Parks, Plantations & Gardens

What to See & Do

It's easy to forget that these preserved plantations and gardens are just minutes from the hustle and crowds of downtown Charleston. As you lose yourself amongst the moss-covered oak trees and blooming azaleas, you can't help but find yourself being transported on a journey back in time.

  • 8 Beachwalker Dr
  • 843.768.2395

Kiawah Beachwalker Park offers the only public beach access on Kiawah Island. Voted a Top Ten Beach in America by Dr. Beach, it's a spot not to be missed. Lifeguards on duty seasonally. Visit our website for park amenities, fees, and hours of operation.

  • 1235 Long Point Rd.
  • (843) 884-4371

Recognized as the #1 plantation in the Charleston area by USA TODAY 10BEST, Boone Hall reflects Southern heritage spanning 300 years of history, beauty, and grace. House tours, gardens, slave cabins, plantation coach tours, live performances in season, cafe, plus one of the…

  • 5200 Savannah Hwy. (Highway 17 South)
  • 843.889.8898

Rich in natural, cultural, and historical resources, Caw Caw offers miles of trails, with trailside exhibits and elevated boardwalks through wetlands. It’s a favored habitat for rare wildlife. Arrange natural and historical tours and programs for your group.

  • 3030 Cypress Gardens Road
  • (843) 553-0515

Newly renovated in 2019. Enjoy an adventurous boat ride on our beautiful, natural water swamp; explore the butterfly house and heritage garden; take a stroll along scenic paths and bridges. Picnic shelters, double gazebos, meeting rooms, free Wi-fi.

  • 1100 W. Ashley Ave.
  • 843.762.9960

Folly Beach County Park is located on the west end of Folly Island. Lifeguards are on duty seasonally along a beautiful beachfront designated swimming area. The park features the rentable 1200-square-foot Pelican Watch Pavilion, as well as the beautiful new Dunes House building…

  • 101 East Arctic Avenue
  • 843.762.9516

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.

  • 1 14th Ave.
  • 843.762.9957

Conveniently located at the foot of the Isle of Palms Connector. Enjoy 600 feet of ocean-frontage, with lifeguards on duty seasonally along a designated swimming area. Visit our website for park amenities, gate fees, and hours of operation.

  • 871 Riverland Dr.
  • 843.795.7275

The park provides your group with a variety of recreational opportunities, facilities, and services. Meeting venues range from a small conference center to a large, fully-equipped meeting space. Visit our website for park amenities, fees, and hours of operation.

  • 2662 Mullet Hall Rd.
  • (843) 762-9965

This 738-acre park offers miles of wooded trails for equestrians, walkers and runners; serves as host site for competitive horse shows at its Mullet Hall Equestrian Center; and offers a 6 target and a 3D archery range (equipment rental not available).

  • 3550 Ashley River Rd.
  • 843.571.1266

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is a historic rice plantation, a stunning 19th-century Romantic-style garden, and a site of remarkable natural diversity and beauty.

  • 325 Country Club Dr.
  • 843.795.4386

The 36-acre McLeod Plantation Historic Site is located on James Island was established in 1851. It is an important Gullah/Geechee heritage site carefully preserved in recognition of generations of enslaved people and its cultural and historical significance in American history.

  • 4300 Ashley River Rd.
  • 843.556.6020

A National Historic Landmark, encompassing 65 acres of America's oldest landscaped gardens. The House Museum highlights family collections and the role of the Middleton family in American history. Artisans in the Stableyards demonstrate the work and lives of enslaved Africans.

  • 71 Harry M. Hallman Blvd.
  • 843.762.9946

Enjoy the beautiful views of the Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge and Charleston Harbor from bench swings and shade structures located on the 1,250-ft Mount Pleasant Pier. Visit our website for pier amenities, fishing fees, and hours of operation.

  • 444 Needlerush Way
  • 843.406.6950

This 943-acre park offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including crabbing and fishing along tidal creeks and lagoons, biking, paddle boats, playground and picnic sites with grills. Covered shelters are available for reservation. Visit our website for park amenities…

  • 444 Needlebrush Pkwy.
  • 843.406.6950

Cool down during the hot summer months. Tucked deep within the tropical vegetation of Palmetto Islands County Park, Splash Island provides hours of fun for toddlers to pre-teen children. Visit our website for park amenities, fees, and operating schedule.

  • 871 Riverland Dr.
  • 843.406.6990

When temperatures start rising, visitors of all ages will enjoy this favorite summer playground located within James Island County Park. Splash Zone provides hours of fun for the entire family. Visit our website for park amenities, fees, and operating schedule.

  • 8888 University Blvd. (Highway 78)
  • 843.462.5585

This nature-oriented park, designed for group and family use, provides guests with a variety of recreational opportunities. Located within the park are covered shelters and a meeting/reception facility. Visit our website for park amenities, fees, and hours of operation.

  • 8888 University Blvd. (Highway 78)
  • 843.795.4386

Whirlin’ Waters offers gallons of fun for all ages. Enjoy over 15 acres of island-style water play. Relax on a lazy river, experience the excitement of a 27,000-gallon wave pool, or plunge down a number of thrilling slides. Visit our website for park amenities, fees, and…

  • 6617 Maybank Hwy.
  • 843.559.0383

Experience the beauty and charm of America's only tea garden...View acres of breathtaking tea plants, learn how tea is made during an informative factory tour, take a trolley ride through the tea fields and drink American Classic Tea as you browse the unique Shoppe.

  • 1254 Long Point Rd
  • 843.881.5516

Discover the influences of Charles Pinckney on Charleston, the African people he enslaved, plantation operations and his legacy. The Park features a film, museum shop, walking trails, exhibits and special programs.

  • 1500 Old Towne Rd.
  • 843.852.4200

Site of the first permanent English settlement in South Carolina. Walk in the footsteps of the first settlers and experience history up-close. Park experiences include a museum, the History Trail with audio tour, a replica of a 17th-century trading vessel, the Animal Forest zoo…

  • 1214 Middle Street
  • (843) 883-3123

At Fort Moultrie you can experience 171 years of coastal military history. The fort defended Charleston's harbor from the Revolutionary War through World War II. The Park features a film, museum shops, path to beach, exhibits and special programs.

  • 360 Concord St.
  • 843.883.3123

Ruins of historic Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began. Hours vary throughout the year. Please call Fort Sumter National Monument for departure times, location and ticket prices. 843-883-3123

  • 340 Concord St.
  • 843.883.3123

This state-of-the-art facility is the primary ferry departure point for visitors to Fort Sumter, serving as an interpretive education center for the National Park Service to communicate the significance of Fort Sumter and its history. Exhibits provide an overview of the events…

  • 71 Harry M. Hallman Blvd.(Pier)
  • 843.884.8517

No parking fee. Boasting the longest fishing pier in the southeast, the park also features a snack and gift shop, Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Pavilion, War Memorial and Visitors Center. Visit www.ComeOnOverMP.com to view the calendar of events.

  • 1001 Everglades Dr.
  • (843) 740-5854

Overlooking the Cooper River, featuring performance pavilion, expansive lawn, picnic shelter, acres of walking paths, playground, fishing pier, dog park, and play fountain.