Everyone knows that the South East has a huge place in our hearts having grown up on Southern charm, East Carolina Football, and all the biscuits one could imagine. So we are delighted to share one of our favorite adventure Honeymoons series, the Coastal towns of the South East! Our tour includes Charleston, Hilton Head, and Savannah! We know that honeymoons come in all types, styles, and experiences. Just like your wedding day, they should reflect your personality and style.

If curated wine and food tours are your style, try Sonoma Wine Road honeymoons. Into pristine white sand beaches, endless Jamaican rum punch, and one of a kind spa treatments you go! If this is up your alley, try one of the amazing Sandals Honeymoon resorts!

If you’re looking for authentic southern hospitality, an amazing foodie experience, and gorgeous historic hotels then look no further than the Southern East Coast! Whether you are heading down south for a quick mini-moon to relax after the big weekend or an extended relaxing stay it is easy to get to any one of these cities.  Flights are relatively affordable from any DC based airport. With daily flights to Charleston, you’ll be there quickly! Or just cruise down 95 for an easy half day drive! We are kicking off this three part series with a look at a perfect Charleston Honeymoon experience. Bring on the food, fun, and boutique lodging!

Where to Stay…

Upon first crossing the bridge into the historic Charleston, South Carolina you just know that this city is an endless supply of amazing food, gorgeous scenery, and sky high palm trees. During our visit, we stayed in the picture perfect pink The Mills House right in the heart of historic Charleston. Hosting a charming courtyard with daily champagne cocktail hour, and the coolest purple drawing rooms, this hotel caters to the chic clientele of honeymooners wanting the full sensory experience.

Above all else, the staff at The Mills House went above and beyond to show us southern courtesy. They definitely made sure that our stay was memorable. For couples looking to honeymoon, they have a concierge who will work with you to create the perfect Charleston experience.

Insider tip: Surprise your boo with a custom welcome bag from The Signature Welcome full of Charleston goodies to start the trip off right!

Explore the Sights…

Not sure where to start exploring? If you want the traverse the city in style, grab a Holy Spokes Bike and start cruising. The fun teal bicycles are similar to DC Bike Share, and are easy to maneuver and use throughout the city. With dozens of docking stations sprinkled throughout Charleston, they are the best way to see the city without worrying about parking or missing the sites! Favorite spots to hit while out? Try the waterfront where you can see the docked Cruise Ships, the Charleston aquarium, or our favorite rooftop eatery The Rooftop at Vendue.

Looking to spend some of that wedding gift money? King Street is lined with everything from luxury apparel to boutique southern fashion. We highly recommend the scent library at Candlefish, honey tasting at the local(ish) Savannah Bee Company, or mdumasandsons.com/ for mens on point fashions.

Insider Tip: Sign up for one of Candlefish’s custom candle making classes. Cool hands on activity with your new spouse!

Adventure Awaits…

Charleston is full of tourism options including strolling history tours, sailing adventures, and historic gardens and homes. We experienced the most amazing sunset sail on a Schooner Pride tall ship cruise. They even let the guests participate in lifting the sails and ship activities! Dolphins popped by the ship while we were sailing as an added bonus! The company hosts a variety of styles of sails including daytime dolphin excursions. This would be a truly romantic experience for a honeymooning couple. We also love and recommend visiting the Angel Oak Tree and Magnolia Gardens for day time trips just outside the city! 

Fresh to Table…

Southerners sure know how to cook! And the chefs in Charleston have brought their A-game in the epicurean experience. We absolutely hands down recommend Callie’s Hot Little biscuit for breakfast AND late night. With ridiculously delicious sweet and savory biscuit creations that change daily, we could eat there every single day of the week.

Poogan’s Porch and Poogan’s Smokehouse pork fixings were mouth watering, with delicious signature cocktails to pair for the well rounded experience. Don’t forget the always favorite Husk, or Fig for delicious dinner menus! Our end of the night treat would be the famous Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe. Pies, Cakes, and dessert Cocktails (yep- try the key lime pie martini!). It was everything you want in a hole in the wall, wait list worthy night cap eatery. Insider tip: There WILL be a wait at Callie’s and Kaminky’s. So slow down, take the time and wait. We promise its worth it!

Stay tuned for our follow up installments of our South Eastern Honeymoon cities including Savannah and Hilton Head! Make sure to check out our Honeymoon and Destination wedding planning sections for more post DC wedding travels!

Disclaimer: While Mills House, Schooner, and Holy Spokes provided us compensation for our reviews, all opinions are our own.