Your Guide to a Guys Trip to Charleston
There are many things to do on a guys’ getaway in Charleston. You can explore history, play golf, visit the brewery district, enjoy nightclubs, and go fishing. As relaxing and fun as it is full of Southern charm, this is the place to kick back on a guy’s weekend.
From bachelor parties to informal college reunions, you can find excitement around every corner. Here are our top picks to plan the best Charleston vacation.
Kiawah Island Golf Course
Famous for its multiple PGA tournaments, Kiawah Island Golf Course carpets all five championship courses with Paspalum grass. Durable against both foot and cart traffic, it's a superior spot to spring for a few rounds.
Known for its award-winning facilities, expert pros, and plenty of famous upsets across its 50+ year history, Kiawah Island Golf Course is worth the splurge on your guys trip to Charleston.
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
At the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, you can see everything from WWII aircraft to the Vietnam Experience. At nearly 1 million square feet, you’ll learn about the vehicles, weapons, and people who shaped our nation’s history.
If you visit on the second Saturday of the month, you can see reenactors bring history to life or visit the Ask Me About History carts stationed around the museum. This is an excellent spot for war buffs, but it’s also a great place for beginners to get their feet wet.
Shem Creek Waterfront
Shem Creek Waterfront is a locals' paradise, away from some of the more commercial eateries and bars. A landmark of Mt. Pleasant’s seafood industry, it’s a great place to sample the local fare and craft beers, including signature Southern favorites like peel and eat shrimp, hush puppies, and crab cakes.
If you’d rather catch your own dinner, visit one of the many offshore and inshore fishing charters. If you want to work up your appetite, you and the boys can explore the water on kayak or paddleboard or explore by land on the many walking courses that surround the creek.
Charleston RiverDogs
Sometimes seeing the minors can make for a more relaxing and memorable experience than seeing the pros! A RiverDogs' game is fun, casual, and affordable, making it a great way to give your guys’ trip a little more structure without losing the panache. Cheer for the home team, chat up the locals, and gorge on junk food you can only find at a ballgame.
If you want a little break from all the action or a great place to see the field, visit the Segra Club for an air-conditioned paradise or an upscale bite to eat.
The Haunted Jail Tour
Visit the Old City Jail in downtown Charleston, a spot that might remind you more of a medieval castle than a jail for the town drunks. Back in its hey-day, the Old City Jail didn’t just house the inebriated, though, it was where the city’s most troubled people went. Between 1802 and 1939, thousands of people died within its walls, including children, and the jail is said to be haunted by those who suffered unspeakable horrors from the wardens.
The Haunted Jail Tour tells the tales of slaves, pirates, and thieves alike — including the story of the first woman serial killer, Lavinia Fisher.
Bowen Island Restaurant
Bowen Island Restaurant isn’t so much a single place as a series of buildings along the bend of Folly Creek. For the last six decades, people have come for their roasted oysters and the views. This island has a lot of history, and while it's memorable, it’s not exactly glamorous.
In fact, at one point, you had to go through the marsh and water when it was high tide. Of course, that has made Folly Beach as funky as it is fun to make the trek for its famous seafood.
Upper King Street
Upper King Street has gone through plenty of restoration in the recent past, breathing new life into the area and making it a great place to pub crawl and people watch. Visiting King Street is a welcome mat of modern bars and restaurants, and every night has its own vibes thanks to the many unique visitors.
We highly recommend wandering around for a while, taking in not just the sights but the clientele, specialties, and atmosphere of the many businesses. Once a place strikes your fancy, you can settle in for longer than a drink or two.
Palmetto Breeze Catamaran
The Palmetto Breeze Catamaran adds a little speed to your trip without sacrificing comfort. Excellent for any celebration, it’s got a large wooden deck, a barefoot bar, two bathrooms, and plenty of speakers to set the mood.
You can book a private tour or join a sunset tour if you’re looking to mix and mingle. The bar is stocked with soft drinks as well as hard seltzers, beer, and wine. Plus, there’s a free section of the nearby parking lot if you need to store your car for a few hours.
Fort Sumter
Fort Sumter may be a ferry ride away, but it’s a must-see for anyone who wants to learn more about the beginning of the Civil War. Named after a Revolutionary War hero, it was meant to be a stronghold during the US’ most destructive war, but it ended up an unfinished mess by the end of the war.
This spot offers a preliminary tour that lasts just a half hour, but you can go deeper into the history with a cruise tour. This longer excursion includes a BBQ as well as classic city views of Charleston.
Outdoor Xtreme
If you want to take part in a battle of your own (without having to join a reenactment group), visit Outdoor Xtreme Charleston for paintball or Airsoft. Show off your aim with either non-toxic paintballs or plastic bbs from Airsoft guns. This spot is known for its many types of battles, from playful fun to military simulations.
No matter what your group is into, you can either join in on the battle or book your own private tour. This spot also offers low-impact paintfall if you're looking for a more low-key way to get in your shots.
If you're planning a Charleston trip for your guy's trip, there's no doubt that you can make it as special as your group. If you're looking for a base for all your excursions, the 100 Collection is proud to recommend our local community partner, Stay Duvet. As comfortable as they are functional, it's a curated list featuring everything from piazzas to fitness studios to fully-stocked kitchens.
