Charleston, Charleston County, SC

Places to go in Charleston

25 scouted venues — the coffee shops, restaurants, parks, and hidden corners we think are worth your time.

Audubon Swamp Garden

Outdoors

Audubon Swamp Garden

Serene wetlands home to alligators, turtles & peacocks, explored via a boardwalk & bridges.

3550 Magnolia Plantation Rd, Charleston, SC 29414, USA

Botany Bay Heritage Preserve/Wildlife Management Area

Outdoors

Botany Bay Heritage Preserve/Wildlife Management Area

This 3,363-acre oceanside nature preserve features wetlands, beaches, sea turtles & other wildlife.

Botany Bay Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438, USA

Brittlebank Park

Outdoors

Brittlebank Park

Scenic riverfront recreational area featuring a playground, walking paths & a fishing pier.

185 Lockwood Dr, Charleston, SC 29403, USA

Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site

Outdoors

Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site

Tours & interactive exhibits at the birthplace of the Carolina colony, first settled in 1670.

1500 Old Towne Rd, Charleston, SC 29407, USA

Colonial Lake Park

Outdoors

Colonial Lake Park

Historic tidal pond & dog-friendly park with paved pathways, benches, fishing & open green space.

46-54 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC 29401, USA

Edisto Beach State Park

Outdoors

Edisto Beach State Park

Serene park with beach access offers trails for hiking & biking plus campsites & furnished cabins.

8377 State Cabin Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438, USA

Folly Beach County Park

Outdoors

Folly Beach County Park

Swimming beach with seasonal lifeguards & pelican rookery featured in preserve with limited parking.

1100 W Ashley Ave, Folly Beach, SC 29439, USA

Francis Marion National Forest

Outdoors

Francis Marion National Forest

Large pine forest & marsh area with hiking, biking, motorcycle & canoe trails, plus rifle ranges.

2967 Steed Creek Rd, Huger, SC 29450, USA

Givhans Ferry State Park

Outdoors

Givhans Ferry State Park

Scenic park at the mouth of the Edisto River offering camping cabins, hiking, canoeing & more.

746 County Rd S-18-30, Ridgeville, SC 29472, USA

Hampton Park

Outdoors

Hampton Park

Featuring extensive floral displays, this park also offers a baseball diamond, playground & trail.

30 Mary Murray Dr, Charleston, SC 29403, USA

Isle of Palms County Park

Outdoors

Isle of Palms County Park

Beachfront park offering a playground & umbrella rentals, plus grills & a sand volleyball court.

1 14th Ave, Isle of Palms, SC 29451, USA

James Island County Park

Outdoors

James Island County Park

This serene park with tidal creeks & trails is a popular spot for biking, crabbing & camping.

871 Riverland Dr, Charleston, SC 29412, USA

Kiawah Beachwalker Park

Outdoors

Kiawah Beachwalker Park

Public beach with picnic areas has lifeguards part of the year & seasonal chair & umbrella rentals.

8 Beachwalker Dr, Kiawah Island, SC 29455, USA

Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve

Outdoors

Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve

Oceanside preserve featuring a lighthouse, a beach, surf fishing, birdwatching & more.

W Ashley Ave, Folly Beach, SC 29439, USA

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Outdoors

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Lush garden dating to pre-Revolutionary War times, with train & boat tours, plus a petting zoo.

Charleston, SC 29414, USA

Melton Peter Demetre Park

Outdoors

Melton Peter Demetre Park

640 Wampler Dr, Charleston, SC 29412, USA

Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park

Outdoors

Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park

A nautical-themed playground, 1,250-ft pier with bench swings, cafe/gift shop & scenic harbor views.

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

North Charleston Wannamaker County Park

Outdoors

North Charleston Wannamaker County Park

Sprawling expanse of woodlands & wetlands with grills & picnic spots, plus a fee-based water park.

8888 University Blvd, North Charleston, SC 29406, USA

Palmetto Islands County Park

Outdoors

Palmetto Islands County Park

A 943-acre nature setting with paved trails, picnic sites & access for fishing, crabbing & kayaking.

444 Needlerush Pkwy, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, USA

Pineapple Fountain

Outdoors

Pineapple Fountain

Multi-layered, pineapple-shaped fountain facing the waterfront, popular for photos.

1 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401, USA

Riverfront Park

Outdoors

Riverfront Park

This popular green space along the Cooper River features a large meadow & performance pavilion.

1061 Everglades Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405, USA

Shem Creek Park

Outdoors

Shem Creek Park

Boardwalks, trails & fishing boats highlight this tranquil town park with creek & wetlands views.

Shrimp Boat Ln, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, USA

Wannamaker North Trail

Outdoors

Wannamaker North Trail

Rugged country park offering 15 mi. of trails for biking, jogging & hiking.

455 Westview Blvd, Goose Creek, SC 29445, USA

Waterfront Park

Outdoors

Waterfront Park

Well-known park with Charleston Harbor views, plus a large lawn, walkways & fountains.

Vendue Range, Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA