Free & Affordable Ideas in Charleston, South Carolina

1. Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art

Located on the campus of the College of Charleston, the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art is one of Charleston’s top free-to-visit attractions, bringing the joys of contemporary art to everyone. The institute holds regular exhibitions and events and interested groups may request a free guided tour of the property. In addition to staging exhibitions, the institute also hosts regular lectures and art talks for all interested parties. You can check their website to see what’s on before you visit. Address: Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art, 161 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC 29424, Phone: 843 953 4422

2. Charleston Waterfront Park

Charleston Waterfront Park is an eight-acre public park located along the banks of the Cooper River in downtown Charleston, spanning from Vendue Range to Adger's Wharf. Plans for the park were originally developed in the mid-1970s, with facilities opened to the public in May of 1990. In 2007, the park was the recipient of the prestigious Landmark Award, presented by the American Society of Landscape Architects. Today, the park showcases public landmarks such as Vendue Wharf, which features family-sized swings for relaxation and panoramic views of the park's shoreline, and the iconic Pineapple Fountain, located in front of the City Gallery. A 1,200-foot palmetto-lined esplanade provides access to the water's edge, while a floating dock offers unparalleled views of Fort Sumter, the USS Yorktown, and other maritime attractions.

Address: 1 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401, Phone: 843-724-7321

3. Angel Oak

Angel Oak is the oldest living organism in the American Southeast, estimated to be at least 400 years old. The live oak tree is a native species to the coastal Carolinas' Lowcounty area and stands over 65 feet tall, shading a surrounding area of more than 17,000 square feet. Though the tree has been damaged in several significant hurricanes and natural disasters, including 1989's Hurricane Hugo, it has continued to grow and thrive into the 21st century. It is named in honor of its location at Charlotte's Angel Estate, owned by Justus and Martha Waight Angel, and has been featured in Emily Nelson's novel The Heart of a Child. Free parking is offered near the estate for tree visitors.

Address: 3688 Angel Oak Road, Johns Island, SC, 29455

4. Battery and White Point Gardens

Battery and White Point Gardens is a free-admission public garden area in Charleston's historic district, offering beautiful views of nearby Fort Sumter and Charleston Harbor. The gardens were originally developed in 1837 and were famously used as fortifications during the American Civil War. Historic weapons and fortifications are still standing today at the gardens, including mortars and cannons, which may be viewed during daylight hours. A Confederate monument is also showcased at the site, along with a memorial at the hanging site of infamous 18th-century pirate Stede Bonnet. The park is located at the intersections of Murray Boulevard and East Battery, with street parking available nearby.

East Battery & Murray Blvd, Charleston, SC 29401, Phone: 843-724-7327

5. Folly Beach

Folly Beach has been called "the edge of America," located 12 miles south of Charleston's downtown along the coastline of the Atlantic Ocean on Folly Island. The city is accessible from downtown Charleston via car and is home to a population of more than 2,600 residents, known as one of the top surfing locations on the American East Coast. The eclectic city is home to a wide variety of surf shops, boutiques, restaurants, and bars along its main Center Street, along with natural areas such as the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve, which offers views of the 1876 Morris Island Lighthouse. Its Folly Beach Fishing Pier stretches over 1,000 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, the second-longest of its kind on the East Coast. Picnic areas and a pelican rookery are also offered at Folly Beach County Park.

6. Francis Marion National Forest

Francis Marion National Forest is located north of the city of Charleston, spanning more than 258,000 acres throughout Charleston and Berkeley Counties. The forest is named in honor of American Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion and encompasses the towns of McClellanville, Huger, Awendaw, and Jamestown, with forest headquarters located in nearby Columbia. Four officially-designated wilderness areas are offered throughout the forest, providing a wide variety of seasonal outdoor recreational opportunities for visitors. The Wild and Scenic Chattooga River, one of the longest free-flowing rivers in the American Southeast, is located within the forest, offering opportunities for world-class whitewater rafting experiences. Other popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and boating, with campsites offered throughout the forest for overnight stay.

4931 Broad River Rd, Columbia, SC 29212, Phone: 803-561-4000

7. Gateway Walk

Gateway Walk is an historic walkway in downtown Charleston, originally established in 1930 by the Garden Club of Charleston. The walkway traverses several of the city's historic streets and cemeteries, embarking at the west cemetery at Saint Philip's Episcopal Church and traveling through the grounds of the city's Circular Church, Gibbes Museum sculpture courtyard, and Unitarian Church before ending at Saint John's Lutheran Church. It is open to the public daily for travel during daylight hours, though certain sections may be closed at church and cemetery discretion at various times throughout the week. A number of beautiful historic gateways are showcased along the walk, which provides opportunities to view some of the city's most historic buildings and graveyards. Free street parking is available at a number of sites near the walkway.

8. Hampton Park

Hampton Park is a 60-acre public park located along Charleston's peninsula, named in reference to Confederate general and South Carolina Governor Wade Hampton III. The park is constructed on lands formerly encompassed as part of the Orange Grove Plantation, owned by John Gibbes, which formerly housed the Washington Race Course horse race track and a prisoner-of-war cemetery during the American Civil War. Since the 1980s, the park has been redeveloped as an outdoor recreational center, offering a one-mile jogging and cycling path that roughly follows the layout of the former race course. It showcases the most floral displays of any Charleston park, including a vintage rose collection and seasonal displays. Annual special events held at the park include the MOJA Festival and the Walk, Run, or Roll marathon.

30 Mary Murray Drive, Charleston, SC 29403

9. Charleston City Market

Charleston City Market, also known as the Centre Market, is the city's historic downtown market complex, spanning four city blocks beginning at the National Register of Historic Places-listed Market Hall, constructed in the 1840s. The market was developed in the late 18th century as a replacement for the city's Beef Market, which burned to the ground in 1796. As one of the nation's oldest operating markets, the market is open to the public every day of the year except Christmas, showcasing more than 300 meat and produce vendors, artisans, and other merchants. Special events held throughout the year at the market include a weekend Night Market, which operates Fridays and Saturdays between April and December. Visitors checking out the market may also wish to explore its surrounding neighborhood, which is home to many restaurants, specialty boutiques, and walking and carriage tours.

188 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401, Phone: 843-937-0920

10. Charleston Farmer's Market

Charleston Farmer's Market is a weekly farmer's market that has been ranked as one of the United States' top 10 farmer's markets by Travel and Leisure magazine. The market was originally opened in 1989 by Charleston Mayor Joe Riley and is held each Saturday morning in Marion Square within the city's Historic District. Through sponsorship by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs, the market is dedicated to raising the profile of Lowcountry farmers and growers, with vendors selling a wide variety of meats, produce, and pantry and home goods each weekend. A selection of juried arts and crafts are also showcased by local artisans, along with live entertainment performances by Charleston-area musicians and performers.

75 Calhoun Street, Suite 3800, Charleston, SC 29401, Phone: 843-724-7305