Charleston Activities Guide — or, things to do in Charleston for free (mostly)

• Alleys

  Unlike a big city alley, a Charleston alley has history and charm.

• Architecture

  Charleston is famed for its colonial and 18th Century architecture. Take ARCH 101 here!

• Beaches

  Charleston has some of the finest beaches in the United States. Here are some of our favorites.

• Birdwatching

  The rich marshes and thick woods make the area surprisingly good for birdwatching.

• Boat Ramps

  There is a LOT of water around Charleston. Find out where to launch your boat.

• Cemeteries

  Not morbid at all! Our favorite old cemeteries are like parks.

• Churches

  Some call Charleston the Holy City. These churches might be why.

• Cycling/Bike Trails

  Despite our biggest hills being bridges, Charleston has some great rides.

• Driving Tours

  Looking to get out of the city for a day? Try one of these excursions.

• Farmers Markets

  Getting more popular by the day, have a great time and get some good grub here.

• Fishing

  Big fish, small fish, crab, shrimp, oysters, clams. We've got your fishing covered.

• Gardens

  Some of Charleston's richest treasures are gardens. Here's the deal about finding them.

• Hiking/Nature Trails

  Charleston isn't a hikers paradise, but there are plenty of beautiful spots to amble along.

• Historical Landmarks

  You know, stuff happened here once. Here's a quick guide to local landmarks.

• Kayaking

  Salt water sweeps and curls everywhere. Here are a few of our favorite Lowcountry paddles.

• Kiteboarding/Windsurfing

  The constant sea breeze and shallow waters are great for all levels of sailing.

• Libraries

  Books, film, culture, internet access ... take advantage of our great library system.

• Lighthouses

  We do have some lighthouses in the Lowcountry. Find out more here!

• Parks

  Charleston has a wide variety of parks, from huge Hampton Park to beautiful Waterfront Park

• People Watching

  Sometimes you just want to hang out and see what people are doing.

• Photography

  Charleston is quite photogenic. These are some of the best spots to shoot.

• Plantations

  While most of the area plantations are private, here are a couple owned by the public.

• Surfing

  Including The Washout, the best break in SC, here are our favorite spots in Charleston.

• Walking Tours

  Charleston is an easy city to walk. Here are some ways to help you get your bearings.

Must we say this site is for planning purposes only and participate in these activities at your own risk? Yes, unfortunately we must. So be careful. Be smart. Find an expert if you don't know what you're doing.

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