Three Perfect Weekend Getaways in the South

Experience the Lowcountry charm of Kiawah Island, Charleston, and Sea Island.

As much of the country is now collectively mourning another summer’s end, those in South Carolina and Georgia’s Lowcountry are gearing up to celebrate the best days of the year. Here, Indian summers are par for the course, usually lasting well into October — even November, if you’re lucky. That’s why travelers in the know will tell you that fall and winter are the best seasons to visit the South. The sweltering temperatures have dropped, the humidity has nearly disappeared, and the afternoon light is more beautiful than ever. In other words, now is the time for a long weekend getaway!

Woman standing on a sandy path holding a blue surfboard, looking out over the ocean at sunrise on Kiawah Island. — The tranquil ocean of late summer is perfect for any water sports lovers

Close-up of three cinnamon sugar donuts at Millers filled with creamy chocolate filling, one donut with a bite taken out. — At Millers the motto is that the best days start — or end — with a great breakfast and a great cocktail

Charleston, S.C.

The Vibe: Charm meets chic. South Carolina’s oldest city is known for antebellum architecture and grand oak trees draped in Spanish moss, but a contemporary thread of culture and creativity is now making fresh waves throughout the Holy City.

The Culinary Scene: Charleston is celebrated for some of the best authentic Southern fare in the country, so be sure to sample fried green tomatoes (Magnolia’s), shrimp and grits (Husk), and biscuits (Millers All Day, Handy & Hot). Don’t leave town without ordering fresh, local oysters (The Ordinary is a must), while new luxury steakhouse Marbled & Fin is the talk of the town, as is FIG, a longtime favorite for fresh, fine dining.

Interior of The Ordinary, a Southern seafood hall and oyster bar, featuring a tiled counter, hanging lights, and a display of fresh oysters. — The Ordinary is a Southern seafood hall and oyster bar

Glass of rosé wine on a marble table next to a vibrant salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, and cheese, with The Ordinary's menu in the background. — The menu celebrates the “merroir” of the Coastal Carolinas and the East Coast

The Stay: New to The Club, 71 Wentworth is a historic building situated at the bustling corner of Wentworth and King Streets. Featuring soaring arched windows and exposed antique brick, the stylish three-bedroom residences blend modern luxury with timeless appeal.

On the Calendar: A few not-to-be-missed events include the Food&Wine Classic on September 27 – 29; Riverfront Revival concert on October 11 – 12; Celebrating the 1858 Prize for Contemporary Southern Art exhibition at the Gibbes Museum of Art from October 11 – January 12, and the annual Turkey Day Run taking place November 28.

Kiawah Island, S.C.

The Vibe: Like a year-round camp for all ages, the 10-mile barrier island, which sits just 25 miles south of Charleston, offers something for everyone: nature watching (sea turtles, dolphins, bald eagles) and boating on water as smooth as glass, plus five golf courses, a world-class spa, and more than a dozen restaurants and bars.

The Culinary Scene: At the Sanctuary Hotel, Jasmine Porch serves some of the South’s most sought-after shrimp and grits. The hotel is also home to the Ryder Cup Bar, another spot for Southern favorites, served with views of the award-winning 18-hole Ocean Course. And for extra-fine fine dining, The Ocean Room is the island’s premier steakhouse.

Chef carefully plating a dish with fresh greens and vegetables in a professional kitchen. — Experience true Southern Hospitality through the area's famous cuisine

Top-down view of a Southern breakfast spread featuring shrimp and grits, freshly baked biscuits, oranges, and glasses of orange juice. — Jasmine Porch has been named “Best Downhome Cookery” by the prestigious Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report

On the Calendar: Fall is a glorious time for Wildlife in the Wetlands bike tours, dolphin tours, and fishing charters. There’s also Pickleball Weekends throughout September and October, as well as Instructional Tennis Weekends through November.

Sea Island, Georgia

The Vibe: A celebrated gathering place since 1928, Sea Island is all about peaceful beaches and Lowcountry tradition and charm. Part of the Golden Isles of Georgia, the private resort island makes for luxuriously easy multi-generational travel with everything from horseback riding to marksmanship to good, old-fashioned Bingo night. Be sure not to miss the daily sunset bagpipe serenade, a local tradition for more than 20 years.

The Culinary Scene: A perfect Sea Island evening? Sipping G&Ts on your private porch before sushi and cocktails at the lounge in the Georgian Rooms, a Forbes Five Star restaurant and one of The Cloisters’ three signature restaurants. The River Bar & Lounge is modern, fun, and easy with brasserie-style dishes, while Tavola features authentic rustic Italian food in a cozy setting.

The Stay: Choose from 13 luxurious Residences at The Cloister, each one with spacious floor plans featuring four bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, a grand dining porch, and enclosed patio.

On the Calendar: Sea Island takes leisure seriously. For nature lovers, try a family fishing trip, hawk walk, salt marsh and dolphin tour, or horseback riding on the beach. Feeling sporty? The island is designed with three championship golf courses (plus top instructors, practice greens, plus and a state-of-the-art Performance Center), as well as lessons and classes galore in tennis, pickleball, stand-up paddleboarding, yoga, and Pilates. As for relaxation and self-care, the Spa at Sea Island is an award-winning, 65,000-square-foot haven of bliss.