There’s something about the sun-filled days in Charleston and the surrounding lowcountry that can entice anyone to lace up their shoes and embark on a little outdoor exploration. It’s not often that one city can deliver all the elements layered perfectly to make for an unforgettable vacation experience – mild weather, year round sunshine, miles of beaches, ocean views, lined with cobblestone streets, steeped in history, and mouth watering culinary experiences that are some of the best in the world.  Add in skyline views dotted with historic church steeples and topped by a breathtaking, walkable suspension bridge, and there simply is no where in the world like the Holy City. With so much rich history, vibrant architectural styles, intricate ironwork, lush gardens and hidden cemeteries it’s easy to spend days exploring the cobblestone streets of this unforgettable city.  If you’re planning a visit to Charleston, pack comfortable shoes and plan to include these five of the most unique outdoor Charleston activities in your itinerary. 

Be sure to grab our Insider’s Guide to help you discover the very best of Charleston before you even arrive! Packed full of the best restaurants, bars, activities, and hidden gems, you’ll know just how to enjoy every second of your experience.  

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5 Unique Outdoor Charleston Activities for Your Itinerary 

Gateway Walk 

The Charleston Gateway Walk allows you to step back in time and explore the network of charming alleyways and gardens throughout the city. While Charleston is known for its array of beautiful gardens that you can occasionally catch a glimpse of behind a wrought iron gate or tucked behind a historic home. Enjoy the Gateway Walk as it winds you through a variety of these gardens and even a few graveyards open to the public. This is one of our favorite ways to discover the unique nooks and crannies of this fascinating city! 

Walk the Ravenel Bridge 

It’s worth taking the time to walk one of Charleston’s most iconic structures. Whether you’re seeking a little exercise after too much seafood, or you’re in search of a scenic, leisurely stroll, the Ravenel Bridge will definitely deliver. As you walk over the bridge connecting Downtown Charleston with Mount Pleasant, you’ll witness the bustle of a busy seaside port, spot Fort Sumter where the first shots of the Civil War were fired, and marvel at the breathtaking, sweeping views of the Charleston Harbor, and the Atlantic Ocean beyond.

Pitt Street Bridge 

The Pitt Street Bridge is a true hidden gem in the area, even for many locals! Cross the Ravenel Bridge into Mount Pleasant to find a former trolley bridge that was a vital connection to Sullivan’s Island. Today, lined with palmetto trees and park benches, it’s used as a hangout for all things outdoor recreation. Relax with a picnic on the grass, enjoy fishing, or kayak through the surrounding marsh and tidal creeks that lead out to Charleston Harbor. 

Charleston Tea Garden 

Pay a visit to the Charleston Tea Garden to cool off and enjoy a refreshing treat! You’re free to tour the factory, browse specialty items at the gift shop, and relax around the grounds as you take in the expansive views of tea bushes reaching towards the horizon. Of course, there is plenty of delicious teas to taste as well! 

Angel Oak 

Many may say you haven’t really been to Charleston without witnessing this iconic landmark in person or even snapping a photo with it. The Angel Oak remains a beloved sight in Charleston, and a top destination with visitors traveling to see it each year. Though there’s debate over the age of the tree, estimated to be 400-500 years old, it’s certain by the sheer size and complexity of the branches that it existed long before anyone knew the name “Charleston.” 

Luxury Simplified Retreats Offers the Best Stays in Charleston 

Book your stay in the heart of Charleston, SC while enjoying the highest quality concierge services, impeccable luxurious homes, and more! Luxury Simplified Retreats offers some of the best vacation rentals in the city within walking distance of King Street, Broad Street, and even Rainbow Row. Browse our Experience Packages to consider making your trip especially unique, then select your favorite vacation rental from our distinctive portfolio. We’re confident you’ll experience a memorable vacation when you book your stay with Luxury Simplified Retreats. 

What is your ideal vacation? Whether you enjoy biking under ancient oak trees or indulging in delicious Southern cuisine, there is an endless selection of things to do in Palmetto Bluff. 

Just roughly ninety minutes from Charleston down Hwy 17 gets you to Palmetto Bluff, or “The Bluff ” as it’s affectionately known. No matter the season, there is no better place to be than The Bluff, located in Bluffton SC. The whole place is on a physical bluff some 20 feet above the May River almost guaranteeing a steady pleasant breeze even in mid-summer. This lowcountry getaway just drips old southern charm and hospitality, designed as an ode to the days when life was slow and easy.

