Free And Cheap Date Ideas To Try In Charleston South Carolina

While Charleston, South Carolina, is a beautiful, vibrant city with a rich culinary culture, dining at the swanky downtown restaurants can get pricey. If you’re looking for the perfect date that won’t break the bank, there are plenty of free and cheap date ideas, from weekly events to food specials.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Laugh for A Lincoln Night at Theatre 99

The only comedy theater in Charleston, Theatre 99 offers hilarious improv shows for just $5 on Wednesdays and Thursdays. With tickets that cheap, a trip to this theater is your best bet for an affordable date in Charleston. The rotating cast, made up of local comedians and actors, uses suggestions and responses from the audience to pull together impromptu performances. The show usually lasts anywhere from one and a half to two hours with a short intermission.

Active couples should head to the James Island County Park, just over the bridge from downtown Charleston, to test out the climbing wall. Designed for all skills levels, this 50-foot wall is one of the area’s tallest outdoor climbing facilities. Whether you’re an expert climber or you’ve never tried rock climbing before, the wall offers an exciting challenge for everyone. An all-day pass is $14 plus an additional $3 for harness rental, making it a relatively cheap date idea in Charleston. After you’ve conquered the wall, spend some time in the park strolling through the wooded trails or around the lake.

Second Sunday on King Street

King Street runs through the heart of downtown Charleston and is the center for bars, restaurants and shopping. On every second Sunday of the month, lower King is closed to traffic, and shops take their business to the street. The festivities begin where King and Calhoun streets intersect, then continues to Queen Street from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Pedestrians wander down the middle of the road enjoying street performers and sidewalk sales. Dine at one of the many restaurants that set up outdoor tables, or just grab your sweetheart tasty treats from King of Pops, which serves crazy, seasonal flavors such as banana caramel and blueberry cobbler.

Farmers Market in Marion Square

Farmers’ Market, American
A weekly favorite for locals and visitors, the Farmers Market in Marion Square is an excellent place for a cheap date in Charleston. Every Saturday from April to November, vendors, food trucks and farmers set up tents to sell tasty foods and unique items. Bring a blanket and lay in the park’s soft, green grass near the outdoor stage where local musicians perform. While visiting the farmers market, be sure to catch one of the breakdancing shows that take place near the water fountain on the corner of King and Calhoun streets.

Strolling along The Battery

The Battery in Charleston, South Carolina is a romantic and iconic experience. This historic seawall promenade offers breathtaking views of Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter, and Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse. Lined with majestic oak trees, Spanish moss, and antebellum mansions, The Battery showcases Charleston’s architectural heritage. White Point Garden within The Battery provides a tranquil setting to relax and enjoy the harbor views. The area is rich in history, with cannons and markers commemorating its role in conflicts like the Civil War. During evenings, The Battery becomes even more enchanting, with golden sunsets and a romantic ambiance. You may encounter street performers and vendors selling local crafts. The Battery captures the essence of Charleston, making it an ideal date spot for couples seeking a memorable experience in the city.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.