Get Away Without Going Too Far - CHS Staycations

 

Charleston Staycations! ☀️

So, what is a staycation you might ask? It's a vacation spent in one's home country rather than abroad, or one spent at home and involving day trips to local attractions. While Charleston is a vacation town to many already, if you're lucky enough to call the Holy City home, you may find yourself wanting to escape the action from time to time. A really quick and easy way to do that is to plan a staycation! There are many top rated staycation options that are just a short drive from Charleston. Read on to check a few of them out!

Kiawah Island ⛳

Kiawah Island is 25 miles southwest of the Holy City or approximately 30 minutes away by car. The leisurely drive through a tunnel of oaks takes you onto the barrier island which, although close to the mainland, feels worlds away. On your agenda: self-pampering, resort fine dining, tennis, kayaking, and world-class golf. If that sounds about right, Kiawah is well worth a day’s excursion or overnight; The Sanctuary is the only Forbes 5-Star and AAA 5-Diamond hotel in the state. Kiawah Island is a gated community with unspoiled natural beauty. You’ll find 10 miles of pristine coastline, award-winning tennis facilities, golf, and more. Here are some fantastic activities for a Charleston staycation!

• Wander the nature trails at Night Heron Park.
• Plan the ultimate beach day at Beachwater Park. There are several amenities available here, such as showers, seasonal snack stands, and more.
• Enjoy a round of championship golf at Kiawah’s crown jewel, The Ocean Course.
• Indulge in a luxurious spa day at Charleston’s No. 1 spa, The Sanctuary.
• Get up close and personal with Kiawah’s friendliest resident, the bottlenose dolphin, with a paddle boarding excursion.

Plan your Kiawah staycation here! 

 

Seabrook Island 🏝️

Seabrook Island is the neighbouring sea island of Kiawah. It is approximately 40 minutes away from Charleston and offers a more leisurely atmosphere. Like Kiawah, you’ll find exceptional tennis facilities, championship golf, and a variety of family-fun activities. Here are some of the best ways to spend a Charleston staycation on Seabrook!

• Take in the island’s beautiful scenery with horseback riding on the beach!
• Enjoy a round of championship tennis at the Seabrook Island Racquet Club.
• Make a splash at the Seabrook Island Beach Club’s oceanfront pool (open seasonally).
• Relax with one of the most beautiful sunsets in Charleston at Pelican Beach, known by locals as “Sunset Beach!”
• Take a swing at some of the most beautiful golf courses on Charleston’s sea islands, Crooked Oaks and Ocean Winds.

Plan your Seabrook staycation here! 

 

Downtown Charleston 🌈

There is no shortage of breathtaking places to stay Downtown Charleston. If you are looking for a hotel experience a couple of great choices are The Dewberry, 86 Cannon, Zero George, and Hotel Bennett. If you are more interested in the rental house route Guesthouse Charleston is a great option to explore different rental properties that are available! If strolling the streets of Downtown Charleston and checking out the rich history isn’t your speed, here are some recommendations of things to do!

• Do some shopping at the Historic Charleston City Market

• Visit The Battery and White Point Gardens

• Visit Rainbow Row on East Bay Street

• Visit Charleston Waterfront Park

• Visit Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon

• Go on any of the number of Charleston Tours

• Go see a baseball game at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park

• Check out the sights at the South Carolina Aquarium

Plan your Downtown staycation here! 

 

Sullivan's Island Beach 🏖️

Located at the mouth of the Charleston Harbor, the beaches on this island are ones that have been loved for generations, as is evidenced by some of the gingerbread cottages in the historic part of town. But what makes these beaches special, compared to Charleston's other beaches, is their wide expanse of sand, peaceful waves (because of sandbars), and natural paths through vegetation that not only make you feel as if you're stepping back in time, but protect the shoreline during storms and build a sense of anticipation for that first glimpse of blue water. A Sullivans Island staycation would be the perfect quiet weekend getaway. 

• Fort Moultrie 
• Sullivan's Island Lighthouse 
• Relax on the beach
• Obstinate Daughter for dinner
• Local vendor shopping

Plan your Sullivan's Island staycation here! 

 

Isle of Palms 🌴

Isle of Palms Beach, located about 25 minutes from downtown, is the most commercialized of the Charleston area beaches. The beach is often popular with families because of the strict “no alcohol” policy, the calm waters, and the cleanliness of the beach. Restaurants, shops and bars are within walking distance of the beach, and there are public restrooms and showers at the Isle of Palm County Park. You will also find a picnic area, grills, a boardwalk and vending machines. During the summer months, the beach has lifeguards, a snack bar, and beach chair/umbrella rentals. Isle of Palms also offers more parking than the other area Charleston beaches. There are two public parking lots near the beach where you can park for a fee. You can also park in metered spaces along Ocean Boulevard or alongside any road, unless it is designated “No Parking” with a sign. Here are some family friendly activities on IOP!

• Rent a Boat at Isle of Palms Marina

• Picnic at Isle of Palms County Park

• Join a Jet Ski Tour by Tidal Wave Water Sports

• Play Golf at Wild Dunes Resort

• Indulge Seafood Dish Coconut Joe’s Beach Grill

• Tour the City With Port City Moped

• Unwind at Beach House Spa

• Catch Fish With Charleston Fishing Adventures

• Visit the Nature With Barrier Islands Eco Tours

  Plan your Isle of Palms staycation!

 

Folly Beach 🌊

Folly Beach is a city on Folly Island just south of Charleston. It’s home to the Folly Beach Pier, stretching more than 1,000 feet into the ocean. Center Street is lined with surf and souvenir shops. Folly Beach County Park has picnic areas and a pelican rookery. As well as beaches and wildlife-rich habitats, Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve has views of Morris Island Lighthouse, completed in 1876. Here are some things to consider during your staycation!

• Explore the Wonders of Folly Beach County Park

• See the Wildlife at Bird Key

• Cruise the Calm Folly River

• Take a Nature Walk at Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve

• Go Biking Around the Quiet Beachside Roads

Plan your Folly Beach staycation here!

 

So where are we going, Charleston?? 🚗