13 Jun A Budget Traveler’s Guide to Charleston South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina is a city that completely embodies the term ‘southern charm!’ Chucktown is full of pastel colored buildings, rustic palm trees, dainty carriages, savory fried food, gallons of sweet tea, and lovely people! I’ve visited Charleston twice now: once on a weekend trip with family, and a second time along a 3 month road trip around the U.S. with my sister. It was first stop on our trip, and I was eager to show my sister this aesthetically pleasing, easy going city. In the same way, I’m excited to share all that Charleston has to offer with you, too!
Although a city, Charleston can be visited on a budget! (I would know, being on such a long road trip I couldn’t spend all my money from the start!) But this does not mean you have to sacrifice on experience. Charleston has so much to offer even for the low budget traveler, so read on!
7 Budget Activities to Do in Charleston
1. Explore The colorful Streets of the Historic District
When it comes to aesthetics, the Historic District has you covered for your next instagram photo! Cobbled roads lined with palm trees and oaks standing in front of pastel, southern homes wrapped by old fashion balconies are not difficult to find! And although there is something to be said about finding hidden gems while wandering down side streets, there are definitely some well know- must see avenues that cannot be missed: Rainbow Road with its painted houses, East and South Battery Street with the historical mansions at White Point Garden, and King Street with its shopping temptations. Of course, these are just the big names. I recommend exploring by foot so you have the flexibility to go where you please and explore freely!
COST | FREE!
2. Eat as much Soul food as Your Arteries can Handle
Anyone that knows me can tell you that fried chicken is my ultimate weakness! There’s something heavenly about biting into the crispy fried heaven, filled with tender meat and to wash it all down with some sweet tea followed by a spoonful of Mac n cheese. Dramatic I know (I really love food😂), but if you can relate, let me tell you, now is definitely not the time to stick to your so-called diet! Charleston is home to some of the best crispy fried chicken and buttery seafood. Not indulging in it would be a disservice to yourself! So load up on your cholesterol meds and get ready to stuff your face!
WARM MEAL COST | $10-30
3. WANDER THE MARKET ON KIND STREET
Browsing through the Market on Kind Street, you will see an array of local items being sold. Even if you have no intention of buying, wandering through and observing random trinkets is a lot of fun! It’s also a great place for souvenirs if you’re into that kind of thing. My sister and I didn’t plan on buying a thing, but ended up deciding we wanted to collect postcards along our trip and we found some beautiful ones here!
ENTRANCE COST | FREE!
4. SUNBATHE ON THE BEACH
If you’re keen for a relaxing day on the beach with a book, you have plenty of options in Charleston! There’s Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, Kiawah Beachwalker Park, and Edisto Beach.
Entrance Fees:
FOLLY BEACH | $10
SULLIVAN’S ISLAND | $10
ISLE OF PALMS | $10
KIAWAH BEACHWALKER PARK |$10
EDISTO BEACH | $5
5. HUG ANGEL OAK TREE
In my opinion, this is a must do in Charleston! You might think a single tree can’t be that impressive, but Angel Oak is absolutely incredible! Not only is this massive tree stunning in its intricate path of growth, but impressive in its survival. Angel Oak Tree is estimated to be 400-500 years old! Its branches are so big, they’re supported with wire and pillars to keep it from collapsing under its own weight. The preservation of this natural piece of art is taken very seriously. You’re not allowed to sit on or climb the branches, they even enforce that no music be played so as to not disturb the tree. However, hugging the trunk is allowed! It’s also a great place to mediate, read quietly or just admire. And did I mention it’s free too?
COST | FREE!
6. TAKE IN THE VIEW OF MORRIS ISLAND LIGHT HOUSE
This is your chance to see a postcard photo in person! Morris Lighthouse can be enjoyed in two ways: A view from the beach or a boat tour to the lighthouse. The lighthouse boat tour is obviously much more expensive ($50). However, to view the lighthouse from the beach is free! Simply go to Folly beach, and drive to the most northern point. From there you’ll walk about 10 minutes to the tip of the island, where you’ll be able to see the striped tower.