Palmetto Bluff is 20,000 or so acres of old southern woodland stand, deer hunting tracks and timberland turned in to a resort and a surrounding planned community. Like many of the exclusive resort communities along the coastal Carolinas it has its mix of permanent residents, returning vacation home owners and transients in a similar manner to many of the Barrier Island communities of Kiawah or Hilton Head. While there is something to do for everyone who vacations at Palmetto Bluff, for those that particularly enjoy the outdoors and a sporting lifestyle, there is simply no place like it along the Southern coast. From exploring the quaint downtown restaurants and shops of Wilson Village, to an unforgettable cruise along the May River aboard the restored 1913 60-foot antique motor yacht, Grace, and gathering around the fire pit for nightly s’mores with the neighbors, Palmetto Bluff offers a vacation experience unlike any other.

Make the most of your trip to our beautiful coastal oasis by including these activities in your itinerary when you plan a Palmetto Bluff getaway for your next vacation to the Lowcountry.

The Best Things to Do in Palmetto Bluff 

Go for a Bike Ride 

The towering oak trees draped with Spanish moss provide a gorgeous backdrop for your bike ride in Palmetto Bluff. You can add a bike rental with your vacation property for $15 per day for an easy and convenient family activity! 

Book a Fishing Charter 

The Lowcountry is home to some of the best fishing in the Southeast. There are a handful of charters in Bluffton that are exceptional experiences, especially May River Excursions. It’s one of the best things to do near Palmetto Bluff during your stay. 

Kayak Through the Marshes 

Kayaking through the beautiful Lowcountry marshes is one of the best things to do in Palmetto Bluff. Our premium vacation properties all come with complimentary kayak rentals so you don’t need to worry about finding a separate rental company. 

Indulge and Shop at Wilson Village and Moreland Village 

There are two charming villages in Palmetto Bluff that are home to a collection of fantastic places to eat and shop. View some of our favorite boutique shops and restaurants. 

Wilson Village 

• Buffalo’s 
• Canoe Club 
• Melt 
• The River House Lounge 
• Peter Miller Palmetto Bluff 
• The Paris Market 

Moreland Village 

• Cole’s  
• Canteen 
• Boundary Bottle Company 

Palmetto Bluff Shooting Club 

There is a long-standing tradition of outdoor sports in the Lowcountry, especially clay shooting. You can test your abilities at the Palmetto Bluff Shooting Club. Here you’ll find 13 sporting clays stations throughout an expansive 40-acre hardwood bottom tract of land. They also offer private lessons if you wish to learn how to shoot clays during your trip. 

Venture Into Bluffton 

The historic town of Bluffton is only a quick 20-minute drive from Palmetto Bluff and is a great place to spend a day or afternoon during your trip. The quaint village is full of shops, art galleries, and Southern-inspired restaurants. You’ll also find a wealth of history in the form of architecture and nature. Ancient oak trees and museums take you back to simpler times, offering a detailed perspective into the Lowcountry’s past. 

Plan Your Lowcountry Retreat

You’re sure to enjoy your stay in Palmetto Bluff when your trip includes all the comforts offered in our Luxury Simplified Retreats vacation homes. Our collection of rentals features incredible amenities and superb locations. The scenic, breathtaking backdrop of the Lowcountry surrounds you in Palmetto Bluff, with gorgeous oak trees, vast waterways and a laid-back, serene lifestyle.

After a vacation in Palmetto Bluff where to head next? Why not start planning a trip to Charleston by booking one of our historic downtown or Folly Beach properties. We look forward to welcoming you to the Holy City and helping you to create a memorable itinerary while you’re here!

Charleston is known for dishing up incredible cuisine and has come to be known as quite the foodie town, but it’s also a popular destination for those in pursuit of the perfect libation. After sunny days spent exploring the streets of the Holy City and experiencing the iconic sites that are the foundation of this historic, coastal city, it’s only natural you’ll want to stop in at a local spot to enjoy some of the city’s most innovative cocktails. With a beverage scene that includes a wealth of breweries, spirit distilleries, flavorful frosés, and even alcohol  infused ice creams, be sure to include these in your itinerary to indulge in the best cocktail bars in Charleston. There are many to choose from, but we have a few recommendations to ensure you enjoy every sip along the way.  

The fun doesn’t have to stop there! Request access to our complimentary Charleston Insider’s Guide to find even more recommendations for everything food, fun, sips, and more. It has everything you need to navigate the city like a local.  

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Here Are the Best Cocktail Bars in Charleston That You Have to Experience 

Proof 

Take a stroll down charming King Street to find Proof nestled into the city’s trendiest restaurant and bar district. With an expansive cocktail menu, along with wines and beer, you can sip and enjoy in an atmosphere that feels like Charleston’s ode to a 1930’s speakeasy. You’ll also find a short menu of appetizers to satisfy any cravings before dinner. If you visit in the evening, you can enjoy each glass by candlelight.  

