5.0 · 250
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1871 Bowens Island Rd, CharlestonTrending
Charleston Outdoor Adventures
Kayak, paddleboard, and fishing charter operation launching from Bowens Island Road into the ACE Basin and surrounding Lowcountry waterways.
5.011k ratings
Open
Charleston · Things To Do
Best things to do in Charleston
Tours, parks, gardens, plantations, water — what to do with a free afternoon.
Outdoor72Free17Downtown162Sullivan's Island24Folly Beach11Tour103Family-friendly106Water / boat94History83
Clear all- 4.9 · 1632101 River Landing Dr Dock, CharlestonTrending
Daniel Island Ferry | Daniel Island (The Waterfront on DI)
Passenger ferry connecting Daniel Island's Waterfront to downtown Charleston, running daily with free parking at the River Landing dock.
4.91.2k ratingsOpen - 4.8 · 25031100 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 · 2504871 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 · 2505W Ashley Ave, Folly BeachTrending
Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve
Oceanside preserve featuring a lighthouse, a beach, surf fishing, birdwatching & more.
4.82k ratingsOpen - 4.8 · 250630 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 · 2507Shrimp 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 · 25083030 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 · 250999 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 · 250103688 Angel Oak Rd, Johns IslandTrending
Angel Oak Tree
400+ year old live oak on Johns Island. Free to visit. Branches that touch the ground.
4.711k ratingsnature · free · photogenicOpen - 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 · 16816871 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 · 19917444 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 · 25018Vendue Range, Concord St, CharlestonTrending
Waterfront Park
Well-known park with Charleston Harbor views, plus a large lawn, walkways & fountains.
4.712k ratingsOpen - 4.7 · 250198888 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 - 4.7 · 25020101 E Arctic Ave, Folly BeachTrending
Folly Beach Pier
This 1,045-ft. fishing pier with a tackle shop is a busy destination with scenic ocean views.
4.75.5k 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 - 4.9 · 4423972 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 · 250241214 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 - 4.9 · 3025Arthur Ravenel Jr Bridge, Mt Pleasant
Mt Pleasant Waterfront Park Playground
Waterfront playground beneath the Ravenel Bridge with harbor views, climbing structures, and wheelchair-accessible paths along the Mount Pleasant shoreline.
4.7230 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 · 16629340 Concord St, CharlestonTrending
Liberty Square
Grassy national park on Cooper River featuring a small museum, aquarium & ferry to Fort Sumter.
4.61.3k ratingsOpen - 4.5 · 163302101 Pettigrew St, Sullivan's Island
Station 21 - Public Beach Access, Sullivan's Island
Paved public beach access on Sullivan's Island with free parking, a boardwalk, and dog-friendly shoreline off Middle Street.
4.61.2k ratingsOpen - 4.8 · 3931303 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 · 25032329 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 · 4633Kiawah 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 · 27344279 Ashley River Rd, Charleston
Charleston Kayak
Guided kayak tours through the tidal creeks and marshes off the Ashley River, with free parking on site.
4.7208 ratingsOpen - 4.7 · 82353550 Magnolia Plantation Rd, Charleston
Audubon Swamp Garden
Serene wetlands home to alligators, turtles & peacocks, explored via a boardwalk & bridges.
4.6628 ratingsOpen - 4.7 · 4636202 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 - 4.5 · 1913751 Meeting St, Charleston
Nathaniel Russell House Museum
Ornate, circa-1808 home known for its "free-flying" 3-story spiral staircase, with guided tours.
4.61.5k ratingsOpen - 4.6 · 4238746 County Rd S-18-30, Ridgeville
Edisto River Adventures
Canoe and kayak outfitter on the Edisto River, running guided tours and rentals through one of the longest free-flowing blackwater rivers in the country.
4.6325 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 - 4.4 · 111421500 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 · 113433601 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 · 27442364 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 · 444555 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 · 124686 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 · 1347Sullivan'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 · 3248165 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 - 4.9 · 1249887 Johnnie Dodds Blvd Suite 216, Mt Pleasant
Tour Pass | Tour Stress-Free & Save
Ticket-bundling tour agency in a Mount Pleasant strip mall handling logistics for Charleston-area attractions.
