Start planning your ultimate South Carolina adventure with a free copy of the 2024 Vacation Guide. Request your free copy, view the guide online or download a PDF version below.
Libby Wiersema lived in California and Alabama before settling in South Carolina 38 years ago,
where she's covered the state's best culinary offerings and tells the stories behind the food.
The first step to any great girlfriend getaway is deciding where you want to go. Not.
If you want to plan the perfect getaway for you and your gal pals, begin with what you have in common. Perhaps you share a love of cooking and dining. Or maybe you were drawn together by a mutual interest in outdoor adventures.
A variety of experiences await you in South Carolina, where the ultimate girlfriend getaway is just a planning session away. Pick an activity you all love and then have fun building around it with great dining, sightseeing and more. Here are a few ideas to get you going on your getaway.
Soothing Shores
If visions of rejuvenation via surf and sand are collectively dancing in your heads, you and your crew are going to the beach. Lucky for you, South Carolina has lots of them. From the Grand Strand’s 60 miles of glorious coastline to the slower-paced shores of the Lowcountry and sea islands, there’s a piece of coastal property to set the perfect backdrop for some friend fun in the sun. Here are two you are sure to enjoy:
Sea View Inn The Girls’ Getaway Weekend, held each fall at this Pawleys Island inn, is the antidote to fast-paced living. Slow things down at this comfy, old-school island beach house equipped with a dining room run by some of the most talented Southern cooks in the area. Take a porch rocker and keep time with the rhythm of the waves. Ahhhh …
Hilton Head Health Hilton Head Island might be known for indulgence but it’s also a hub of renewal and good health, thanks in part to this comprehensive program that lets you design the perfect package for you and your friends. The more the merrier, with discounts given for showing up with friends.
Antiquing and Arts
Sculptures add artistic whimsy to the lovely town of Summerville.
A common appreciation for things vintage and/or artsy can be indulged all across South Carolina. But when you choose to spend your GF getaway antiquing in one of our small towns, you’re guaranteed a rich experience infused with Southern charm.
Camden A scenic downtown, historic points-of-interest, great dining and an engaging arts and antiques district make Camden not only one of the best spots for finding treasures, but a place where girlfriends can find plenty to see and do together. Consider these shops when planning your trip.
Where to stay: From Southern elegance to cozy and comfy, accommodations in the area will enhance your antiquing and arts getaway.
Summerville A sight to behold with its mossy trees and gorgeous azaleas, this Lowcountry jewel has earned the title of “Flowertown.” The many antique stores in Summerville seem almost organic to the small-town environment, and there are plenty from which to choose.
Bask in the Southern graciousness of the Cuthbert House in Beaufort.
Get group instruction in the fine art of Southern and gourmet cookery, enjoy a wine dinner, or enjoy a girl-centric bed-and-breakfast experience - emphasis on "breakfast."
Zero George Are you and your friends ready to take your culinary skills to the next level? Then book a class at this classic, yet contemporary Charleston hotel. The 1800s kitchen sets the mood for your experience, in which Chef Petrillo and others will guide your group through the steps of making an epicurean masterpiece. Package does not include lodging, but we highly recommend you and your BFFs opt to lay your heads here. Check out Zero George’s Pampering + PJs package, too, for spa services and more.
Other things to do: This is Charleston, so the question is “What’s not to do?”
Cuthbert House You and your gal pals will adore the waterfront town of Beaufort and this lovely inn with its no-stress vibe. Share a box of chocolates as you watch a chick flick, take a group carriage ride through the city, enjoy drinks and apps during the nightly social hour, and each morning, sit down together to a beautifully presented, sumptuous breakfast. Girlfriend getaway packages are customizable, so don't be shy about sharing your vision for the perfect vacay.
Other things to do: Explore downtown Beaufort’s array of charming bookstores, coffee shops, art galleries, cafes, boutiques and more. Opportunities for tours, golfing, fishing and boating are abundant, too.
The Cook's Station Explore the culinary arts, develop your kitchen skills, and taste delicious creations when you sign up for a group cooking class or themed dinner at The Cook's Station in Greenville. Learn to make dainty French macarons, gourmet pizza, authentic pasta dishes, Asian dumplings and even shrimp and grits! Acclaimed South Carolina chefs are often on the roster. Trying to escape the kitchen on your girlfriend getaway? Then, opt for one of the many themed wine dinners. Sit back, sip and savor!
Other things to do: Downtown Greenville is set against the backdrop of the Reedy River and Falls Park, so make a point of strolling the area. Afterward, peruse the many specialty shops and take a break at a quaint coffee shop or bookstore.
Outdoor Sports and Adventures
Hiking South Carolina’s state park trails reveals the beauty of the Blue Ridge.
Kiawah Resort Women’s Golf Package Perfect for beginner and intermediate levels, this golf boot camp for women on Kiawah Island is guaranteed to up your game. Golf professionals will assess your skills and teach you practice techniques for improvement. Everyone will love the gorgeous backdrop of Kiawah Island Golf Resort and all the opportunities to fully enjoy your time there. Great food, door prizes, receptions and happy hours, an awards dinner and more are included in the price. Discounted accommodations are a perk of signing up for this rewarding golf clinic. Tons of fun for you and your golfing gal pals!
Hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains Sharing the beauty of South Carolina’s breathtaking mountain trails and waterfalls offers a bonding experience like no other. For friendships in which a love for the outdoors is a common interest, a girlfriends getaway to one of our mountain state parks is a group vacay you’ll all treasure for years to come. Pack your hiking boots and prepare for a group experience surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Guided hikes are offered by each park, or plan your own excursion. Choose your park and a cabin or villa for your stay. Of course, there are plenty of campsites with views for besties wishing to get especially close to nature.
South Carolina Wildlife Federation Women’s Outdoor Retreat Ready to release the wild woman within? Whatever your mutual outdoor pleasures, your group of friends can indulge them at this women-centric event held annually at Hickory Knob State Resort Park in McCormick. Paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, archery and more are on the menu at these annual meet-ups. A variety of lodging options are available and your group may purchase meal plans from the onsite restaurant. Make plans early, though, as this retreat is wildly popular and fills up quickly.
Libby Wiersema lived in California and Alabama before settling in South Carolina 38 years ago,
where she's covered the state's best culinary offerings and tells the stories behind the food.
