Charleston’s historic streets and pastel architecture often steal the spotlight, but locals know the city’s true sanctuary lies in its green spaces. From sprawling waterfront estates to hidden neighborhood squares, the parks here offer a much-needed escape from the Lowcountry humidity and the bustling tourist districts. Whether you are looking for a place to walk your dog, launch a kayak, or simply sit under the shade of a centuries-old Live Oak, the Holy City has a patch of grass for you.
The unique geography of the area means that many of these parks are intertwined with marshes, rivers, and tidal creeks. This creates diverse ecosystems where you can spot everything from herons and dolphins to alligators and fiddler crabs. Visiting these parks is not just about recreation; it is about connecting with the distinct natural beauty that defines the South Carolina coastline.
For families, these outdoor spaces provide a safe and engaging environment for children to burn off energy. Many feature modern playgrounds, splash pads for hot summer days, and open fields perfect for flying a kite or kicking a soccer ball. Meanwhile, history buffs will appreciate that several of these sites are located on former plantations or military installations, offering a glimpse into the area’s complex past.
We have curated this list to reflect the variety of experiences available across the Charleston metro area. You will find massive county parks with dog beaches and climbing walls, as well as small urban oases ideal for a quick lunch break. Every entry offers a unique reason to step outside and enjoy the fresh air.
Accessibility and amenities vary significantly from location to location. Some parks are free and open to the public, while others require a small admission fee or a valid parking pass. Knowing what to expect before you go—whether it is the terrain, the leash laws, or the availability of restrooms—can make your visit much more enjoyable.
Below, you will find our comprehensive guide to the best outdoor spaces in the region. We have included detailed notes on what makes each spot special, as well as practical advice to help you plan your visit like a local rather than a tourist.
Waterfront Park
| Address | Vendue Range, Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM Sunday: 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | — |
Beautiful park! So peaceful, beautiful, and well maintained! There's many places to walk and explore the park. The infamous pineapple display had pretty flowers arranged all around. There were individuals weaving sweet grass into various shapes for sale. We chose to sit very close to the waterfront on the pier. I can't begin to describe how relaxing it was!
We absolutely loved visiting the iconic Pineapple Fountain! It was such a beautiful and peaceful spot with gorgeous walking paths and stunning views right along the ocean. The atmosphere was so relaxing, making it the perfect place to slow down, take in the scenery, and enjoy the waterfront. Whether you're looking for a great photo opportunity or simply a quiet place to unwind, this is definitely a must-visit while you're in the area.
Beautiful downtown waterfront! Loved the pineapple fountain with clean water you can put your feet in. The biggest downside is that all the nice shaded seating has bird poop all over. There is a very weird part of me that found the birds making their homes in the trees quaint but I’m not sure what anyone can do to fix this. I wouldn’t want to unhome these birds just for the sake of seating but there really was poop on every single surface under the trees.
There are few places in Charleston that capture the spirit and beauty of the city quite like Waterfront Park. I have visited many times over the years, and every visit offers the same peaceful, welcoming vibe that makes Charleston so special.
The park stretches gracefully along the Cooper River and features two beautiful fountains — the famous Pineapple Fountain and the large fountain at the north entrance. Both create relaxing gathering spots where visitors pause, cool off, and simply enjoy the atmosphere.
One of my favorite features is the shaded cobblestone walkway lined with benches beneath mature trees and palms. It is the perfect place to sit quietly, people watch, or enjoy the coastal breeze. Along the riverfront walkway, sailboats drift through the harbor while massive shipping containers slowly move up and down the river, creating a fascinating contrast between leisure and commerce.
The views are outstanding in every direction. Across the water sits Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, while the elegant span of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge rises beautifully in the distance.
Spring may be the most beautiful season of all, with colorful flowers blooming throughout the park and vibrant green palm trees swaying in the breeze. Whether you are walking, relaxing on a bench, or simply taking in the scenery, Waterfront Park remains one of Charleston’s true treasures.
This is a wonderful place to take a walk and enjoy the fresh breeze. The peaceful atmosphere makes it the perfect spot to relax and unwind, while the scenery offers breathtaking views. If you’re visiting the area, this is a destination you definitely shouldn’t miss.
Hampton Park
| Address | 30 Mary Murray Dr, Charleston, SC 29403 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | (843) 724-7324 |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We recently had a photoshoot at Hampton Park, and it was truly an amazing location! The park is beautiful, very well-maintained, clean, and felt safe throughout our visit. There are so many gorgeous spots for pictures, making it a perfect place for couples, engagement sessions, or family photos.
