Charleston Fall Date Guide: Romantic Things to Do for Couples (Fall 2025)
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As Charleston locals who love uncovering seasonal gems, my husband and I look forward to autumn every year. The Lowcountry finally cools down, Spanish moss glows in golden light, and the city fills with cozy, only-in-fall events perfect for couples.
As the oppressive summer heat finally breaks and temperatures dip into the comfortable 60s and 70s, the Charleston area transforms into an autumn playground that rivals any destination in the country. Whether you’re a local looking to embrace the season or a visitor timing your trip perfectly, Charleston in fall offers an irresistible blend of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and seasonal flavors that you simply won’t find any other time of year. From pumpkin patches on nearby farms to haunted history tours through gas-lit alleyways, here are the absolute best things to do in Charleston this fall.
50+ Things To Do In Charleston in the Fall
Classic Lowcountry Romance
Fall brings out Charleston’s most romantic side. Cooler evenings mean you can finally enjoy outdoor experiences without melting, and the golden autumn light makes everything look like a postcard. These classic Lowcountry dates blend natural beauty, history, and that slow Southern pace that makes you want to linger just a little longer.
1. Middleton Place Wine Strolls
October 8, 15, 22 & 29 | 5:30–7:30 p.m. | $35
Sip wine and nibble light bites while wandering America’s oldest landscaped gardens after hours. The oak-lined alleys glow at sunset making this an ideal for a slow couple’s walk and photos.
2. Sunset Sail on the Harbor
Book a Schooner Pride or Charleston Sailing Adventures trip for an unforgettable evening on the water. October skies give you fiery sunsets and cooler breezes, so bring a jacket and toast with champagne.
Tickets & details » Sail the Schooner Pride – One of the top 10 Sunset Sails in North America
Tickets & details » Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise with Cruisin Tikis Charleston
3. Full-Moon Kayak
Lead twilight paddles through Folly’s marshes as the moon rises for a quiet, magical, and surprisingly romantic experience.
Tickets & details » Charleston Outdoor Adventures |October 7th
Tickets & details » Charleston SUP Safaris |October 5th & 6th
4. Have Dinner at an Outside Venue
Kingstide (Daniel Island): Seasonal Lowcountry-leaning menu with riverfront patios perfect for golden-hour sunsets.
Address: 32 River Landing Dr., Daniel Island
Melfi’s: Intimate, clubby Italian spot known for handmade pasta and Roman-style pizzas.
Address: 721 King St., Charleston (Downtown)
Frannie & The Fox: Inside The Emeline Hotel, Frannie & The Fox offers a warm, wood-fired dining experience with shareable dishes and garden-inspired courtyard seating, perfect for both Charleston visitors and locals alike.
Address:181 Church Street, Charleston (Downtown)
Shem Creek (Mount Pleasant): Waterfront dining district with shrimp boats, marsh views, and knockout fall sunsets. Good picks right on the creek:
• Red’s Ice House: 98 Church St, Mount Pleasant
• Tavern & Table: 100 Church St, Mount Pleasant
• Water’s Edge: 1407 Shrimp Boat Ln, Mount Pleasant
Pinky’s (Folly Beach): Laid-back, oceanfront hangout by the Folly Pier with a big outdoor area and live-music vibe.
Address: 1 Center St, Folly Beach (Note: this is oceanfront at Folly; not downtown.)
5. Rooftop Cocktails with a View
*All of the venue’s listed below are located in downtown Charleston*
The Rooftop at The Vendue – Harbor/peninsula views and sunset cocktails atop an art-forward boutique hotel.
Address: 19 Vendue Range, Charleston
Stars Rooftop & Grill Room -360° city views from a classic King Street rooftop
Address: 495 King St, Charleston
The Watch Rooftop Kitchen & Spirits (The Restoration Hotel) — Sweeping downtown vistas over King/Wentworth and Marion Square area.
Address: 75–79 Wentworth St, 7th Floor, Charleston1
Pavilion Bar (Market Pavilion Hotel) — Classic rooftop with skyline/harbor peeks and a small rooftop pool.
Address: 225 E Bay St, Charleston
Citrus Club (Dewberry Hotel) –The Dewberry’s 8th-floor rooftop bar with wide city views.
Address: 334 Meeting St, Charleston (Seating is first-come, first-served.)
