10 Unforgettable Day Trips from Charleston for Labor Day Weekend
Labor Day weekend is all about relaxing and escaping the daily grind, and what better way to celebrate the long holiday weekend than with an adventure!
Charleston is strategically located between a number of exciting, charming destinations that are a short drive down the highway, so it’s the perfect jumping-off place for your East Coast road trip or simply a chance to switch off Netflix and get out of the house.
Buckle up! These beautiful towns and sea islands are the inspiration for our line of Lowcountry jewelry, and we can’t wait to share our insider tips with you for your journey.
We’re driving you through our 10 favorite weekend trips from Charleston to help you plan an epic Labor Day weekend getaway filled with scenic sights, outdoor activities, and some of our favorite shopping spots.
Best Labor Day Weekend Getaways from Charleston, SC
Kiawah Island
If you’re in the mood for peaceful beachfront luxury during your day trip from Charleston, roll the windows down and cruise along the ancient live oak-lined drive to Kiawah Island. This quiet, lavish oasis is less than an hour from the hustle and bustle of downtown Charleston, and the dreamy shoreline is the inspiration behind our elegant Kiawah Island Earrings.
photo credit: Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Pamper yourself with a massage at the Spa at the Sanctuary after a long day at the beach or a round on the stunning Ocean Course (which offers unobstructed views of Kiawah’s stunning coastline from every hole), and treat yourself to a malt or shake at Beaches and Cream.
Feeling rejuvenated and ready for some retail therapy? Bike to Freshfields Village, a mere 5-10 minute scenic ride from the resort, and visit Noddy for a uniquely curated Southern shopping experience, including some of our handcrafted oyster jewelry dishes.
Then pop in Vincent’s Drugstore & Soda Fountain and enjoy an old-fashioned ice cream float and chili cheese dog on one of the vintage blue vinyl stools - or head to FortyEight Wine Bar & Kitchen and give the you-pour wine tasting stations a whirl, if you’re traveling sans kiddos!
Carb-load for the bike ride home at La Tela Pizzeria with a delicious wood-fired pizza; we love the ricotta with caramelized onions and sausage.
photo credit: Freshfields Village / @freshfieldsvillage
Seabrook
Leave your troubles in the rearview! The same scenic drive that takes you from Charleston to Kiawah Island also takes you to another equally tranquil hideaway: Seabrook. Book an exclusive oceanfront rental and grab your fluffiest beach towel; Seabrook is home to a seemingly endless stretch of quiet sand and surf and its sunrises inspired our Seabrook Earrings.
Kick off your Labor Day weekend getaway by the pool or on the porches of the stately Seabrook Island Club before heading to the Seabrook Shoppe for the best in upscale loungewear and vacation necessities.
photo credit: @haleyjane.photography
Freshfields Village is equidistant between Seabrook and Kiawah Island, offering an array of restaurants, shopping, and activities. Seabrook offers so many amenities, however, you may never leave the island! Patient beachgoers will delight in the wildlife watching opportunities that include dolphins, pelicans, and sea turtles, and racquet sports and golf are ever-popular with athletic visitors.
Forget romantic walks on the beach: the highlight of a stay at Seabrook, for many, is that the Seabrook Equestrian Center features one of the only beach horseback rides on the East Coast.
photo credit: @billiejoandjeremy
Sullivan's Island
Pump the brakes: Sullivan’s Island is just a short drive from downtown, making this an easy day trip from Charleston! This laid-back Charleston beach has a creative vibe and flavor all its own, and is dear to our hearts as it is the birthplace of Grit & Grace Studio. Start your Labor Day weekend with a stroll on the beach before heading to GOLDBUG, a precious shop owned by jewelry artist Ashley Reid Martin, and treat yourself to a piece of handcrafted jewelry.
Make an appointment to view local artist Mickey Williams’ ethereal landscapes, and then refuel at Beard Cat Sweet Shop with some coffee and gelato (or get wild and combine the two with an affogato) before you head to Fort Moultrie to take in some Sullivan’s Island history.
photo credit: Charleston CVB
Grab a relaxed lunch on the patio at Poe’s Tavern, an Edgar Allan Poe-themed restaurant known for their larger-than-life burgers and delicious fish tacos, and learn about the writer’s ties to Sullivan’s Island. (Did you know Poe’s short story, “The Gold-Bug” is set on Sullivan’s Island and inspired our Gold Bug necklace?!)
Don’t eat too much: you’ll absolutely want to cap your day off with a full foodie experience at The Obstinate Daughter!
photo credit: @poestavern
Start with a signature cocktail and oysters on the half shell before indulging in some of the Lowcountry’s freshest and most creative cuisine.
Bargain a bite of the lobster, fennel, and tomato pappardelle for a slice of your companion’s Jacques and the Giant Peach pizza, and order a blueberry goat cheese crostata as you succumb to the world’s most welcome food coma.
photo credit: @brentjfranks
Palmetto Bluff
Hit the road for the best-kept secret in the Lowcountry: Palmetto Bluff is a sedate yet luxurious destination just outside Bluffton, SC - a mere two-hour drive from the Holy City, making this the perfect day trip from Charleston. Take in the Lowcountry scenery as you paddle down the May River in a kayak or on a paddleboard, or book a deep-sea fishing trip for a change of pace.
