Whether you are looking for a winter getaway filled with the shimmer and sparkle of Charleston decked out for the holidays, or a peek into the festivities along the beach, we have created a Charleston itinerary that has something for everyone. From a holiday boat parade along the Charleston Harbor to artists & tastemakers at the Holiday Market at Marion Square, or the time honored traditions of Gullah Christmas stories on the Battery, you’ll discover all the magic that comes with spending December in Charleston.
Day 1: Historic Downtown Charleston & Holiday Kick-Off
Morning: Begin your day with breakfast at Millers All Day, a popular spot known for its Southern brunch options and located on King Street, tucked alongside Charleston’s famous shopping and dining corridor.
Afternoon: Enjoy a “Holiday “Sleigh Ride” carriage tour” by Old South Carriage Co. through Charleston’s historic streets adorned with holiday decorations, complete with caroling and festive treats.
Evening: Experience “Aquarium Aglow” at the South Carolina Aquarium, where unique lighting effects transform exhibits into a festive winter wonderland
Day 2: Middleton Place for the Holidays and Candlelight on the Battery
Morning: Relax over a leisurely breakfast at Chef John Currence’s “Big Bad Breakfast,” serving iconic Southern breakfast staples like custom-created meats, southern-style grits, fresh biscuits and preserves, locally roasted coffee
Afternoon: Plan a drive to Middleton Place for a step back in time to experience the beauty of the lowcountry at this beloved historic home, decorated for the Holidays.
Evening: Head to Charleston’s iconic South of Broad neighborhood. Streets lined with Revolutionary War mansions, hidden gardens, courtyards surrounded by intricate Phillip-Simmons ironwork, all decked out for the holidays in the glow of gas lanterns. Here you can experience “Christmas on the Battery: Carols, Candlelight, and Gullah Christmas Stories” at the Edmondston-Alston House. Tour the festively decorated house by candlelight and hear the Charleston Caroling Company. Warm up in the courtyard with wine or hot cider where a local storyteller will perform Gullah Christmas stories.
Day 3: Illumination Charleston & Dock Street Theater
Morning: Head to Marion Square for Charleston’s Holiday Market, held on Saturday mornings, to shop for local crafts and gifts. Add a stop to attend the Charleston Tree Lighting ceremony Dec 05, 2024 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM, to welcome the holiday season at Bennett Hotel overlooking in the square.
Afternoon: December 6-7, tour Charleston’s historic homes decorated for the holidays with Illumination Charleston, https://www.southernlivingilluminationcharleston.com/ which includes exclusive access to the 2024 Southern Living Idea House.
Evening: Conclude with dinner at Husk, where Lowcountry ingredients shine, followed by “A Christmas Carol,” at Dock Street Theatre for an iconic holiday performance.
Day 4: Folly Beach & Holiday Festival of Lights
Morning: Head to Folly Beach and enjoy brunch at Lost Dog Café, a cozy spot with a laid-back surfers vibe, and serves breakfast all day featuring huge breakfast burritos, bagel sandwiches and some really good coffee.
Afternoon: Take a stroll along the beach in search of shark’s teeth and capture some winter beach views, or head to Center Street to explore the local boutiques and surf shops.
Evening: Load the family in the car and visit the “Holiday Festival of Lights,” at James Island County Park and experience the holiday magic of millions of twinkling lights, a sand sculpture, and interactive light displays.
Day 5: Beach walks on Isle of Palms and a Holiday Boat Parade
Morning: Start your day at Sea Biscuit Café for breakfast favorites that the locals love.
Afternoon: Spend the day unwinding on Isle of Palms beach or take a scenic walk along the coastline.
Evening: On December 14th you’ll want to pack hot chocolate and a blanket and head to the Charleston Harbor for the “Holiday Parade of Boats”, where festively decorated boats illuminate the water as they glide past the historic Charleston waterfront.
After that? End your Charleston holiday with dinner at “The Ordinary” in downtown Charleston, renowned for fresh, local seafood. Consider a stop at the “Sippin’ Santa pop-up Bar” at Prohibition Charleston for holiday-themed cocktails before heading home.