⭐14 Hidden Gems in Charleston, SC: Secret Local Spots You Need to Visit in 2025
Spooky & Playful Nights Out
October in Charleston means ghost stories, haunted houses, and spine-tingling entertainment. Whether you want a legitimately scary experience or just some playful Halloween fun, the Holy City delivers with historic haunts, candlelit concerts, and theatrical performances perfect for couples who love a thrill.
6. Boone Hall Fright Night
Fridays–Sundays through October 26th | 6:30–11PM | $39 scream pass
Three haunted attractions including, the classic Haunted Hayride, which make for a thrilling double-date.
7. Haunted Charleston Ghost Tours
Historic-district guides share true Lowcountry legends by lantern light. Reserve early in October for smaller crowds and the best chill factor.
Tickets & details » Haunted Ghost Tour/ Harbor Cruise
Tickets & details » Charleston Carriage Ghost Tour
Tickets & details » USS Yorktown Ghost Tour (Mount Plesant)
Tickets & details » The Charleston Ghost and Dungeon Tour
Tickets & details » Charleston Ghost and Graveyard Tour
Tickets & details » Charleston Haunted Jail Tour
8. Candlelight Concerts at the Unitarian Church
October 3rd – Coldplay or Fleetwood Mac tributes | October 30th -Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics | 6:30 or 8:30 PM | Unitarian Church – 4 Archdale St., Charleston
These intimate, candlelit performances bathe the 18th-century sanctuary in a warm glow sets-up an unbeatable setting for a music-loving couple.
9. Ghostly Tide Tales — spooky stories by the sea Isle of Palms
October 10th | 6:00PM |Beach access near Sea Cabins, Front Beach, Isle of Palms | Bring a chair, blanket and flashlight | Free community event | All ages welcome
10. Halloween in the Swamp @ Cypress Gardens
October 16,17 & 18th | Cyress Gardens 3030 Cypress Gardens Rd., Moncks Corner
11. Try your luck in a Corn Maze
West Farm Corn Maze | 1542 Cooper Store Road, Moncks Corner
Boone Farm Corn Maze | 1235 Long Point Rd., Mount Pleasant
12. Watch the Addams Family Musical
October 26th | 7:30| Gaillard Center – 95 Calhoun Street, Charleston
The Addams Family Musical is a darkly hilarious, heartwarming tale where America’s spookiest family faces love, secrets, and a dinner party gone wrong.
13. Charleton Stage – “Dial M for Murder”
October 15th thru November 2nd |Dock Street Theater- 135 Church Street, Charleston
In this modern twist on a classic revenge thriller, hearts race and loyalties shatter.
14. Charleston Jazz Orchestra Presents “Autumn Leaves”
October 19th | 5:00 & 8:00PM |Charleston Music Hall – 37 John St, Charleston
Charleston Jazz Orchestra presents Autumn Leaves, a soulful celebration of fall through timeless jazz classics and vibrant big band sounds.
15. Check out an Outdoor Movie
October 17th |Movie on the Green| Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s | 165 Village Green Lane, Kiawah Island, SC 29455
October 3rd | Daniel Island Waterfront Movie Night |Hotel Transylvania | 101 River Landing Drive, Daniel Island
16. Go to the Ballet – Dracula With a Bite
October 30th & October 31st | 7:30 PM | Charleston Music Hall – 37 John St, Charleston | Put on by SC Ballet
The South Carolina Ballet’s Dracula brings Bram Stoker’s legendary tale to life with hauntingly beautiful choreography, dramatic staging, and a touch of gothic romance.
17. Nighttime at the Museum – Halloween Edition
October 24th | 5:30-7:30 PM | Charleston Museum – 360 Meeting Street, Charleston
Trick or treat through the galleries with a scavenger hunt & don’t forget to wear your costume!
18. Autumn on the Ashley at Magnolia Place
October 25th | 5:00-7:00PM | $55 |Magnolia Place – 3550 Ashley River Road, Charleston
A fall wine stroll along the Ashley River and historic gardens during golden hour.
19. Hutson Alley Halloween
October 30th | 5:30-8:30|$60.54 | John Street, Charleston
Featuring an Oyster Roast, Pumpkin Carving, Costume Contest
Tickets & details »
Cozy Day-Date Ideas
When the weather finally cooperates, Charleston’s daytime experiences shine. These dates take advantage of the comfortable 70-degree days—perfect for exploring historic properties, wandering through pumpkin patches, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll without breaking a sweat.
20. Fall Historic Houses & Gardens Tour
October 4th, 11th,18th & 25th | 2PM
Now in its 49th season, the Preservation Society of Charleston’s Fall Tours highlight the city’s rich cultural and architectural legacy. Visitors can choose from guided walking routes, elegant home and garden visits, or deep-dive explorations into Charleston’s historic neighborhoods and private residences.
