Pineapple Fountain
Pineapple Fountain
4.5
About
This unusual fountain in Waterfront Park calls back to the city's port town history when pineapple was rare and a symbol of wealth and hospitality.
Duration: < 1 hour
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: French Quarter
The French Quarter neighborhood in Charleston is a captivating fusion of history, culture, and Southern charm. Noteworthy landmarks include the Dock Street Theatre, America's oldest, and the Gothic Revival-style French Huguenot Church. For the culinarily curious, a plethora of traditional Southern eateries and upscale restaurants, such as Magnolias, line the cobblestone streets. The French Quarter is also a haven for art enthusiasts, with numerous galleries showcasing both local and international talent. The neighborhood is conveniently accessible via Charleston's public transit system, making exploration a breeze.
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557 within 3 miles
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292 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- pathawkins567 contributionsBeautiful iconic fountain, the quintessential symbol for hospitality and welcome for tourists from all over. This fountain is located in downtown Charleston's Waterfront Park. Beautiful panoramic view of the Cooper River. Fountain itself is lovely, and it is surrounded by lovely landscaping and grassy areas. GREAT 'photo op' - we saw a wedding party being photographed nearby. We visited in cooler weather, can only imagine how refreshing it would be on a hot day to enjoy the spray from the fountain as you overlook the river. Nice promenade for walking; areas for picnics. Something for everyone.Visited November 2024Traveled with familyWritten November 8, 2024
- socalukgirlDiamond Bar, California212 contributionscute photo op place. We went around 10 am so it wasn't so hard to get a pic, but I can see how it could be. I think the best time would be late afternoon, the sun wasn't int he perfect spot for us yet.Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 7, 2024
- RMNRG72 contributionsGreat to go in evening when it cools down. Good breezes. We spotted a huge osprey in the grassy section by the second fountain. My great niece enjoyed playing in the water. Great photo opps. Also enjoyed strolling on the pier & sitting in the chair swing. Fun to enjoy the breeze and people watch.Visited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 6, 2024
- Linda F1 contributionThe Historic District of Charleston is quite simply a place of beauty. The streets are so clean, the local architecture quaint, and the people kind. Go to enjoy the water, history, and, of course, food. (Eat at Hank’s—outstanding hush puppies!)Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten September 8, 2024
- KAREN PRichboro, Pennsylvania4 contributionsBeautiful sight to see It’s a short walk from the Outdoor Market Place. Then continue thru Waterfront Park to Rainbow Road!! Then continue through the French Quarter back to King street for lunch or a happy hour. I recommend the Rooftop at Vendue for lunch. Dinner at Pearlz both are nearby. Or maybe a Happy hour at The Darling Oyster or ay Boubon and Bubbles!Visited May 2024Traveled with friendsWritten May 23, 2024
- MN_TravellerMspMinnetonka, Minnesota459 contributionsWaterfront park is a nice walk. Go to the Battery; stroll back on East Bay Street to Market Street. It's a good place to go. Enjoy the fountain, the water views and the beautiful homes.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 21, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
689 reviews
Excellent
420
Very good
184
Average
77
Poor
5
Terrible
3
Tom B
Worthington, OH464 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Located a short walk south from the north entrance to the Joe Riley Waterfront Park. The fountain is probably the most photographed and recognized symbol of present day Charleston. We found it particularly attractive during the early morning and evening hours. Regrettably on our last stop at the fountain to sit and enjoy the view about two dozen “chaperoned” teens were splashing and climbing the fountain like it was an amusement water park attraction. Seriously! - there's a splash fountain at the north entrance to the park for this purpose. Beyond annoying it wasn’t safe.
Written May 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard B
Ocala, FL63 contributions
Mar 2022
We parked at the Visitor's Center and took the free trolley down to Waterfront Park, saw the Pineapple Fountain and then took a leisurely stroll down to the battery and White Point Garden, stopping at the Provost Dungeon for the tour, which I highly recommend. We then walked back into town for lunch and then spent the afternoon around the City Market. It's all very historic and beautiful. And the Trolley is the way to get around unless you want to pay for a tour of some type. We preferred to walk and browse at out own pace.
