Ten Free Things To Do In Charleston
- Visit Rainbow Row: 13 colorful historic houses located at 79 to 107 East Bay Street (North of Tradd St. and South of Elliot St.). Make sure to read the Historic Preservation Society's informative marker.
- Walk or Bike across the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge (or as many locals call it the New Cooper River Bridge). It is one of the the largest cable stayed bridges in the Western Hemisphere and connects downtown Charleston to the town of Mt. Pleasant. Bring your camera! The views are spectacular!
- Take a walk through the historic Magnolia Cemetery. Opened in 1850, the 128-acre former rice plantation serves as the final resting place for 35,000 people; among them are 2,200 Civil War veterans (including the crew of the CSS Hunley), five governors, three U.S. senators, and two cabinet members.
- Visit the Charleston Farmers Market every Saturday, from mid-April until the end of November in Marion Square.
- Marvel at the majestic 1,500 year old Angel Oak Tree on Johns Island.
- Visit the Charleston Tea Plantation on Johns Island. Their factory tour is complimentary!
- Splash in the Circular Fountain at Waterfront Park and dolphin watch from the pier.
- Sign up for a free cooking class at Williams Sonoma on King Street. Free cooking classes are available throughout the year for adults and children.
- Take an evening stroll through the city. Charleston takes on an enchanted and mysterious air after sunset. If you prefer to be guided for a nighttime experience, Tour Charleston's award-winning ghost, graveyard, and evening candlelight tours are well worth the ticket price. Like them on Facebook or follow them on Instagram for a chance at their monthly drawing for free tickets.
- Browse the numerous art galleries of The French Quarter (between South Market & Tradd and Meeting & East Bay Streets). Our favorite is Stewart Fine Art at 12 State St. Evening art walks are held on the first Friday of every month.
