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35 Free Things to Do in Charleston SC

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Top Attractions in Charleston SC: Discover 35 Must-See Spots

Whether you’re passionate about history, nature, architecture, dining, or shopping, there are endless attractions in Charleston SC that cater to every interest. The best part? Many of these attractions in Charleston SC won’t break the bank. We’ve curated a list of 35 free or budget-friendly things to do in Charleston, ensuring you enjoy the best of the city’s charm without stretching your budget.

For even more savings on top attractions in Charleston SC, check out our free coupons page and our events page, packed with the latest things to do.

1. Waterfront Park

One of the most beloved attractions in Charleston SC, Waterfront Park is perfect for a relaxing stroll. Dip your toes in the Pineapple Fountain or enjoy the views of Charleston Harbor from the bench swings.

2. Rainbow Row

Rainbow Row is one of the most photographed attractions in Charleston SC. This iconic stretch of 13 colorful historic homes along East Bay Street is a must-see for any visitor.

3. Mace Brown Museum of Natural History

Explore over 3,000 fossil specimens, including dinosaurs and Pleistocene mammals, at this fascinating museum located at the College of Charleston.

4. Walk the Battery

The Battery, one of the top attractions in Charleston SC, offers stunning views of historic homes and Charleston Harbor. Stroll through nearby White Point Garden for a taste of Charleston’s rich past.

5. Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge

This architectural marvel features Wonders’ Way, a pedestrian and bike path offering breathtaking views of the Cooper River and Charleston Harbor.

6. South Carolina’s Palmetto Trail

Hike the Awendaw Passage of the Palmetto Trail, a beautiful 7-mile stretch through the Francis Marion Forest, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

7. Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site

Step back in time at this well-preserved archaeological site that showcases the early history of colonial South Carolina. Admission is just $2 for adults, and kids 15 and under are free.

8. Art Walks

Discover Charleston’s thriving art scene through free gallery walks, showcasing paintings, sculptures, and photography from local and national artists.

9. Farmers Markets

Experience the vibrant local culture at the Charleston Farmers Market in Marion Square. Open on Saturdays from April through November, it’s a lively spot for fresh produce, crafts, and live entertainment.

10. Angel Oak Tree

Marvel at the ancient Angel Oak Tree, one of the oldest living attractions in Charleston SC. Its canopy spans over 17,000 square feet, making it a true natural wonder.

11. Palmetto Carriage “Big Red Barn”

Visit the animals at the Palmetto Carriage Works Big Red Barn, a charming stop for animal lovers and kids. You can explore the barn for free! Visit website

12. Deep Water Vineyards

Discover Charleston’s only vineyard on Wadmalaw Island. Enjoy a wine tasting of local muscadine wines for just $5, which includes a souvenir glass. Visit Website

13. Charleston’s Historic City Hall

Visit Charleston’s historic City Hall, a beautiful building dating back to the early 1800s, located near the scenic Washington Square Park.

14. Charleston County Parks

Explore the numerous parks in the Charleston County Parks system, each offering unique amenities, from beach access and bike paths to dog parks and waterparks.

15. Fort Moultrie

Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island offers a deep dive into military history from the American Revolution through World War II.

16. Charles Pinckney National Historic Site

Learn about the life and legacy of Charles Pinckney, a founding father and signer of the U.S. Constitution, at this historic plantation site.

17. Town of Summerville

Stroll through the charming town of Summerville, known for its boutiques, art galleries, and the historic Guerin’s Pharmacy.

18. Charleston City Market

Explore the Charleston City Market, one of the oldest public markets in the U.S., showcasing local crafts, sweetgrass baskets, and artwork.

19. Magnolia Cemetery

Magnolia Cemetery is the oldest public cemetery in Charleston, home to famous graves and beautifully haunting landscapes. Take a tour of this place

20. Circular Congregational Church Cemetery

Visit one of the oldest burial grounds in Charleston, with graves dating back to 1695, offering a glimpse into the city’s early history.

21. Charleston Tea Plantation

Home to America’s only tea garden, the Charleston Tea Plantation offers free factory tours and a unique look at the tea-making process. Visit Website

22. Avery Research Center

Explore African-American history and culture in Charleston at the Avery Research Center, located at the College of Charleston.

23. Citadel Dress Parades

Watch the cadets at The Citadel conduct a dress parade, a proud and historic tradition in Charleston.

24. Memorial Waterfront Park

Located in Mount Pleasant, this scenic park features a pier, playground, and stunning sunset views, making it a favorite among attractions in Charleston SC.

25. Morris Island Lighthouse

View the historic Morris Island Lighthouse, built in 1876 and located off the coast of Folly Beach—a stunning spot for photos.

26. Discounted Charleston Tours

Save on popular tours and attractions in Charleston SC by utilizing our coupons through our site with exclusive discounts and coupons. View coupon page

In addition, you could purchase a Charleston TourPass which includes all of the top tours and attractions and save up to 40% on retail ticket prices.

27. Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art

This contemporary art institute showcases emerging artists and offers free exhibitions open to the public.

28. Pitt Street Bridge

Explore Pickett Park on the Pitt Street Bridge, offering views of the Charleston skyline and wildlife, perfect for a peaceful walk or bike ride.

29. Hampton Park

One of Charleston’s largest parks, Hampton Park boasts extensive floral displays, walking trails, and a serene atmosphere.

