Did you know Charleston parks include more than 150 charming outdoor spaces throughout the county? Discover, wander, and admire while satiating the senses with seasonal flora and fauna. No matter your style or time of year, Charleston parks offer a variety of flourishing beauty, from quaint to sprawling, shady to sunny, and historic to new. An alphabetical summary of these seven favorites sheds light on the incredible variety and vividness.
Brittlebank Park
One of the largest downtown Charleston parks is a 10-acre greenspace along the shore of the Ashley River, with a fabulous view of the draw bridge, marshland, and hundreds of native plants. Fishing pier, picnic tables, and playground enhance the respite. Stargazers gather here Wednesday evenings to appreciate the sky. The park is an especially appealing sunset viewing spot. Annual festivals like Carifest celebrate the mecca of Charleston’s vibrant food and music scene. Brittlebank Park, 185 Lockwood Blvd., Charleston.
Charlestowne Landing
This State Historic Site is a Charleston park where Europeans settled in 1670 has over eighty acres of English park gardens. You will love the trails, historic buildings, gates, as well as animals and special events. The Adventure is a wonderful replica of a trading boat and visitors can come aboard. This site is photographer’s dream and the folks who work here are friendly and knowledgeable. Charlestowne Landing, 1500 Old Towne Rd., Charleston.
Liberty Square
This National Park houses the South Carolina Aquarium and the Ft. Sumter Visitor Education Center. The newest addition, the International African American Museum (IAAM), is scheduled to open in January of 2023. As with many Charleston parks, Liberty Square offers benches, greenspace, and a fountain. Visitors can learn about the history of Ft. Sumter before boarding the ferry for a tour by volunteers and National Park Rangers. Liberty Square, 360 Concord St., Charleston.
Marion Square
Since 1758 this serene Charleston parks setting has served many purposes while it remains relaxing and relevant. Soak up the sun while shopping the Farmers Market on weekends in the summer. Or ponder the phrases and the creatures at the beautiful fountain. Many local festivals and concerts take place here as well. Some say it is a City Park, while others claim it to be a National Park. Marion Square, 329 Meeting St., Charleston.
Mt. Pleasant Pier Park
One of the newest Charleston parks sits under the base of the magnificent Ravenel Bridge in Mt. Pleasant. Frequent unique events include fishing tournaments, sunrise yoga, music, and seasonal summer dances. A playground, sculptures, and swings encourage happy play during the day, then watch colorful sunsets that seem to sweetly kiss the bridge’s soaring 500+ feet tall spans. Mt. Pleasant Pier Park, 71 Harry Hallman Blvd., Mt. Pleasant.
Washington Square
This one-half square block is big on beauty like all Charleston parks, but it also nods to the historic city’s patriotism. Where once stood a thatched tavern, now stand numerous monuments to America’s first President and other notables. A track of tranquility since 1818, Washington Square keeps watch as Charleston continues to grow and thrive. The intricate wrought iron gated entryways, sprawling trees, and inviting benches create a perfect spot for photos and relaxation. Washington Square, 80 Broad St., Charleston.
Waterfront Park
Opened in 1990, this is the most popular of downtown Charleston parks. Splendid 180′ views abound from all direction. Featuring two fountains — the iconic pineapple fountain, and a separate splash fountain where children frolic under the summer sun — visitors and residents alike enjoy the benches, swings, and expansive pier. There is typically a nice breeze that is often accompanied by free music. Waterfront Park has won awards for beautiful landscaping; captivating scents from its blooms drift throughout a shaded canopy of trees. You can also catch the Water Taxi to Patriot’s Point here. Waterfront Park, 1 Vendue Range, Charleston.
You can be quite sure of this; you’ll find your bliss in any of these Charleston parks. Wishing you much joy as you lose your cares amidst flora, fauna, and southern charm.