21. Sip & Stroll at Drayton Hall with the Bluestone Ramblers
October 25th | 2:30pm-4:30Pm
Wine, live music, and sweeping Ashley River views.
22. Check out a Pumpkin Patch
There are various Pumpkin Patches throughout the Charleston area, each offer something unique. A few of our favorites include:
Boone Hall |2434 N Hwy 17, Mount Pleasant
Mistletoe Lane | 3408 Mistletoe Lane, Summerville
Westbury Farms| 1005 North Gum Street, Summerville
Legare Farms | 2620 Hanscombe Point Rd, Johns Island
23. Take a walk over the Cooper River Bridge
The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge offers one of Charleston’s most spectacular free activities. This 2.5-mile pedestrian path takes you 186 feet above the Cooper River with unobstructed views of the harbor, downtown skyline, and Fort Sumter. We recommend you start from the Mount Pleasant side (free parking and restrooms as well as easy access to the pedestrian path) at the Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park), but you can also start from the downtown side. The bridge is especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset, and fall’s cooler temperatures make the walk actually enjoyable.
📍Pro tip: Go midweek for fewer crowds, and bring water, it’s still a workout!
24. Grab a pastry and a coffee authentic Italian Bakery at Talucci’s
Talucci’s Bakery– 145 Central Ave, Summerville, SC 29483 | Open Tue-Fri, 7AM-5PM, Saturdays 8AM-4PM, and Sundays 8AM-2PM
25. Fall is perfect weather for the Farmer’s Market
Charleston Farmers Market – Marion Square, Charleston | Saturday’s 8AM-2PM
Summerville’s Farmers Market -200 S. Main St., Summerville |Saturday’s 8AM-1PM
26. Check out the Magical Music of Harry Potter
November 2nd | Noon | Charleston Music Hall-37 John St, Charleston
27. Second Sunday on King Street
October 12th & November 9th| 12PM-5PM |King Street between Calhoun and Queen St., Charleston
Second Sunday on King Street transforms downtown Charleston into a lively, car-free festival with outdoor dining, local shopping, live music, and community fun
28. Firefly Distillery Oyster Roast Series
October 12th | 11AM-4PM |Tickets $45 |DJ Cabana Vibes
Spend the day along the scenic Noisette Creek, enjoying all-you-can-eat oysters, live music, and Firefly cocktails in our beautiful five-acre field.
29. Charles Towne Landing
Open 9AM-5PM Daily | 1500 Old Towne Rd., Charleston | $12/adult
Charleston’s first settlers landed here in 1670. The 664-acre park features shaded trails, a replica 17th-century trading ship, and an animal forest with native wildlife. Fall’s cooler weather makes it the ideal time to picnic and enjoy the Ashley River’s colorful foliage.
30.Pumpkin Carving With Goats
Various weekend nights in October |5:30PM|$39.19 per adult| Flowertown Charm – Park at Church at 255 Stallsville Rd & Walk to 225 Stallsville Rd., Summerville
Carve pumpkins at Flowertown Charm Farm, an urban mini-farm in Summerville, while hanging out with friendly goats (who love pumpkin and benefit from it), plus a mini Highland cow, chickens, a bunny, farm dogs, and sometimes a giant tortoise. Each guest gets a pumpkin, carves at outdoor tables, and feeds the scraps to the animals; if eager eaters feel overwhelming for little ones, the gentler “farm snuggle session” is a better fit.
Bring your Dog on Your Date!
Charleston is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the South, and fall brings special events where your pup can join the fun. These tail-wagging activities let you include your four-legged family member in your date plans.
31. Dog Fest 2025
October 4th | 12PM-5PM |Commonhouse Aleworks – 4831 Ohear Ave.,North Charleston
ECO Runways is hosting this event to support Charleston Animal Society. There will be local vendors, beer, and of course…dogs!
32. Daniel Island- Bark in the Park
November 1st | 10Am-2PM | Free |Waterfront Park on Daniel Island
33. Barks, Brews & Boos
October 31st |7:00-9:00PM| Broken Leash Dog Park & Bar- 8811 Old University Blvd., North Charleston
Celebrate Halloween at Broken Leash with our first-ever Barks, Brews & Boos party featuring a costume contest, chili cookoff, live music, and plenty of off-leash fun for pups and their people.
