Charleston, South Carolina, welcomes you! Expect to fall in love with the lowcountry’s unique beauty, which combines the Deep South with colonial charm and a strong sense of community.
Charleston’s charm comes from its unique, colorful architecture, the friendliness of its residents, and, of course, the gorgeous views that can only be seen in a Southern harbor town. Time spent at a neighborhood park is one of the greatest ways to enjoy Charleston’s subtropical climate–a picnic lunch or a quick break from city exploration both work well as excuses to linger outside.
The best parks in Charleston are close by in Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, James Island, and, of course, downtown, so you won’t have to travel far to discover a perfect park pit break. You’ll find distinct special features and views at each Downtown Charleston parks, but they all have the same relaxed, laid-back vibe.
A bike ride or run through historic Hampton Park Charleston and the neighboring downtown Charleston parks area, as well as the walkway at the old Pitt Street Bridge in Mount Pleasant, will be enjoyed by exercise enthusiasts.
Folly Beach County Park is perfect for beach babes (with chair and umbrella rentals), while James Island County Park and the Charles Towne Landing National Historic Site are great for adventurous kids.
A trip to Charleston isn’t complete without a stop at Battery Park’s Whitepoint Gardens. Relax in the shade of magnificent live oaks coated in Spanish moss while admiring the breathtaking vistas of Fort Sumter and the Charleston Harbor.
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Best Parks in Charleston, Savor Every Season
Allow Tripononline to assist you when your options are limited. We’ll point you in the right direction for the best parks in Charleston. We hope that our list of the 10 best parks in Charleston, helps you plan a fantastic trip to the city.
1. Hampton Park Charleston
This almost 70-acre open space is located just north of Charleston’s bustling downtown, close to The Citadel military academy, and is named for General Wade Hampton, a Civil War general and governor of South Carolina.
Walkers, runners, sunbathers, and those who want to take advantage of the warm and sunny Charleston weather have flocked to Hampton Park Charleston.
A lovely variety of annual blooms, as well as a fountain and pond, can be seen in the park, which has public restrooms, a playground, picnic tables, and free Wi-Fi. Hampton Park is also a popular location for weddings, engagements, picture sessions, and even workout meet-ups.
Recommended for Parks because: Hampton Park is all a park should be: lush green grass, vibrant flowers, twisting walks, all nestled in the heart of a wonderful historic neighborhood.
Expert tip: Bike rental is a great way to get about Hampton Park. From the historic area to north downtown, it’s a pleasant bike ride, and once you arrive, a cycle loop awaits you in the park!
2. Marion Square
Marion Square’s 6.5 acres of verdant public park space are always a fantastic spot for a picnic, a break from shopping, or soaking up some sun in Charleston.
Marion Square Park is now home to weekly Saturday Farmer’s Markets, as well as many other special events, such as Charleston Fashion Week, the Food + Wine Festival, and the Piccolo Spoleto Festival, which were once utilized as practice grounds for The Citadel, Charleston’s local military academy.
During the summer, people can be found playing Frisbee and sunbathing with their laptops and textbooks at Marion Square “Beach,” which is often referred to by local college students as Marion Square “Beach.” Don’t miss the chance to stop and rest (or even picnic) on the large open field space here, which is close to all of the city’s attractions.
Recommended for Parks because: From the Farmers Market to Fashion Week and the Wine & Food Festival, Marion Square is a hive of activity at any time of year.
Expert tip: From April to December, don’t miss the Saturday Farmer’s Markets, which are a terrific way to sample the best of Charleston’s local farmers, craftsmen, and food trucks!
3. Battery Park & White Point Gardens
For most Holy City residents, Battery Park is the defining image of Charleston. You can see Ft. Sumter in the distance as you walk down East Bay Street, with the famed Battery mansions on one side and the Charleston harbor on the other, and picture the opening shots of the Civil War being fired here in 1861.
The Battery has seen several wars throughout the decades, including the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, and was even the hangman for legendary pirate Stede Bonnet, among others.
