9 Free Things to Do in Charleston, SC
Charleston has plenty of things you can do on a budget! Find out the best free things to do in Charleston so you don’t have to spend a cent.
There are lots of interesting sights and hotspots you can visit for free in Charleston, so there’s no need to spend a ton on your vacation!
Check out these top free things to do in Charleston that won’t break the bank.
Fun Free Things to Do in Charleston
1. Pineapple Fountain
The Pineapple Fountain is an iconic Charleston landmark. The pineapple is a symbol of hospitality in Charleston, and this fountain is the perfect place for an Insta-worthy photo on a budget.
2. Charleston Waterfront Park
Charleston Waterfront Park is a lush green space along the Cooper River. There are a variety of tree-covered spots to sit and relax, a waterfront walkway, and scenic views over the water. It’s a great place to watch a sunset or to have a picnic if you’re looking for a romantic activity on a budget. It’s also where you’ll find the iconic Pineapple Fountain.
3. Rainbow Row
Did you even go to Charleston if you didn’t get a picture at Rainbow Row? This row of colorful houses near the waterfront is one of the city’s most photographed spots and is one of the most popular free things to do in Charleston.
4. Charleston City Market
The Charleston City Market has been a public open-air marketplace since 1788. You can stroll through for free and check out local vendors selling their unique crafts, gifts, and goods. This popular Charleston spot is open daily.
5. Folly Beach
Folly Beach is one of the closest beaches to Charleston. You can enjoy a beach day with soft sand and warm Atlantic waves.
Visiting the beach is free, but you’ll likely have to pay for parking. Head toward the west end of the island to Folly Beach County Park where you can find parking for $5 in the off season and $20 in the high season. You may also be able to find free street parking, just be sure to follow the parking rules: All four tires must be off the road, don’t block driveways or fire hydrants, and park with the flow of traffic.
6. Angel Oak Tree
The Angel Oak Tree is a 66.5 foot tall, 28 foot wide, 400-500 year-old Live Oak tree. It’s considered the largest east of the Mississippi and is a magnificent sight to behold. The park is free to visit, but it is highly regulated to prevent vandalism to the tree. You’re allowed to gently touch the tree and walk between the its sprawling branches, many of which touch the ground.
7. Slave Auction Site Memorial
This simple memorial plaque stands next to the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon in commemoration of Charleston’s role in the slave trade. Charleston was a major hub for slave auctions, with the area around the Old Exchange Building being a prominent site for these auctions. The memorial serves as a solemn reminder of the city’s past and the atrocities of slavery.
8. Marion Square
The 6.5 acre Marion Square is a free public park where you’ll find a seasonal farmer’s market with local food and handcrafted items, as well as the Charleston Holocaust Memorial.
9. Charleston Visitor Center
The Charleston Visitor Center is a great place to stop on your first trip to Charleston. The building it’s located in was the old Deans Warehouse for the railroad built between 1840 and 1856. There is information and displays on Charleston’s history, and you can get free maps of the city.
Save on Charleston’s Top Attractions
Want to save big on Charleston’s top attractions? With the Charleston TourPass, you can save up to 40% on 40+ tours and attractions.
Visit bucket list attractions, enjoy top tours, and discover hidden gems handpicked by local experts. With this pass, you’ll have everything you need right on your phone, saving you both time and money.
Charleston Free Things Map
Ready to explore Charleston on a budget? Use the map below to plan out your trip with all these free things to do in Charleston!
I hope this helps you plan a cheap trip to Charleston!
Top Charleston Tours
A guided tour is always a good idea to get to know a new city! Check out these top Charleston tours.
- Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour
- Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour
- Ghosts of Charleston Night-Time Walking Tour with Unitarian Church Graveyard
Where to Stay in Charleston
Find the best place to rest your head in Charleston.
- Where We Stayed in Charleston: Holiday Inn Charleston-Riverview
- Where We Stayed in Folly Beach: Marsh-View Condo
- Top Hotel: French Quarter Inn
- Great Value: Town & Country Inn and Suites
- Unique Stay: John Rutledge House Inn
More Charleston Tips
Check out the posts below to continue planning your Charleston vacation:
- 13 Best Charleston Ghost Tours For a Scary-Good Time
- 14 Romantic Things to Do in Charleston for Couples
- 50+ Fun Things to Do in Charleston at Night
- 10 Amazing Hotels in Charleston, SC
- 10 Best Tours in Charleston, SC
- 16 Best Restaurants in Charleston, SC
- 11 Best Bars in Charleston, SC
- Your Perfect Charleston Bachelorette Party Itinerary
- 37 Best Things to Do in Charleston, SC
- 7 Days in Charleston: Perfect 1 Week Charleston Itinerary
- 14 Tips for Your First Trip to Charleston, SC
- 14 Best Summer Vacation Spots in the South
- The Best Winter Vacations in the South
Ready to visit Charleston, South Carolina? Plan your trip with these tips.
- Book your flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
- Find accommodation: You can find top hotels in Charleston using Booking.com or vacation rentals near Charleston using VRBO.
- Get packing: Make sure you’ve packed everything you need with my packing list resources.
Cheers!
Paige
What are your favorite free things to do in Charleston on a budget? Let me know in the comments!