A special thank you to Sydney Claire Photos for doing such an incredible job capturing our memories. The photos turned out beautiful, and the entire experience was wonderful from start to finish.
Highly recommend Hampton Park for a photoshoot, and we absolutely recommend Sydney as a photographer! 📸🌳✨💕
Hampton Park is a very relaxing enjoyable place in downtown Charleston. Nice paths if you enjoy walking or running. Great place to bring your dog to sniff and run around. You can bring feed/food and give it to the geese/birds. Take some beautiful photos or enjoy a nice picnic in the grass. Definitely a great place to spend an afternoon!
Beautiful park with tons of level walking paths that weave in and out of the shade. Beautiful flowers, clean, safe and peaceful.
This park has such a nice walking trail. I found it fun that there were stops that you do exercises at during your walk. You see beautiful flowerbeds, statues, ducks and big trees with beautiful Spanish moss. They have a gazebo that I’ve seen people do yoga on, a basketball court and so much more. There was also a good amount of shade in the time frame that I walked the entire park. They had a couple porta potty’s but I’m not sure about a public bathroom.
Flowers were stunning in June. Pretty place to walk around. Plenty of benches and dog friendly.
North Charleston Wannamaker County Park
| Address | 8888 University Blvd, North Charleston, SC 29406 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 7:45 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 7:45 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 7:45 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 7:45 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 7:45 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 7:45 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 7:45 PM |
| Phone | (843) 762-5585 |
My son had so much fun at the splash pad here. It was $2 per person to get in and there are walking trails, a dog park, tons of pavilions, a playground and a splash pad (the signs refer to it as a sprinkler. I will say from the Google reviews and pics we thought the big "castle tower" was in this area too but we found out it's a separate place and costs $25 per person. We enjoyed our time at the splash pad and will be returning again soon!
Went to a wedding and reception at Cypress Hall at Wannamaker Park. The outdoor wedding was beautiful. The reception in the hall was very nice. Nice size hall. Plenty of room for large round tables, and recessed area for bridal table. Good size area for dancing. Nice size kitchen. Lots of parking spaces.
Such a cute fun park! It’s shaded and very pretty! Great for families with kids and dogs
The splash pad was great and they even had a little area on the playground just for toddlers
We haven't checked out the whole park yet but what we've seen we totally recommend. Our dogs love the dog park. Clean and large enclosed area for them to sniff, roam and play with other dogs. We love the cleanliness of the dog park. They also have a dog wash station if your pup likes to play in the water then dig in the dirt. This alone is worth the cost to get in. We can't wait to explore more areas of the park.
If your looking to walk and relax this is the place beautiful view splash pad for kids and water park.
Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park
| Address | 99 Harry M. Hallman Jr Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (843) 884-8517 |
What a lovely way to spend a few hours! The park has a thoughtful, integrated design bringing recreation and nature together. I brought a book to read, I explored the pier and nature trails, I saw some waterfowl. The beautiful sculptures represent local wildlife. There is a constant noise from overhead traffic on the bridge (8 lanes). Nice clean restrooms.
Awesome park with tons of things to do: for the kids, adults (working out), running, just relaxing or exploring the pier and even fishing.
Plenty of free parking right across the visitor center. This park is free and well maintained. We visited on a week day and there were only a handful of other people walking around in the park. It’s very nice and the view of the bridge was beautiful. Be mindful of the noise of the traffic from atop the bridge though. It’s actually quite loud at times. We were able to see the York Town memorial from afar which was pretty cool. Dogs are allowed in most of the park but not on the pier which was disappointing to us. There’s a good sized cafe/gift shop at the entrance to the pier that sells breakfast at a reasonable price.
Its a great place to come with the family and friends to enjoy the outdoors and splash pad.
Also the pier has a beautiful view to the Ravenel Bridge.
New and beautiful. This location feels safe, it is amazingly built and a lot of research put into its location. With the bridge overhead providing shade and an amazing view. Lots of areas to fish that is well maintained. A lovely gift shop and swings, benches, chairs, picnic tables it is super welcoming.
Pets are not permitted on the pier and that is kind of nice since you don't have to worry about a mess or someone having a pup that doesn't have manners.
Overall this is an amazing pier and park! It also leads up go Ravenel bridge and that walk is breath taking!
