Happy Valentine's Day! Whether it's an afternoon stroll through the winding streets and alleyways of historic downtown, a candle-lit dinner at one of Charleston's famed restaurants, or just an evening at home, the Holy City has plenty of Valentine's Day options. Here are a few ideas for how to make this year with your loved one special when you're visiting Charleston.

DAY DATE

What’s more romantic than a walk through the garden? Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is one of the last large-scale Romantic gardens in the United States. That capital-R Romantic technically refers to the way the layout of the garden reflects emotion over reason (see a full description here), but it’s also a great place to bring a date. If you’re in town before the 14th, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is hosting a Valentine’s Wine and Chocolate Walk on February 8th and 9th. Meander your way through the gardens as you try a selection of wine and chocolate pairings.

If you want to visit Magnolia after dark, why not check out the Lights of Magnolia? This Chinese Lantern Festival features 9 acres of larger-than-life pieces of glowing art including lions, tigers, pandas, a representation of the Chinese calendar cycle, and even a dragon! The lights are on until March 15th. For a full list of lantern displays, visit lightsofmagnolia.com.

 

DINNER

Can’t decide between sushi and tacos for dinner? Check out MESU! This eclectic spot on King Street serves up both to perfection. You can try a variety of sashimi with a side of Mexican street corn, then order up a roll or two with a couple of hand-crafted tacos. And don’t forget the cocktails! MESU’s list of libations includes mixes of sake and tequila that will make you wonder where in the world you actually are. Our favorite is the MESU Mule, with yuzu sake, basil-infused tequila, ginger beer, and a hint of lime.

 

SUNSET

Take a sunset walk on one of Charleston’s beaches. Or better yet, book a weekend vacation and watch the sunset over the ocean every night from the comfort of your own vacation rental. Plus, the beaches are less crowded this time of year, so that romantic walk in the moonlight will remain uninterrupted. Check out our Places to Stay page for the best Vacation Rental options based on your specific Valentine’s Day destination: https://charleston.com/places-to-stay-in-charleston-sc/vacation-rentals.

 

Whether you spend the day with your significant other, friends, family, or with number one (Who says you can't treat yourself on Valentine's Day?), Charleston is the best place to show someone you love them. Tag us on Facebook @VisitCharlestonSC and on Instagram @visit_charleston_sc and tell us how you spend your Valentine's Day in Charleston!