There are a million things I love about living on James Island. At the top of my list? The fact that you rarely need to leave! Everything we need is on James Island (minus a Target and Trader Joe’s) — including wonderful date ideas!
Whether you live on James Island or not, here are some of my favorite date ideas on this special little part of Charleston . . .
Date Ideas on James Island
1. Sunday Brunch Farmers Market at Charleston Pour House
The Pour House is actually the perfect date spot at any time of day, but I am particularly fond of Sundays at the Pour House when they hold their Sunday Brunch Farmers Market. They’ve got great vendors, great food, and most of all — GREAT music. Motown Throwdown plays every Sunday and they are just the best. Have a bloody Mary and dance with your date to the music. There’s no way you can sit still to Motown Throwdown!
2. Dinner and a Movie
IMO, The Terrace movie theater is the best movie theater in Charleston. It’s small, romantic, and a time-warp in the absolute best way. Grab dinner at Maybank Public House, Crust, or The James beforehand, and catch a movie at The Terrace afterward. If you’re up for it, grab a nightcap at Paddock and Whiskey before you head home to relieve the babysitter. This is a perfect, classic date that is elevated by the ambiance of The Terrace.
3. Sporty Date at Wild Blue Ropes
If your date gets bored sitting at a restaurant, try climbing together at Wild Blue Ropes! It’s definitely a fun challenge that will bring you two closer together. Grab BBQ at Martin’s afterward if you work up an appetite!
4. Sunset Picnic
If you’re feeling really romantic, I think a sunset picnic at Melton Peter Demetre Park (aka Sunrise Park) would be amazing. Bring a blanket, takeout from CudaCo or Wisconsin Meat and Cheese, maybe a Bluetooth speaker for a little music, a deck of cards, and probably some bug spray, and you’ve got yourself a gorgeous night overlooking the Charleston Harbor.
5. Hit the Links
Golf together at the Muni! Or just head to the driving range. Either way, you’ll get to have a fun date together outside.
6. Historical Date
I think one of the best ways to learn about the true history of Charleston is to take a tour at McCleod Plantation. Grab the first tour slot in the morning and head to a casual (and delish) breakfast at Bagel Nation to talk about what you learned. Bonus points for McCleod: you can get in for free if you have a Charleston County Parks Gold Pass!
7. Fishing at Sol Legare/Battery Island Boat Landing
This idea comes from my husband (no surprise!) — grab Pub subs, pack a cooler, and head to the Sol Legare boat landing to fish off the beautiful new pier.
8. Paddle through the Waterways
Rent kayaks or take a guided tour from Charleston Outdoor Adventures. This part of James Island is endlessly beautiful and dolphin sightings are almost a guarantee.
No matter what you find to do on James Island, you’re going to have a great time with your date! Looking for date ideas in James Island and beyond? Here are 125+ ideas around the Lowcountry!
