Top Free Things to Do in Charleston, South Carolina
Charming Charleston makes you feel like you stepped back in time with its striking architecture and easy-going rhythm. However, this modern city’s incredible cuisine reflects the diversity of its population, as does its cultural scene.
This historic port offers incredible beaches, markets, and historical sites with many free to visit. This guide outlines the best free things to do in Charleston, ensuring that your next vacation does not bust your budget.
1. Angel Oak Tree
One of Charleston’s most popular attractions is also one of its most unique. Located on Johns Island, around 11 miles outside of the city, this southern live oak tree is said to be 1500 years old. Regardless of its exact age, it’s one of the oldest living organisms east of the Mississippi, standing 66.5 ft tall and measuring 28 ft around. Its thick branches shoot off in all directions, often twisting to the ground and back up. There’s no admission for the Angel Oak Tree. Climbing is not permitted.
2. Charleston City Market
Attracting browsers and buyers since 1804, the Charleston City Market bustles with more than 300 vendors offering everything from sweetgrass baskets to piping-hot biscuits. Running for four blocks, this vibrant, open-air market is one of the oldest in the USA, providing an authentic feel of the city.
Though some may feel it’s a bit commercial, interesting finds and locally-made products are available. Look for items marked with a ‘Certified Authentic Handmade in Charleston’ seal. The night market showcases works from over 100 local artists and craftspeople.
3. Folly Beach
There are a dozen islands within an hour’s drive of Charleston, many offering great beaches. Day-trippers often choose Sullivan’s Island or the Isle of Palms; however, Folly Beach is a popular choice among beach lovers, featuring white sand and gnarly waves just nine miles from the city.
4. Rainbow Row
With its 13 candy-colored houses, this stretch of Georgian row houses on lower E Bay St is one of the most photographed areas in Charleston. Dating back to 1730, these buildings originally served as merchant stores on the wharf and were restored and painted in pastels from the 1920s onward, inspiring a vibrant aesthetic throughout the city.
5. Gateway Walk
Created in 1930 to celebrate Charleston’s 250th anniversary, the Gateway Walk is a natural path that winds through several church grounds and overgrown graveyards between St John’s Lutheran Church and St Philip’s Church. Best visited in spring for wildflowers, this beloved local route feels like a hidden gem all year round.
6. Charleston Tea Garden
A 35-minute drive from the city on Wadmalaw Island, the Charleston Tea Garden is America’s only large-scale tea plantation. Founded in 1963 by William Barclay Hall, who was trained in London, this plantation produces tea from 100% American-grown leaves. The garden features free factory tours and tastings, while trolley tours are available for a fee.
7. Arthur Ravenel Jr Bridge
This 471-meter-long cable-stayed bridge across the Cooper River is one of the city’s most impressive structures. Named after the politician who pushed for its construction, the bridge cost an eye-watering US$531 million. The drive across it is spectacular, but walking or cycling along its pedestrian walkway is the best way to appreciate its design — although April’s annual Cooper River Bridge Run may make this tricky.
8. College of Charleston
Renowned for its lush landscaping, which includes live oaks draped in Spanish moss, as well as its historic mansions, the College of Charleston campus is often considered America’s most beautiful. Located in the heart of downtown Charleston, visitors can explore South Carolina’s oldest university without any cost, enjoying both self-guided and student-led tours.
9. The Battery and White Point Garden
For a walk steeped in history, head to The Battery and White Point Garden at the southern tip of the Charleston Peninsula. This area is rich in historical significance, featuring cannons and statues amid gardens that link to the region’s storied past, including views of Fort Sumter, where the American Civil War began.
10. Farmers Market
Each Saturday, Charleston’s fantastic farmers market showcases local produce, homemade foods, and artisanal drinks. For budget travelers, the market offers fantastic art and free entertainment, making it a great place to connect with locals.
11. ArtWalk
On the first Friday of every month, over 40 galleries in Downtown Charleston open their doors for free, hosting events and special programs featuring a variety of artistic styles from regional and national artists. The Charleston Gallery Association provides a map on its website enabling year-round participation in ArtWalks.
12. Waterfront Park
This lovely eight-acre park located on the Cooper River is known for its stunning landscape architecture and the iconic Pineapple Fountain, a recognizable symbol found on postcards and in brochures. During hot days, locals often enjoy splashing around in the park’s pools at Waterfront Park.
13. Palmetto Trail
A short drive from Charleston, the Palmetto Trail is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, eventually spanning 500 miles from Walhalla in Oconee County to Awendaw in Charleston County, cutting through gorgeous Palmetto forests. Two appealing routes that begin near Charleston include the 7.1-mile Awendaw Passage with beautiful views and the longer Swamp Fox Passage, which stretches 47.6 miles but can be divided into shorter hikes.
14. Sullivan’s Island
Just ten minutes from Charleston, Sullivan’s Island invites visitors to unwind. At 3.3 miles long, this barrier island, rich with wispy dunes and white sand beaches, offers an ideal location for relaxation—whether that means fishing, cycling through marshes, or leisurely beach walks.
