Charleston, South Carolina on a Budget: A Fun & Family-Friendly 2-Day Itinerary
- Savvy Single Mama
- 7 days ago
- 12 min read
Charleston, South Carolina Itinerary
Charleston, South Carolina is more than a travel destination, it’s a mood. One of the most charming cities in the United States—and the good news is, I discovered this little city has all of my favorite things: history, landmarks, art, gardens, culture, and delicious food! I recently traveled on a work trip here and was able to enjoy some down time with my coworkers. Easily located off I-95, and long on our family bucket list as we road tripping past it frequently. Finally arriving was a literal milestone.
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The good news: You don’t need a luxury budget to enjoy Charleston. From cobblestone streets and historic homes to waterfront parks and iconic Southern food, Charleston offers plenty of budget-friendly things to do for girl’s trips, couples, and families alike. Charleston can be a long weekend with our renting a car, making this a super easy trip to plan.
Charleston, South Carolina isn’t just a destination—it’s a whole mood. Known as one of the most charming cities in the United States, Charleston offers everything I love: rich history, vibrant art, lush gardens, diverse culture, and incredible food. During a recent work trip, I was lucky enough to explore the city during some downtime with my coworkers. This is a very walkable city and best experienced on foot.
Conveniently located along I-95, picturesque Charleston has long been on my family’s road trip bucket list—and now I know why. The best part? You don’t need a luxury budget to enjoy it. Cobblestone streets and stately historic homes leading to scenic waterfront parks and iconic Southern cuisine set the beautiful tone for your time here. Charleston is full of affordable experiences perfect for girls’ getaways, romantic escapes, and family adventures alike.
If you’re planning a short getaway, this 2-day Charleston itinerary focuses on affordable activities, free attractions, and simple ways to save money while still experiencing the best of the city. Of course, staying longer gives you more time to wander and explore. These are the must-see spots you should not miss! Feel free to splurge as you wish.
Day One: Walk and Wander Historic Charleston & Waterfront Views
Morning: Walk the Historic District (Free Things to Do in Charleston SC)
Start your first day exploring Historic Downtown Charleston, one of the most walkable and photogenic areas in the city. Early mornings are cooler and less crowded—ideal for sightseeing. Plus, walking around and getting those perfect photo shots will be easy, and has zero cost!
Start walking at Waterfront Park and proceed in this order through some great landmarks:
Waterfront Park is one of the most popular free attractions in Charleston. The famous Pineapple Fountain, a symbol of Southern hospitality, is a must-see—and a favorite for kids on warm days. Keep walking along the scenic pathways inside of the park to the Public Pier watch boats pass by, and enjoy shaded benches along the harbor. There is a ferry here you can catch if the weather is permitting, more on that below.
Rainbow Row – one of the most photographed spots in Charleston, located on East Bay Street. These 13 Georgian style houses date back to the 1700s and their pretty pastel colors show the quaint old and new moods beautifully. These are the largest collection of pre-Revolutionary War houses still standing!
South of Broad – known for grand historic homes, these landmark mansions dot the river with architecture dressed in ornate iron workings, and wrap around porches. On the peninsula’s tip, mature oak trees, Civil War Cannons and monuments live at the White Point Garden.
The Battery – panoramic views of Charleston Harbor, The Battery is one of the most iconic places in Charleston—and it’s completely free. This scenic waterfront promenade offers sweeping views of Charleston Harbor, historic mansions, and Fort Sumter in the distance.
White Point Garden is shaded by massive oak trees and filled with Civil War historic monuments, making it a great stop for kids to run around or for a quiet break from walking. Located at the Peninsula’s tip, between the Battery and South of Broad this little landmark location is great for photos and a little history. From here you can see Fort Sumter and Castle Pinckney.
South of Broad – known for grand historic homes, these landmark mansions dot the river with architecture dressed in ornate iron workings, and wrap around porches. Enjoy those mature Oak Trees and old world vibes mixed with the revitalized modern day amenities.
💡 These are some of the top free things to do in Charleston SC.