There’s an enchanting place that feels like time stood still, tucked along the southern coast of South Carolina and surrounded by the breathtaking landscape of the lowcountry. There’s something about this classically southern escape that instantly relaxes you as soon as you drive through the gates and wind through the avenue of majestic live oaks and longleaf pines. Maybe it’s the charming hospitality and next-level service. Maybe it’s the history, the emphasis on lowcountry culture, and the stunning South Carolina nature. This is Palmetto Bluff, a luxurious resort located in Bluffton SC that beckons those looking for an adventure-filled sporting getaway, and a place where time seems to move a little slower.
Explore
With 20,000 acres, there are endless ways to explore and immerse yourself in lush surroundings where activities are limited only by the number of hours in a day. Fish. Boat. Kayak. Golf. Bike. Paddleboard. Ride a horse. Swim. The activities are endless. Palmetto Bluff is a playground for outdoor lovers, designed with miles of walking and biking trails that wind throughout the resort, and is a place where golf carts are definitely the best way to get around!
This is a destination where kids can swim all day, chase fireflies at night, head to a conservation classroom to learn about the flora and fauna of the surrounding lowcountry, and enjoy s’mores around the fire pit as the evening ends. Spending the afternoon relaxing on the porch is a long-standing Palmetto Bluff tradition. Front porch sitting and sweet tea sipping – does it get any more Southern than that?
Adventure among the treetops
Whether you’re young in age or young at heart, who doesn’t love climbing the steps to an enchanting spot among the treetops? The treehouses at Palmetto Bluff are legendary. The Moreland Village treehouse at Moreland Landing offers spectacular views of the marsh and tidal creeks of the May River. This is the original Palmetto Bluff treehouse with 5 stories and 55 steps to the top.
Dining and a hidden Speakeasy
There are multiple restaurants in “The Bluff,” from iconic brunch spots like Buffalos in the heart of Wilson Village, or one for knocking down the pins after dinner at Cole’s in Moreland Village, the options for delectable dining are plentiful. A notable favorite among guests is River House. With expansive floor to ceiling windows that provide diners with an unobstructed view of the gorgeous May River surrounded by sweeping oak trees.
For an after dinner cocktail or to end another perfect day in the Bluff look for the secret entrance below the River House that leads to the best kept secret in Palmetto Bluff, Hush, which also happens to be the only speakeasy bar in all of the Lowcountry.
History around every turn
As if all of the incredible outdoor lifestyle amenities aren’t enough, visitors to Palmetto Bluff who possess a keen interest in history will appreciate its proximity to both Savannah, GA and Charleston, SC. The intoxicating beauty and mystique of Savannah is just 25 miles away and all of the sights, shopping and dining of historic downtown Charleston is just 90 miles away. It’s easy to add a day trip to either of these iconic Southern destinations – and if you’ve never been to either, you definitely should!
Stay in Luxury
If you want to experience true Lowcountry luxe, plan to stay in luxurious comfort within the Palmetto Bluff resort where your vacation can include days filled with adventure. Our collection of vacation rentals in Palmetto Bluff features incredible amenities and superb locations. Let our Concierge team plan a fishing charter for you and your friends, or have a private chef waiting to cook your catch-of-the-day while you sit around the fire pit with a cocktail, telling stories of the big one that got away. And, while you’re there, why not plan a southern-style happy hour on the porch, or travel by private water taxi to explore the Bluffton Farmers Market? With our Guide to Exclusive Experiences, these are just some of the ways you customize your stay for an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind vacation – and we have a team of people ready to help you plan it all.
From an expansive coastline to winding waterways, Charleston offers countless ways to cool off on hot summer days. As a peninsula, downtown Charleston is surrounded by water and with miles of Atlantic beaches on the surrounding sea islands, a visit isn’t complete without exploring on the water. Whether you are a sun seeker, adventurer, or workout enthusiast, Charleston’s waterways has activities for all levels of water lovers. With warm summer days right around the corner, here are the best ways to cool off from Folly Beach to Isle of Palms!
Test your balance
The eclectic little beach town of Folly Beach is home to some of the best surfing on the East Coast. Whether you are a professional ready to ride the SC waves, or a beginner eager to leaner the sport, Folly can fulfill your surf dreams. You can join (or just watch!) the experienced surfers at Folly’s renowned surf spot, “The Washout” at the north end of the island. And if you want to hop on a board for the first time, you can take a lesson from Isla Surf School– they’ll teach you to surf like a pro in no time!