BOAT TOUR | $50
VIEW FROM THE BEACH | FREE!
7. ENJOY A PICNIC AT BATTERY AND WHITE POINT GARDEN
On one side of White Point Garden are the Battery St. Mansions, and on the other side is the blue coast. Within the park the oak trees provide shade and the grass cushion to lay and read. It’s really the most perfect place for a picnic! My sister and I did this in an attempt to save money, but it ended up being a relaxing experience, watching the sunset and playing with all the dogs in the park!
COST | FREE except any food you bring for a picnic!
8. ADMIRE CATHOLIC ARCHITECTURE AT THE CATHDREL OF St. John THE BAPTIST
Even if you’re not religious, this is a building worth the admiration. St. John the Baptist Cathedral is lined with vibrant stain-glassed windows and is a peaceful place to pray or meditate. It’s also really easy to access, as it stands right on Broad St. in the Historic District.
COST | FREE!
9. GET IN TOUCH WITH HISTORY AT THE OLD SLAVE MART MUSEUM
Although covered in pastel paint, like many other places in the U.S., Charleston has a dark history behind it. To only visit the big mansions owned by the rich and white is completely skipping over what really took place there not long ago. To many Americans, Charleston is where their ancestors were first sold as slaves. It’s said that at one point 35-40% of slaves were entering the U.S. through Charleston. What used to be the place of auction is now a museum meant to educate, and a place to pay respect to those who suffered. Understandably so, this may sound unsettling to visit the Old Slave Mart Museum. However, for many it would be educational and serves as a reminder to treat each other as equals and to pay respect to those who were not.
ENTRANCE FEE | $7
10. ENJOY FRESH, DELICIOUS FOOD AT MARION SQUARE FARMER'S MARKET
Every Saturday from April – November, a massive Farmer’s Market is set up in Marion Square. Not only can you purchase fresh produce, but you’ll find tons of local vendors serving some delicious bites! When I went there several years ago, I could not stop eating!! If you’re visiting Charleston at the right time, you must go to the farmer’s market!
A DELICIOUS FRESH MEAL COST | ~$15
11. VISIT A PLANTATION AND LEARN THE HISTORY
One of the most famous plantations in the U.S. is Boone Hall Plantation, known for its long driveway shaded by drooping trees that you may recognize from The Notebook. Although a beautiful estate, all plantations have a dark history, as well. However, Charleston plantations are said to show both sides of history. At Boones Hall you can learn about the Gullah Culture of the slaves who lived there. However, to really learn about this history and culture, the Mcleod Plantation is best. It is a known heritage site of Gullah culture, and on the grounds is an oak tree even older than Angel Oak Tree – a tree 600 years old! Another beautiful plantation with a picturesque bridge reflecting off the water is Magnolia Plantation and Gardens.
BOONE HALL PLANTATION ENTRANCE FEE | $24
MCLEOD PLANTATION ENTRANCE FEE | $20
MAGNOLIA PLANTATION AND GARDENS ENTRANCE FEE | $20
CHEAP-ER PLACES TO EAT IN CHARLESTON
In Charleston there is no shortage of good food! However, it can tend to be pricey. When my sister and I visited, we tried not eating out too much for that very reason (hence our amazing picnic); however, soul food is part of the Charleston experience and it is possible to indulge in, even if you’re on a budget!
JESTINE’S KITCHEN
Jestine’s Kitchen is for sure a touristy spot, but it’s delicious! My sister and I actually didn’t plan this one, just stumbled upon it and I’m happy we did! The food was tasty, the price reasonable, and the restaurant has a backstory.
