On A Budget In Charleston

Spending the day at one of Charleston’s beautiful beaches is a great way to enjoy the outdoors without breaking the bank. Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, and Sullivan’s Island are just a short drive away, and you can usually find free parking!

Joe Riley Waterfront Park is free and open to the public. It is home to the famous Pineapple Fountain. With views of the Charleston Harbor and the Cooper River, the park is essentially one of the most romantic and scenic destinations in all of downtown. It has the power to make any newcomer fall in love with our historic city.

Explore Charleston’s rich past with the Preservation Society of Charleston’s interactive Historic Marker Map. With nearly 150 markers featuring fascinating facts, photos, stories, and archival resources, you can design your own self-guided tour. There’s so much to discover—it might just turn into a multi-day adventure!

Visit one of the most historic places the city has to offer. Located in the heart of downtown, the Charleston City Market has a design structure unlike anything in the city. Purchase or just window shop from local vendors offering items from sweet treats to jewelry to sweetgrass baskets.

The Gibbes Museum of Art offers some of Charleston’s finest art pieces. This museum is home to the foremost collection of American art that incorporates the story of Charleston. The museum connects everyone to the city and region’s artistic past to a vibrant contemporary art scene. The best part is tickets are $10 or under.

Visitors can get a behind-the-scenes look at tea production with a free, self-guided tour of this unique facility. A glass-enclosed, air-conditioned gallery offers a view of the factory floor, where guests can watch the equipment in action. This rare opportunity to see tea production up close is not to be missed!

Recently renovated in 2020, the Charleston Visitors Center offers various services to any guests to help make their stay in Charleston more relaxed and enjoyable. Located in the old Deans Warehouse, its location falls in the heart of downtown and is central to various activities surrounding the area.

It is essential for any visitor to Charleston to check out the iconic Rainbow Row. Located along the Battery on East Bay Street, Rainbow Row is home to some of the most colorful buildings in the city. You will find couples taking engagement photos or tourist groups snapping photos on a daily basis. It’s the perfect backdrop for your own selfie!

This prominent landmark has some of Charleston’s finest views. Located on the bottom of the peninsula, White Point Garden is home to 5.7 acres of oak trees and greenery. Views can stretch as far as the Cooper and Ashley Rivers meeting the Atlantic Ocean. Take a pause from exploring the holy city and relax on some of the benches that line the pathways throughout the park.

A trip to Charleston would not be complete without a trip to see one the oldest Live Oak Tree in east of the Mississippi. The 65-foot tall Angel Oak is estimated to be 300-400 years old! Admission to the general public is free but donations are gladly accepted to help in the preservation of the tree for future generations to enjoy.

First Friday Artwalks take place on the first Friday of each month from 5–8 PM, offering a wonderful way to explore Charleston’s vibrant art scene. Free and open to the public, these self-guided tours showcase dozens of art galleries and celebrate local artists. Hosted by the Charleston Gallery Association nearly year-round, this event provides plenty of opportunities to experience Charleston’s creative community.