Lunch: Affordable Lowcountry Food on Broad Street – there are lots of nearby places to eat if you’ve worked up an appetite on that 1.5-mile stroll.
Charleston is famous for its food scene, but you don’t need a high-end reservation to eat well. Look for casual restaurants serving classic Lowcountry cuisine, such as: Shrimp and grits, fried chicken, sandwiches, or lunch specials.
Money-saving tip: Portions are generous—sharing meals helps keep Charleston affordable.
Afternoon: Charleston City Market
The Charleston City Market is one of the oldest public markets in the country and a must-visit. Browsing is free, making it an easy stop for travelers sticking to a budget. With over 300 vendors, if you’re hoping for any specific items, you’ll find them here.
You’ll find locally made artwork and jewelry, sweetgrass baskets, baked goods, local honey and much more.
Budget travel tip: Walk the full length of the market—prices often vary by vendor.
Evening: Charleston at Sunset
If you are up for a tour, there are MANY options for catching a Ghost Tour, horse and carriage tour, old trolley tour, and many other options for having a guide take you through the area with an entertaining theme. OR Take a Self-Guided Historic Walking Tour!
Charleston is essentially an open-air museum. Create your own walking tour by exploring historic streets, churches, cemeteries, and neighborhoods at your own pace.
Many travelers follow routes through the Historic District or South of Broad.
Instead of a pricey nighttime tour, choose one of these relaxed evening options:
Sunset Walk Along the Battery - Charleston sunsets are stunning, and the views are completely free.
Evening Stroll + Ice Cream - Walk through the historic streets lit by gas lanterns and grab dessert to go—a simple, family-friendly way to end the day.
Walk down King Street – this isn’t just one thing—it’s shopping, dining, nightlife, culture, events, local life and more, all in one spot. Whether you’re grabbing a bite, hunting for the perfect souvenir, enjoying drinks after dinner, or wandering historic streets, there’s plenty to do!
Day Two: Plantations, Gardens & Easy Charleston Exploring
Morning: Choose One Garden or Plantation Experience
If you’re interested in Charleston’s antebellum homes and plantation history, pick one garden experience to manage your time and budget effectively. More time and funds, don’t compare, see both! With a wide variety of homes and tours to choose from, these two sum up many of the period features and highlight life on the plantation.
Both Magnolia Plantation & Gardens and Middleton Place have a modest fee to enter, and are located just outside downtown Charleston, making them easy half-day trips if you plan ahead.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens sits on the banks of the Ashley River, and features magnificent landscapes gardens. This is actually the oldest public garden in America!
Price for adults: $32.00, Senior/ Military: $29.00, Children 5 – 13: $16.00.
Drive & Parking
Drive time: About 25–30 minutes from downtown Charleston
Best time to go: Arrive right when it opens to avoid crowds and heat
Parking:
Large free parking lot on site
Plenty of space for strollers and larger vehicles
Navigation tip: Cell service can be spotty near the entrance—download maps offline before leaving downtown
Budget tip: Bring water and snacks; the grounds are large and you’ll likely be there longer than expected.
Middleton Place was home to one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Today, it is a National Historic Site and features a house museum, stable yards and history of life on the plantation. Prices for Adults: $32.00, Military/ Seniors , $29.00, College Students: $15.00, Children: 6 – 13: $10.
Drive & Parking
Drive time: About 20–25 minutes from downtown Charleston
Best time to go: Mid-morning for the best garden lighting and cooler temps
Parking:
Free on-site parking close to the entrance
Short, flat walk from the lot to the gardens
Budget tip: Middleton Place is more compact—plan 2–3 hours instead of a full morning to avoid extra spending.
Which Plantation is Better With Kids Vs Teens
Choosing the right plantation can make or break the morning—especially when traveling with the family!
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
Best for Kids (Ages 4–10) who:
Wide, open walking paths with room to roam
Wildlife sightings (turtles, birds, alligators) keep kids engaged
Feels more like a nature walk than a formal museum
Easier for strollers and frequent snack breaks
Best for Teens who:
Enjoy photography or nature
History-focused teens may find it less structured
Overall vibe: Relaxed, outdoorsy, and flexible—great for families who want freedom to explore at their own pace.