You’ll be entirely surrounded by the beauties that Charlestonians adore: antebellum historic mansions, a vista of the Ravenel Bridge across the bay, and centuries-old trees nestled among magnificent palmettos.
Recommended for Parks because: For vistas of antebellum houses, Charleston harbor, tall Palmettos, and ancient live oaks, stroll through Battery Park and White Point Gardens. Take everything in.
Expert tip: Parking in this location can be problematic at times (despite the fact that most spaces aren’t metered, which is unusual in Charleston). Fortunately, this park is easily accessible by foot or bicycle from anyplace in the city!
4. Pickett Bridge Rec. Area & Pitt Street Bridge
Are you looking for a free attraction or outdoor spot near downtown Charleston to take a romantic day excursion or watch the sunset? You’re in luck: Mount Pleasant’s Pitt Street Bridge, as it’s known, is just a short drive across the Ravenel Bridge from the peninsula, and it’s a great site for a picnic or a romantic evening outdoors when the weather is beautiful.
Locals frequently use Pitt Street Bridge to launch kayaks or try their hand at shore fishing. It was previously the site of a longer dock bridge connecting Mount Pleasant to Sullivan’s Island and a training spot for the Hunley. The park’s parking and entry are both free!
Recommended for Parks because: The “Pitt Street Bridge,” which is often described as having the best sunset views in all of Charleston, is so lovely that it’s one of the city’s most popular engagement destinations.
Expert tip: Do you have a bicycle, a kayak, or a fishing rod? Bring ’em here for some excellent water fun! You’ll discover a great starting point for an exciting afternoon with spectacular views!
5. James Island County Park
This 643-acre park includes a full-service campground and ten modern holiday cabins with views of the Stono River marsh.
Other activities, such as the Splash Zone water park and a 50-foot rock climbing wall that can accommodate 12-15 climbers at a time, are available for an additional cost. Bike rentals, a crabbing dock, and unrestricted ocean fishing are all accessible.
Several significant festivals are held at this county park throughout the year, including the Lowcountry Cajun Festival in April. The Challenge Course, turtle walks, and tidal creek exploration are among the educational programs available for all ages.
The Splash Zone Water Park, as well as the picnic and Spray Play fountain area and public dog park, are popular with both local and visiting families.
Recommended for Parks because: Climbing rock cliffs, running or biking on concrete routes, or treating Fido to a boisterous dog park afternoon; JI County Park has it all!
Expert tip: Bring the entire family (including pets) to this enormous county park to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including a rock wall and a waterpark!
6. Folly Beach County Park
Folly Beach is without a doubt one of Charleston’s most famous sites, as well as one of South Carolina’s most popular beach holiday spots.
Dressing places, outdoor showers, restrooms, boardwalks, picnic spots, and a snack bar are all available at the beach park, which has nearly 2,500 feet of ocean beachfront. Visitors who wish to take advantage of some of the greatest surfing north of Florida on the East Coast can rent boogie boards and surfboards.
Bring your sunglasses, sunscreen, and surfboard to enjoy this beach town gem, which is normally less busy than other parts of Folly Beach outside the park grounds.
Recommended for Parks because: Folly Beach County Park has a year-round public beach that is shielded from the elements (lifeguarded during the summer). It’s a safe and enjoyable environment for the entire family!
Expert tip: Folly Beach is the best surfing beach in Charleston! When the tide is high, come here—but only if you’re a seasoned surfer!
7. Charleston Waterfront Park
Charleston Waterfront Park is one of the most popular parks on the peninsula, and it’s located near East Bay Street, Battery Park, and White Point Gardens at the southern extremity of the downtown peninsula.
Waterfront Park, which opened in 1990 and offers spectacular views of the Charleston harbor, is a favorite among visitors and locals alike.
After a long day of shopping and sightseeing, travelers can sit and relax in the park, which stretches for over 1,000 feet along the coastlines. Sailboats cruising the seas and huge ships coming in and out of the harbor can be seen by visitors.
Recommended for Parks because: The famous Pineapple Fountain in Charleston is a symbol of Southern hospitality. The scenery, people watching, and cool wind make Waterfront Park well worth a visit.