35. Dogtoberfest at Freshfields Village
October 11th | Starting at 11AM | Free |Freshfields Village- La Tela Pizzeria- 133 Village Green Ln., Kiawah Island
Family friendly afternoon, including adoptable meet and greet with local rescue groups, pet vendors, dog costume contest, food, music and beer.
36. Puppy & Pumpkin Patch
October 18th | Starting at noon |Rusty Bull Brewing Company- 3005 W. Montague Ave., North Charleston
Enjoy a fall afternoon full of pumpkins, pints, and puppies!
Autumn Sports Dates
Sports-loving couples will find plenty of action this fall. From tailgating at local college games to watching professional hockey and unique Charleston traditions like steeplechase racing, these active dates add competitive energy to your weekend plans.
37. Steeplechase of Charleston
Nov 9th |8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |5000 Old York Course, Hollywood
38. Local College Football Games
The Citadel: October 11th at 2PM- vs. Valdosta St |October 18th at 2PM vs. Western Carolina |November 1st at 2pm vs. Virginia Military
Charleston Southern University: October 11th at 4Pm vs. Tennessee Tech | October 25th at 2pm vs. Eastern Illinois
39. Stingrays Hockey
Opening Night October 18th| 6:05PM| Free Parking for Opening Night | vs. Norfolk Admirals
October 29th | 7:05PM | vs. Greenville Swamp Rabbits
North Charleston Coliseum – 5001 Coliseum Dr., North Charleston
40. Charleston Battery Soccer
October 11th | 7:30PM| vs. Colorado Switchbacks FC
October 18th | 6:00PM | vs. Detroit City FC
Patriots Point, Mount Pleasant
41. NBA Preseason Game
October 5th | 5PM |Charlotte Hornets v. Oklahoma City Thunder
North Charleston Coliseum – 5001 Coliseum Dr., North Charleston
42. Have your own competition with a date night at Top Golf
Open Daily from 9AM-1AM |Monday- Thursday get 1/2 off play | Reserve ahead for a 2-hour slot or come play by the hour | 5000 Topgolf Way, North Charleston
Festivals Made for Two
Charleston’s fall festival season is legendary. Every weekend brings new celebrations with music, food, beer, BBQ, and cultural events that showcase the best of Lowcountry life. These are perfect for couples who love live entertainment, great food, and mingling in festive outdoor settings.
43. Riverfront Revival
October 10 & 11th | Riverfront Park – 1061 Everglades Dr., North Charleston
Darius Rucker curates this country-meets-Lowcountry music fest on the Cooper River.
44. Charleston Beer Festival
October 25th | 2PM-7PM | Riverfront Park – 1061 Everglades Dr., North Charleston
Sample regional brews and play lawn games at Riverfront Park.
45. Harvest Festival
November 1st |11AM- 5PM |$10 pp |Johns Island County Park – 2662 Mullet Hall Road, Johns Island
Enjoy live bluegrass, hayrides, pumpkin decorating, kids’ crafts, and classic Southern bites. You’ll also find a crafters market and plenty of family-friendly fall fun.
46.Bourbon & Bluegrass at Middleton Place
November 8th |5-8PM |$200 pp | Middelton Place- 43oo Ashley River Rd., Charleston
Bourbon tastings, open-fire oysters, and live music under the stars.
47. Charleston Literary Festival
November 7th-16th | Dock Street Theater -135 Church Street, Charleston
Enjoy different events at this world class literary gathering and event.
48. Oktoberfest at St. Matthews Lutheran Church
October 11th (rain date Oct 18th) |11AM – 6PM |No cost to get in, meal ticket $16 |St. Matthews Lutheran Church – 405 King St., Charleston
This celebration features live music, authentic German fare, a biergarten with local craft brews, a German bakery, and a spirited Kinderzone. Expect German chorales and hymns—plus visits from Mayor William S. Cogswell, Jr., local leaders, and even “Martin Luther.”
49. Oktoberfest in Summerville
October 4th | 12PM-6PM| No Fee to enter, vendors on-site for food and beverage purchase | Hutchinson Square, Summerville
Enjoy traditional German fare, sip chilled Oktoberfest brews, dance to live music, and enjoy family-friendly fun all afternoon.
50. Holy Smokes Festival
November 8th | 11AM-4PM | $95 pp |Riverfront Park – 1061 Everglades Dr., North Charleston
50+ top pitmasters and chefs for a riverside celebration with live music and good vibes. Sample from four barbecue “villages”—Texas, Traditional, New School, and Coastal, featuring whole hog, ribs, Texas-style brisket, and smoked Lowcountry seafood.
