfort and style. From the meticulously chosen color palette to the bespoke furniture, The Pinch transcends the ordinary, offering a stay that is as aesthetically pleasing as it is relaxing.

Emeline, Charleston, SC

Photo: Emeline

For a stay that seamlessly intertwines history with contemporary design, Emeline stands as a testament to Charleston's timeless allure. Each room is a canvas of sophisticated simplicity, with plush furnishings and curated art. The Emeline experience extends beyond the room, with personalized service and a central location that allows you to effortlessly explore the city's treasures. As you step into the lobby adorned with vintage-inspired decor, you're transported to a world where the past gracefully dances with the present. The intimate courtyard, adorned with lush greenery, provides a tranquil escape from the bustling streets, creating a haven where luxury meets history.

Image 3

The Dewberry, Charleston, SC

Image 4

A stay at The Dewberry is an immersion into mid-century modern luxury. The meticulous design, featuring vintage-inspired furniture and sleek lines, creates an atmosphere that is both glamorous and comfortable. Located in a renovated federal building, The Dewberry effortlessly blends historic charm with contemporary sophistication, offering a haven of tranquility. Each room is a masterpiece of design, with attention to detail evident in every fixture and furnishing. The rooftop, surrounded by panoramic views of the city, becomes a private oasis, inviting you to unwind under the Southern sun or beneath the stars.

Coffee & Breakfast

Clerks Coffee Company, Charleston, SC

Photos: Clerks Coffee Company

Begin your mornings at Clerks Coffee Company, an artisanal haven where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the warmth of a cozy ambiance. With a commitment to quality, their carefully sourced beans and delectable pastries make for a perfect start to your day. The minimalist yet inviting decor sets the tone for a leisurely breakfast, whether you choose to indulge in a rich espresso or savor a leisurely brunch with your girlfriends. The knowledgeable baristas are passionate about their craft, ensuring that each cup of coffee is a work of art, enhancing the overall experience of your morning ritual.

Image 5

Basic Kitchen, Charleston, SC

Photos: Basic Kitchen

In the heart of Charleston's historic district, Basic Kitchen serves up a breakfast experience that is both nourishing and delightful. The emphasis on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients is evident in their menu, offering a culinary journey that satisfies both the palate and the soul. As you step into the airy and light-filled space, the vibrant colors of fresh produce and the aroma of carefully crafted dishes welcome you. From avocado toast to locally inspired twists on classic breakfast fare, each dish at Basic Kitchen is a celebration of the region's culinary diversity, making it a favorite among locals and discerning travelers alike.

Image 6

Drinks

Little Palm, Charleston, SC

Photos: Little Palm

As the sun sets, retreat to Little Palm, an intimate bar that exudes understated sophistication. The carefully crafted cocktails and intimate setting make it an ideal spot for quiet conversations and shared moments with friends. The lighting and plush seating create an ambiance that is both chic and inviting, offering the perfect setting for a night of laughter and camaraderie. The mixologists at Little Palm are true artisans, using locally sourced ingredients to create cocktails that are as visually stunning as they are delicious, ensuring that each sip is a sensorial experience.

Image 7

Citrus Club, Charleston, SC

Image 8

Perched atop The Dewberry, Citrus Club offers a rooftop oasis with panoramic views of the city. Sip on expertly crafted cocktails as you soak in the breathtaking surroundings, creating memories against the backdrop of Charleston's skyline. The design of Citrus Club is a study in modern elegance, with sleek lines and contemporary furnishings complemented by the warmth of ambient lighting. The outdoor terrace, adorned with comfortable seating and lush greenery, becomes a haven where you can unwind with your girlfriends, the city lights twinkling below as you indulge in expertly crafted libations.

Camellias, Charleston, SC

Photos: Camellias

Step into the enchanting world of Camellias, a bar that embodies old-world charm and opulence. The plush velvet, dim lighting, and a curated selection of spirits create an atmosphere where time seems to stand still, allowing for unhurried conversations and refined enjoyment. The attention to detail in the design of Camellias is unparalleled, from the ornate chandelier to the sumptuous upholstery. The menu, boasting an extensive selection of rare and vintage spirits, ensures that each visit to Camellias is a journey into the world of sophisticated indulgence, a place where every drink becomes a celebration of friendship and luxury.

Image 9

Eat

Felix, Charleston, SC

Photos: Felix

Felix invites you to a culinary journey where traditional French techniques meet Southern flavors. The intimate atmosphere and carefully crafted menu showcase the chef's dedication to excellence. The restaurant's interior creates a cozy ambiance that encourages lingering over each delectable dish. From the first bite to the last, Felix's commitment to using the finest local ingredients shines through, elevating each plate into a work of culinary art.

