4.9 · 250
1
40 Patriots Point Rd, Mt PleasantTrending
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
Visitors can explore a retired Naval aircraft carrier, destroyer & submarine docked here year-round.
4.87.8k ratings
Open
Charleston · Things To Do
Best things to do in Charleston
Tours, parks, gardens, plantations, water — what to do with a free afternoon.
Park65Museum26Family-friendly106Downtown162Sullivan's Island24Folly Beach11Tour103Water / boat94Outdoor72History83
Clear all- 4.8 · 25021100 W Ashley Ave, Folly BeachTrending
Folly Beach County Park
Swimming beach with seasonal lifeguards & pelican rookery featured in preserve with limited parking.
4.84.4k ratingsOpen - 4.8 · 2503871 Riverland Dr, CharlestonTrending
James Island County Park
This serene park with tidal creeks & trails is a popular spot for biking, crabbing & camping.
4.83.9k ratingsOpen - 4.8 · 2504W Ashley Ave, Folly BeachTrending
Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve
Oceanside preserve featuring a lighthouse, a beach, surf fishing, birdwatching & more.
4.82k ratingsOpen - 4.8 · 250530 Mary Murray Dr, CharlestonTrending
Hampton Park
Featuring extensive floral displays, this park also offers a baseball diamond, playground & trail.
4.82.1k ratingsOpen - 4.8 · 2506Shrimp Boat Ln, Mt PleasantTrending
Shem Creek Park
Boardwalks, trails & fishing boats highlight this tranquil town park with creek & wetlands views.
4.82.5k ratingsOpen - 4.8 · 25073030 Cypress Gardens Rd, Moncks CornerTrending
Cypress Gardens
Swamp garden with giant cypress trees offering boat tours plus a butterfly house attraction.
4.83.8k ratingssource:cwg · wedding-venuesOpen - 4.8 · 14681250 Supply St, North CharlestonTrending
Friends of the Hunley
Waterfront museum offering weekend tours of a 19th-century historic submarine, artifacts & exhibits.
4.81.1k ratingsOpen - 4.7 · 250914 Wharfside St, CharlestonTrending
International African American Museum
Waterfront museum on Gadsden's Wharf, the precise site where enslaved Africans first arrived in America, documenting that history through galleries and genealogy resources.
4.81.9k ratingsOpen - 4.7 · 2501099 Harry M. Hallman Jr Blvd, Mt PleasantTrending
Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park
A nautical-themed playground, 1,250-ft pier with bench swings, cafe/gift shop & scenic harbor views.
4.84.2k ratingsOpen - 4.8 · 250112 Murray Blvd, CharlestonTrending
White Point Garden
This public garden beside the water offers paved paths, military statues, canons & picnic areas.
4.73.6k ratingsOpen - 4.7 · 1611246-54 Ashley Ave, CharlestonTrending
Colonial Lake Park
Historic tidal pond & dog-friendly park with paved pathways, benches, fishing & open green space.
4.81.2k ratingsOpen - 4.7 · 242138 Beachwalker Dr, Kiawah IslandFeaturedTrending
Kiawah Beachwalker Park
The only public access to Kiawah Island's ten miles of hard-packed sand. Wide, flat, walkable.
4.71.9k ratingswalking · quiet · wildlifeOpen - 4.7 · 250141 14th Ave, Isle of PalmsTrending
Isle of Palms County Park
Beachfront park offering a playground & umbrella rentals, plus grills & a sand volleyball court.
4.75k ratingsOpen - 4.8 · 250154300 Ashley River Rd, CharlestonTrending
Middleton Place
Sprawling Ashley River rice plantation dating to the 1730s, with gardens and refined lodging.
4.73.3k ratingssource:cvb · wedding-venuesOpen - 4.8 · 25016122 E Bay St, CharlestonTrending
Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
Self-guided tours offered in a historic building, formerly a Revolutionary prison & City Hall.
4.71.9k ratingsOpen - 4.8 · 16817871 Riverland Dr, CharlestonTrending
Campground at James Island County Park
Campground with a store, bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, grills & activity center in a 643-acre natural park.
