FREE THINGS TO DO IN CHARLESTON

  • 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. Angel Oak Tree – The Angel Oak Park is located on Johns Island where you can find what is known as “A Lowcountry Treasure”. The Southern Live Oak tree is a historical site and focal point of one of the City of Charleston’s public parks. It is considered to be the largest Live Oak Tree east of the Mississippi estimating to be 300 to 400 years old.
  • 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. 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! 
  • 11. 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. 
  • 12. 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.
  • 13. 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.
  • 14. Fort Moultrie – Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island offers a deep dive into military history from the American Revolution through World War II.
  • 15. 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.
  • 16. 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.
  • 17. Magnolia Cemetery – Magnolia Cemetery is the oldest public cemetery in Charleston, home to famous graves and beautifully haunting landscapes. 
  • 18. 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.
  • 19. 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. 
  • 20. Avery Research Center – Explore African-American history and culture in Charleston at the Avery Research Center, located at the College of Charleston.
  • 21. Citadel Dress Parades – Watch the cadets at The Citadel conduct a dress parade, a proud and historic tradition in Charleston.
  • 22. 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.
  • 23. 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.
  • 24. Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art – This contemporary art institute showcases emerging artists and offers free exhibitions open to the public.
  • 25. 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.
  • 26. Hampton Park – One of Charleston’s largest parks, Hampton Park boasts extensive floral displays, walking trails, and a serene atmosphere.
  • 27. Folly Beach – Experience the laid-back vibe of Folly Beach, a local favorite known for its surf shops, beach rentals, and restaurants. 
  • 28. Riverfront Park in North Charleston – Enjoy river views, sculptures, and memorials at Riverfront Park, a scenic green space along the Cooper River.
  • 29. 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. 
  • 30. Shem Creek Park – Stroll along the boardwalk at Shem Creek Park, a scenic spot for watching boats and enjoying waterfront views.
  • 31. North Charleston Fire Museum – Visit the North Charleston Fire Museum, home to the largest collection of restored American LaFrance fire apparatus in the country.