Craving for a little more relaxation than an adventure this Labor Day weekend? Spend your morning perusing the shops at Palmetto Bluff, and put a visit to Provisions at the top of your list. Olga, the shop curator, has thoughtfully curated a beautiful collection of artisans, and we hope you take home a Grit & Grace Studio gilded oyster jewelry dish to commemorate your trip!
Board the restored 1913 60-foot antique motor yacht, Grace, for an unforgettable evening, or bring your own chair and kick back at one of their signature Summer Concert Series events to cap off your trip.
To upgrade your adventure from a day trip from Charleston to a full Labor Day weekend getaway, book a room, suite, or cottage at the grand Montage Palmetto Bluff or one of the majestic homes in Wilson and Moreland Village.
photo credit: Julie Livingston Photography / @julielivingstonphotography
Folly Beach
Honk if you’re feeling funky this Labor Day weekend! Toss your renewable fiber beach tote in the trunk: there’s a patch of sand at quirky, colorful Folly Beach with your name on it.
The short drive from Charleston to Folly Beach means you’ll be there in time for a hearty breakfast at a beloved Grit & Grace Studio favorite, the Lost Dog Cafe. Savor that giant plate of huevos rancheros before hitting the sand with man’s best friend, walking the Folly Beach pier, or perusing the beach shops.
If you’re looking for a quiet spot with majestic driftwood trees, head down to the end of Folly Beach and enjoy sunset views of the Morris Island Lighthouse. You can also book a boat tour with Charleston Outdoor Adventures to see the lighthouse in person. They also offer dolphin tours around Folly Beach. Folly Beach’s scenery won’t disappoint: it inspired our Little Folly Necklace!
photo credit: Mark A. Leon - Charleston Daily
This eclectic little beach town is an easy day trip from Charleston and offers a wealth of colorful eateries for your midday or evening fix. Hit Jack of Cups for mouthwatering, creative takes on “global pub grub” like popcorn potato leek soup, Dahl nachos, and red curry mac and cheese.
For a bohemian vibe, head to “your local skullduggery” spot, Chico Feo, to kick your sandy feet up, listen to live music, and pour over their limited menu of delicious Caribbean fare. Those craving a chic rooftop option, hip mid-century modern decor, and Instagram-worthy tiki mugs to kick off this Labor Day weekend should check out the trendy Hawaiian-themed Wiki Wiki Sandbar.
photo credit: @girleatscharleston
Edisto Island
Park yourself on rustic and charming Edisto Island, a mere hour and a half drive from Charleston, for a soothing escape this Labor Day weekend. Embrace the natural beauty and grace of this historic sea island, which inspired our Edisto Gilded Oyster Necklace, by exploring the Botany Bay Plantation Wildlife Management Area. Botany Bay features more than 4,600 acres of maritime forest, beach, freshwater ponds, and historical buildings on the property, and the “Boneyard Beach” is laden with sun-bleached fallen trees and weathered trees standing in the surf.
photo credit: Keith Briley
Looking to hit some trails during your day trip from Charleston? Edisto Beach State Park is one of four oceanfront state parks in South Carolina, and this beautiful park offers hiking trails, bike paths, and furnished cabins for overnight accommodations, as well as beachside campsites.
Be sure to visit the educational center to learn about the rich Native American history in the area, as well the natural history of the ACE Basin.
photo credit: @vanzeppelinearial
Eat your fill of delicious fresh seafood at Ella & Ollie’s, or check out their new sister restaurant, The Briny Swine Smokehouse & Oyster Bar. Treat yourself to a glass of frozé and some BBQ roasted oysters before ordering up a meat and three platter or a smoky pulled pork sandwich. In the words of Food Network host Kardea Brown, “Everything on Chef Rushing’s menu is amazing.”
Keep an eye out for The Happie Truck during your day on Edisto Island. Billed as “one of the cutest little ice cream trucks on earth,” this tiny truck serves up tasty ice cream treats as well as the official state snack of South Carolina: boiled peanuts.
photo credit: Andrew Cebulka
Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island is one of our favorite day trips from Charleston, and the approximately two-hour drive from the Holy City makes it a wonderful destination for your Labor Day weekend getaway.
Named the “Number 1 Island in the Continental U.S.” by Travel + Leisure Magazine, this barrier island offers plenty of shopping, watersports, recreation, and nightlife. Rent bikes for the whole family at Hilton Head Outfitters for the day’s adventures, and pedal your way between attractions. They also offer surfboards, beach chairs and umbrellas, and kayaks for rent.
photo credit: @sweetteaheather
Refuel between Labor Day adventures at One Hot Mama’s BBQ. Chef Orchid, seen on the Food Network, fires up award-winning BBQ in a relaxed atmosphere. Tuck into a plate of wings (they’re 3-time Wingfest Award Winners!) and save room for the chocolate chip pecan pie with bacon graham cracker crust.