4.71.3k ratingsOpen - 4.7 · 19918444 Needlerush Pkwy, Mt PleasantTrending
Palmetto Islands County Park
A 943-acre nature setting with paved trails, picnic sites & access for fishing, crabbing & kayaking.
4.71.5k ratingsOpen - 4.7 · 25019Vendue Range, Concord St, CharlestonTrending
Waterfront Park
Well-known park with Charleston Harbor views, plus a large lawn, walkways & fountains.
4.712k ratingsOpen - 4.7 · 250208888 University Blvd, North CharlestonTrending
North Charleston Wannamaker County Park
Sprawling expanse of woodlands & wetlands with grills & picnic spots, plus a fee-based water park.
4.74.1k ratingsOpen - 4.8 · 7521Shem Creek Boardwalk, Mt Pleasant
Shem Creek Boardwalk
Tidal boardwalk along a working shrimp boat dock in Mount Pleasant, where pelicans outnumber tourists on slow weekday mornings.
4.7576 ratingsOpen - 4.8 · 10922640 Wampler Dr, CharlestonTrending
Melton Peter Demetre Park
Waterfront city park on James Island with marsh views, a fishing pier, and open green space for dogs and families.
4.7838 ratingsOpen - 4.7 · 13223135 Meeting St, CharlestonTrending
Gibbes Museum of Art
Portraits & landscapes dating back to the 1700s, housed in a century-old beaux arts-style building.
4.71k ratingsOpen - 4.9 · 4424972 Pitt St, Mt Pleasant
Ocean Walk at Pitt Street Bridge Park
Paved waterfront path along a converted rail bridge in Old Mt Pleasant, with marsh views, dog walkers, and open sky in every direction.
4.7337 ratingsOpen - 4.6 · 250251214 Middle St, Sullivan's IslandTrending
Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park
A pair of historic military sites with roots dating from 1776 & featuring Charleston Harbor views.
4.72.7k ratingsOpen - 4.8 · 40263580 McLeod Mill Rd, Johns Island
Stono River County Park
Tidal park on Johns Island with boat access, walking trails, and marsh views along the Stono River.
4.7306 ratingsOpen - 4.7 · 14427300 State Park Rd, SummervilleTrending
Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site
Colonial-era settlement with many original buildings & ruins, archaeological digs & guided tours.
4.71.1k ratingsOpen - 4.7 · 1392880 Broad St, CharlestonTrending
Washington Square
Urban park with oak trees & flower displays centered on a 42-ft. model of the Washington Monument.
4.71.1k ratingsOpen - 4.7 · 1492948 Elizabeth St, CharlestonTrending
Aiken-Rhett House Museum
Tours of this historic home of an influential 1800s family include a back lot where slaves lived.
4.61.1k ratingsOpen - 4.7 · 16630340 Concord St, CharlestonTrending
Liberty Square
Grassy national park on Cooper River featuring a small museum, aquarium & ferry to Fort Sumter.
4.61.3k ratingsOpen - 4.8 · 463179 Cumberland St, Charleston
Powder Magazine Museum
Colonial military history museum & gift shop in a 1713 gunpowder storage building.
4.7352 ratingsOpen - 4.6 · 250321235 Long Point Rd, Mt PleasantTrending
Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
1681 working plantation known for its moss-draped Avenue of Oaks & original slave cabins.
4.67.1k ratingsOpen - 4.8 · 3933303 Concord St, Charleston
Gadsdenboro Park
Small urban park on the edge of the upper peninsula, with a playground, open lawn, and direct views of the Cooper River.
4.6302 ratingsOpen - 4.6 · 25034329 Meeting St, Charleston
Marion Square
Urban green space with historic significance, hosting regular events including a farmer's market.
4.62.6k ratingsOpen - 4.6 · 25035360 Meeting St, Charleston
The Charleston Museum
America's first museum, founded in 1773, exhibits relics from South Carolina & Confederate history.
4.62.5k ratingsOpen - 4.7 · 89361950 Rutledge Rd, McClellanville
Hampton Plantation State Historic Site
Established in 1735, this historic plantation is an interpretive site about slavery & offers tours.
