4.8 · 250
1
1100 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 ratings
Open
Charleston · Things To Do
Best things to do in Charleston
Tours, parks, gardens, plantations, water — what to do with a free afternoon.
Park65Plantation9Family-friendly106Downtown162Sullivan's Island24Folly Beach11Tour103Water / boat94Outdoor72History83
Clear all- 4.8 · 2502871 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 · 2503W Ashley Ave, Folly BeachTrending
Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve
Oceanside preserve featuring a lighthouse, a beach, surf fishing, birdwatching & more.
4.82k ratingsOpen - 4.8 · 250430 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 · 2505Shrimp 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 · 25063030 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 - 4.7 · 250799 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 · 25082 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 · 161946-54 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 · 242108 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 · 250111 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 · 250124300 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 · 16813871 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 · 19914444 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 · 25015Vendue Range, Concord St, CharlestonTrending
Waterfront Park
Well-known park with Charleston Harbor views, plus a large lawn, walkways & fountains.
4.712k ratingsOpen - 4.7 · 250168888 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 · 7517Shem 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 · 10918640 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 - 4.9 · 4419972 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 · 250201214 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 · 40213580 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 · 14422300 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 · 1392380 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 · 16624340 Concord St, CharlestonTrending
Liberty Square
Grassy national park on Cooper River featuring a small museum, aquarium & ferry to Fort Sumter.
4.61.3k ratingsOpen - 4.6 · 250251235 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 · 3926303 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 · 25027329 Meeting St, Charleston
Marion Square
Urban green space with historic significance, hosting regular events including a farmer's market.
4.62.6k ratingsOpen - 4.7 · 89281950 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 - 4.6 · 25029325 Country Club Dr, Charleston
McLeod Plantation Historic Site
Preserved historical plantation with a Georgian-style mansion, slave cabins & interpretive tours.
4.62.3k ratingsOpen - 4.7 · 4630Kiawah 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 · 23311705 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 · 15232185 Lockwood Dr, Charleston
Brittlebank Park
Scenic riverfront recreational area featuring a playground, walking paths & a fishing pier.
4.51.2k ratingsOpen - 4.6 · 96331126 Buist Ave, North Charleston
Quarterman Park
Cozy public park known for its tended green spaces & central pond with a charming fountain.
4.5739 ratingsOpen - 4.4 · 111341500 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 · 113353601 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 · 27362364 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 · 443755 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 · 123886 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 - 4.8 · 1339Sullivan'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 · 3240165 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 - 4.3 · 142413380 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 - 4.7 · 1542998 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 · 94336 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 · 1544Sullivan'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 · 25045Charleston
Magnolia Plantation Gardens
Romantic-style gardens dating to 1680. Azaleas peak in March; camellias bloom all winter.
4.410k ratingsgardens · history · springOpen - 4.4 · 77461254 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 · 1047176 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 · 250481061 Everglades Ave, North CharlestonTrending
Riverfront Park
This popular green space along the Cooper River features a large meadow & performance pavilion.
4.73.6k ratingsOpen - 4.7 · 103493217 Middle St, Sullivan's IslandTrending
Thomson Park
4.7792 ratingsOpen - 4.8 · 2950Sullivan's Island
Station 28 1/2 - - Public Beach Access
4.6223 ratingsOpen - 4.3 · 2451101 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 · 95252 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 · 2853131 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 · 1254749 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 · 1155461 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 · 556Sullivan's Island
Station 30 - Public Beach Access
4.430 ratingsOpen - 5.0 · 557Sullivan's Island
Station 22 1/2 - Public Beach Access
4.38 ratingsOpen - 5.0 · 558100-198 Station 18 St, Sullivan's Island
Station 18 - Public Beach Access
4.430 ratingsOpen - 4.6 · 1259Sullivan's Island
Station 24 - Public Beach Access
4.594 ratingsOpen - 4.8 · 5602803 Marshall Blvd, Sullivan's Island
Station 28 - - Public Beach Access
4.331 ratingsOpen - 4.3 · 13612 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 · 562Sullivan's Island
Station 32 - Public Beach Access
4.213 ratingsOpen - 4.2 · 563Patriots 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 · 5643034 Marshall Blvd, Sullivan's Island
Station 31 - Public Beach Access
4.012 ratingsOpen
