Mother/Daughter Trip Ideas for Charleston
Charleston is one of the most stunning cities in the South. What better destination for a bonding trip?
If you’re looking to book a mother/daughter trip to Charleston, we’ve got some mother/daughter trip ideas and tips to help your vacation go smoothly. From activities to pampering to iconic Lowcountry foods, there’s no shortage of girl bonding in this city.
Discover all that the Holy City has to offer for a long-weekend girls’ trip.
Tips for the Perfect Mother/Daughter Trip
Want to enjoy the perfect mother/daughter trip to Charleston? These tips will help you avoid major planning snafus — so you can do what you planned to: enjoy your bonding trip to the Lowcountry.
Rooftop mother/daughter time!
Consider Your Mother/Daughter
It’s common for one person to do most of the planning for any trip. Whether you’re the mother or the daughter, don’t forget to consider the needs of your travel partner.
What types of activities do you normally enjoy doing together? What activities do you do apart? How can you combine these two types of activities to show you care about the other person’s interests?
There are so many different types of activities in Charleston, including outdoor activities (like kayaking, biking, walking, and more), self-care and pampering services, and travel opportunities.
Of course, you’ll want all your activities to revolve around one theme: Charleston!
Book Bonding Activities
The whole point of a mother/daughter trip is to bond! Book activities that will help you grow closer, like a mother/daughter massage or facial, walking tours, picnics, or kayak excursions.
Bonding activities are the types of activities you can do together to learn more about the other person. Try to think of activities you normally wouldn’t do at home.
Reserve the Right Hotel Room
Yes, you want to get as close to your mother or daughter as possible. But that doesn’t mean you need to spend every waking (or sleeping) moment together.
Consider booking a hotel room with two beds, a suite, or adjoining rooms. This will ensure you get a little space so you can fully enjoy your waking hours together.
Charleston even has a few glamping options now, too.
The most important piece of advice we have to offer when it comes to booking accommodations is to consider the types of hotels you both enjoy staying in. While Charleston isn’t the most budget-friendly city, we do have a handful of budget accommodation options as well as some of the most luxurious hotels in the country.
Don’t Forget to Eat
The number one cardinal rule of traveling with your mother or daughter? If anyone is hangry, no one is having a good time.
Consider what you’ll want to eat before you get on that plane, as you’ll want to book reservations in advance. Now that Charleston tourism is back to pre-pandemic levels, our world-famous restaurants get booked fast.
You’ll also want to think about what types of foods you and your travel companion enjoy eating. Does your mother or daughter like all types of foods? Does she have any dietary restrictions?
Charleston food is famously rich. Some of the most iconic Charleston foods include grits, hush puppies, fried green tomatoes, and sweet tea. Yet, we’re also known for shrimp, frogmore stew, oysters, she-crab soup, and peanuts. There’s such a wide variety of food here, but you may need to call ahead to find out if restaurants can handle dietary restrictions.
Mother/Daughter Trip Ideas for Charleston
If you’re looking for mother/daughter trip ideas for Charleston, we recommend boat rides, pampering days, walking tours, and shopping excursions.
Boat Rides
Sure, you could take a romantic boat ride with your sweetie, but why keep all that love just for you and your partner?
Snuggle up with your mother or daughter on a boat ride around Charleston’s harbor or in nearby Shem Creek. There are plenty of options available, including budget boat rides, like the Charleston Water Taxi; high-end boat and dinner cruises, like Spiritline Cruises; and serious bonding experiences, like Nature Adventures.
Spa Day/Beach Day
If you’re headed to Charleston for pampering, you’re in the right place. There are so many ways to enjoy some self-care while you’re here.
Book a spa day at the Spa at Belmond, a spa located in one of the most iconic historic buildings in the city. Before or after your mother/daughter facial or massage, enjoy the indoor pool, sauna, and relaxation lounge.
If you want to spend more time outdoors, enjoying the city, head to one of Charleston’s beaches for the day. Most of our beaches are free to the public and offer some of the best scenery.
Some of the best Charleston beaches include Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, and Sullivan’s Island. Grab a bite to eat at a nearby food truck or pack a picnic lunch with tasty sandwiches, salads, chips, and drinks from Bert’s Market.
Folly Beach
Sunset at Sullivan’s Island
Walking Tours
If you really want to understand a city, get to know it with a walking tour. You’ll get a lay of the land, discover some of the prettiest streets in Charleston, and learn a little about the Holy City’s history.
Our most popular walking tour is our Charleston History Tour, where you’ll learn about our city’s storied history from the 1600s to today. If you want to get off the beaten path and see an alternative side to the city, we offer our Charleston’s Alleys and Hidden Passages Tour. And if you’re really just here to take in the sights, Charleston’s Most Beautiful Walk is for you.
We also offer private tours if you want to create a specific tour for you and your mother or daughter.
Walking tour fun!
Charleston Shopping
Charleston is known for its shopping! If a mother/daughter shopping trip is in your sights, we recommend heading to King Street, where you’ll find dozens of boutiques and locally owned businesses.
The Shops at Belmond offer a high-end shopping experience, and you can snag some souvenirs at the Charleston City Market.
Charleston City Market
Shops at King Street