James Island County Park
| Address | 871 Riverland Dr, Charleston, SC 29412 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (843) 406-6990 |
Renegade 38ft w/Jeep, site 97, $84 per night. Large, spacious pull thru. Forest cover so Starlink was 85%…worked for streaming but kids gaming was iffy. Park WiFi was 10-12 mb. We encountered rainy conditions (1" to 1-1/2" daily). Site can get muddy. FHU with no issues. Staff were friendly. Hosts cleaning up all the time. Park site: "Low lying trees on Riverland Drive could damage tall vehicles. When following GPS directions, bypass the Central Park Drive route and redirect to Camp Road." We agree after navigating in our Jeep.
Publix is 15 minutes away.
Kids loved the Splash Zone within the park. Lazy River for adults + pool. Summer camp kids leave the pool at 2:30- gets a lot quieter!
Rain check if you get kicked out for thunderstorms.
This is indeed a gorgeous park with tons of great trails! Lots to do here. If you are camping however, expect LOTS of noise in the early morning. Around 7am here come carts of all types rushing in. Worst the time we were here they were removing some vegetation and plants from around the area, so a huge bulldozer, ground shaker, and lots of hollering persisted from 7am til about noon mid week. I can understand this is the off season, but man can't we start around 8am?? This was pretty consistent with all the zooming golf carts all week, hollering between them. Bathrooms are clean and in decent shape I will say that. Need to explore some more when we have more time. Maybe it was just a busy week?
We stayed at James Island County Park from March 30 – April 13, 2025. We were in site 105, a spacious back-in site with full hook-ups, a picnic table and fire pit.
The campground staff were friendly and helpful throughout our stay.
The campground offers full-service RV sites and plenty of amenities including a laundry facility, clean restrooms, showers, a dump station, a camp store with propane, ice, and firewood available for purchase. The park is pet friendly and has a dog park and plenty of open meadows to enjoy a walk with your pets.
The park offers a great range of activities for all ages: miles of paved walking, biking & skating trails, saltwater fishing and crabbing areas, playground and picnic areas, Bicycle, kayak, pedal boat, and paddleboard rentals, a seasonal Splash Zone waterpark, outdoor climbing wall and adventure features, disc golf course, and wildlife viewing & peaceful lake areas to take in nature and watch the beautiful sunsets.
There are plenty of nearby attractions to check out as well. We enjoyed exploring the history and culture in downtown Charleston, the USS Yorktown Aircraft museum, Rainbow row, and various restaurants in the area.
If you are looking to stay in the Charleston area, this is a great place to stay.
This is our favorite campground. We just got home today after a nice 9 nights camping there. The staff are so friendly. The sites are good size. The bicycle/walking trails are great! Wildlife abounds! Raccoons, squirrels, various birds, jumping fish and alligators of all size. Wooden swings located throughout the trails with scenic views. Paddle boats, paddle boards and canoes to rent. Water park in the summer. Dog park where dogs can run free and chase balls in the water. Fishing is available in lake and water ways. Bingo, ice cream night and more. Full hookups and close to lots of stuff in Charleston. Highly recommend!
We had a perfect stay, no complaints! Showers were modern & clean, the laundry was outside under a porch but had rocking chairs & a swing to enjoy. It's was really quiet at night!
Riverfront Park
| Address | 1061 Everglades Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (843) 308-4746 |
One of our favorite places to enjoy waterfront views without having to drive to the beach. It's a breezy, wide open space with lots and lots and lots of room to run and play or walk on the boardwalk or play at the playground or stroll across the new pedestrian bridge.
Awesome 4th of July party, celebration, DJ and fireworks every year. Best celebration in area of low country and southern South Carolina. I may say best in SC for 4th of July.
A park with history, cool art, a performance stage, chaise lounges along the river, playground, food, pedestrian bridge with great views of the river and adjacent waterways.
We attended the fourth of July celebration this year and compared to 2024 it was much better getting out this time. Overall the park itself offers some great views of the water and space to walk around on a non holiday and enjoy a day with family.
This is our most favorite park in Charleston, so much to do and I love being able to get those steps in, my daughter can play and there’s always ships and wildlife. Also lots of educational things to read to learn more about the port. Tons of poke stops and Pokémon roaming around! Bring some bug spray
White Point Garden
| Address | 2 Murray Blvd, Charleston, SC 29401 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | — |
I absolutely loved this park! We arrived there in late afternoon. The views of the water across the street and the nice boardwalk that runs the length of the road that passes by the park! There is a beautiful gazebo located in the park and historic monuments w statues too. A nice place I think to sit and converse -or take a walk, etc.