For a more leisurely board ride, paddleboard through the endless creeks and rivers on the backside of Folly Beach. Or on the Mt. Pleasant side of downtown, Shem Creek offers another picturesque place to start your paddle tour or rental with Coastal Expeditions – you’ll likely have pods of dolphins popping up next to your board! If you’re looking for more of a workout, SUP Safaris offers paddleboard yoga.
For the adrenaline junkie
If you have a need for speed, jet skiing through Isle of Palms high grass marshlands and intercostal waterways is an absolute MUST. The words “guided tour” may turn off the adrenaline junky, but with Tidal Wave Water Sports, they know how to show you a good time on the water.
A new sport is talking the water sport community by storm. Flyboarding is your chance to hover up to 20 feet above the water’s surface. HydroFly brings you out on the water with their floating tiki hut on the Ashley River that not only allows you to try this thrill seeking sport, but is also the perfect place for you and your friends to spend an afternoon on the water.
Hit the open water
There is no doubt that Charleston summers can get a bit warm, so one of the best ways to remedy the summer heat is a day on the boat. Charleston offers both fishing tours or boat charters that zip you around the Intracoastal Waterway and to beaches you can’t get to by car. Cruising on a boat while sipping on a cold one is the perfect way to spend the day in the South. Want to experience Charleston’s STUNNING sunsets with a drink in hand? Hop aboard a catamaran, The Palmetto Breeze, or a sailing yacht, Fate, for a private sunset cruise you won’t soon forget.
If your idea of a water sport is more along the lines of lounging by a pool, you can choose from our portfolio of luxury vacation rentals with their own private pools.
Stay in Luxury
The charm of this coastal city is that a vacation to Charleston offers something for everyone, the history lover, the foodie, but especially the water-lover. Whichever way you decide to stay cool in Charleston, just remember to pack your swimsuit! For any of these water excursions, our Luxury Simplified Retreats Concierge team is on hand to make all of the arrangements and provide a worry-free vacation while you’re in town. With a selection of luxurious homes located along Charleston’s beloved beaches, let the team at Luxury Simplified Retreats help you plan a getaway filled with water-centric activities. Contact us today to start planning!
Nestled among the lush, verdant landscape of the South Carolina lowcountry, Palmetto Bluff stands as a testament to refined luxury and natural splendor. As you journey through the gates into this luxurious 20,000 acre resort, located just a short distance from the history and allure of Savannah, you’re greeted by a scene straight out of a Southern fairy tale. Moss-draped live oaks line the winding roads, their gnarled branches reaching skyward as if in silent salute to arriving guests and residents alike. The air is thick with the heady perfume of magnolia blossoms, and the sounds of nature—chirping birds, rustling leaves, and the gentle lapping of water against the riverbanks—all designed by nature to create a symphony of pure serenity.
Before you start planning a getaway to this luxurious, lowcountry resort, we’ve gathered some of the top things to know, see and explore during your stay. While it’s true, some simply incredible experiences await behind the gates of Palmetto Bluff, you might also enjoy exploring Old Town Bluffton during your stay.
lodging
Within the backdrop of the renowned Palmetto Bluff resort, a diverse tapestry of lodging options awaits, each offering its own unique charm and allure. Wilson Village boasts classic, lowcountry-style homes, with modern amenities and expansive views of Wilson Village’s iconic waterfront and picturesque village square. For those seeking a more intimate retreat, the cottages nestled along the lagoons and inland waterway offer a cozy sanctuary and soothing backdrop to your stay. Meanwhile, the secluded enclave of Moreland Village beckons, where rustic retreats and vistas overlooking the vibrant marsh and tidal creeks that meander from the May River, provide the perfect backdrop for a serene getaway.
adventures
So what makes Palmetto Bluff a destination like no other? Many guests agree that it’s the abundance of adventures that await around every corner. Whether you’re exploring the winding trails on a leisurely bike ride or setting out on a boat excursion along the May River, there’s no shortage of ways to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this idyllic setting. Explore the tranquil waters of the May River, where kayaking adventures offer glimpses of playful dolphins frolicking in their natural habitat.
For fishing enthusiasts, cast your line and discover the thrill of fishing for any of the many variety of fish that call these waters home. The May River offers a bounty of opportunities to reel in a variety of local fish species, from speckled trout and redfish to flounder and sheepshead.
