Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Kiawah Island

"Riley Waterfront Park, located on the east of the Charleston peninsula a little beyond the end of Broad Street, is a more recent addition to the city’s downtown park space. Originally known simply as Waterfront Park, it was later renamed in honor of former Mayor of Charleston Joseph P Riley, Jr. It is most notable as the site of Charleston’s Pineapple Fountain (the pineapple is the symbol of hospitality) but is also an ideal spot for a picnic or a rest while sightseeing, providing a shaded place to sit alongside the river."

"Bordering the Charleston Harbor, this impressive park is a great place for a scenic stroll, picnic, or to cool off in one of the fountains on one of Charleston’s sultry summer days!"

"The Historic Charleston City Market is the cultural hub of Downtown Charleston and has been in operation since 1807. The market hall itself is a national landmark which houses over twenty retail outlets and eateries plus many artisan studios producing traditional sweetgrass basketry and artwork. The Charleston City Market is open seven days a week and holds extra night markets on Fridays and Saturdays."

"Known as the "Holy City", for its long tolerance for religions of all types, Charleston is the state's most beautiful and historic treasure...."

"One of the top things to do with kids in Charleston SC has to be a visit to the Charleston Museum. They have really catered to the engaged and open minds of children with their numerous children’s programs. Kids can take part in special themed events, tours dedicated to kids, history workshops and even special toddler groups for children up to three."

"The historic importance of Charleston is monumental, and the Charleston Museum does a wonderful job of illustrating this. If you’re looking to come to Charleston this weekend, going to the Charleston Museum is among the best activities. Here, you can see great exhibits that different points of Charleston’s history."

"Built in 1771, the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon has served as a commercial exchange, custom house, military headquarters, city hall, and post office. The historic building was the site of some of the city's most notable events, like the signing of the U.S. Constitution, as well as its darkest moments, like public slave auctions."

"Year: 1767–1771 Architectural Style: Georgian Architect: William Rigby Naylor. About: The Old Exchange is located on the east side of Charleston’s historic downtown area, at the northeast corner of East Bay and Broad Streets. It is a two-story masonry building, capped by a hipped roof with cupola and set on a high brick basement."

"Quite often the site of local festivals such as the Charleston Beer Garden and XXX, Brittlebank Park is chosen as a spot for celebrations due to its near-downtown waterfront location overlooking the Ashley River from Lockwood Drive. Also just a short walk from the Charleston Riverdogs minor league baseball stadium, the 10-acre Brittlebank Park makes for a nice place to spend some time with the kids before or after going to a ball game. There are swings and playground available here, and the park is open (free of charge) year-round."

"When it comes to the prettiest parks in Charleston, Brittlebank Park is a must. With 10 acres of green situated on the Ashely River, sunset views along the waterfront are spectacular. It’s an Instagrammable place in Charleston that is easy to get to and free to access!"

"This riverfront park has a playground, picnic tables, walking and bike paths, a fishing pier and a boat dock. My kids love to look at the boats while they play!"

"Organized as an outgrowth of the First (Scots) Presbyterian Church, this congregation attracted a new generation of Scottish merchants who planned an ambitious building, which was then outside of the boundaries of the city."

"The church, built in the Jeffersonian style is the fourth oldest church structure in the city. It was built in 1809 by James and John Gordon. The brothers were both the builders and the architects."

"The Memorial Waterfront Park is a beauty to look at during the sunset. There is a small pier that is dedicated to those who love fishing. If you want to buy some souvenirs, you will notice that there is a small gift shop right near the entrance."

"The palmetto tree adorns South Carolina’s state flag, and once upon a time, its wood defended the fledgling city of Charleston (in colonial times known as Charles Town) from would-be intruders. At Fort Moultrie National Historic Park, visitors can see a model of the original palmetto log and sand fort that was only half-built when, in 1776, Commodore Sir Peter Parker, captaining a fleet of nine ships, attempted to take the city by sea. “The British viewed Charleston as a gateway to the South,” says Dawn H. Davis, the public affairs officer of Fort Moultrie and a thirty-year veteran of the National Park Service."

"This layered fort encapsulates the history of US coastal defense spanning nearly 200 years and four wars. Aspects of the fort have been restored to help visitors understand the evolution of architecture, weaponry and engineering during a range of time periods, with special attention given to the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, WWI and WWII periods."

"Fort Moultrie sits opposite Fort Sumter along the coast on Sullivan’s Island. Fort Moultrie’s history goes all the way back to pre-Revolutionary War, when it was named Fort Sullivan. The British took control of the Fort and renamed it Fort Arbuthnot."

"We stopped at Marion Square to rest our feet after visiting Rainbow Row and the Battery. It’s a large green space where you can enjoy the fountain and historic monuments. Pro Tip: There is a Farmers Market on Saturday mornings with lots of artisanal food, local fruits, vegetables, and arts and crafts."

"This beautiful and central park has a Saturday morning farmer’s marketand hosts all sorts of events throughout the year. It is a great place for a picnic or to let the kids run around, and is home to the John C. Calhoun statue and the Holocaust Memorial."

"Marion Square is greenspace in downtown Charleston, South Carolina, spanning six and one half acres. The square was established as a parade ground for the state arsenal under construction on the north side of the square."

"While there are multiple locations for this restaurant throughout the Charleston area, the one downtown is a fan favorite. This cozy breakfast spot will remind you of your favorite diner back home. They have a full bar and traditional breakfast plates featuring eggs, bacon, home fries, and the like."

"Address: Carmella's Café & Dessert Bar, 198 East Bay Street #100, Charleston, South Carolina 29401. At Carmella's Café & Dessert Bar, patrons can enjoy gourmet Charleston desserts in style. Everything on their menu is made using high-quality ingredients and recipes passed down through generations."

"Carmella's on Historic East Bay St. features handmade ice creams, Italian ice, premium coffees, wine, adult dessert cocktails, pastries, cannolis, cookies, & gourmet desserts."