Charleston Budget Activities: Saving Money in One of the South’s Most Expensive Destinations
Charleston, SC, is one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Okay, maybe we’re a bit biased. But we’re not alone in this opinion.
Charleston also happens to be one of the most opulent cities in the South. We’re not exactly known for being a budget city. Yet, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t travel here if you’re trying to watch your wallet.
We’ve made a list of Charleston budget activities that are actually worth doing. If you’re looking for free activities, ways to do Charleston on the cheap, or even budget lodging options, we’ve also got a few tips that will get you in and out of the Holy City — without breaking your budget.
Charleston Money-Saving Tips
Need a few tips to help you save money while on your Charleston vacation? We recommend knowing when to splurge versus save, booking a budget hotel, traveling off-season, and utilizing public transportation (sometimes).
Save Vs. Splurge
In our opinion, it’s really difficult to stick to a budget in Charleston. Our fair city is notoriously expensive.
That’s why we don’t recommend only booking budget activities. Instead, it’s better to know when to save and when to splurge. Love eating out? Spend more of your budget on Charleston’s iconic foods. Are you a history buff? Book a few private tours. Want a soft pillow to rest your head on at night? Make a reservation at one of our high-end hotels.
No matter what types of activities you love, we’ve got some high-end and budget options. If you allow yourself some wiggle room to splurge here and there, it’ll be easier to stick to your budget activities.
Plus, we’ve got some Charleston budget activities you’ll want to book (and would be worth the splurge, even if they weren’t so cheap).
Broad Street
Local Fried Okra
Book a Budget Hotel
If you want to save a huge chunk of cash, we recommend booking a budget hotel.
The major flaw in this recommendation is that Charleston isn’t really known for its budget lodging options. Most of our hotels are former mansions or estates.
The good news is that there are a few spots, including hostels and bed and breakfasts that are both affordable and comfy. We also recommend booking a rental house (maybe on the beach?) to save a little cash.
Travel Off-Season
Charleston is a pretty popular destination year-round. Yet, this city can be a little pricier during its high tourist season (read: summertime).
Want to get a great deal on your Charleston vacation? Book a wintertime trip! It’s common for us to see temperature highs in the 50s, 60s, and (sometimes) 70s in January and February. And (bonus!) there are also fewer tourists here.
That means that hotel, flight, and some activity prices may be more affordable. You’ll get the added benefit of fewer crowds — meaning it’ll be easier to get where you’re going and there’s less of a chance your reservation request will be declined.
So go ahead and book your once-in-a-lifetime restaurant reservations and excursions. All while saving money.
Charleston in February
Take Public Transportation
Charleston is a very walkable city — especially in Downtown. Not only are we at sea level (meaning no hills), but our preferred method of transportation is actually walking.
When your feet are tired or you just want to get back to the hotel for a rest, we recommend checking out some of Charleston’s public transportation options.
There’s a free shuttle that travels throughout Downtown. You can get from the Citadel to the Battery for free! If you want to explore other areas, such as Sullivan’s Island or Mt. Pleasant, you could always rent a bike to get there.
Of course, you can always take a rideshare, like Uber or Lyft, to get to and from the airport or distances further from Downtown, too.
Charleston Budget Activities
Enjoy Some Green Spaces: Charleston Parks
Charleston has some of the most beautiful parks in the world, and (good news!) most of them are free to visit!
Some of our favorite parks include Palmetto Islands County Park in Mount Pleasant, Charleston Waterfront Park, and Battery Park/White Point Gardens.
The Battery
Take a Boat Ride
When you visit Charleston, you need to take at least one boat ride. Seeing the city from the water is one of the best ways to enjoy its beauty.
One of our favorite Charleston boat tours also happens to be one of the cheapest. You won’t get a guided tour, but the Charleston Water Taxi is a great way to see Charleston from the water. One adult all-day ticket only costs $14, and children under three ride free. Just want to take the taxi one way? The cost is only $10 for one adult.
Go With God: Charleston Churches
Or at least the houses of God. You can visit most of Charleston’s churches for free.
You’ll get a great overview of Charleston architecture throughout the decades, a break from the heat, and even a little crash course in Charleston history.
Inside St. Michael’s Church
Get to Know Charleston’s History
Speaking of Charleston’s history, taking a history tour is another way to save money on your next South Carolina adventure.
Walks of Charleston and Lowcountry Walking Tours offer three different tours, including our Charleston History Tour and Charleston’s Alleys and Hidden Passageways.
You could spend hours researching the history of Charleston — or get to know the Holy City in just a few hours.
Tickets start at $25 and we even offer discounts when you book multiple tours!
Guests exploring Philadelphia Alley on our Alleys & Hidden Passages Tour.
Enjoy a Day at the Beach: Best Beaches in Charleston
As with Charleston’s parks, most of our beaches are free to the public! We also happen to have some of the best beaches on the eastern seaboard.
Check out our list of the best beaches in Charleston to find out more.
Beat the Heat Indoors: Charleston Museums
Entry to the Charleston Museum is only $12, and the more museums you visit, the less you pay for each one.
Three-site tickets are only $25 for adults; children under three visit for free!
Learn about Charleston’s history through interactive exhibits and living museums, including the homes of Charleston’s most famous families.
