Parks in Charleston

The Hampton Park in Charleston is a historical park, located just north of Charleston’s Downtown with more than 70 acres of lush greenery, a pond, a walking trail and a fountain. Named after General Wade Hampton, this park is a favourite among localities because of the facilities it offers for all ages. Kids have access to a large playground, a baseball and basketball court, health enthusiasts can walk and run around in the jogger’s trail and sunbathers can enjoy a cosy picnic under the sun as this park also offers picnic tables and free Wifi. Home to numerous events throughout the year like weddings, parties and frisbee games, this park offers well-equipped restrooms, on-site parking and houses many interesting species of flora and fauna.

Highlights: : Floral display- its rose and seasonal floral collections are unlike any other and are also planted by volunteers, Walking tours- conducted by Indian Horticulture Society, called ‘Layers of Landscape’ , Walking trail- 1.5 miles of trail , Kids can feed ducks at the pond.

Pet friendly: : Yes

Location: : 30 Mary Murray Dr, Charleston, SC 29403

Spread across : 70 acres

Timings: : Open 24 hours

Allan Park, tucked away in Downtown and located in close proximity to Hampton Park, is a hidden gem. With beautiful fountains and a plethora of flora, this park has become popular among localities in recent times. It has benches and lots of space for kids to run around. It also houses several events like concerts and parties.

Types of flora: : Blue Plumbago, Chinese Abelia, Crinum lily, Fuji waterfall hydrangea, Giant Leopard Plant, Mojito elephant ear, Purple Trailing Lantana etc.

Pet friendly: : Yes, but a non-refundable fee has to be paid

Location: : 365 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC 29403

Timings: : Open 24 hours

Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfrom Park is a nautical themed waterfront park is located at the base of Arthur Ravenel Bridge and offers spectacular views of Cooper river. The pier has a large lawn area available for picnics and other recreational activities. There are several trails that lead to the East Coast Greenway for every health enthusiast.

Highlights: : You can engage in fishing on the river from the pier, kids can enjoy on swings and rocking chairs, and run around Best time to visit: During sunset, one can experience mesmerizing views.

Pet friendly: : Pets allowed in the park but not on the pier.

Location: : 99 Harry M. Hallman Jr Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464

Timings: : Open on all days - 6:00AM-11:00PM

Named in the Honour of Francis Marion, Marion Square is a 6.5 acre green space in Charleston, ideal for hosting picnics, sunbathing, walking and enjoying a good game of frisbee. There are several historical monuments housed within this park. It is home to a seasonal farmer’s market, where you can get fresh and organic produce including local fruits and vegetables. Not just markets, it also hosts the annual Charleston Fashion Week, Piccolo Spoleto festival and a lot more. Christmas is a very special time in Charleston, and this park has its own christmas tree, where you can take pictures as well!

Highlights: : Centrally located, hosts amazing events like food and wine Festival, Fashion weeks, Farmer’s market, free wifi available

Pet friendly: : Leashed dogs allowed

Spread across: : 6.5 acres

Location: : 329 Meeting St, Charleston SC 29403

Timings: : Open 24 hours

Riley Waterfront Park is an old - fashioned park, which was established in 1990, but rose to popularity in recent years and is now one of the peninsula’s most visited parks. Spread over 12 acres of land, the park features old fashioned benches, landscaped gardens, giant sized swings, picturesque plazas, walkway paths, fountains and spectacular views of the waterfront. It is an ideal spot for picnics, sunbathing, walking and biking. There is also access to free wifi all across the park.

Highlights: : Centrally located, large play area, rock climbing for kids, picturesque gardens, oceanside restaurants,free wifi

Spread across: : 12 acres

Pet friendly : Yes

Location: : 871 Riverland Dr Charleston, SC 29412

Timings: : January - April: Daily 8:00AM - Sunset, May - Labor Day: Daily 8:00AM-8:00PM, September & October: Daily 8:00AM-Sunset, November & December: Daily 8:00AM-5:00PM

Entry fee: : Admission USD 1 Waterpark Adult USD 11.99; Senior Citizen (60 years and above ) USD 5.99

Brittlebank Park is one of the most scenic parks in Charleston, because of its close proximity to downtown waterfront, overlooking the Ashley River. This park is spread over an area of 10 acres and has ample area for kids to play, dedicated pathways for walking, jogging or cycling, piers for fishing, an area dedicated to pets and a lot more. This park also makes for a great spot for boating and kayaking as well. During summer time in Charleston, this park houses a lot of local festivals like Charleston Beer Garden, music concerts and a lot more.