4.590 ratingsOpen - 4.3 · 142503380 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 · 1551998 Pitt St, Mt Pleasant
Pickett Park
Park offering a jogging & biking trail with harbor & sunset views, plus fishing areas & boat launch.
4.5116 ratingsOpen - 4.6 · 17521400 SC-41, Mt Pleasant
Laurel Hill County Park
Flat, wooded county park off SC-41 with trails, open fields, and free parking for dogs and strollers alike.
4.5130 ratingsOpen - 4.9 · 95336 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 · 1554Sullivan'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 · 25055Charleston
Magnolia Plantation Gardens
Romantic-style gardens dating to 1680. Azaleas peak in March; camellias bloom all winter.
4.410k ratingsgardens · history · springOpen - 4.4 · 77561254 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 · 1057176 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 · 250581061 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 · 103593217 Middle St, Sullivan's IslandTrending
Thomson Park
4.7792 ratingsOpen - 4.8 · 2960Sullivan's Island
Station 28 1/2 - - Public Beach Access
4.6223 ratingsOpen - 5.0 · 56150 Immigration St, Charleston
Flipper Finders Party Boat Tours
Dolphin-spotting boat tours departing from the Charleston waterfront at Immigration Street, with free parking on-site.
4.538 ratingsOpen - 4.3 · 2462101 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 · 96352 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 · 2864131 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 - 4.6 · 106555 Cleveland St, Charleston
McMahon Playground
Neighborhood park on Cleveland Street with standard playground equipment, open lawn, and free parking in the upper peninsula.
4.375 ratingsOpen - 4.4 · 1266749 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 - 4.6 · 96741 Ashley Ave, Charleston
General William Moultrie Playground
Wheelchair-accessible neighborhood playground on Ashley Avenue, named for the Revolutionary War general who defended Sullivan's Island in 1776.
4.369 ratingsOpen - 4.5 · 668871 Riverland Dr, Charleston
The Climbing Wall at James Island County Park
County park climbing wall off Riverland Drive, open to beginners and experienced climbers, with instruction available.
4.346 ratingsOpen - 4.2 · 1169461 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 · 570Sullivan's Island
Station 30 - Public Beach Access
4.430 ratingsOpen - 5.0 · 571Sullivan's Island
Station 22 1/2 - Public Beach Access
4.38 ratingsOpen - 5.0 · 572100-198 Station 18 St, Sullivan's Island
Station 18 - Public Beach Access
4.430 ratingsOpen - 4.6 · 1273Sullivan's Island
Station 24 - Public Beach Access
4.594 ratingsOpen - 4.8 · 5742803 Marshall Blvd, Sullivan's Island
Station 28 - - Public Beach Access
4.331 ratingsOpen - 4.3 · 13752 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 · 576Sullivan's Island
Station 32 - Public Beach Access
4.213 ratingsOpen - 5.0 · 177Downtown Charleston gallery districtFeatured
Friday Artwalks
Charleston's downtown galleries open their doors on the first Friday of March, May, October, and December — wine in plastic cups, new shows, no cover.
4.11 ratingseasonal · free · artOpen - 3.9 · 137870 E Bay St, Charleston
Hazel Parker Playground
Accessible waterfront playground on East Bay, set between the harbor and the French Quarter.
4.2101 ratingsOpen - Be first79
Ravenel BridgeFeaturedCooper River Bridge Run
10K race across the Ravenel Bridge every March — 30,000+ runners and walkers, and one of the most photogenic course finishes in the country.
4.0Buildingannual · spring · runningOpen - Be first80King Street, downtownFeatured
First Sundays on King
King Street closes to cars on the first Sunday of every month — a four-block walking street of vendors, music, and open shops from Calhoun to Queen.
4.0Buildingmonthly · free · walkableOpen - 4.2 · 581Patriots 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 · 5823034 Marshall Blvd, Sullivan's Island
Station 31 - Public Beach Access
4.012 ratingsOpen