Middleton Place
Best for Teens (Ages 11+):
Stronger historical storytelling and context
Visually striking gardens that appeal to teens who enjoy design or history
More compact layout means less wandering and more focus
Young Kids:
Beautiful but more formal
Less interactive for younger children
Better for kids who enjoy calm walking rather than active exploring
Overall vibe: Polished, educational, and visually impressive—better for older kids and teens who can appreciate the history.
Quick Comparison at a Glance
Feature | Magnolia Plantation | Middleton Place |
Drive Time | 25–30 min | 20–25 min |
Parking | Free, large lot | Free, close to entrance |
Best For | Young kids, nature lovers | Teens, history lovers |
Walking | Long & spread out | Compact & structured |
Budget Flexibility | High (skip add-ons) | Moderate |
Budget alternative: White Point Garden downtown offers beautiful scenery and history for free. This will take much less time and can be seen rather quickly. Bring a book or sketch pad and take in the scenery.
Lunch: Casual Downtown Dining
Head back downtown and choose a casual café or counter-service restaurant a few blocks off the main streets. These spots are often less expensive and less crowded.
Afternoon: Choice: Fort Sumter or Visit Angel Oak Park, and the Tea Garden
Fort Sumter is located in the middle of Charleston Harbor, only accessible by ferry. Take the ride over to learn more about how the Civil War started, with the firing from the fort by Confederate soldiers in 1861. While free to visit, it’s not free to get there. Fort Summer Tours, the only vessel that connects you from land to Fort, charges for transporting back and forth. Rides take operate 9:00 am – 4:30 daily and take you to both the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum and the Fort. The fee for adults can vary but runs about $43.00 each. If you are traveling with a family, this can quickly add up. As an alternative, consider visiting a near by beach or another free activity.
You may see:
You may spot dolphins in the River as you ride over from Liberty Suare (downtown Charleston), or on your way to Patriots Point
Located at 340 Concord Street, in the Historic District
This location homes the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center which is free to explore, and a good stop if you’re sticking to the budget friendly activities
Ferries depart daily at 9:30, 12 noon, and 2:30 pm
Each round trip lasts apx. 2 hours and 15 minutes
Angel Oak Park: Dis a free site with a local favorite, the Angel Tree. This 400-year-old oak may (or may not) be one of the oldest in the Nation, but it’s 17,000 square feet of shade. This impressive tree accepts hugs and love and often has a small crowd that is taking photos with this beauty!
Charleston Tea Garden: America’s only tea garden~ Free to visit the factory tour and see how tea is made. You can also explore the plantation grounds, visit a tea bar, and visit the gift shop. If you’d like to upgrade your pass, there is a trolly ride which lasts 35 – 40 minutes through the 127 acre farm. This would include a stop at the green house and a place to purchase your own tea if you wish. The cost of the trolly varies from 8 – 16$.
Evening: Relaxed & Family-Friendly Finish
If you’re up for a little more walking, let’s explore the French Quarter, a fun historic district located on the southeastern tip of the downtown peninsula, roughly bordered by Cooper River, Broad Street, Meeting Street, and Market Street:
Huguenot Church
Saint Phillips Episcopal
City Hall
Dock Street Theater
Notable places to eat here would include upscale southern cuisine and fresh seafood.
Charleston doesn’t require packed schedules to be memorable.
Hotel:
While quicker stops needed no Hotel stay, for my week at work we stated comfortably at the Francis Marion Swamp Fox Restaurant & Bar. We ate there for lunches and received excellent service and good food. The Hotel has a fun vibe, with very restored antique mood. When built in the 1920s, Francis Marion was the largest and grandest hotel in the Carolinas. During the Golden Age of railroads, radio and grand hotels, and the Charleston Renaissance was in full bloom, and the Francis Marion Hotel was “the place to be”. There is some fun history and back story here and I found it fun to stay in a place with so much “charm”, while others on my team wanted bigger bathrooms or more amenities, I enjoyed the central downtown location, and great views from my room.