Relax and let your troubles melt away with an evening at The Jazz Corner. This local business brings in top jazz musicians from all over the world and serves up a fabulous full menu, so you’ll want to make your reservations in advance.
Savannah
If it’s Southern hospitality you’re looking for this Labor Day weekend, Savannah, Georgia, the “Hostess City of the South,” needs to be the end of the road. Located just a two-hour drive from Charleston, this charming city will steal your heart.
Start your morning at The Paris Market and Brocante for a delicious latte and unforgettable shopping experience. The Paris Market and Brocante offers a carefully curated selection of sophisticated, handmade gifts and locally sourced products, and the smell of their freshly baked pastries will entice you to grab a treat for the road.
photo credit: @itsmemikepe
Enjoy that pastry while you lose yourself among the dreamy side streets and the seemingly endless grid of city parks. The historic architecture and immaculate porches are flanked by ancient oak trees dripping with Spanish moss.
You may find the experience all the more romantic with a glass of champagne in your hand: Savannah’s unique open container laws allow you to enjoy an adult beverage to-go responsibly in the historic district.
Mosey over to SCAD Museum of Art (Savannah College of Art and Design) to view the latest exhibitions before grabbing a bite to eat.
Foodie finds and chic eateries abound in Savannah. Duck into The Fat Radish for fresh contemporary cuisine (the grilled snapper with butterbeans, olives, and tomato may reel you in), or make plans for a meal at Alligator Soul for unpretentious fine dining (the Oysters a la Soul are a delight) or beautiful spot St. Neo’s.
photo credit: St. Neo’s provided by the Drayton Hotel
Housed inside the chic Drayton Hotel, St. Neo’s is a “seafood brasserie and oyster bar with a Southern accent” that may steal your heart, and you’ll want to end the night upstairs with a cocktail and some extraordinary panoramic views of the historic city.
Pawleys Island
Want to get away from it all without spending your Labor Day weekend in the car (and avoid answering that dreaded “are we there yet” question for hours on end)? Rest easy: Pawleys Island, a quaint, sleepy beach town is located an hour and a half north of Charleston.
Cute shops and boutiques are nestled below the Spanish-moss and oak trees in this stylish beach community, but Pawleys Island also offers a rich history and interesting sites. Atalaya Castle is a must-see! The Huntingtons built the estate after the Spanish and Moorish architectural styles in 1933, and this seaside castle features 30 rooms laid out around a courtyard and water tower.
photo credit: @_sincerelylona
You’ll also want to check out Huntington Beach State Park and Brookgreen Gardens, both are also legacies of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington.
Huntington Beach State Park is one of the most picturesque beaches in South Carolina, and it offers a wealth of outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing, camping, and birdwatching.
Brookgreen Gardens is a “unique melding of art, nature, and history,” and it’s easy to lose yourself in a dream afternoon among the award-winning gardens.
photo credit: @_stephanieking
St. Simons Island
Get your road trip playlist ready and enjoy the 3-hour ride to St. Simons Island, the largest of Georgia’s Golden Isles. Stretch your legs after the drive by climbing the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum or treat yourself to some ice cream and a stroll on the St. Simons Island Pier and keep an eye out for migrating whales.
St. Simons Island offers beaches, kayaking, fishing, golfing, and horseback riding.
As you wander the island, either by guided trolley tour, foot, or bike, keep an eye out for the Tree Spirits of St. Simons Island. Artist Keith Jennings carved about 20 faces into the island’s famous oak trees in the 1980s, and they’re still looking down on us today!
Ready to stay a while? Upgrade your day trip from Charleston into a luxurious Labor Day weekend getaway with a stay at The Cloister at Sea Island, which is just 10 minutes up the road. The spa at The Cloister is the stuff dreams are made of, so treat yourself to some extra pampering!
For an oceanfront evening of fine dining, head back into town to ECHO. Named as a nod to St. Simons’ former importance as a naval air station, ECHO is located on the former site for officers’ quarters, classrooms, and towers used to amplify the radar signal during the War. Today, this chic spot overlooks the surf and sand through sweeping bay windows. Order an Endless Summer cocktail and cheers the setting sun to the ultimate Labor Day weekend: you are living your best life!
photo credit: @katejohnsontravel / Kate Johnson Travel
Wherever your journey takes you this Labor Day weekend, we hope it’s filled with surf, sand, and relaxation. Pack your renewable fiber tote with your favorite Lowcountry-inspired Grit & Grace Studio jewelry, your favorite beach read (may we suggest Be That Unicorn by Jenny Block?!), and don’t forget the Los Poblanos skin care oil for a little TLC after dozing off in the sun.
Shop our collection of Lowcountry jewelry now, and carry the grace, beauty, and memories of these magical places with you, long after the vacation has ended!
One Love & Blessings,