Written April 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mgnelu
Rockville, MD253 contributions
Aug 2022
This is definitely one of the main attractions in the Waterfront Park. You may see people waiting in line to take a picture with the fountain in the background. You will likely see kids cooling off in the small basin (not sure why this is allowed). It is definitely unique and beautiful and it is worth a visit. The best time to visit is after it gets dark: it is nicely lit and there are no more kids in the basin. As I was trying to get a good picture of the fountain, I spent way more time than my family had patience for.
Written August 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
together24married21
Saint Albans, VT57 contributions
Sep 2019
It was our first day in Charleston, South Carolina. The weather was gorgeous and the town was bustling with traffic. Luckily, we found a place to park on the corner of East Bay Street and Cordes Street just down from Magnolia's in the French Quarter. Walking down Cordes cobblestone street brought us right to the Pineapple Fountain at the Waterfront Park. The history of the cobblestone beneath our feet was so surreal and evoked Charleston's outright, controversial culture. The street was a beautiful cobblestone path, no doubt but it also paradoxes the not so pretty side of the south, the factual and forcible side of the south. Again, this was our first time "stepping foot" in Charleston, so, its notable to describe our journey to the Pineapple Fountain. The buildings were historical and phenomenal. They meet that momentous and architectural expectation! It was a short two blocks to the Pineapple Fountain and it did not disappoint. With the backdrop of Charleston's bay, this park has it all. Live Oaks everywhere! The splashing sounds from the water erupting atop the pineapple's crown and cascading down. An awesome view of the famous Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. And quintessential palm trees lining the park while framing the very detailed fountain. The grounds were manicured well and it was quite peaceful. A great place for people watching and/or an ideal spot to relax and get away from the city life just steps away. A must see on your trip to Charleston.
Written June 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
danalynch
Denver, CO27 contributions
Nov 2022
We were in Charleston in November and it was cool and windy. Only the bottom of the fountain was running, so it was fairly unimpressive. It might be beautiful on a warm sunny day, but I don't think I'd go out of my way to see it if I were on limited time.
Written December 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ashley D
Michigan126 contributions
Jan 2023
Who doesn't love seeing a pineapple?! Beautiful fountain, design, size, and detail is astounding! Not crowded, spacious for pictures to be taken, to sit and take in the beauty of the statue and water, as well as people watch. Watching the water fall over the edges can be mesmerizing and relaxing!
Written February 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Holly H
5 contributions
Sep 2021
this fountain is one of the highlights of Joe Riley waterfront park. the area is beautifully kept and very clean. The fountain is large and gorgeous. It is right by the waterfront and most were getting pictures standing by this fun fountain. It is very nice.
Written September 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DannyWasserman
Virginia Beach, VA4,648 contributions
Aug 2020
This is a must see and do in Charleston. Check out the waterfront area and take in the Pineapple Fountain and its many tiers of spewing water coming from the top. Its a massive fountain and is stunning. We took lots of pictures and its fun !!
Written August 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffrey Koslowski
Canton, MI729 contributions
Feb 2020
This is what I kept hearing is the big landmark of Charleston. It is a pretty sight and is fairly close to some of the big shopping areas. I'm not sure how often they do this but it was filled with soap which gave it kind of an ethereal feel. It made for some great photo opportunities as well as some major fun for our three year old daughter. The water wasn't deep at all. If you stuck your fingers into it, the water wouldn't even come up to your wrist. My daughter stepped in it by accident and I'm not sure the water even got up to her ankle.
It looks pretty, its near the water, and is located near some shopping, dining, and tour stops. If you are in the area, try to go.
It looks pretty, its near the water, and is located near some shopping, dining, and tour stops. If you are in the area, try to go.
Written March 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
allifromWI
West Bend, WI331 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
It’s a pineapple shaped fountain. I enjoyed the park around it and there were beautiful flowers around it, which was wonderful for late February. We enjoyed the park and the view and I’m glad I saw the fountain because it’s so iconic. It was a nice start to our walk toward the battery.
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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