4.6685 ratingsOpen - 4.7 · 4637Kiawah Island Pkwy, Kiawah Island
Night Heron Park
Wooded park on Kiawah Island with beach access, a nature center, and dog-friendly trails along the marsh edge.
4.6352 ratingsOpen - 4.7 · 4638202 Calhoun St, Charleston
Mace Brown Museum of Natural History - College of Charleston
Free natural history museum inside College of Charleston's science building, with fossil collections, minerals, and regional specimens.
4.6353 ratingsOpen - 4.7 · 23391705 Pierce St, Charleston
Pirate Park
Small neighborhood park on Pierce Street with a pirate-themed playground, free parking, and room for dogs.
4.6174 ratingsOpen - 4.5 · 15240185 Lockwood Dr, Charleston
Brittlebank Park
Scenic riverfront recreational area featuring a playground, walking paths & a fishing pier.
4.51.2k ratingsOpen - 4.6 · 96411126 Buist Ave, North Charleston
Quarterman Park
Cozy public park known for its tended green spaces & central pond with a charming fountain.
4.5739 ratingsOpen - 4.7 · 2342340 Concord St, Charleston
Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park
Two Civil War forts bookending Charleston Harbor, reachable by ferry, where the first shots of the war were fired.
4.6174 ratingsOpen - 4.4 · 111431500 Old Towne Rd, Charleston
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
Tours & interactive exhibits at the birthplace of the Carolina colony, first settled in 1670.
4.5854 ratingsOpen - 4.5 · 113443601 Mary Ader Ave, Charleston
West Ashley Park
Expansive landscaped park with soccer & softball fields, a disc golf course, fishing & playgrounds.
4.5865 ratingsOpen - 4.6 · 27452364 Daniel Island Dr, Charleston
Smythe Park
Grassy waterfront park on Daniel Island with a playground, open lawn, and direct access to the Wando River.
4.6208 ratingsOpen - 4.6 · 444655 Sycamore Ave, Charleston
Ackerman Park
Neighborhood park on Sycamore Ave with open lawns, dog access, and wheelchair-accessible paths in West Ashley.
4.5335 ratingsOpen - 5.0 · 124786 Anson St, Charleston
Theodora Park
Compact neighborhood green space on Anson Street with benches, dog access, and a quiet break from the French Quarter foot traffic.
4.691 ratingsOpen - 4.5 · 1504825 Ann St, Charleston
Childrens Museum of the Lowcountry
Hands-on exhibits for under-10 kids plus parties, programs, camps & classes such as yoga & dance.
4.41.1k ratingsOpen - 4.8 · 1349Sullivan's Island
Station 25 - Public Beach Access
Free public beach access point on Sullivan's Island with parking, a reliable entry for families skipping the Isle of Palms crowds.
4.699 ratingsOpen - 4.6 · 3250165 Fairbanks Oak Alley, Charleston
Governors Park
Shaded neighborhood park off Fairbanks Oak Alley with live oaks, open lawn, and room for dogs and kids.
4.5243 ratingsOpen - 4.6 · 6951188 Meeting St, Charleston
The Museum at Market Hall
Greek Revival landmark built in 1841 offering Civil War history & tours by women's-group docents.
4.4528 ratingsOpen - 4.3 · 142523380 Ashley River Rd, Charleston
Drayton Hall
Storied, well-preserved antebellum plantation with tranquil grounds & an African-American cemetery.
4.51.1k ratingssource:vbunao · wedding-venuesOpen - 4.5 · 5653350 Meeting St, Charleston
Joseph Manigault House
Built in 1803, this antebellum structure is furnished with period American, French & British pieces.
4.4432 ratingsOpen - 4.7 · 1554998 Pitt St, Mt Pleasant
Pickett Park
Park offering a jogging & biking trail with harbor & sunset views, plus fishing areas & boat launch.
4.5116 ratingsOpen - 4.9 · 95536 Marlow Dr, Charleston
Corrine Jones Park
Small neighborhood park on Marlow Drive with open lawn, a playground, and a walking path suited for kids and leashed dogs.
4.566 ratingsOpen - 4.6 · 1556Sullivan's Island
Station 23 - Public Beach Access
Narrow public beach access point on Sullivan's Island where locals park along Middle Street and walk straight to the Atlantic.
