15 Free Things to Do in Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina sits on the East Coast of the USA. Known for its stunning architecture, pastel-colored houses, mouthwatering southern food, and scenic nature, Charleston is a must-visit.

Add this city to your travel list or stop in Charleston on a South Carolina road trip!

If you want to make the most of your time in Charleston, but you don’t want to spend a fortune doing so, then you have come to the right place! There is so much to see and do here, so how can you possibly narrow it down? Opt for the free things to do in Charleston!

15 Free Things to Do in Charleston

Yes, free! They always say free is better right? So how exactly do you see Charleston on a budget? I’ve found the best free things to do in Charleston so all you have to do is make your way to these sights and have a great time enjoying this historical east coast city.

1. Stop by the Pineapple Fountain

This fountain is a must-see for everyone while in Charleston. It is a multi-tier fountain with a giant pineapple to top it off.

There are benches, trees, flowers, and the oceanfront within the surrounding area which makes the pineapple fountain a great place to stop for a picnic or just to relax for a minute. You can even walk into it and cool your feet off on hot days!

2. Visit the Waterfront Park Pier

This public pier offers great views of the Charleston Marina and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, another popular Charleston monument.

There are benches along the pier where you can stop and admire the views, or even bring a picnic lunch to have with an ocean view. Some of the benches even swing!

3. Venture into Philadelphia Alley

Charleston is filled with hidden streets and gorgeous alleys. One of the most famous is Philadelphia Alley. Beautiful plants line both sides of this historical alley that was once part of Francis Kinloch’s residency.

There is a plaque you can read here as well that explains the alley’s history and significance. This is a great spot for photos!

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4. Admire Rainbow Row

A street filled with multicolored houses, detailed architecture, and rich history, Rainbow Row is a street you have to walk down when in Charleston, SC!

There are numerous plaques along the road that offer interesting facts about various houses. Rainbow Row is also a great photo opportunity for all you instagrammers out there!

5. Explore the French Quarter

While the entire city of Charleston is well worth walking around, one of the best neighborhoods to explore is the French Quarter.

Several of these free sights are within the French Quarter, so you might enjoy spending a couple hours walking down all the side street and admiring the beautiful architecture.

6. Window Shop on King Street

You simply cannot visit Charleston, SC without walking down King Street. This famous street is lined with all kinds of restaurants, hotels, stores, and cafes.

If you want to buy clothes, enjoy a delicious coffee, or find a hip spot for lunch, then King Street is the place to be. The great part about King Street is that a ton of the stores are dog friendly! It’s fun to walk down, admire the unique buildings, and window shop on King Street.

7. Visit The Williams Mansion

One of Charleston’s most famous historical houses, the Williams Mansion is a must see. If you love admiring different architectural styles, then you must visit this house.

It is beautifully designed in a colonial style, and it holds rich history within its walls. While you cannot enter the house, it is well worth admiring from the street.

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