50+ Free Things to Do & See in Charleston

Charleston SC is a great town to visit but being a tourist, especially with a family can get pretty expensive. Fortunately, there are many free activities you can enjoy in Charleston that won't hurt your budget.

Here is our list of 50+ great things to see and do for free in Charleston.

1. Hit the surf or walk the pier at Folly Beach
   
2. Learn about African American history at the Avery Research Center for African American History & Culture
   
3. Take a free tour at the College of Charleston
   
4. Cool off in the fountain at Waterfront Park
   
5. Ponder history while walking the Battery & White Point Gardens
   
6. Browse fine art galleries in the French Quarter
   
7. Stroll the Farmer's Market at Marion Square
   
8. Experience the majesty of our giant Angel Oak Tree
   
9. Catch Friday Night* Fireworks at Brittle Bank Park (*after home games)
   
10. Check out contemporary art at the City Gallery at Waterfront Park
    
11. Feed the Ducks at Hampton Park
    
12. Relax with a book at the Charleston County Public Library
    
13. Soak up the pageantry at the Citadel Dress Parades
    
14. Appreciate the historic beauty of unique iron work at Philip Simmons Gardens
    
15. Commune with nature at the ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge
    
16. Read History first hand at the Karpeles Manuscript Museum
    
17. Walk, run or bicycle across the Cooper River Bridge
    
18. Investigate Charleston's oldest surviving public building: The Powder magazine
    
19. Delve into Civi War history at the Fort Sumter National Monument Exhibit Hall at Liberty Square
    
20. Take a peak inside historic John Rutledge House
    
21. Find 30 minutes of peace at the St. Lukes Chapel Recital Series
    
22. Search for ghosts at the Battery Carriage House Inn gardens
    
23. Look back on technology at the John Rivers Communications Museum
    
24. Run around or kick back at Charleston city parks and playgrounds
    
25. Marvel at the renovations at The Dock Street Theatre
    
26. Enjoy the free tour at Irvin-House Vineyards
    
27. Brush up on your military history at the Citadel Museum
    
28. Mingle with the chickens, goats, and miniature at the Red Barn
    
29. Enter our own secret garden at the Gateway Garden Walk
    
30. Connect with the ghosts of the Civil War at Magnolia Cemetery
    
31. Take advantage of outdoor education at The Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
    
32. Chill out in centrally-located Marion Square
    
33. Wander through National Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition at Riverfront Park
    
34. Sit in on some music with Chamber Music of Charleston
    
35. Frolic under the bridge at Mt. Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park
    
36. Scout out history and science at Fort Johnson & the Marine Resources Center
    
37. Hop on the DASH (Downtown Area SHuttle) for a free ride through historic Charleston
    
38. Find your inner peace in the beautiful gardens at Mepkin Abbey
    

    Explore Charleston's many historic, religious and cultural buildings:
    
    

39. Charleston City Hall
    
40. Charleston County Court House
    
41. The Customs House
    
42. The Old Jail
    
43. French Huguenot Church
    
44. Charleston Library Society
    
45. The Fireproof Building
    
46. South Carolina State Arsenal
    
47. US Post Office & Courthouse
    
48. St. Michael's Episcopal Church
    
49. First Scots Presbyterian Church
    
50. South Carolina Bank of Charleston
    
51. First Baptist Church
    
52. Porter Military Academy
    
53. Central Baptist Church
    
54. Old Bethel UM Church
    
55. Bethel Methodist Church
    
56. St. Matthew's German Lutheran Church
    
57. Emanuel A.M.E. Church
    
58. Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim Synagogue
    
59. St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church
    
60. Circular Congregational Church
    
61. Unitarian Church
    
62. St. Philip's Episcopal Church