Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Folly Beach

"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."

"Joe Riley Waterfront Park is a captivating eight-acre park which has received the 2007 Landmark Award from the American Society of Landscape Architects and the National Trust for Historic Preservation."

"A venue for work that is new and innovative with a focus on broadening the art outlook including up and coming local, regional, national & international contemporary artists."

"This historic market complex is located right where it should be- in the heart of downtown Charleston. Here you can get in some of the best shopping you'll find in the entire area, and do it inside of the 200-year old brick market buildings. The selection of local goods and heritage crafts is quite eclectic, sea grass baskets and spices being some of these."

"Peruse local treats, wares, textiles, art, and more at the Historic Charleston City Market!. This National Historic Landmark has been around since the 1790s."

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

"Along a one-mile section of Meeting Street you will find 6 museums, 5 nationally renowned historic houses, 4 scenic parks, a Revolutionary War powder magazine, and an array of historic houses of worship and public buildings such as the Market and City Hall. To start planning your trip, simply click the banners on the map."

"Learn about Charleston’s role in the Revolutionary War or the Civil War. Browse engaging displays that capture the local social and cultural histories of the region. Wherever your interests lay, you’ll find plenty of fascinating exhibits at the Charleston Museum!"

"Celebrated as America’s first museum, this downtown institution masterfully interprets the cultural and natural history of the Charleston area with hands-on exhibits that include fossils, colonial clothing and more."

"Colonial and Victorian styles were popular among architecture in Charleston during the pre-revolution war period between 1600s and 1700s. Today, Exchange and Provost, earlier known as Old Exchange Building, is an epitome of Colonial architecture with low foundations and 3 levels. Multi-pane windows, pillars, symmetrical facades and columns are found within the building."

"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."

"Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon is the most historical building in South Carolina which talks about patriots and constitutional ratification during colonial era. Built in Georgian architecture, the building focuses on the colonial Charleston and American Revolution with its structure and décor."

"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 oldest surviving church in the Carolinas, founded and built in 1706; a number of historic tombs are located in the church yard. Four services on Sundays."

"Located in the iconic French Quarter, the Principal Gallery of Charleston marks the coming together of American and international artists. A member of the Charleston Gallery Association, this art gallery is known for its impeccable contemporary art that lays emphasis on oil and bronze sculptures and visual representations. Suitable for both amateurs and experts, this art gallery in Charleston encourages an individual vision of every artist through its solo exhibitions, group shows and art fairs."

"Principle Gallery showcases works classified as both classical and contemporary realism. Since 1994, they’ve delighted Charleston art enthusiasts and display pieces in an airy and light-filled space."

"125 Meeting St Corner of Meeting and Queen, next to Eli's Table and Gibbes Museum, Charleston, SC 29401-2277+1 843-727-4500[email protected]http://www.principlegallery.com/charleston/"

"Mount Pleasant shop Izzy’s Scoops & Sweets serves banana splits, sundaes with cherries on top, and baklava ice cream. There’s always plenty of sprinkles and whip cream on hand for customer’s creations."

"A friend of mine, who writes for Charleston Eater recommended this new gourmet wood-fired pizza and wine spot to me as his very favorite place in town – so I went in with pretty high expectations, all of which were exceeded immediately. The adorable date night hot spot is quickly taking over Charleston’s foodie scene, after just opening a few months ago, and it’s easy to see why. Not only does stepping into the quaint neighborhood restaurant feel like you could be some chic restaurant tucked in an alleyway of Florence, New York City, or San Francisco, but each and every one of their inventive wood-fired pizzas will blow your mind."

"If you know Charleston, you know there’s only so much space—it has been fascinating to watch, in recent years, as the action moves northward, bringing along with it some of the most interesting new restaurants the city has to offer. A side street near the leafy expanse of Hampton Park, considerably far off the main tourist circuit, is the setting for one of the most popular restaurants in 2018—think wood-fired pizzas, and natural wines, with creative sides and imaginative ice creams for dessert. (There’s brunch on Saturdays, too.)"

"Built throughout the 1800s, the United States Custom House is a gorgeous building with magnificent architecture. The checkered landing out front adds an interesting layer to an already cool place. Come in the morning to find it empty for a particularly Instagrammable moment in Charleston."

"Immediately east of the City Market is the United States Custom House. It is quite the impressive building and an easy photo location that we unknowingly stumbled into. The Custom House dates all the way back to before the Civil War."

"Fort Sumter is a sea fort in Charleston, South Carolina, notable for the battle, which signified the start of the American Civil War. The Battle of Fort Sumter in 1861 was the bombardment of Fort Sumter by the South Carolina militia; the Confederate Army did not yet exist. The United States Army returned gunfire, but the fort had been cut off from its supply lines and surrendered the next day."

"When you’re looking for things to do in Charleston SC with kids, Fort Sumter is a no-brainer!. I love an activity where kids are learning and they don’t even realize it!. You and your family will learn about the history of Fort Sumter and the pivotal role it played in the Civil War, but I think it’s most fun for families to get out and explore the grounds of Fort Sumter."

"Join a fascinating boat tour to the historic Fort Sumter National Monument, set at the mouth of the beautiful Charleston Harbor. Enjoy a backdrop of Charleston’s stately waterfront homes, The Battery, and Rainbow Row. This fully narrated cruise departs from Aquarium Wharf at the South Carolina Aquarium."

"Situated in Charleston’s “Low Country,” Drayton Hall endured through wars to become one of the most monumental pieces of Charleston history. There’s also the Palladian design of the house, a style that still holds up as a piece of architectural beauty. Constructed in the first half of the 18th century, Drayton Hall counts itself as the lone survivor of plantation homes that made it through the American Revolution as well as the American Civil War."

"Perched on the sylvan shores of Ashley River, Drayton Hall is the nation’s earliest Palladian architecture building as well as the oldest plantation house in the country. It has never been restored and offers great insight into Charleston's history. Drayton Hall’s main house, gardens, gallery and landscape are open to the public today."