30. Folly Beach

Experience the laid-back vibe of Folly Beach, a local favorite known for its surf shops, beach rentals, and restaurants. View our beaches article

31. Riverfront Park in North Charleston

Enjoy river views, sculptures, and memorials at Riverfront Park, a scenic green space along the Cooper River.

32. Sullivan’s Island

A quiet retreat with unspoiled beaches, Sullivan’s Island is perfect for a day trip to enjoy the sand, surf, and charming local eateries. View our beaches article

33. Shem Creek Park

Stroll along the boardwalk at Shem Creek Park, a scenic spot for watching boats and enjoying waterfront views.

34. West Ashley Greenway

Hike or bike the West Ashley Greenway, a 10.5-mile trail offering scenic views of marshes, parks, and neighborhoods.

35. North Charleston Fire Museum

Visit the North Charleston Fire Museum, home to the largest collection of restored American LaFrance fire apparatus in the country. Visit website

 

Charleston Tour Pass

Visiting Charleston Just Got Way Easier!

TourPass includes all the top tours and attractions & historic sites. Save up to 40% or more on admissions + skip the lines

Visit TourPass

Charleston FAQ's

Choosing a hotel and where to stay in Charleston all depends on your budget and goals. Do you want to stay Downtown, at the beach or in the outer areas such as North Charleston where you have to drive to get everywhere? For more help on deciding: https://travelerofcharleston.com/articles/hotels/

Charleston has 3 main public beaches which are: Folly, Isle of Palms and Sullivans. Each beach has it’s own atmosphere. The most common beach that people visit is Folly Beach and then Isle of Palms followed by Sullivans Island. For more info on Charleston’s beaches visit: https://travelerofcharleston.com/guide-charlestons-beaches/

Charleston, SC is full of historical things to do. Everything from museums, to public sites and free landmark sites such as Rainbow Row and the Battery can be seen. For more info on Charleston’s top historical sites visit: https://travelerofcharleston.com/places-to-learn-about-charleston-sc-history/

There are many things that will keep the kids and family entertained and educated in Charleston. There are historic sites such as Fort Sumter, a Children’s Museum, Aquarium and the USS Yorktown…a WWII era aircraft carrier you can tour. For more info visit: https://travelerofcharleston.com/charleston-family-fun-activities/

There’s so many  things you could do in Charleston it can be overwhelming. We recommend that first time visitors, checkout the ultimate first-time visitor guide here: https://travelerofcharleston.com/charleston-first-time-visitors-guide/

Spring in Charleston, SC is an amazing time of year to visit. The flowers are blooming and the weather is mild and sunny. For more info, check-out our spring guide to Charleston here: https://travelerofcharleston.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-springtime-in-charleston/

Summer in Charleston is a great time to visit. There’s plenty of things to keep you busy and visiting the beach will probably….or should be on your short-list. Also water-based activities and tours are popular. Checkout this summer guide to Charleston for more info: 

Our 10 Favorite Summer Activities in Charleston

Fall is one of the best times to visit. The weather cools down a bit and the skies are typically blue and clear. In addition there are many great events, festivals and the large crowds of summer have gone back to school or work. For more info on visiting in the fall, checkout this article: https://travelerofcharleston.com/charleston-12-things-to-do-fall/

There are so many great things to do that it’s difficult to narrow the list down. This article does a great job with figuring out the must do things to do in Charleston

7 Can’t Miss Reasons to Visit Charleston, SC Now

The consensus is a minimum of 3-days is needed to settle in and experience Charleston. For instance, many people take 2 days exploring downtown and another day visiting sites outside of downtown such as the plantations, Angel Oak Tree or beaches. Checkout this page for a list of tours and attractions: 

Charleston’s Top Tours & Attractions | Things to do

Downtown Charleston was made for walking and for sure one of the best way to soak up and experience the history first-hand. This article goes over getting around Charleston with and without a car as well: 

Getting Around Charleston, SC

We’re of course partial to Charleston, but here’s the truth. There are many similarities however there are some differences in our opinion: 

  • Both cities are historic and beautiful. 
  • Both cities are extremely walkable. Savannah, with it’s park-like squares maybe more walkable than Charleston. 
  • Charleston has a more established and food scene with many more options. 
  • Charleston has better hotels and shopping.
  • Both cities have equally good tours.
  • Charleston has better beach options. Savannah has Tybee which is great, however it’s 1 beach vibe versus Charleston which has 3 beaches with different vibes. Checkout this Charleston beach guide article: https://travelerofcharleston.com/guide-charlestons-beaches/
  • In Savannah you can walk with alcoholic beverages on the street. This is not allowed in Charleston. This can be good or bad depending on your stance. 
  • Savannah is more affordable.
  • TourPass offers all-inclusive passes in both cities: https://tourpass.com

There are always great and world-class events happening in Charleston. For a calendar of events and things to do in Charleston, checkout our online calendar of events: https://travelerofcharleston.com/events/

Of course there are free money-saving coupons that you can use. Visit the coupons page for a bunch of ways to save: https://travelerofcharleston.com/coupon/

Charleston has some fantastic can’t miss tours such as Fort Sumter, carriage, ghost, harbor, historic and culinary tours. For a full list with more info visit: https://travelerofcharleston.com/attractions/

Checkout the Charleston Relocation Guide page which will guide you during your move: https://travelerofcharleston.com/charleston-sc-relocation-guide/

Additional Places to Explore

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