Image 10

Living Room, Charleston, SC

Image 11

Nestled within The Dewberry, Living Room is a restaurant that celebrates local ingredients and flavors. The menu, curated by renowned chefs, offers a culinary exploration that reflects the essence of Charleston's rich heritage. The elegant yet inviting atmosphere of the Living Room is accentuated by the panoramic views of Marion Square, creating a dining experience that is both visually stunning and delightful. The fusion of traditional Southern cuisine with innovative twists ensures that each dish tells a story, a narrative of the city's culinary evolution.

167 Raw Oyster Bar, Charleston, SC

Image 12

For a casual yet indulgent seafood experience, head to 167 Raw Oyster Bar. The fresh oysters and seafood delights, paired with a laid-back coastal ambiance, make it a must-visit destination for a leisurely lunch or dinner with friends. The raw bar, adorned with an array of oysters and shellfish, becomes a focal point of the dining experience, inviting you to savor the bounty of the sea. The menu, featuring daily catches and creative seafood dishes, captures the essence of Charleston's coastal charm, making 167 Raw Oyster Bar a culinary gem that embodies the city's maritime legacy.

In Charleston, every cobblestone whispers tales of a bygone era, and every sip of sweet tea carries the essence of Southern charm. This guide is a curated journey through the chicest stays, delectable breakfast spots, intimate bars, and exquisite dining experiences that Charleston has to offer. Embrace the quiet luxury of this historic city, where time slows down, allowing for moments of serenity and shared laughter with cherished friends. Charleston beckons, promising a weekend getaway that lingers in your memories, a symphony of elegance that resonates long after you've bid farewell to its charming streets.

All locations featured here are Opulist picks and can also be found when searching for the city of Charleston. Use the search page to help plan your weekend itinerary ahead of time, or pull it up while you’re visiting to remind yourself of all the beautiful locales nearby. Enjoy your getaway and happy #opulistgem scouting.

The Aesthetic Edit is your go-to source for design-forward restaurants, bars, hotels, and more. Keep following along to find more aesthetically appealing content just like this.

Head toOpulist’s search pageto discover the most beautiful and aesthetic places to travel to throughout South Carolina and beyond.

More dazzling places we think you’ll love…

Image 13: The Art of the Desert Getaway to La Quinta, CA

Image 14: The Art of the Aperitivo

Image 15: A Design-Forward Weekend Guide to Cleveland

Image 16: Hushpitality: The Travel Trend Prioritizing Peace, Privacy, and Wellness

Image 17: Where to Stay in Palm Springs: A Travel Guide by Vibe

Image 18: A Local's Weekend Guide to Washington D.C.'s Prettiest Places

Image 19: The Most Beautiful New Hotels Opening in the U.S. in 2026

Image 20: Leisure Report: 2026 Predictions

Image 21: The Siren List

Image 22: The Best Listening Bars for Design Lovers

Image 23: Holiday Gift Guide for the Aesthetics Obsessed Person in Your Life

Image 24: 48 Hours in Philadelphia: An Aesthetic Travel Guide

Image 25: A Design Lover's Guide to the Hudson Valley

Image 26: Romantic Date Night Spots in Boston

Image 27: 48 Hours in Savannah: A Design-Lover’s Travel Guide

Image 28: Beautiful Places in the Texas Hill Country: A Fredericksburg Guide

Image 29: How to Opulize Your Life at Home

Image 30: Introducing Santa Monica’s Newest Restaurant: La Monique

Image 31: Where to Find the Most Beautiful Restaurants in Scottsdale & Phoenix

Image 32: Boutique Hotels with Chic Lobby Bars

Image 33: Elevated Hospitality: How the Best Hotels and Restaurants Perfect Every Detail

Image 34: Opulist Approved Guide To The Best Martini Spots In Miami

Image 35: Nashville’s 10 Best Bars for Design, Ambiance, and Cocktails

Image 36: 48 Hours in New Orleans: A Design-Lover’s Travel Guide

Image 37: Where to Find the Prettiest Restaurants in Santa Barbara

Image 38: Beautiful Summer Hotels: East Coast vs West Coast Guide

Image 39: Beautiful Places to Work Remote From in Portland, OR

Image 40: 48 Hours in Atlanta: An Aesthetic City Guide

Image 41: Design-Lover’s Guide to Romantic Restaurants in San Diego

Image 42: Beautiful Places to Work Remote From in Austin

Mentioned in this article

Places and collections from the piece

View on map