Nashville vs Charleston for Team Offsites: Which is Better? (2026)

Did you know that 70% of employees feel more engaged after a well-planned offsite? Yet, choosing the right location can be a daunting task for Chiefs of Staff and HR leaders. Nashville and Charleston both offer unique experiences for corporate retreats, but which city should you choose for your next team offsite? Let’s break down the details to help you make an informed decision in 2026.

Overview: Why Choose Nashville or Charleston?

Nashville: The Music City

• Best Seasons: Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) for mild weather and vibrant festivals.
• Getting There: Nashville International Airport (BNA) is just 15 minutes from downtown, with numerous direct flights.

Charleston: The Historic Gem

• Best Seasons: Late Spring (April-June) and Early Fall (September-October) for pleasant temperatures.
• Getting There: Charleston International Airport (CHS) is about 20 minutes from the city center, with ample direct flight options.

Venue Comparison Table

| Venue Name | Location | Capacity Range | Price/Person/Night | Best For | Standout Feature | F&B Included | |-----------------------------|--------------------|----------------|---------------------|---------------------|--------------------------------|--------------| | The Omni Nashville Hotel | Nashville, TN | 200-800 | $200-300 | Large Teams | Rooftop pool | Yes | | The Westin Nashville | Nashville, TN | 50-500 | $175-250 | Mid-Size Teams | Live music in lobby | Yes | | The Graduate Hotel | Nashville, TN | 20-200 | $150-220 | Small Groups | Vintage college theme | Yes | | The Dewberry | Charleston, SC | 50-300 | $250-350 | Luxury Retreats | Rooftop bar with skyline views | Yes | | Charleston Place | Charleston, SC | 100-600 | $200-300 | Elegant Gatherings | Historic architecture | Yes | | The Indigo Inn | Charleston, SC | 10-80 | $100-150 | Intimate Meetings | Cozy, home-like feel | No | | The Marriott Nashville | Nashville, TN | 100-400 | $150-200 | Corporate Events | Modern amenities | Yes | | The Francis Marion Hotel | Charleston, SC | 50-400 | $175-275 | Versatile Spaces | Central location | Yes |

Best Venues for Different Group Sizes

Best for Small Teams (10-50)

• The Indigo Inn (Charleston, SC) - $100-150/person, cozy atmosphere.
• The Graduate Hotel (Nashville, TN) - $150-220/person, vintage charm.

Best for Mid-Size Teams (50-200)

• The Westin Nashville (Nashville, TN) - $175-250/person, great location.
• The Dewberry (Charleston, SC) - $250-350/person, upscale experience.

Best for Large Teams (200+)

• The Omni Nashville Hotel (Nashville, TN) - $200-300/person, extensive facilities.
• Charleston Place (Charleston, SC) - $200-300/person, historic elegance.

Activity Recommendations

Nashville Activities

1. Live Music Tour

   • Time Needed: 3 hours
   • Group Size: Up to 30
   • Cost: $75/person
   • Energy Level: High
   • Skip If: Your team prefers quiet environments.

2. Nashville Scavenger Hunt

   • Time Needed: 2 hours
   • Group Size: 10-50
   • Cost: $50/person
   • Energy Level: Medium
   • Skip If: Your team dislikes competition.

Charleston Activities

1. Historic Walking Tour

   • Time Needed: 2 hours
   • Group Size: Up to 40
   • Cost: $30/person
   • Energy Level: Low
   • Skip If: Your team prefers active engagements.

2. Cooking Class

   • Time Needed: 3 hours
   • Group Size: 10-20
   • Cost: $100/person
   • Energy Level: Medium
   • Skip If: Your team has dietary restrictions.

Sample 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Welcome

• Afternoon: Check-in at venue
• Evening: Welcome dinner at venue restaurant

Day 2: Team Building and Activities

• Morning: Breakfast and team-building workshop
• Afternoon: Choose between a live music tour or historic walking tour
• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant

Day 3: Wrap-Up and Departure

• Morning: Breakfast and feedback session
• Afternoon: Check-out and return travel

Budget Breakdown for a 20-Person Team

• Venue Costs (40%): $4,000
• F&B (25%): $2,500
• Activities (15%): $1,500
• Travel (15%): $1,500
• Contingency (5%): $500
• Total: $10,000 ($500/person)

Conclusion

Both Nashville and Charleston offer unique advantages for team offsites. Nashville excels with its lively music scene and modern venues, while Charleston boasts rich history and charm. Consider your team's needs, budget, and preferred activities when making your choice.

Action Items:

1. Decide on the city based on your team's interests.
2. Select a venue and book it 4+ months in advance.
3. Plan activities that align with your team's energy levels and preferences.