Gin Joint 

With a cozy, intimate bar tucked along a quiet stretch of East Bay Street, at the Gin Joint you’ll find nothing but innovative cocktails here with intriguing concoctions and creative garnishes. Order the “Your Killing Me Smalls” for a roasted marshmallow atop the glass, or the “Hollaback Girl” for a hibiscus flower decorating the creamy drink.  

Cocktail Club 

Cocktail Club is yet another King Street location serving up show-stopping cocktails with a side of romantic ambiance. The outdoor patio offers couches and benches to lounge around while enjoying every sip of your order.  

Husk Bar 

Husk is an infamous restaurant around Charleston for its spectacular food, which has even been featured on a Netflix Original series. So of course, it comes as no surprise that they also over–deliver when it comes to drinks. You’ll find unique cocktails made by a friendly, professional staff and a twist on every presentation.  

Bar Mash 

You don’t have to venture very far away from the heart of the downtown historic district to experience another wonderful cocktail lounge, Bar Mash, located on East Bay Street. As part of the restored Cigar Factory, with its rustic, industrial vibe and laid-back atmosphere it’s a quiet spot to relax and enjoy a cocktail with friends. You can often find live music here! 

Find Your Lowcountry Luxury Rentals with Luxury Simplified Retreats 

Are you ready to start planning your getaway to Charleston, SC? There is so much to see and do in Charleston, it’s hard to know where to begin. But, with the help of our professional concierge team, they will be there every step of the way to help you handcraft a unique getaway just for you. Plus, when you book your stay with Luxury Simplified Retreats, you’ll find access to exclusive amenities in our top rated Charleston vacation rentals. Take it from us! Start planning your trip today by booking your stay. 

Each year as the weather warms and spring approaches, it isn’t uncommon to be struck with the travel bug. If you’re traveling from Charlotte, NC, there are a variety of opportunities to take a road trip that deliver breathtaking scenery and unique, local attractions, but one destination in particular sticks out from all the rest. Here are four reasons why Charleston, SC, is the best spring getaway from Charlotte, NC. 

Discover Why Charleston is a top City for a Getaway from Charlotte NC

Proximity 

At roughly 200 miles apart, you will enjoy the short three-hour drive along I-77 and I-26 to experience all of the southern charm that this historic coastal city has to offer.  What other city can offer a world-class culinary scene, gorgeous beaches, and rich history within such a short drive of Charlotte?

Beaches and Outdoor Activities 

When you vacation in Charleston, SC, you can rest assured there won’t be any shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy any time of year. In addition to the miles of beautiful beaches stretching along the coastline, you’ll find endless ways to explore Charleston and an array of activities to experience. Whether you choose biking through the residential streets to admire the architecture, walking the Ravenel Bridge, or even kayaking and paddleboarding through the Charleston Harbor, you’ll never run out of things to see and do. 

Mouthwatering Dining and Cocktails

Another perk of exploring Charleston in the spring is the abundance of outdoor dining. Whether you choose to dine on the water or on an outdoor patio tucked along a cobblestone street in downtown Charleston, you’re sure to savor every last bite. Plus, check out some of our favorite upscale bars in Charleston, SC, that also feature outdoor sipping.  

Lowcountry Lifestyle 

There’s something about the Lowcountry lifestyle that invites and tempts you to slow down and appreciate the beauty around you. Perhaps it’s the locals relaxing on elegant piazzas while sipping an ice-cold glass of sweet tea, or maybe it’s the sound of horse hooves trotting down the cobblestone streets. While there’s plenty to do around the city and we know you’ll be eager to fill your itinerary, you’ll still find yourself especially relaxed as you embrace the slower pace of life that comes from days spent in this wonderful city.  

Don’t forget to request a complimentary copy of our online Insider’s Guide. Using this guide, you can put together the ultimate Charleston itinerary to ensure you take advantage of every moment during your getaway.  

Experience only the Best of Charleston with Luxury Simplified Retreats 

After long days of soaking up the Lowcountry sunshine and exploring all that Charleston has to offer, make sure you have somewhere comfortable to rest your head. After all, you’ll want to feel refreshed and rested for what the next day might hold. Booking your vacation with Luxury Simplified Retreats ensures comfort and ease for the duration of your stay with a team of dedicated area experts to lend a hand whenever necessary. You’ll find yourself wrapped in luxury, hotel quality linens and all the comforts of home.    

Explore our collection of Charleston properties and contact us today to start planning the ultimate spring getaway this year.