Parks in Charleston SC

White Point Garden is one of the must-see places in Charleston. The park, surrounded by beautiful antebellum mansions and massive oak trees draped in Spanish moss, is located at the Southern end of the Battery. 

Riley Waterfront Park, located near the Market, is one of Charleston's most visited parks. The park has old-fashioned park benches and large swings that create a relaxed atmosphere. The park also features tree-lined walkways, spectacular views of the harbor, and the famous Pineapple Fountain.

The Angel Oak Tree is estimated to be around 400 years old and stands 65 ft high. This majestic tree provides 17,000 sq ft of shade, with many of the limbs resting on the ground due to their size and weight. Angel Oak Park, located on Johns Island, has picnic tables and a small gift shop. 

James Island County Park, situated on 643 acres, is just 25 minutes from downtown Charleston. The park offers lots of activities and amenities, including saltwater fishing, crabbing, picnic tables, dog park, campground, Splash Zone water park, and miles of paved trails for walking and biking. 

Visit Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site and see where English settlers landed in 1670 and established the Carolina colony. The state park has a 17th-century replica sailing ship, natural habitat zoo, 80-acre garden, miles of trails, and a museum. 

Caw Caw was once part of several rice plantations and home to enslaved Africans who applied their skills to carve the series of rice fields out of cypress swamps. The park features nearly seven miles of interpretive trails, boardwalks, and bridges that wind through nine distinct coastal plain habitats.

Hampton Park, located on the upper part of the peninsula near the Citadel, is one of Charleston’s largest parks. The parks have one of the most extensive floral displays of any park in the city. The park also has public restrooms, picnic tables, benches, a lagoon, trails, on-site parking and free WiFi. 

Brittlebank Park, located on the Ashley River, is one of the most scenic parks in Charleston. The 10 acre park has a children's playground, two piers for fishing and crabbing, paved pathways for walking and biking, and an off-leash area for dogs. This park is often used for summer concerts and festivals. 

Marion Square, named in honor of Francis Marion, is a public square between King Street and Meeting Street. The space is best known for the seasonal farmers market, but the park also hosts large festivals, a Christmas Village and the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park is located at the base of the Ravenel Bridge. The park has a pier that stretches into the Cooper River, a large lawn area, a cultural arts pavilion, and benches and picnic tables. The best time to visit this park is right before sunset.

Folly Beach County Park, located on the west end of the island, offers a guarded swimming area open to the public. Amenities include dressing areas, outdoor showers, restrooms, picnic area, snack bar, gift shop, and beach chair and umbrella rentals. 

Isle of Palms County Park, located about 25 minutes from downtown Charleston, offers 600 ft of oceanfront access to one of the most family friendly beaches in the area. Amenities at the park include boardwalks, picnic area, snack bar, dressing area, restrooms, and beach chair and umbrella rentals. 

Kiawah Beachwalker Park, located on the west end of the island, is the only public beach access on the island. In addition to a wide beach, the park also has picnic tables, grills, restrooms, changing rooms, and outdoor showers. In season, they have a snack bar, rental chairs, umbrellas, and lifeguards.

Edisto Beach State Park is one of the most popular state parks and one of only four oceanfront state parks in South Carolina. Popular activities at the park include birding, boating, camping, kayaking, hiking, ocean swimming, and surf fishing.