Food:
Agreed Favorite: the Charleston Crab House off Market Street and as a large group we all ate different choices and were ALL impressed with the freshness and tastes.
Family-Friendly Things to Do in Charleston SC (Budget Ideas)
Charleston is a great destination for families when you plan smart.
Waterfront parks double as free entertainment
Fountains and open green spaces keep kids engaged
Bring snacks and refillable water bottles
Strollers should have sturdy wheels for cobblestones
Balance historic sightseeing with outdoor play
Things to Know When Planning:
· The DASH (Downtown Area Shuttle) offers free trolly style shuttle service around the key historic and touristy spots. If you don’t have a car or want to drive this is a great feature.
· Charleston has no commuter trains but does have a public bus, CARTA (Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority) has 16 – 17 fixed routes that run daily making it easy to get around.
· The nearest airport is CHS, Charleston International Airport, 12 miles from the historic downtown.
· Route 11 is the fastest public transportation from the airport to the downtown area.
· The closest beach is Folly Beach, 10 – 12 miles from Downtown with a laid-back surf vibe.
· For apx. $17.00 per person, you can ride all day on the Water Taxi, which works as a fun way to connect Mt. Pleasant (Patriots Point or Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina) and Historic Down Town Charleston. This is a great way to see the city from the water, possibly see some dolphins and get close to the new Ravenel Bridge. Runs every hour from 9 am – 8 pm.
Funny story... I was wandering Charleston streets alone just taking photos along my walk and snapped this photo. My coworker called me and said, "hey you just took a picture of us in the horse and buggy, can you send us that?"
Charleston SC Budget Travel Tips
Walk whenever possible—Charleston is compact, friendly and very safe!
Focus on free attractions and neighborhoods, there's plenty to explore.
Eat out at lunch and keep dinners simple, southern cuisine is delicious!
Choose one paid activity per day, make the budget last!
Take advantage of happy hour menus which offer better pricing.
What to Pack for Charleston SC (Especially on a Budget)
Essentials
*Comfortable walking shoes
*Lightweight, breathable clothing
*Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
For Families
*Snacks
*Refillable water bottles
*Stroller with durable wheels
*Sandals for fountains and parks
Don’t Forget:
*Small backpack or day bag
*Portable phone charger
*Reusable shopping bag
*Light layers, it’s hot in the summer and chilly in the winters
*I travel with a portable tea kettle that allows me to always have clean hot water in my hotel, this saves me time and money!
Final Thoughts: Charmed in Charleston South Carolina Itinerary
Charleston, SC proves that you don’t need an expensive itinerary to have an incredible trip. With charming historic neighborhoods, free waterfront views, and plenty of affordable dining options, it’s a destination perfect for budget travelers, families, and first-time visitors.
This 2-day Charleston SC itinerary offers just enough time to fall in love—and plenty of reasons to come back.
While You're in the Area...
Consider a quick visit to Savannah Georgia, which has a much similar vibe to Charleston with historic downtown and a well-designed river walk which has stood the test of time. Savannah River Street, Jones Street (aka the prettiest street in America), Forsythe Park, and Tybee Island, for more about Savannah history and things to do, click HERE.
Enjoying the Journey...
~Wherever your travels take you, be sure to keep your presence in the moment.
~Nature is healing, grounding and living. Tune in.
~Enjoy where you are at. Be a little flexible with people and their navigation of time.
~Let go of things you can't control.
~Remember to put your people above things, and cherish the memories.
~Do things that will make you proud of yourself when you remember the scenario.
~Live more, in abundance and walk in your own footsteps.
~Breathe fresh air, feel the flow of water, and find your own level.
~Walk in gratitude, and each step will be lighter.
A note from the editor:
The information in this article was accurate when published but may change without notice. Confirm details when planning your trip.
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If you are close to Charleston, you may want to check out Things to do in North Carolina as well while you are in proximity!!
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