Best Parks in Charleston, SC (and Surrounding Areas): A Local’s Guide

Moving to Charleston means gaining access to an abundance of beautiful parks – from historic downtown gardens to expansive county playgrounds. As a Charleston resident, I’ve spent countless hours exploring these green spaces with my wife and kids. Below, I’ll share my personal guide to the best parks in Charleston and its surrounding areas, organized by what makes each one special. Whether you’re a family with kids, a history buff, a nature lover, or a pet owner, you’ll find a park that feels like home here in the Lowcountry.

Family-Friendly Parks for Fun and Play

James Island County Park’s Splash Zone is a summer favorite for kids.

• James Island County Park (James Island): This 643-acre park truly has it all – playgrounds, picnic areas, paved trails, and even a seasonal water park. We love spending weekends here because the kids can bounce between the splash pad and the huge climbing structures, while parents enjoy the open meadows and shady oak trees. You can rent paddle boats on the lake or even camp overnight. During the holidays, the park transforms into a twinkling wonderland for the famous Festival of Lights drive-through display. It’s a one-stop shop for family fun year-round.
• Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park (Mount Pleasant): This park sits under the Ravenel Bridge on the Cooper River, offering a playground with a view. We often come here for the fantastic views of Charleston Harbor and the iconic bridge, while the kids enjoy a sprawling pirate-themed playground. A long pier with bench swings lets you watch boats and even spot dolphins in the water on a lucky day. With picnic pavilions, a small café for ice cream, and frequent community events, Waterfront Park in Mount Pleasant is a lively spot that keeps the whole family entertained.
• Wannamaker County Park (North Charleston): North Charleston’s largest park is over 1,000 acres of woodlands and wetlands designed for family fun. It features two playgrounds, 7 acres of open grassy meadows for running around, and miles of paved trails for biking or stroller walks. In summer, kids adore the Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark on-site – a huge water park with slides and a lazy river. Wannamaker also has picnic shelters, sand volleyball courts, and an off-leash dog area. It’s the perfect park for an active family outing in the North Area.

Honorable mentions: Hampton Park on the peninsula is another family favorite for its big lawns and duck pond. And if you venture just outside Charleston, Summerville’s Rosebrock Park offers trails and a playground in a peaceful forest setting – a great weekend adventure for those in the northern suburbs.

Historic and Landmark Parks

• White Point Garden (The Battery, Downtown): Nestled at the tip of the Charleston peninsula, White Point Garden is an iconic antebellum-era park surrounded by historic mansions. Towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss provide ample shade, and Civil War-era cannons and monuments dot the paths. I often walk my dog here at sunrise; the views of Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter are breathtaking from this spot.
• Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site (West Ashley): This expansive park is the site of the original 1670 English settlement of South Carolina. Covering 664 acres of gardens, trails, and marshes, Charles Towne Landing is like an outdoor museum. I recommend the easy walk along the History Trail, where you’ll encounter informational exhibits, reconstructed palisade walls, and even a full-size 17th-century sailing ship moored on Old Towne Creek.
• Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site (Summerville area): A hidden gem of colonial history, this park protects the archaeological remains of Dorchester, a trading town from 1697. You can walk among the best-preserved colonial tabby fort ruins in the U.S., an old brick church bell tower, and a historical graveyard. Set along a quiet stretch of the Ashley River under mossy trees, Colonial Dorchester is serene and often sparsely populated.