This park is incredible. It's vast and spread out. Great breeze from the ocean. Incredible place to bring your dog too, or set up a little picnic then stroll the Battery afterwards. One of the best parks in Downtown Charleston for sure!
This seaside park is truly exceptional, evoking the refined ambiance of European gardens 🌳. I thoroughly enjoyed my stroll through the area, finding the experience quite pleasant and relaxing 🚶♀️. The picturesque setting provides an ideal environment for leisurely walks 🏞️.
Beautiful spot for a walk at the Battery. Nice breeze with comfortable places to sit and gentle paths for walking in the shade.
Great historical park on the corner of the Charleston battery where the Ashley and Cooper Rivers form. Civil artillery is available for the kids to discover and climb on. Park grounds are expansive for running and playing.
Palmetto Islands County Park
| Address | 444 Needlerush Pkwy, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (843) 406-6950 |
Beautiful park with a great walking trail and plenty of scenic views. The $2 entrance fee is well worth it for how well-maintained and peaceful the park is. We really enjoyed our visit and would highly recommend it to anyone looking to get outside and enjoy nature.
What a great place to get lost in nature. Plenty of parking. Beautiful views. Place for kids to play. Dog park. Picnic tables. Paved and unpaved walking trails. You can bring your dog too
Very nice park costing two dollars per person to enter. Nice picnic areas all around the park. Trails and boardwalks through swamp, marsh and along the creek. Nice people walking around as well.
Great place to get some peace and quiet. The trails are beautiful and the playground for children is large. The restroom was clean for a park and it's quite large overall.
Unassumingly cool park. It's not huge, but definitely large enough to enjoy a nice walk out in nature among the woods and marshes.
Wildlife everywhere. Birds nesting deep in the marsh grasses. You can hear them calling out to each other, sometimes even just a few feet away from you, but you can't see them. What you can see are the thousands upon thousands of teeny tiny marsh crabs skittering about everywhere. Very cool, if not slightly unsettling! The observation tower provides a beautiful view, although it seemed a tad wobbly. Might want to look into that!
Facilities seemed nice. There were fishing docks, picnic pavilions for rent, etc. We loved their old 70s logo. Almost wanted to buy a shirt!
Marion Square
| Address | 329 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | (843) 724-7327 |
A beautiful open space park, on Saturday’s from 8am - 2pm is a farmers market. Lots of vendors and good, tables and chair provided but you can bring a blanket and your own chairs. Park has several beautiful fountains some benches and lots of big trees.
Beautiful park right off of King Street in the heart of downtown! Nice green area to visit surrounded by history
Established in 1758, this beautiful 10-acre park is a landmark of several significant events in history. It was a former Revolutionary War defensive site (Horn Work), the ground for the surrender of the City to the British, a 19th century parade ground for The Citadel and is a central public space named for General Francis "Swamp Fox" Marion.
Now it is a central hub for many of the City's community events, including a Farmer's Market and numerous festivals.
A Saturday Stroll Worth Taking
Marion Square is a lovely spot to spend a Saturday, especially if you enjoy walking, browsing, and soaking in local charm. The park itself is spacious and well-kept, with a relaxing atmosphere that makes it easy to slow down and enjoy the moment.
What makes it really special on Saturdays is the market. Local vendors set up with handmade goods, fresh produce, art, and unique crafts. There’s something extra meaningful about knowing the items were made or grown by the people selling them—it adds a personal touch that big stores just can’t replicate.
Whether you’re strolling through with a coffee in hand, picking up gifts, or just enjoying the vibe, Marion Square offers a warm and welcoming experience. It’s the kind of place that gives you a real taste of the local community.
Today, December 22, 2024, my wife and I decided to take the short, five-minute walk from our hotel over to Marion Square—and we’re so glad we did. This historic park, named after Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion (the “Swamp Fox”), has long been a centerpiece of Charleston, once serving as a parade ground for The Citadel. Nowadays, it’s a lively gathering place known for its seasonal festivities and local events.
Because it’s the holiday season, Marion Square was decked out in full winter cheer. We were greeted by a towering Christmas tree sparkling with lights, and a giant “JOY” sign complete with a glowing pineapple in the center—an iconic symbol of Southern hospitality. There was also a captivating Christmas light tunnel that would be stunning to see lit up at night. In another corner of the park stood a beautiful fountain adorned with various iron animal sculptures, each intricately crafted like its own work of art. We loved strolling through the park’s pathways and soaking in the festive atmosphere. We can’t wait to return and experience Marion Square all over again—holiday season or not!