BEST NON-FREE THINGS TO DO IN CHARLESTON

  • 1 – Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour – Experience more than 300 years of history on this guided carriage tour of Charleston. See the many mansions, churches, and gardens as your horse-drawn carriage tour covers more than 2.5 miles and 30 blocks of historic Charleston. Belgian and Percheron draft horses will you lead you through the streets while you learn about this “Holy City” and its role in the Civil War. Follow a scenic route through 30 blocks of Charleston’s historic district. See grand antebellum homes and hear about their former owners. Great photo ops of gardens with beautiful wrought iron gates. Belgian and Percheron draft horses lead your carriage through the streets.
  • 2 – Haunted Evening Horse and Carriage Tour of Charleston – Get all the thrills of a Charleston ghost tour without any walking on this haunted horse and carriage ride. A horse and carriage takes you down twisting side streets and cobbled alleyways with ease as your guide shares spooky stories from Charleston’s past. Make your way past the Mills House, the Circular Congregational Graveyard, and and Provost Dungeon in the heart of the Holy City.
  • 3 – Charleston Harbor Luxury Dinner Cruise with Live Music – Take in views of some of Charleston’s top historic sights from a unique perspective with this panoramic dinner cruise through Charleston Harbor. Enjoy a three-course dinner and full-service bar as you cruise past Fort Sumter, the Battery, and Ravenel Bridge. Capture spectacular harbor views, watch the sunset (for summer cruises), and relax to live musical entertainment on board.
  • 4 – Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise – See the Charleston Harbor by boat with a leisurely sightseeing tour along the Cooper River to Fort Sumter National Monument. This fully-narrated tour focuses on Charleston, South Carolina history from Civil War sites to antebellum houses and landmarks, passes under Cooper River bridges, and explores a waterfront that’s home to bottlenose dolphins and pelicans.
  • 5 – Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry – Visit the site where the American Civil War began without the hassle of arranging transportation or waiting in line for tickets with this Fort Sumter experience that includes admission tickets and round-trip ferry transport. Take in views of Rainbow Row and the Battery as you cruise through Charleston Harbor, then enjoy an hour at the fort to explore the historic fort and its museum before the return ferry ride.
  • 6 – Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour – Travel back in time to discover one of America’s most historic cities—Charleston, South Carolina—on this guided walking tour. Visit points of interest including Charleston City Hall; the Dock Street Theatre, America’s first theatre; the Old Exchange Building, South Carolina’s most historic building; White Point Garden, in the heart of Charleston’s historic district with a spectacular view of Fort Sumter, and many more.
  • 7 – Charleston’s Historic Downtown Food Tour – Pair compelling captures with mouthwatering treats on this foodie walking tour of Charleston’s historic district, which includes sit-down stops at some of the city’s top restaurants. Skip past the lines with VIP access and savor enough samples to make up a full lunch. You’ll also learn about everything from African and French influences on the city’s cuisine to how pirates affected Charlestonians’ diet.
  • 8 – 90-Minute Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour – Travel back in time to discover one of America’s most historic cities—Charleston, South Carolina—on this guided sightseeing tour. Visit a plethora landmarks including Rainbow Row, the longest cluster of Georgian row houses in the United States; the Old Exchange Building, South Carolina’s most historic building; White Point Garden, in the heart of Charleston’s historic district, with a spectacular view of Fort Sumter and many more. Upgrade option available to include a tour of the famous Joseph Manigault House, one of Charleston’s most exquisite antebellum structures or the Charleston Museum.
  • 9 – Ghosts of Charleston Night-Time Walking Tour with Unitarian Church Graveyard – Uncover Charleston’s darkest secrets on an evening ghost tour. Stroll through the atmospheric heart of the old city while a guide regales you with tales of the dark deeds, restless spirits, and supernatural phenomena that make Charleston one of the most haunted cities in America. Get exclusive after-hour access to the famous Unitarian Church Graveyard, where an overgrown southern garden surrounds historic plots. If you choose, you can book a shorter tour with just access to the Unitarian Church Graveyard.
  • 10 – Charleston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours – Skip the tourist traps and lose yourself in the flavors of true Charleston cuisine. Taste local delicacies like classic Carolina-style BBQ, historic She-Crab soup, and famous fried green tomatoes and, as with all of our tours, you’ll also indulge in our decadent Secret Dish, which just might make you leave singing a happy song! Your local guide will steer you toward the very best spots to enjoy these classic Southern dishes.
  • 11 – Downtown Charleston Food Tour – Bring your appetite for this tasty walking tour of downtown Charleston. You’ll spend a few hours of mouthwatering fun touring the culinary side of the Holy City, learning about the history of the city as you dine at four local restaurants. Explore the French Quarter and the Market while tasting traditional and contemporary Lowcountry cuisine.
  • 12 – Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket – Boone Hall Plantation has had a long and fascinating history since its founding near Charleston in 1681. Learn about the estate and its place in South Carolina history by visiting the plantation with an all-access admission ticket. Nine original cabins where enslaved people lived, coupled with the Black History in America exhibit, demonstrate what life was like for many people at the plantation.
  • 13 – South Carolina Aquarium – Connect with thousands of animals and explore the Sea Turtle Care Center™ at the South Carolina Aquarium daily 9am-5pm in downtown Charleston.
  • 14. Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston – Embark on a horse-drawn carriage tour through historic Charleston, the heart of one of America’s most charming cities. On this sightseeing tour, ride along cobblestone streets as you take in the stunning antebellum architecture, historic landmarks, and lush gardens. Your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating stories about Charleston’s rich history, Southern culture, and vibrant past. This Charleston carriage ride is the perfect way to experience the city’s unique charm.
  • 15. Magnolia Plantation Admission & Tour with Transportation from Charleston – Pickup and drop-off from downtown Charleston, South Carolina make it easy to tour Magnolia Plantation, one of the oldest plantations in the South. This 4-in-1 tour includes a narrated drive out to the plantation, a walking tour of the garden, tram tour through the property, and tour of the house itself, providing incredible value.

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS IN CHARLESTON

SEAFOOD

STEAK

LOWCOUNTRY/SOUTHERN FOOD

BBQ

BARS NEAR THE CRUISE PORT

  • *NOT DOWNTOWN, BUT I HIGHLY RECOMMEND SHEM CREEK IN MOUNT PLEASANT IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A SPOT TO HANG OUT. Shem Creek is a creek in South Carolina that runs through the city of Charleston and the Town of Mount Pleasant and empties into Charleston Harbor. It’s a popular destination for dining, drinking, and recreational activities.

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OTHER GREAT BARS IN CHARLESTON