The Historic Hunley Submarine
Explore Charleston's mysterious history at sea
Parks, Aquariums, and Beaches in Charleston, SC
From blossoming gardens, ancient oaks, and the wonders of sea life to beautiful beaches, Charleston is the perfect backdrop for exploring the natural world around us.
Meggett County Park
416-acre park with 5 miles of pedestrian trails; home to live oak trees, a variety of wildlife, an island, wetlands, marsh views. Park is not staffed. No on-site restrooms.
Folly Beach Pier
Stretching over 1,000 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, the Folly Beach Pier offers fishing, spectacular views, beach access, gift shop, the Pier 101 Restaurant and much more.
Whirlin' Waters Adventure Waterpark
Seasonal waterpark for all ages. Lazy river, wave pool, tube slides, mat racer, kiddie play areas, and tallest slide in Charleston, The Washout. Visit website for fees/hours.
South Carolina Aquarium
Encounter thousands of animals, see the Great Ocean Tank and explore the Sea Turtle Care Center™ where endangered sea turtles are rehabilitated for release back to the wild.
Wannamaker County Park
Paved walking/biking trails, seasonal sprinkler area, off-leash dog park, playgrounds, picnic sites with grills. Visit our website for amenities/fees/hours of operation.
Splash Zone Waterpark at James Island County Park
Fun for all ages. 200-ft open and tube slides, 500-ft lazy river, leisure pool, Caribbean play structure, concessions. Open seasonally. Visit our website for fees/hours.
Splash Island Waterpark
Seasonal waterpark within Palmetto Islands County Park. Features include 200-ft & 16-ft water slides, activity pool, concessions. Visit our website for amenities/fees/hours.
James Island County Park
643-acres, walking/biking trails, seasonal spray play fountain, off-leash dog park, picnic spots, boat rentals, playground & more. Visit our website for amenities/fees/hours.
Kiawah Beachwalker Park
Offers the only public beach access on Kiawah Island. Lifeguards on duty seasonally along designated swimming area. Visit our website for amenities, fees & hours of operation.
Cypress Gardens
Stroll miles of garden trails, paddle cypress swamp, relax in a greenhouse with butterflies & flowers, discover native & exotic reptile exhibits & the freshwater aquarium.
Mount Pleasant Pier
Enjoy beautiful views at this 1250-ft pier that features the River Watch Cafe & Gift Shop, tackle sales & rod rentals. Visit our website for amenities/fees/hours of operation.
Caw Caw Interpretive Center
Rich in natural, cultural & historical resources; miles of trails, elevated boardwalks & former rice fields. Favored habitat for rare wildlife. Dogs & bicycles not permitted.
Palmetto Islands County Park
943-acre park with off-leash dog park, biking/walking trails, boardwalks, paddle boats, picnic sites and playground. Visit our website for amenities/fees/hours of operation.
Folly Beach County Park
Beach park on Folly's west end. Lifeguards on duty seasonally. Features the Pelican Watch Pavilion and the new Dunes House building. Visit website for amenities/fees/hours.
Isle of Palms County Park
Lifeguards on duty seasonally along designated swimming area. Located at the foot of the Isle of Palms Connector. Visit our website for amenities/gate fees/hours of operation.
Palmetto Carriage Works
Historic horse and mule drawn carriage tours
Fort Sumter National Monument
Situated on an island at the entrance to Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter is where the American Civil War started on April 12, 1861. The fort is accessible only by boat.
Angel Oak
The Angel Oak is a Live Oak tree, estimated to be 1,400 years old. It stands 65ft. high and provides a 17,000 square foot area of shade. No admission charge.
Central Creek Park
All-incluvsive playground with pickeball courts and sand volleyball court with a farmers market and walking trail.
Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
A plantation relic once owned by a Founding Father is a National Park Service site with grounds, historic house, exhibits, film, museum shop, and programs. Free. Open Wed-Sun.
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
Begin your Charleston experience where English settlers established the first permanent European colony in Carolina. See a 17th-century tall ship replica, cannons and a zoo!
Coastal Carolina Fair
Giant midway rides & kiddieland; grand outdoor dining variety; cultural, commercial, agricultural exhibits; & free parking around the fair, meeting, and reception facilities.
Francis Marion National Forest
250-thousand-acre forest located in the Coastal Plains north of Charleston. Offering wide variety of recreation activities including picnicking & camping sites, fishing ponds.
Hampton Park
A historic park with camellias and azaleas in bloom in spring, roses bloom in the summer; 1-mile nature trail.
Historic Charleston Battery/Whitepoint Gardens
This peaceful park offers unprecedented views of Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter. A look back across the street promises fantastic images of beautiful Charleston mansions.
Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park
Located at the foot of the Ravenel Bridge & Mt. Pleasant Pier. Offering a visitor center/reception facility, Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Pavilion, war memorial & playground.
North Charleston Riverfront Park
Overlooking the Cooper River, featuring performance pavilion, expansive lawn, picnic shelter, acres of walking paths, playground, fishing pier, dog park, and play fountain.
Old Santee Canal Park
Old Santee Canal is a 195 acre park located on the first true canal in America.
Park Circle Playground
World's Largest Inclusive Playground, 55K sq ft., according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY with shade throughout provides Inclusive Play opportunities like no other playground.
Sculpture in the South
Sculpture in the South promotes the appreciation of sculpture through education and the creation of an accessible public sculpture collection enhancing our community.
Shem Creek Park
In Mt. Pleasant on Shem Creek. A float dock is available for mooring day trippers or board a water taxi. Take a leisurely stroll & view shrimp Trawlers along the boardwalk.
Waterfront Park
This park is an eight-acre linear park and pier along the Charleston Harbor entry. The park masterfully combines spectacular fountains, spacious lawns, intimate gardens.
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