Planning a weekend away with a group of girlfriends to Charleston in late May/early June. I’ve never been. What’s good/fun to see and do? Hotel suggestions? We won’t have a car. Also, will it be unbearably hot and humid at that time of year?
Charleston is lovely, and fun to wander, with no shortage of great food. It’s fun to find your own favorites, but here are a couple of very specific recommendations.
The French Quarter Inn is one of the best hotels we’ve found anywhere. Great location, amazing concierge service, breakfast and happy hour snacks. Very close to the old market and very walkable.
We loved Hall’s Chophouse for one memorable meal. Go hungry! When we declined dessert, they sent a piece of cake for us to take “home” to the hotel. Lovely, lovely people who made us feel like very special friends.
If it’s hot and humid, just slow down and have a nice, icy drink!
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You should be fine at that time of year.
There are 3 different historical societies that have offices in downtown Charleston, and I can’t keep all of them straight. At least one offers house tours, which my wife and I enjoyed (although when we were there over last Labor Day weekend, we had to wear masks inside). The Aiken-Rhett House and the Nathaniel Russell House, tours of which are offered by the Historic Charleston Foundation, here, https://www.historiccharleston.org/, were ones that my wife and I enjoyed.
There’s also Fort Sumter to tour, in Charleston Harbor.
If you are looking for things to do outside of Charleston (and there is plenty to do while there – shopping on King Street and environs, museums, wonderful eating, etc. – here are a few ideas:
Coastal Expeditions, here: https://www.coastalexpeditions.com, has kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding available in and around Charleston.
Plantation visits – I recommend Middleton Place, https://www.middletonplace.org/, and Drayton Hall, https://www.draytonhall.org/. (Not Boone Hall, however.)
The Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, here: Charles Pinckney National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service), was a pleasant and low-key visit.
There’s so much to do in and around Charleston!
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Second the home tours suggested by gandalf78.
We stayed at the Indigo Inn (good price and super location) and while the outside is very unassuming the room was great (I think every room is different) It has a courtyard area and a happy hour. Plus continental type breakfast. Parking available if you need it.
There was a visitor bus line that ran around town (free) with three separate lines going to various points of interest that will save your feet if you plan it right. Pick up a map or look at it online. You can hop on it from the visitor center as a start and just ride it around to get an overview of the city.
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If you like BBQ go to Rodney Scotts BBQ. Take an uber though–it’s on the outskirts of town. Super casual but so good and a ton of food! If it’s during the day you can waddle back to town if you like.
Charleston is a lot of fun shopping too! It’s one of those places that will take more than one trip to see it all.
That time of year gets busy here with Spoleto, holiday weekend, weddings, and high school graduations. Fingers crossed with Covid interfering the past two years with Spoleto.
If you do not have the place you are staying secured, do so soon. Make dinner reservations as soon as dates open if you as trying to get into any of the “it” places. But Anthony Bourdain loved our Waffle House as much as Husk - no reservations needed at the Waffle House 
I think Magnolias reopened and is a local classic.
Hanks is always good.
Lots to do downtown. No car needed. You could Uber to the beach if wanted.
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Agree with everyone.
We love The Spectator Hotel. Right next to the Market (must do) and the horse-drawn carriages.
Have to do Sumter.
Yorktown is good, great beaches nearby. Do a ghost tour at night, the one in the jail is fun.
It will be a little humid, a little on the uncomfortable side, but not too bad.
Visit the Battery too.
H and I spent a week in Charleston a few years ago and had a great time. So many good places to eat! We enjoyed Husk and FIG especially. We stayed at French Quarter Inn, close to the Market but very pleasant. One of the highlights of our trip was a tour given by Two Sisters. It’s a two hour walking tour given by two very knowledgeable, local ladies. They had multiple suggestions for additional activities. The day after our tour, we went to the “Carolina Day” celebration. These two ladies were participants and when they saw us, they ran over to visit, remembered our names - were just lovely! I highly recommend their tours. https://www.twosisterstours.com/
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If you liked the book “invention of wings”, there’s a walking tour of the places in the book. I think this is pretty popular.
Eating is a highlight in this city. Husk is also a favorite of mine – a very southern menu. I’d look at lists of best restaurants and see what appeals. Seafood in a restored bank? Southern fare? It’s all there!
If you just like to wander and (window) shop, the area around King Street may appeal to you. I find this is an easy place in which to frivol away time!
Another vote for Husk and house tours. We just loved walking around the city!
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I will be there at the end of this month for a sorority reunion. I was there last May with my husband for the first. We loved Church and Union restaurant (used to be FiveChurch). If you can’t go for dinner, go there fir drinks, or at least lunch. SNOB was great. We were underwhelmed with Husk, but it was late, and maybe that was the problem. I’m going back for lunch this time, so will report back. Queen 82 was also a great place, sit outdoors on the patio if you can. The Watch Rooftop and Spirits at the Restoration Hotel is a great rooftop restaurant. Very nice bar and inside restaurant, too. Rooftop Bar at the Vendue is a Happening place. Make sure you climb all the way to the top, there are 2 landings.
We did a walking tour, I think it was called Back Alleys. Not sure what I was thinking, but it was beautiful. Also did a food tour that was fun. You’ll love King Street shipping. Make sure to stay in the Historic District.
Last May, the hotels were unbelievably expensive. We found the King Street Inn that was great and reasonable priced. They have a sister hotel next door called Fulton Lane Inn.
Since it’s February and the prices are lower, this time I’m staying at Indigo Inn. We got a great group rate.
So much we didn’t get to see, you’ll love it!
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We stayed at Church Street Inn - highly recommend. Right in the center of the historic district. Small apartment style with kitchen, living area. Staff was just wonderful. Beautiful courtyard to relax with a drink.
Do NOT recommend Rodney Scott. It was our worst meal down there. Could be one of the worst meals I’ve ever had (well there was a worse meal in Copenhagen). We can recommend 82 Queen, The Grocery, Sorghum & Salt, and, for bbq, go to Lewis bbq. MUCH better than Rodney Scott. Agree with previous posters re attraction ideas. So much to do and see. We walked and walked and walked. Tons of rooftop bars to try. I think Charleston is one of my fav US cities. A nice day trip is Hunting State Park.
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Do you mean Huntington Beach State Park? It’s beautiful and right near our beach house. Maybe 90 min north of Charleston. If you do go up that way be sure to consider Brookgreen Gardens, across the street from the state park. Absolutely breathtaking.
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@conmama, we really liked SNOB too. We had a lunch and a dinner there. Other fun stops were the Nathaniel Russell House and we took a trip out to Middleton Place. It really adds a lot to take the tours offered - you learn so much.
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Yes, sorry. Typing too fast!
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Loved Husk and Magnolias. Excellent choices for a nice meal.
Love all of these recommendations - thanks!
The hotel recommendations look amazing, but for our party size (8) and budget, it looks like our best bet is going to be the Hyatt House. Anyone familiar? Is it decent?
Also, one in our party is kosher, so need restaurants with vegetarian or fish options (all of the menus, which look incredible, seem to use pork products as a condiment).
Food- so many good restaurants! We enjoyed Poogan’s Porch, High Cotton and the Glass Onion. It was a while ago but hopefully those places are still there and good.
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What did you have at Rodney Scott out of curiosity? Our meal was terrific!
I just looked it up and we stayed at the 4 Unity Alley bnb. Lovely and located nicely.