4.5116 ratingsOpen - 4.3 · 25057Charleston
Magnolia Plantation Gardens
Romantic-style gardens dating to 1680. Azaleas peak in March; camellias bloom all winter.
4.410k ratingsgardens · history · springOpen - 4.4 · 77581254 Long Point Rd, Mt Pleasant
Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
Remnants of a 1700s plantation, with indoor & outdoor exhibits on Charles Pinckney's life & times.
4.4589 ratingsOpen - 4.8 · 1059176 Concord St, Charleston
Waterfront Swings
Free public swings overlooking the Cooper River at Waterfront Park, a reliable stop for kids and anyone who wants a harbor view.
4.577 ratingsOpen - 4.7 · 250601061 Everglades Ave, North CharlestonTrending
Riverfront Park
This popular green space along the Cooper River features a large meadow & performance pavilion.
4.73.6k ratingsOpen - 4.9 · 8611100 Navy Way, North Charleston
Charleston Naval Base Admiral's House
Restored 1905 Colonial Revival officer's residence on the old North Charleston naval base, now bookable for weddings and private events.
4.560 ratingsOpen - 4.6 · 1662100 Meeting St, Charleston
South Carolina Historical Society
Private library housing historical state photos & documents, with a Colonial & antebellum focus.
4.4121 ratingsOpen - 4.3 · 250636 Chalmers St, Charleston
Old Slave Mart Museum
Displays in this former slave auction building tell the story of the slave trade in Charleston.
4.42.7k ratingsOpen - 4.7 · 103643217 Middle St, Sullivan's IslandTrending
Thomson Park
4.7792 ratingsOpen - 4.8 · 2965Sullivan's Island
Station 28 1/2 - - Public Beach Access
4.6223 ratingsOpen - 4.3 · 2466101 River Landing Dr, Charleston
Childrens Park Daniel Island
Waterfront park on Daniel Island with climbing structures, open lawn, and river views for kids and dogs.
4.4184 ratingsOpen - 4.7 · 96752 Chapel St Suite 50, Charleston
Chapel Street Fountain Park
Small neighborhood splash pad and green space on Chapel Street, open to dogs and strollers year-round.
4.472 ratingsOpen - 4.4 · 2868131 Rutledge Ave, Charleston
Cannon Park
Shaded neighborhood green across from the Gibbes Museum, popular with dog walkers and families on Rutledge Avenue.
4.3217 ratingsOpen - 4.4 · 1269749 Sprague St, Charleston
Dock Street Park
Small neighborhood park on Sprague Street with grass, room for dogs, and a low-key place to let kids run.
4.393 ratingsOpen - 4.2 · 1170461 Fort Johnson Rd, Charleston
Pinckney Park
Quiet James Island neighborhood park with a playground, open lawn, and marsh views off Fort Johnson Road.
4.387 ratingsOpen - 5.0 · 571Sullivan's Island
Station 30 - Public Beach Access
4.430 ratingsOpen - 5.0 · 572Sullivan's Island
Station 22 1/2 - Public Beach Access
4.38 ratingsOpen - 5.0 · 573100-198 Station 18 St, Sullivan's Island
Station 18 - Public Beach Access
4.430 ratingsOpen - 4.6 · 1274Sullivan's Island
Station 24 - Public Beach Access
4.594 ratingsOpen - 4.8 · 5752803 Marshall Blvd, Sullivan's Island
Station 28 - - Public Beach Access
4.331 ratingsOpen - 4.3 · 13762 Chisolm St, Charleston
Horse Lot Park
Compact public green on the Charleston Peninsula where Chisolm meets the waterfront, popular with dogs and strollers.
4.297 ratingsOpen - 4.6 · 577Sullivan's Island
Station 32 - Public Beach Access
4.213 ratingsOpen - 4.2 · 578Patriots Point, Mt Pleasant
Patriots Point Nature Trail
Two-mile loop through maritime forest and marsh at the base of Patriots Point, with views of the Ravenel Bridge and Cooper River.
4.040 ratingsOpen - 3.8 · 5793034 Marshall Blvd, Sullivan's Island
Station 31 - Public Beach Access
4.012 ratingsOpen