Scenic Waterfront Parks and Views

• Waterfront Park (Downtown Charleston): Arguably Charleston’s most famous park, Waterfront Park spans eight acres along Charleston Harbor. It’s home to the iconic Pineapple Fountain and a lovely tree-lined esplanade with swinging benches facing the harbor. A long wharf extends into the water with a covered pier, where you can fish or just enjoy the breeze.
• Melton Peter Demetre Park (James Island): Known as “Sunrise Park,” this is the only city-owned waterfront park on James Island. Though small, it boasts absolutely stunning panoramic views of the Charleston peninsula, Ravenel Bridge, and Fort Sumter. It still feels like a bit of a secret spot – a waterfront hidden gem that newcomers will be delighted to discover.
• Shem Creek Park (Mount Pleasant): A broad boardwalk winds through the marsh grasses along Shem Creek, leading to viewing docks where you can watch kayakers and paddleboarders glide by. Shrimp boats dock further up the creek by the restaurants, adding to the classic Lowcountry scenery.
• North Charleston Riverfront Park (North Charleston): On the former Navy Yard site, this park offers a mix of history, art, and sweeping water views. The preserved historic Navy base homes and officer’s housing give the park unique character. It’s also the setting for the High Water Music Festival and other events.

Nature and Trail Parks (Getting Close to Wildlife)

• Palmetto Islands County Park (Mount Pleasant): This 943-acre park is a paradise for outdoor lovers. There are miles of nature trails and boardwalks winding through tidal marsh and maritime forest, observation decks for birdwatching, and kayak rentals. One standout feature is the 60-foot-tall observation tower that offers panoramic views over the wetlands.
• Angel Oak Park (Johns Island): Home to the Angel Oak, a colossal live oak tree estimated to be 400–500 years old. Visiting Angel Oak Park feels almost spiritual; you walk under the massive canopy and feel tiny (in a good way). It’s free to visit and only a 30-minute drive from downtown.
• Caw Caw Interpretive Center (Ravenel): This nature preserve features historic rice field embankments and canals, along with diverse habitats like swamp forests and cypress wetlands. Birdwatchers flock here, and it’s also an important cultural site tied to the Stono Rebellion.
• Laurel Hill County Park (Mount Pleasant): A more primitive park offering 745 acres of meadows, pine forests, and small lakes. Trails are unpaved but peaceful, perfect for solitude and quiet walks.

Dog-Friendly Parks and Off-Leash Areas

• James Island County Park Dog Park: A massive off-leash area that includes access to a freshwater lake where dogs can swim. Separate large and small dog sections, water fountains, and even dog wash stations make this the best-known dog park in the region.
• Wannamaker County Park Dog Park: Features separate fenced areas, open fields, and a Splash Paw dog spray fountain. It’s a friendly local spot with rinse-off stations and shaded seating.
• Johns Island County Park Dog Park: A newer dog park with separate sections, covered pavilions, and wash stations. Its quieter setting makes it great for shy or older dogs.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

• Smythe Park (Daniel Island): A serene neighborhood park with an 11-acre lake, pirate-themed playground, and landscaped walking paths.
• Pitt Street Bridge Park (Mount Pleasant Old Village): A former trolley bridge turned pedestrian greenway with stunning harbor views. Popular for fishing, crabbing, and quiet sunsets.
• Rosebrock Park (Summerville): A peaceful 70-acre park with wooded trails and a boardwalk through a cypress swamp. Wildlife sightings are common.
• Magnolia Plantation & Gardens (West Ashley): A privately-owned historic site with romantic gardens and a Children’s Fairy Garden. Admission is required, but the experience is worth it.

Charleston’s Top Parks at a Glance

1. Hampton Park (Downtown Charleston)
2. James Island County Park (James Island)
3. Waterfront Park (Downtown Charleston)
4. White Point Garden (The Battery, Downtown)
5. Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park (Mount Pleasant)
6. Palmetto Islands County Park (Mount Pleasant)
7. Angel Oak Park (Johns Island)
8. Charles Towne Landing (West Ashley)
9. North Charleston Riverfront Park (North Charleston)
10. Melton Peter Demetre Park (James Island)

Conclusion: Welcome to Your New Outdoor Playground

One of the best parts about living in the Charleston area is that your free time can feel like a vacation. From downtown’s historic oases to the untamed beauty of county parks, there’s always a new corner of the Lowcountry to discover. I encourage you to take advantage of these green spaces. Not only will you enjoy the fresh air and scenery, but you’ll also quickly plug into the local community. These parks are where Charleston truly feels like home.