51. Charleston Beer Week
October 27th – November 2nd| Various Locations throughout Charleston
Charleston Beer Week is a week-long series of craft-beer events across the Charleston area celebrating the local scene and community. Started as grassroots, volunteer-run effort led by local beer lovers, it’s now organized by Buds & Suds CHS with guidance from longtime leader Chris Winn and draws beer tourists to enjoy the Lowcountry.
52. Food & Wine Classic Charleston
November 14th-16th |Various Locations
The Charleston Food & Wine Classic packs three days of Lowcountry warmth with star chefs, globally acclaimed wines and spirits, and standout local flavors and traditions.
53. Goose Creek Fall Festival
October 4th (rain date October 11th) | 10AM-4PM |Goose Creek City Hall – 519 N Goose Creek Blvd., Goose Creek
Free community festival with live entertainment, arts & crafts, a kids’ zone, food vendors, and safety demos. It supports Helping Hands of Goose Creek, bring canned goods to donate; every two cans earns a raffle ticket for prizes from local businesses.
54. Coastal Carolina Fair
October 30th-November 9th | Ladson Fairgrounds-9850 HWY 78, Ladson
The Coastal Carolina Fair is a beloved annual celebration with thrill rides, live entertainment, creative arts and agricultural exhibits, and all the over-the-top fair food. Run by the Exchange Club of Charleston, it also raises funds for local charities and student scholarships.
Where to Stay in Charleston for a Romantic Fall Getaway
The Spectator Hotel (Downtown/French Quarter)
Why it’s perfect: This boutique gem is the epitome of Charleston luxury and romance. With only 41 rooms, it feels intimate and exclusive. The Art Deco-inspired design, complimentary wine hour, and incredible bar downstairs make it ideal for couples. You’re steps from all the historic sites, King Street shopping, and romantic restaurants.
Best for: Couples wanting walkability + luxury without being overly formal. Fall perk: The rooftop bar scene is finally comfortable after the summer heat breaks.
The Vendue (French Quarter/Waterfront)
Why it’s perfect: The best value-to-location ratio in Charleston. This art hotel sits right on the waterfront with a phenomenal rooftop bar (The Rooftop) that has harbor views. You’re walking distance to everything, the staff is exceptional, and the art gallery vibe adds character without pretension.
Best for: Couples who want location, views, and character at a slightly lower price point than The Spectator. The rooftop is unbeatable for fall sunsets.
Where to Stay in Charleston in a Haunted Hotel
The Meeting Street Inn (Historic District, right by the City Market / French Quarter edge)
The Meeting Street Inn was once the 19th-century home of German immigrant Adolph Tiefenthal, who ran a beer-and-wine saloon and installed rare running water, gained its haunted lore after his sudden death and his widow’s swift remarriage. Reportedly, Adolph “claims” Room 303 with doors that lock and resist opening, while Room 107 hosts a woman believed to be Mrs. Tiefenthal, often seen at the foot of the bed with a translucent lower half.
The Francis Marion Hotel (Historic District, Marion Square / Upper King Street)
Though named for Revolutionary War hero “Swamp Fox” Francis Marion, the hotel’s ghost story centers on Ned Cohen, a young shoe salesman who, after a doomed romance with a Charleston socialite, leaped from a 10th-floor window. Guests and staff report his lingering presence in sudden drafts and self-opening windows, rattling panes and billowing drapes, and occasional sightings of a forlorn young man in the halls.
The Embassy Suites (Marion Square)
Despite its modern name, this Embassy Suites occupies the former Citadel fortress at Marion Square which was once an armory and part of the South Carolina Military College and is often called one of the South’s most haunted hotels. Most reports come from the top floor’s old officers’ quarters, where guests spot cadets and a recurring apparition nicknamed “Half Head,” especially in room M113, which is sometimes kept closed unless the hotel is full.
Temperature in Charleston in the Fall
Generally, in September it is still very hot and humid in September. The temperatures during the day are usually in the mid 80’s, but as we near the end of September, temperatures overnight start to get cooler. September is the heart of hurricane season, so storms, rain, and humidity are not uncommon. As we enter into October, the temperature usually gets more comfortable as the humidity drops. Sometimes you will find days that still get hot, but the nights are very comfortable with the average day temperatures in the high 70’s and overnight lows in the 60’s.
What to Wear in Charleston in the Fall?