Isle of Palms County Park
| Address | 1 14th Ave, Isle of Palms, SC 29451 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (843) 762-9957 |
Had a wonderful experience memorial day weekend. The park had many places to sit, restrooms, changing room, fountains and even a mobile boutique, and allot more. Surprisingly for it wasn't over crowded and clean. I enjoyed the whole experience.
Beautiful beach, very wide entrance. Playground and sitting area before entering the beach was clean and very nice for the little ones. The bathrooms were very packed but relatively clean. Definitely a very well known beach as it was SLAM packed by 3pm when we left. The parking lot was hard to get out of because people just park anywhere they cna fit in the lot. There was also an event so the traffic was crazy. Lovely beach though!
Beautiful, clean beach with lifeguards, clean restrooms, and changing rooms. Great atmosphere, plenty of space to relax, and a wonderful place to spend the day. Highly recommend! 🌊☀️🏖️
My absolute “go to” for a 10 hour beach day! Yes, 10 hours. The beach is always clean and spotless. The lifeguards are super vigilant and conscientious of everything that’s going on. They are kind to everyone who comes by and very gracious. Thanks for one of the best days!
Don’t need to park inside to reach the beach area. $15 entrance without any senior discount. Views are good.
Colonial Lake Park
| Address | 46-54 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC 29401 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Absolutely loved this space! It forces you to just pause. A lovely lake in the middle of a neighborhood that’s great for a leisurely walk, a run or just a place to sit and read. It’s a short walk to downtown. Honestly, from the first time we crossed by Colonial Lake, I knew it was a place I had to go back to.
Nice place to sit, relax, walk or run on a lovely Charleston day
Its very peaceful and enjoyable to walk around the lake. Very pretty views and quiet. I see ppl dog walking, running, strolling, rollerskating, taking naps, doing a workout, having a picnic or enjoying just sitting on one of the many park benches relaxing. A Charleston must do
We love this lake and park. Great for walking and observing birds and plant life. Plenty of parking around the lake. Great sidewalk around the lake for a walk. Mornings or evenings it’s very peaceful. Walkers/joggers are friendly. Love seeing people out with their dogs as well. My husband and son also love to fish there!
Nice like to take a walk around.
Gadsdenboro Park
| Address | 303 Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
Two large and high modules with toddler and big slides, climbing walls, wheels and more. Lots of benches (including some shaded with trees), next to soccer fields. Parking can be difficult and having some picnic tables would be great
Restrooms and water fountain onsite
A safe and creative playground located downtown !! There's a restroom nearby and there are two different ones for different ages !
2 separate parks here. 1 for younger kids and 1 for older. Cool selection for a small playground. No swings. Public bathroom was clean ish with a sink and it was stocked. Right by a huge soccer field and busy downtown streets. Cool little fountain my kids loved
Took my son here on our "mommy and son day" and he had a ball!! I even got on the swings myself! It was clean and spacious with plenty of seating throughout. The bathrooms are close by and were fairly clean. The playground is gated so it felt very safe. It is located under the bridge so it's the sound of cars passing. It didn't bother me as it was background noise. We will be back! It's a perfect place to have picnics.
Love this park, great for a walk, nautical playground, swinging benches. Close to the aquarium. They have soccer fields in the center. Love to take our children and then go to the aquarium. Bathrooms located near the playground.
Brittlebank Park
| Address | 185 Lockwood Dr, Charleston, SC 29403 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
Brittlebank Park is truly a peaceful place to come enjoy the beauty of the low country. Great area to take your dog, or just come to see the sunset, or fish. Lots of restaurants/food/groceries nearby too if you want to have lunch/dinner/picnic here. There's also a small park area for children and decent amount of parking too.
Nice day yesterday for a short playtime break with our grandson. Walked on the pier and saw a dolphin & our grandson played on the playground.
Playground equipment was ok, but really needs a good power wash. The ground covering/padding needs updating.
Overall, he had an amazing time and that was more important than anything else.
I was here yesterday for the annual South Eastern Wildlife Exposition. 100's of people crowded in. Lots of vendors, food and drink stands.
Nice park to walk explore stretch fish play breakfast/lunch/dinner… need to relax and walk your dog I highly recommend Brittlebank Park! Super clean and safe place to go. Sunrise sunset clean restrooms safe park for dogs and kids…plenty of room for parking too.