Meanwhile, golf enthusiasts can hone their skills on the prestigious Jack Nicklaus-designed May River Golf Course, where greens and fairways are framed by panoramic views of the surrounding beauty, or the newly opened 9-hole course, Crossroads. This unique, nine-hole course created by King-Collins is reversible, and has a layout that encourages players to create their own style of play.
Treehouses
And then there are the treehouses—elevated escapes that offer a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding canopy that provide the perfect vantage point for taking in the breathtaking vistas. These enchanting Palmetto Bluff treehouses, perched high above towering pines and oaks, offer a secluded retreat amidst the verdant display of the surrounding canopy. Climb the stairs, step inside and discover the detail that defines each treehouse and experience the panoramic views that stretch as far as the eye can see.
conservation
But perhaps what sets Palmetto Bluff apart more than anything else is its unwavering commitment to conservation. Through the efforts of the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy, the resort is dedicated to preserving the natural habitats and fostering biodiversity within its borders, ensuring that future generations will be able to enjoy the same pristine beauty that draws visitors from around the world. Explore the pristine wilderness that surrounds the resort, from the majestic live oaks, loblolly pines, southern magnolias, Southern red oaks, laurel oaks and water oaks are intermingled, and the fragrant eastern red cedar.
Much of the low growth understory is a mix of wax myrtle and yaupon holly trees, both of which provide a fresh punch of greenery throughout the seasons, along with a mix of palms. Learn about the vital conservation efforts underway to preserve and protect this precious ecosystem for generations to come, from habitat restoration projects to initiatives aimed at fostering biodiversity.
dining
Indulge your palate at one of the resort’s eight dining venues, where culinary masterpieces, from sumptuous seafood feasts to decadent desserts, each crafted from the freshest local ingredients celebrating the rich culinary heritage of the region. Tantalize your taste buds with a culinary journey that reflects the flavors of the lowcountry. In Wilson Village enjoy the casual fare and family friendly atmosphere at Buffalos, or plan a dinner highlighted by exquisite, elevated Southern cuisine at the luxe, River House restaurant. The kids can indulge in ice cream cones from Melt. The Montage Hotel includes the world-class Octogan restaurant.
In Moreland Village, you’ll appreciate breakfast and lunch offerings at the Canteen, or a dinner at Coles, adjacent to the popular Boundary Bowling Alley.
time honored rituals
At Palmetto Bluff, luxury transcends mere extravagance – it’s a place where you often are begging for time to stand still. That’s why, no visit to Palmetto Bluff would be complete without time spent relaxing on the porch. Quiet afternoons invite the time-honored, southern tradition of spending time on a covered southern-style porch, seamlessly easing into happy hour as the evening approaches. And, as the sun sets on another day, gather around a fire pit for the nightly tradition of s’mores overlooking river views. These traditions are woven into the fabric of daily life at Palmetto Bluff, creating moments of pure magic that linger long after your vacation has ended.
stay in luxury
You’re sure to enjoy your stay in Palmetto Bluff when your trip includes all the comforts offered with a stay booked in our portfolio of luxury vacation homes. Our collection of rentals features incredible amenities and superb locations. There are so many things you can do on the property and the scenic, breathtaking backdrop of the Lowcountry surrounds you in Palmetto Bluff, with gorgeous oak trees, vast waterways and a laid-back, serene lifestyle. Let our Concierge team plan a fishing charter for you and your friends, or have a private chef waiting to cook your catch-of-the-day while you sit around the fire pit with a cocktail, telling stories of the big one that got away. And, while you’re there, why not plan a southern-style happy hour on the porch, or travel by private water taxi to explore the Bluffton Farmers Market? With our Guide to Exclusive Experiences, these are just some of the ways you customize your stay for an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind vacation – and we have a team of people ready to help you plan it all.
In the end, Palmetto Bluff is more than just a destination—it’s a sanctuary for the soul, where luxury and nature converge, setting the stage for a truly unforgettable experience amidst the timeless beauty of the Lowcountry. Every moment is an invitation to indulge your senses, nourish your soul, and forge memories that will last a lifetime. So, pack your bags and embark on a journey to Palmetto Bluff, where extraordinary experiences await at every turn.