From Charleston charm to Myrtle Beach ease, these day trips and local experiences are sure to impress Mom
Skip the flowers this year and give Mom something truly unforgettable: a day filled with charm, sunshine, and memory-making moments along the Carolina coast. Whether you venture to Charleston for its timeless elegance or stay local with a relaxed beachside day in Myrtle Beach, these experiences promise to make her feel cherished—and maybe even a little spoiled.
Day Trip to Charleston
If Mom loves history, beauty, and strolling cobblestone streets, a Charleston day trip is the perfect fit. From pastel mansions to bustling markets, it’s the kind of place where every corner tells a story—and Mother’s Day becomes part of it.
For the Water-Loving Mothers
Schooner Pride and Charleston Harbor Events and Tours
Treat her to a breezy, scenic cruise aboard the Schooner Pride for a sunset sail she’ll be talking about all summer. Views of Fort Sumter and the USS Yorktown, a chance to spot dolphins, and the gentle sway of the water make for a dreamy experience. Bonus: discounted season passes and promo codes make it easy to gift or go again.
For the Animal Loving Mom
South Carolina Aquarium
For the mom who lights up around animals, the South Carolina Aquarium offers an immersive peek into the state’s rich marine ecosystems. From the tranquil Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery to the jaw-dropping Great Ocean Tank, it’s a day filled with wonder—and some serious “wow” moments.
For the Mom with a Sweet Tooth
Carmella’s Cafe and Dessert Bar
Whether she’s team tiramisu or a cake lover through and through, Carmella’s delivers. Think house-made gelato, decadent layer cakes, and a cocktail list that’s as tempting as the dessert menu. Open late and always lively, it’s a sweet ending—or beginning—to your Charleston adventure.
For the Moms Who Want a Parisian Escape
Felix Cocktails et Cuisine
Step into Paris, Charleston-style, at Felix. This stylish French-inspired bistro serves refined small plates and top-tier cocktails in an effortlessly elegant space. It’s the perfect pick for moms who love a little luxury with their rosé.
Stay Local in Myrtle Beach
No need to travel far to give Mom a standout day. Myrtle Beach is brimming with relaxed, joyful experiences, from oceanfront brunch to feel-good yoga. Sunshine, smiles, and just enough indulgence make this a stay-local kind of celebratio
For the Moms Who Love a Good Brunch
Drift – A Coastal Eatery
If brunch is her love language, Drift delivers. With dishes like the Lobster Omelet and Chocolate Stuffed Belgian Waffle, plus a focus on local ingredients and bright flavors, it’s the ideal blend of elevated and easygoing.
Trade the Bouquet for a Buzz
Brookgreen Gardens’ Wine Festival Is the Only Bouquet She Needs
Why settle for flowers in a vase when you can give her flowers and fermented grapes in a glass? Brookgreen Gardens is throwing its 5th Annual Spring Wine Festival on May 10 and it’s basically Mother’s Day perfection. We’re talking wine tastings, live music, and ancient live oaks serving major romance-core.
Mom Called—She Wants a Shopping Spree
Myrtle Beach Is Her Runway Now
Forget breakfast in bed. Give her the thrill of a new handbag. Myrtle Beach’s retail scene? Iconic. Take her to The Market Common for charm, Barefoot Landing for the views, and Tanger Outlets for designer deals without the drama. Whether she’s into quirky boutiques or power-shopping for home decor, this is therapy that doesn’t require a co-pay.
