How to enjoy Charleston, SC for free
Charleston, South Carolina is known as The Holy City for its church steeples reaching to the heavens. It's also "Travel + Leisure" magazine's 2010 designation as the friendliest city in the U.S. This southern city saw Revolutionary War battles, and the first shots of the Civil War rang out here. Local friendliness and endless history create the multimillion dollar tourism industry. But when you find yourself in this historic charmer, you won't have to spend a dime to enjoy quintessential Charleston - just remember to wear comfortable shoes.
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Instructions
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Stroll the historic Battery and White Point Gardens. Perched at the very tip of the peninsula, the Battery is the scene of much Charleston history, and within the Battery is White Point Gardens, a beloved park since 1837. Pirates were hanged here, tall ships docked offshore, and fortifications were established to protect the peninsula during the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and the Civil War. A walking promenade circles the area providing a view of stately, antebellum mansions, the harbor, Fort Sumter, lighthouses and the ocean.
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Swing on the large bench swings at Waterfront Park, which is along the harbor just north and east of the Battery. Here you'll find people strolling the ocean side path, couples canoodling on park benches, and kids cooling off in the large pineapple fountain. If there's one available, take advantage of the bench swings hung from the wooden dock. You'll swing along with the ocean breezes and watch the ships and boats sail by.
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Amble through the City Market. Inland from Waterfront Park on Meeting Street are four blocks of a covered, open air market where retailers, food purveyors and local artisans sell their wares. Contrary to contemporary legend, this is not the place where slaves were sold. The original wooden structures were built more than 200 years ago, and were filled with farmers and fisherman selling meat, vegetables and fish. If you keep your wallet closed, it won't cost you anything to look, and you'll still enjoy one of Charleston's favorite places.
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Tour Charleston through Pat Conroy's eyes. If the only thing you know about Charleston is what you've read in his novels, you're still in good hands. Mr. Conroy's love for Charleston and the Lowcountry is evident throughout his work. Meander throughout the quiet-tree lined neighborhoods and the shops south of Broad Street to get a glimpse into what life was like back in the 1700s and 1800s.
Alternatively, you can hoof it north and take in the historic Citadel and grounds, founded in 1842. Once located in the middle of the peninsula where Marion Square is today, in 1920 this storied military college moved several blocks north between Hampton Park and the Ashley River where it is currently located.
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Picnic at Chapel Street Fountain Park, located just northeast of Marion Square at the corners of Chapel and Warren. This fountain-centered park is an ideal spot for a picnic lunch. Pack your basket with classic Lowcountry fare: pimento cheese sandwiches, blue cheese coleslaw, fried chicken, cornbread or some shrimp and grits. Spread a blanket on the grass and enjoy your meal as well as the gardens, palmetto trees and historic buildings.
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Wander down to Rainbow Row for a photo opportunity. If you spend 10 minutes in Charleston, you'll likely walk by 10 or more vendors or shops selling both high-end Charleston-themed art and Charleston tchotchkes. In every one of those venues, Rainbow Row adorns the offerings. Located between 83 and 107 East Bay Street, this celebrated row of colorfully painted historic homes holds its fair share of Charleston history. It is an ideal spot to rest and take a picture.
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Exercise on the Ravenel Bridge that spans the Cooper River between Charleston and neighboring Mount Pleasant. Charleston is a city best enjoyed on foot, but if all that walking isn't quite enough for you, you can walk, run, or bike the 2.7-mile pedestrian bridge as you enjoy stunning river and harbor views. If you don't want to trek the full span of the bridge, you can walk halfway, touch the pillars at the center and turn around to retrace your steps.
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Drive in either coastal direction to find one of the area's fine beaches. Folly Beach, Sullivan's Island and the Isle of Palms provide free access if you want a little sand and surf to go with a historic city experience. No trip to Charleston would be worth its shrimp and grits without a jaunt to one of the area's beaches.
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Tips & Warnings
Charleston is a city of cobblestone streets and old, uneven sidewalks. Wear comfortable shoes that also provide stability on uneven street and sidewalk surfaces.
Charleston has very high humidity, so wear lightweight, cotton clothing if you are visiting in warm months.
Wear mosquito repellant, particularly if you are walking around at night.
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