Highlights: : Great Location, kids play area, water sports, festivals

Spread across: : : 10 acres

Pet friendly: : Yes

Location: : :185 Lockwood Dr, Charleston, SC 29403

Timings: : Open on all days - 8:AM- 7:00PM

James Island County park is spread across an area of 643 acres and is a source of fun all round the year. Here, you get access to picnic spots, seasonal spray fountains, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, an 18 hole disc golf course, bike rental services for biking along the trails, and various other challenging activities. One highlight of this park is the 50 foot climbing wall, which is a great activity to get that adrenaline pumping. There is a crabbing dock and you can also try your hand at fishing in the ocean. With open meadows and camping grounds , it also provides fully - services modern vacation cabins.

Highlights: : Happening park- hosts festivals like Lowcountry Cajun Festival, exciting activities like Turtle walks, Challenge course, tidal creek exploration

Spread across: : 643 acres

Pet friendly: : Yes, it is a public dog park.

Location: : 871 Riverland Dr, Charleston, SC 29412

Timings: : January - April: 8:00AM - Sunset May - August: 8:00 AM - 8 PM September & October: 8:00 AM - Sunset November-December: 8:00 AM. - 5:00 PM

Park fees: : USD 2 per person USD 1.50 per person as Educational group fee, Monday-Friday. Free for Gold Pass members and children under 2 years.

Palmetto Island County Park, spread across a whopping 943 acre land, this park is located just a short drive away from Charleston Downtown and sits on the Horlbeck creek. It is ideal for big groups and families, to host picnics, or just spend a day sunbathing. It has a dedicated picnic area with bbq grills. At Palmetto Island park, you can go fishing and then grill them on the bbq tops! Other than a picnic area, there are trails for hiking or biking and an observation deck for mesmerising ocean views as well. For kids, there is a splash pad, which is open from May to September and a 50 foot observation tower with a play area.

Highlights: : Splendid views of Charleston's natural beauty, great variety of flora and fauna, water sports like kayaking, breathtaking views of sunset, splash pad for kids.

Spread across: : 943 acres

Location: : : 44 Needlerush Pkwy, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464

Timings: : Open on all days

Gadsdenboro park is a vast open space with various amenities like a nautical themes play area, walking trails, games area , a bocce court and water fountains. Formerly, Concord Park, this park is located close to the Charleston Maritime Center, and hence the nautical themed park for kids. They have well equipped restrooms and free wifi as well.

Highlights: : Nautical themes park - includes a tug- boat shaped structure, octopuses and rocks and ropes lines, a large ship structure. Flora to spot: Purple coneflower

Location: : 303 Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401

Located on the west end of Folly Island, Folly beach County park offers access to over 2500 feet of ocean frontage. with amenities like picnic tables, boardwalks, outdoor showers, dressing rooms, snack bars and a lot more. Lifeguards are always on duty here so you have nothing to worry about. Chairs, umbrellas, surfboards and boogie boards are all available for rent on the beach.

Pet friendly: : Yes but Dogs are allowed on the beach only during certain hours of the day and must be leashed.

Location: : 1100 W Ashley Ave, Folly Beach, SC 29439

Timings: : Open on all days 8:00AM- 5:30 PM

Spread over an area of 260 acres, West Ashley Park is one of Charleston’s largest parks, with four soccer fields, two basketball courts,two youth softball fields, two huge playgrounds, a golf course and plenty of area to run around. It also offers scenic views of the ocean, where one can go fishing as well.

Spread across : 260 acres

Pet friendly: : Yes

Location: : : 3601 Mary Ader Ave, Charleston, SC 29414

Timings: : Open on all days 7:00AM - 8:00PM

Charles Towne Landing Park was established to preserve the historical colonial settlement in Carolina, in a simple old-fashioned way. It houses a 17th century replica of sail ships and other historical sites. Spread across an area of over 600 acres, this park also contains a zoo,walking and biking trails and many ongoing archaeological sites. This park makes for a great outing for all those who are interested in history as they can access self guided tours to know all about the park.

Pet friendly: : Pets are allowed in the outdoor areas if they are leashed but not allowed in the animal forest.

Location: : 1500 Old Towne Rd, Charleston, SC 29407

Timings: : Open on all days 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., daily

Entry Fees: : $12/adult; $7.50/S.C. Senior; $7/youth age 6-15; Free for children 5 and younger.

Located in Charleston Downtown, White Point Garden is a must-see. Bordered by Cooper and Ashley Rivers, this park gives visitors access to spectacular views of Fort Sumter and the Charleston river. It has large open spaces with old oak trees and an impressive display of history including monuments, statues and cannons. This park is great for enjoying an afternoon picnic under the shade of an old oak.

Spread across: : 6 acres

Location: : 2 Murray Blvd, Charleston, SC 29401