Because the temperature can vary during the fall, my recommendation is to wear layers!
For outdoor activities:
Foot ware: Sneaker or walkable boots. I like the On women’s Cloudswift Sneakers and the Lucky Brand ankle boots
Pants: Something breathable. Orvis Women’s Explorer Natural Fit Wide-Leg Pant
Top: Long Sleeve Shirt such as: Automet’s Long Sleeve Shirt or a Long Sleeve Tunic Top
Sweaters: Most of the time in the fall, Charleston does not get cold. If you are visiting, I’d either recommend a sweater, like Arach & Cloz’s wrinkle resistant light sweater or a lightweight jacket such as Columbia Women’s Fast Trek Ii Jacket.
For fancier date nights, or on hotter days/evenings: A fall dress such as OFEEFAN Long Sleeve Dress for Women Crew Neck Empire Waist Tunic Dress with Pockets or, PRETTYGARDEN Women’s Floral Maxi Dress 2025 Fall Long Sleeve V Neck Casual A Line Long Flowy Boho Party Dresses
Anytime you are in Charleston, don’t forget:
Your sunglasses, such as Maui Jim Women’s Honi Polarized Cat Eye Sunglasses, your sunblock, and, especially if you are visiting in August or September, your umbrella or light weight raincoat!
Visiting Charleston in the Fall: FAQ’s
Is Charleston, SC good to visit in the fall?
Yes, fall is a popular time to visit Charleston as the temperatures start to cool off. It is also one of my favorite times of year here because the humidity generally drops, and you don’t have to deal with the pollen that is around in the springtime.
What should couples do in Charleston at night?
Romantic Strolls – Walk the gas-lit streets of the French Quarter, stroll along the Battery at sunset, or wander through Rainbow Row. The historic district is magical after dark.
Rooftop Bars – Sip cocktails with harbor views at The Rooftop at The Vendue or Stars Rooftop. Perfect for watching the city lights come alive.
Ghost Tours – Charleston is one of America’s most haunted cities. Evening ghost tours through historic graveyards and shadowy alleyways blend romance with spine-tingling history.
Fine Dining – Reserve a table at Halls Chophouse (live jazz), FIG (farm-to-table), or Peninsula Grill (courtyard dining and famous coconut cake).
Waterfront Park – Sit on the pier swings by the lit-up Pineapple Fountain, overlooking Charleston Harbor. Free and incredibly romantic.
Live Music & Cocktails – Try The Gin Joint for craft cocktails in a speakeasy setting, or catch live jazz at Mercantile and Mash on King Street.
Carriage Rides – An evening carriage ride through the historic district is touristy but genuinely romantic, with stories of Charleston’s past told by lantern light.
Charleston’s slower pace and historic charm make every evening feel special for couples.
Are there Free things to do in the Fall in Charleston?
Certainly! Walking on any one of our beautiful beaches, strolling around Rainbow Row, walking over the Cooper River bridge, browsing King Street, or the Charleston City Market, and/or the Farmer’s Markets are just a few of the things that come to mind.
For seasonal events, Ghostly Tide Tales which are spooky stories by the sea Isle of Palms, Second Sunday on King, and community outside movies, are all free.
When is the best time to visit Charleston in fall?
October and early November are ideal. September can still be hot and humid with hurricane risk, but by October, temperatures settle into the comfortable 70s with lower humidity. November offers the coolest weather (60s-70s) and is perfect if you prefer fewer crowds, though you’ll miss some early-season festivals.
Do I need a car in Charleston?
Not if you’re staying downtown. The historic district is walkable and rideshares are readily available. However, many fall activities (pumpkin patches, Boone Hall, beaches, festivals) are outside the downtown core, so having a car gives you more flexibility. Consider renting for day trips while relying on walking/rideshare for downtown evenings.
Wrapping Things up: Charleston Fall Date Guide: Romantic Things to Do for Couples
Fall in Charleston offers something rare: a season where absolutely everything clicks into place. The weather cooperates, the city exhales after summer’s tourist rush, and suddenly every street corner, waterfront park, and hidden courtyard feels like it was designed specifically for romance.
Whether you’re planning a long weekend getaway or your locals rediscovering your own backyard, this fall’s lineup proves Charleston knows how to celebrate the season. From sipping wine under ancient oaks at Middleton Place to screaming together on Boone Hall’s haunted hayride, from cheering at a Stingrays game to listening to music under candlelight at the Unitarian Church, these experiences capture what makes the Lowcountry magical.