Cute little boardwalk going into the bay. Next to a bunch of nice dock restaurants.
Folly Beach County Park
| Address | 1100 W Ashley Ave, Folly Beach, SC 29439 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (843) 762-9960 |
Love love this park! Everything was so clean and neat. Staff was great, we rented chairs everyday from them. Felt very safe with their life guards as well, they were on it if the tide was too rough etc. Family friendly, no rowdy folks or partying going on. I had local insight to go here vs other areas of Folly and I am so thankful we did. The best advice is go early around 9am M-F and be there by 8am on weekends. Or go later in the day around 3pm, most families pack up by around then. They will run out of parking before beach chairs.
We did not get to experience the summer on this vast beach.
We wanted to venture out of our hotel and chose to walk on the beach in the cold weather.
There's a lot of parking and a bathroom, which was closed due to seasonal hours. At this time, there was no fee to enter as we were the only ones there.
Hopefully I get another layover here during the summer. I will definitely return.
Quiet, Beautiful beach!! Great shells, we spent the whole morning there. Facilities were clean and easily accessible as well!!
Amazing facility. Breathtaking views, new boardwalk, nice restrooms and friendly snack shop! Highly recommended!
Beautiful, well kept park. Cost is $5 per car. Large gravel parking lot with a few paved handicap parking spots. Pavilion & several beach access points. This park takes up the entire south end of Folly Island. Changing stalls, restrooms. Great place to watch sunrise and sunset.
Park Circle
| Address | 4800 Park Cir, North Charleston, SC 29405 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Phone | (843) 745-1028 |
This is by far the best playground I've ever been to! There are tons of things to do, for little kids and big kids. Even adults! I love that there are several play structures that are wheel chair accessible and many of the areas are interactive. This park was the highlight of our North Charleston visit.
restaurants bars and a big playground they have rockabillique every Nov. bands vendors car and bike show and a pin up contest
Biggest playground in the country! All i can say is WOW
Wonderful place to take kids and spend time outdoors. The complex has places to have indoor parties, picnic tables, and lots of trees and paths to walk and bike.
The playground is huge and very innovative — definitely not something you see every day. They even have a zip line experience, which is fantastic! There’s plenty of climbing and exercise equipment, making it great for both kids and adults. Highly recommended and suitable for all ages.
Tips for Visiting Charleston Parks
To make the most of your time outdoors in the Lowcountry, a little preparation goes a long way. The climate and landscape here are unique, and understanding the environment will help you stay comfortable and safe. The following tips are designed to help you navigate the local parks efficiently, whether you are a first-time visitor or a long-time resident looking to explore a new area.
1. Beat the heat and the bugs.
Charleston summers are notoriously hot and humid, with peak temperatures hitting hard between 11 AM and 3 PM. Plan your park visits for early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat exhaustion. Regardless of the time, apply a strong insect repellent, as mosquitoes and "no-see-ums" thrive near the marshes and ponds, especially at dawn and dusk.
2. Respect the wildlife and the tides.
Many parks feature water access, but the tidal creeks and rivers can change depth rapidly. Always check tide charts before launching a kayak or paddleboard from a park boat ramp. Keep a safe distance from alligators, which are common in freshwater ponds, and never feed any wildlife, as this disrupts the ecosystem and can be dangerous.
3. Pack water and sun protection.
While some parks have vending machines or water fountains, many of the more natural or historic sites do not. Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. The South Carolina sun is intense, so wear broad-spectrum sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and polarized sunglasses to protect yourself from the glare reflecting off the water.
4. Check leash rules and dog amenities.
Charleston is a very dog-friendly city, but rules vary. While some county parks feature designated off-leash dog beaches and large dog parks, municipal parks and historic sites often require leashes at all times. Always bring waste bags, and be mindful that hot asphalt can burn your dog’s paws during the summer months.
5. Plan for parking fees.
While many neighborhood parks offer free street parking, some of the larger county parks and beachfront areas charge daily admission or parking fees. Keep a small amount of cash or a credit card handy, and check the specific park’s website before you go to see if you need to reserve a spot in advance during peak season.
Exploring these green spaces offers a refreshing counterbalance to the city’s famous food scene and shopping districts. Taking the time to wander through a moss-draped trail or watch the sunset over a tidal marsh provides a deeper appreciation for why Charleston is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the South. Whether you are seeking adventure or tranquility, the parks here provide the perfect backdrop for making lasting memories.
