By Kohleun Adamson, on December 30, 2019

Where to Go for Date Night in Charleston, SC

What is your idea of a perfect date? A slow stroll on the beach, dinner at a luxe restaurant, an out-of-the-ordinary activity, or maybe just a warm nighttime walk to a craft cocktail bar? Sounds like you’re looking for love in all the right places—and Charleston, SC might just be your perfect match.

There are enough things to do in Charleston to keep a couple busy for a dinner, a day, a weekend, or even longer. Whether you’re a local who wants to explore or a traveler ready to share romance in Charleston, SC, you’ll find this picturesque city the ideal setting for some good lovin’. Charleston vacation packages make it easy to book a trip to this cultural hotspot, but what should you do once you arrive? Check out these suggestions and take your better half out for the absolute best date night in Charleston, SC.

What are the best first date ideas in Charleston, SC?

A lamb chop and green salad at Halls Chophouse—a great first date spot in Charleston
Via Pupkin/Flickr.com

If you’re asking yourself where to go on a first date, a tried-and-true classy restaurant is always a solid choice. But you can also get to know each other by partaking in an exciting environment. For instance:

Halls Chophouse

An old-school, upscale steakhouse with a rustic-posh interior sets a romantic scene for a first date. Lean in close across the table to whisper sweet nothings or share a bottle of wine to complement the sumptuous menu. Your date will be wowed by the genuine display of Southern hospitality at Halls Chophouse—and by your fine taste in restaurants. And old-school doesn’t mean stuck in the past: Halls Chophouse offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes in addition to steakhouse standards.

Zero George Cooking Class

A first date should have the right blend of structure and spontaneity. Speaking of blending, why not bring your date to a cooking class at Charleston’s Zero George Street Hotel? After you and your sweetie spend two hours in the early 19th-century kitchen behind a French enamel range, you might end up cooking more than just a delicious meal. (For what it’s worth, Zero George is one of the cutest inns in the city, but there are also hotel rooms in Charleston, SC to fit every budget and schedule).

What are date ideas in Charleston that don’t require a reservation?

 Bright mezze plate of truffles and golden beets at FIG—a date idea in Charleston with no reservations required.
Via City Foodsters/Flickr.com

Where can couples go on a date without having a reservation? Fear not. We know that passion doesn’t always play by the rules, so if you’re feeling spontaneous and haven’t booked a reservation in advance, there are still tons of Charleston activities you can enjoy.

Wine Tasting at Deep Water Vineyard

Wine tasting in Charleston, SC? You better believe it! The picturesque Deep Water Vineyard offers daily self-guided tours and tastings from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Just $7 will get you five wine samples, 7 miles of vines to stroll through, and a complimentary wine glass. We’d be willing to bet that a last-minute getaway to sip the good stuff and wander through a vineyard will be just as romantic as any pre-planned activity.

FIG

For FIG’s sake, grab your honey and get yourselves to this Charleston treasure! A true passion for the experience of cooking and eating is evident in every bite of FIG’s fare. Seasonal menus, inventive cocktails, and a team as passionate about creating flavors as you are about consuming them will set the perfect scene for your romantic rendezvous. You can make a reservation in advance, but you don’t need one. In fact, the restaurant’s website encourages diners to show up unscheduled, as even the bar serves the full dinner menu.

What are good date night ideas for a special occasion in Charleston?

A lighthouse and boardwalk to the sand on Sullivan's Island in Charleston. It's a great date idea for special occasions.
Via K Tao/Flickr.com

Charleston is brimming with flavors, fun, heat, and history. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, showing your partner some appreciation, or getting ready to pop the question, you couldn’t ask for a better backdrop than these Charleston legends:

Charleston Grill

It’s not just one of the best restaurants in Charleston, SC, where old-fashioned Southern charm meets an unbeatable menu. It’s also a perfect spot for unforgettable occasions. The gorgeous restaurant interior, the sizzle of nightly live jazz, and plates of award-winning food set the scene for a dazzling date that will wow your sweetheart.

Sullivan’s Island

“Special” needn’t mean “spendy.” In an oceanside city like Charleston, you’ll have plenty of occasions to create beautiful memories against stunning scenery. Run away with your honey to the dreamy coastal community of Sullivan’s Island, where you’ll find gorgeous homes and tranquil beaches. A walk in the sand may be cliché, but a lot of good things happen when two people who really like each other take off their shoes and let the sea breeze blow through their hair. Plus, there are plenty of historical sites to explore, as well as pubs and cafés to duck into for a bit of refreshment.

What are some fun things to do in Charleston, SC at night?

Via Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com

Sultry Southern nights set the right mood for romance. Make the most of Charleston’s languid twilights by planning some after-dark date night activities:

The Gin Joint

Feeling mischievous? Take your special friend to the speakeasy-style Gin Joint, where the cocktail menu is always changing and many of the ingredients are locally sourced. Order off the menu or be daring and surprise your date with a “Bartender’s Choice” cocktail. There’s a food menu featuring tasty bar bites, too. The Gin Joint is open Sunday – Thursday from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. For special prices, show up for cocktail hour, Monday – Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Charleston Ghost and Graveyard Tour

You’ve probably already figured out that watching a scary movie is a great excuse to cuddle up with your crush and share some thrills. Bring your game to the next level with a nighttime ghost tour of Charleston’s oldest graveyards. Not only will you and your crush have good reason to hold each other tight, but you’ll both learn some fascinating facts about Charleston’s culture and history. Tickets are only $29 each for adults, so you can have your cake and get your creep on, too.

When it comes to romance, nothing quite beats the perfect date night in Charleston, South Carolina.