Charleston is only a two hour drive away from Columbia, and thanks to its historic landmarks, active arts scene and many beaches, it's one of the highest ranked cities for tourism around. It can, however, be expensive, which is where these tips come in. Whether you're going for a day trip or kicking off your summer with a long stay, there's a way to explore the streets of Charleston without emptying your wallet.
The Pour House on James Island is an ideal destination for cheap entertainment. If you’re looking for a multi-stage venue and bar (that is also 18 and up) to toss back a few brews and listen to affordable, quality music, The Pour House might just be your spot.
This location hosts more bands and music related events then any other music venue in Charleston, from electronic to reggae to acoustic. Happy hour specials include $2 Tallboys, $2.50 domestic beer bottles and $3 house liquors. If you’re looking to dine, the menu includes everything from a house salad to a flounder to a falafel for $8.
Without spending a dime (unless you want to), you can browse through the Historic Charleston City Market and ogle over handmade ceramics, hand woven sweet grass baskets and hand painted murals. You can find everything from soap to painted stones from the 140 current returning artists and artisans. If you spot a green and cream-colored circular label, this means the product was 100 percent authentic and locally made.
Walking through the market and appreciating the handcrafted culture is completely free and worth the look. The market was deemed a historic landmark on June 27, 2011 and is open from Monday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. From March to December, the market is also open Friday and Saturday from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Who needs a carriage tour guide when you can rent a bike from Affordabike for $20 for one whole day? You can cruise on Folly Beach, on the pier or through Rainbow Row.
Rainbow Row, one of Charleston’s historic neighborhoods, is a series of bright, colorful houses built in the mid 18th century. The 14 private, pastel residences have been renovated and purchased overtime. Legend has it that these homes were painted so outlandishly to attract lost, drunken sailors, but nobody knows for sure. Because they are casually some of the most spectacular landscapes and homes on the east coast, take advantage of taking priceless photographs for free.
Motel 6 Charleston South has clean, basic rooms for $56 a night if you’re looking to spend time in your room. The amenities include a pool, Wi-Fi, free parking and pets are welcome. It is also located near top-rated restaurants and the American Military museum.
If you're not too concerned about personal space, Notso Hostel has a main location near shops, museums and restaurants offering dorms, camping and private rooms with communal kitchens and bathrooms. Amenities for the Notso Hostel include a bagel breakfast, linens and Wi-Fi. A dorm is $26 a person, a private room is $65 a night and if you’re feeling really spontaneous and adventurous, camping is $16 per person. You can also rent camping gear for $10.
A trip to Charleston wouldn’t be complete without seafood — even if you can’t afford the seafood prices. Dave’s Carry-Out offers deviled crab for $2.75, fried fish sandwiches for $4 or a shrimp platter for $7 with generous portions. While it's common to be skeptical of cheap seafood, Dave’s is top-rated on Yelp and well known for its cheap and tasty fried foods. If you’re looking for fresh food within your budget range, look no further than this affordable seafood shack.
Whether you spend a fortune or $50, Charleston should have something for you.