COST | Around $16 a plate
BITTY & BEAU’S COFFEE
I love this place, because not only are you buying a cup of coffee, you’re supporting a good cause and great people. Bitty Beau’s Coffee makes delicious coffee and employs people with developmental disabilities giving them the chance to be accepted and thrive in society. This cafe has locations in other cities as well, but it’s a must visit in Charleston!
COST | $3-5 for a coffee, and it’s money you can feel good about spending
POOGAN’S PORCH
Poogan’s Porch is one of the most popular places in Charleston with 2,000+ yelp reviews and sitting at 4.5 stars with supposedly some of the best soul food you’ll find. By the look of the picture’s, I believe it!
COST | Around $15 a plate for Brunch but around $28 for dinner
Queen Street Grocery
If you’re looking for a fresh smoothie, savory sandwich, or sweet crepe, Queen Street Grocery is the perfect place. It’s super cute, and is even a corner store to grab other items if you wish!
COST | $10
Early Bird Diner
If you’re still on the lookout for southern fried food but on a budget, Early Bird Diner the perfect choice. For breakfast you have a choice from Pecan Fried Chicken and Waffles to Corn Cake Benedict and gravy, gravy, gravy. Just typing about it makes my mouth water.
COST | $10-15
BUDGET ACCOMMODATION IN CHARLESTON
Couchsurf
Being on a tight budget, my sister and I opted to Couchsurf while staying in Charleston. We had heard amazing things about Couchsurfing, but it was our first time actually doing it. Both of us were slightly nervous before arriving at the host’s house, but that soon dwindled away as we were greeted with a warm welcome as if we were old friends. Our hosts were a young couple who also traveled often, and they had spare guest room to offer us. They were kind without being overbearing, gave us tips for where to go in Charleston, and even gave us the code to the house so we could come and go as we pleased! Essentially, a sweet gig for the freebie and a wonderful experience.
If you’re looking to save money or have a similar experience to my sister and I, Charleston has plenty of Couchsurfing hosts available. Just create an account and start contacting people!
Airbnb
Airbnbs in Charleston start at about $35 if you’re willing to only have a private bedroom within a household. Otherwise if you’re not on a strict budget, there are very nice places for $100 a night for the whole apartment/house.
Hostel
Hostels are great way to get to know other travelers and also save some money. Although hostels in the U.S. aren’t as cheap as in other countries, still $32 a night is much cheaper than a hotel, and according to Hostelworld.com, the NotSo Hostel of Charleston has great reviews!
Hotel
Between Hotel.com, Booking.com, Expedia, and Priceline, hotel prices range from $60 – hundreds of dollars. However, even at an average of $90 per night and splitting with someone, this can add up. If you’re counting your pennies and on a rugged roadtrip like my sister and I were, I would save the boujie lifestyle for another time and go for some of the more cheaper accomodation options.
GETTING AROUND CHARLESTON
Walk
Within the Historic District, the best choice is to walk so you can really take in the scenery. However, there are other ways for when your legs get tired out!
Bike
Although the use of electric scooters has been banned in Charleston, renting bikes is still a go! Renting from Holy Spokes Bike Share you can either rent hourly, or for the whole day at $20!
Renting a Car
If you’re looking to get around on your own and flew into Charleston (unlike my sister and I who drove) you can always rent a car. Renting a car from the airport is always an option but there’s also Turo , an app that allows you to rent other’s cars and is sometimes cheaper.
BEST TIME TO VISIT CHARLESTON
The great thing about Charleston is its warmer climate so it’s able to be visited year round. However there are better times to go like Spring (March – May) and Fall (September – November). Of course during these popular periods expect hotel prices to be higher. During winter temperatures drop to high 50’s °F which is chilly but not freezing, and during summer it can be quite hot and humid, but doable.
When visiting Charleston, (and any place for that matter), be sure to keep an open mind and use this post as a guide rather than an itinerary! There’s always more to see and new places to explore that are not always in the tourist areas of a city. Let the charm of Charleston and the smell of southern cooking sweep you anywhere you wish!
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