Expert tip: Don’t miss out on a photo op at Charleston’s famed pineapple fountain!
8. Charles Towne Landing
A visit to the Charleston Towne Landing historic site, which is more of a historic colonial settlement brought to life in authentic way than a simple park, offers for a fantastic afternoon activity off-peninsula for persons and groups of all ages.
Charles Towne Landing, located just over the Ashley River from downtown Charleston, brings the past to life at the site of the Carolinas’ first permanent European settlement.
Bike rentals, nature and walking trails (including nature and history trails), and 80 acres of gardens and greenery are available at this state historic property. There’s also a natural wildlife habitat on the property, which is home to animal species that the area’s early residents would have experienced.
Recommended for Parks because: Learn about the history of the area’s first English settlement, see uncommon animal species, and bike or walk scenic paths. Charles Towne Landing is rich in history!
Expert tip: With exhibitions and events year-round, Charles Towne Landing is a great destination to visit for people of all ages and seasons.
9. Palmetto Islands County Park
The 943-acre Mount Pleasant park is part of the Charleston County Park system and is about a 20- to 30-minute drive from downtown Charleston.
Palmetto Islands County Park, located along Horlbeck Creek off the Wando River, offers visitors an unspoiled perspective of Charleston’s natural beauty, flora, and fauna. A boardwalk walkway, bike pathways, an observation platform, and picnic facilities with grills were included in this park, which was designed for groups and families.
Palmetto Islands Park also offers fishing and crab fishing, as well as the opportunity to launch a kayak onto this beautifully gorgeous marsh waterway. The (seasonal) Splash Island Waterpark, which is open from late May to early September, is also a hit with the kids.
Recommended for Parks because: Palmetto Islands County Park is a great place to visit. From kayaking to family picnic areas and even a crabbing dock, there’s something for everyone here.
Expert tip: Palmetto Islands County Park is a great place to hang out and barbecue with the family on a nice evening. For a truly low country park picnic, try fishing and crabbing beforehand.
10. Brittlebank Park
Brittlebank Park is frequently the venue of local festivals such as the Charleston Beer Garden and XXX because to its near-downtown waterfront location overlooking the Ashley River from Lockwood Drive.
The 10-acre Brittlebank Park, which is also a short walk from the Charleston Riverdogs minor league baseball stadium, is a great area to spend some time with the kids before or after a game. There are swings and a playground here, and the park is open all year (for no charge).
Brittlebank also has a public water access dock and fishing pier, which is a great place to launch a small boat or kayak.
Recommended for Parks because: Visitors to Brittlebank Park may come for a festival or an afternoon with the family, but they will leave with more than they bargained for thanks to the stunning Ashley River views.
Expert tip: Bring your kayak to Brittlebank Park and set out on a peaceful paddle along the Ashley River! A public boat dock and fishing pier are available at this park.
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FAQ About Best Parks in Charleston
What is the most popular street in Charleston?
King Street stretches from Charleston Harbor to uptown and is divided into three sections: the Design District on Upper King, the Fashion District on Middle King, and the Antique District on Lower King. It is one of America’s most visually outstanding roadways.
What is the nicest part of Charleston SC?
Best Neighborhoods in Charleston
1. Mount Pleasant.
2. South of Broad.
3. Folly Beach.
4. West Ashley.
5. Harleston Village.
6. Sullivan’s Island.
7. James Island.
What are the best places for nature & parks in Charleston?
Best Parks in Charleston, Savor Every Season
1. Hampton Park
2. Marion Square
3. Battery Park & White Point Gardens
4. Pickett Bridge Rec. Area & Pitt Street Bridge
5. James Island County Park
6. Folly Beach County Park
7. Charleston Waterfront Park
8. Charles Towne Landing
9. Palmetto Islands County Park
10. Brittlebank Park
How many Charleston County parks are there?
120 parks
There are 120 parks totaling 1,809 acres of parkland and open space.
Tell Us In The Comments About One Of Your Favorite Best Parks In Charleston!
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