Don’t let the nickname Holy City fool you. Charleston, South Carolina is a city that knows how to have a good time. From old-school, seersucker-whiskey-cocktail style southern charm to college hangouts with cheap yard beers, to white-sand beaches with excellent surfing waves, the city is the perfect place for a bachelor’s party that is a blast with a touch of class.
However, it’s important to pick suitable accommodations for your stay in Charleston, so consider a Historic Downtown Charleston rental to stay close to the downtown attractions. To get inspired for your celebration, explore nine amazing things you can do in this historic city to have a legendary bachelor’s party.
1. Catch the Waves at Folly Beach
Just south of Charleston, Folly Beach is a perfect spot to spend a few hours or a whole day for a relaxed bachelor’s party and soak up some rays with a full cooler. The white sand and mild waves are great for relaxing, tanning, swimming, or surfing.
The neighborhood around Folly Beach has retained its small-town charm and doesn’t feel touristy. When you and your buddies are ready to eat, head over to Pier 101. This restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating and offers affordable dishes like calamari fries, chilled crab dip, and old-fashioned diner burgers. It also features live music, so you can sit back and enjoy some tunes while you eat.
2. Dine Like a King at Halls Chophouse
Halls Chophouse is often ranked one of the 100 best restaurants in the country and the best restaurant in Charleston. Their prime-cut steaks are flown in from top producers and cooked to perfection. Choose a bottle or two from their 350-bottle wine selection to top off a luxury meal to share with close friends on this special occasion.
3. Bar Crawl Down Upper King Street
Upper King Street is the heart of Charleston’s nightlife. The street is dotted with packed bars that party well into any weekend night. Grab your buddies and bar-hop up and down the street until they close or you are ready to call it a night.
Try the original Upper King Street dive bar, AC’s Bar and Grill, for a cold beer and pool. Visit Prohibition for tasty cocktails and jazz or connect with your younger self at The Recovery Room Tavern, which claims to sell the most cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon of any bar in the country.
4. Sunset at Shem Creek
Formerly a safe haven for shrimp boats caught in ocean storms, Shem Creek is a laid-back area with relaxed bars, down-home restaurants, and a unique Lowcountry atmosphere. The main attraction here is the sunset. The boardwalk is perfectly positioned for watching the sun go down over the steeple-dotted skyline of Charleston and the soaring modern architecture of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.
Grab a drink, soak up the relaxed atmosphere, and watch one of the East Coast’s best sunsets.
5. Party Under the Stars at Stars Rooftop Bar
One of the advantages Charleston has over other destinations is its climate. Most nights year-round are pleasant and perfect for sitting outside. The Stars Rooftop bar is set in an authentic Arts and Crafts style building with 1930s decor. Moreover, the star of the show is the rooftop, with sweeping 360-degree views of Charleston. Stop by for a cold beer or strong cocktail and admire the city’s twinkling lights below.
6. Experience History with a Tour of Fort Sumter
Charleston is one of the country’s oldest cities and is steeped in history. Perhaps the most important historical site is Fort Sumter. The Bombardment of Fort Sumter was the first battle of the Civil War, and it was here that the first shots of the four-year-long war were fired.
The fort is preserved from its Civil War days, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. It sits on an island in the harbor with great views of the city and the barrier islands. Take a tour and live some of our nation’s history to make your bachelor party memorable.
7. Traditional Low Country Seafood at the Wreck
Few things help you shake off the night before like a traditional South Carolina seafood brunch at The Wreck. You can’t visit this coastal city without sampling some of its famous seafood fares, and the dishes at the Wreck of The Richard and Charlene are some of the best.
Grab a full platter of your choice of shrimp, scallops, fried oysters, or deviled crab. Choose from the traditional Carolina sides like hush puppies, red rice, or the fried hominy square to round out your meal.
8. Fly Over the Harbor on a Fly Board with Hydrofly Water Sports
For the more adventurous bachelor looking for a thrill, sailing above the water on a fly board just might be the perfect bachelor’s party activity. Hydrofly is located in a floating tiki-style houseboat out on the harbor’s water. Also, it offers the chance to ride a fly board.
This board uses water jets to propel the rider up over the waves like an aquatic jet pack. The laidback folks at Hydrofly teach you how to ride, and then let you soar over Charleston harbor like a superhero.
9. Explore the Barrier Islands
The barrier islands are where the Carolina Lowlands meet the Atlantic Ocean. These gorgeous islands are covered with white sand dunes and tufts of seagrass waves in the warm ocean breeze. However, the islands are so popular with locals that there is a growing demand for property on different islands, with a particular interest in Kiawah Island real estate.
Come spend a day relaxing on these islands to experience this area’s special charm. Visit Freshfields Village for daytime shopping or Wells Gallery to see beautiful art. The Ocean Course golf course is an excellent bachelor party activity for you and your pals to unwind and try a hole-in-one.
Visit the Holy City for a Legendary Party
Charleston is a historic, fun, and beautiful city for a destination bachelor’s party. There is something here for every type of bachelor party, including Upper King Street parties. Also the harbor for watersports, and the relaxed barrier islands for rest and relaxation. Choose gorgeous Charleston, South Carolina when you plan your or your best friend’s bachelor’s party.
