Colonial Lake
Colonial Lake
4.2
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Harleston Village
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584 within 3 miles
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292 within 6 miles
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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
4.2
20 reviews
Excellent
6
Very good
11
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Margaret C
2 contributions
Apr 2023
Colonial Lake is a very pretty place to visit and walk through. There are various beautiful plants and trees blooming and there are benches to sit on that surround the salt water lake. Dogs are allowed in the park, and there is also a water fountain for them. I suggest learning the history of the lake before going.
Written May 17, 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.
Vette
6 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
SC is a beautiful city. The people are quite friendly. We enjoyed the horse drawn carriage tour and visiting a few eateries, the Crabhouse and Delaney’s. Learned about the city’s history from the Charleston Museum and the Ft. Sumpter National Monument Park. Definitely returning. Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
Written April 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.
robinsonth
St. Augustine, FL167 contributions
May 2016 • Solo
Colonial Lake is a tidal lake and park area in downtown Charleston. It's history and appearance has been as tidal as its waters. The history of the park dates back to the mid-18th century when the Commons House of Assembly declared the land dedicated for use of all. The lake itself did not materialize until a hundred years later when what is now Ashley Avenue was extended south to Broad Street. Originally called Rutledge Lake or The Pond, it was likely used used to power lumber mills in the area. Indeed, on the corner of Chisolm Street and Broad, there is a small house with a small sign indicating it was the site of the Anderson (I believe) Lumber Company. The lake got its current name in 1881. Once the promenade was built around the lake and plantings put in, the area became a site for boating and fishing. There were fountains at one time, but they were removed. The pipe to the Ashley River that supplied the lake's water collapsed over time and the lake became shallow and nasty. The City and Parks Conservancy raised $5 million to restore the tidal flow, and repair the tabby walls. Having been closed for over a year, the park is scheduled to officially open on June 4. But Conservancy volunteers have been doing massive landscaping and Colonial Lake is restored to its old glory already. There are other noteworthy parks in the area, The Horse Lot is and its history are worth a look, too.
Written May 18, 2016
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.
EvanGuthrie
Charleston, SC10,856 contributions
Jun 2019 • Solo
I really like Colonial Lake and Moultrie Playground as together they are great spaces to get outside and enjoy some of the best parks in Charleston. Colonial Lake is a nice space to walk, run, or just sit down and enjoy the water and fresh air. The area around the lake is nicely maintained and manicured with trees, plants, and flowers and really allows you to get away from the city without going anywhere. I like that the area is very peaceful and allows you to clear your head on a busy and stressful day. A couple of laps around the lake really works well to make for a better day or wind down at the end of the day. I have always enjoyed the experience that Colonial Lake and Moultrie Playground provide.
Written July 28, 2019
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.
HerrP
Warner Robins, GA2,306 contributions
Mar 2017 • Family
As you walk the perimeter of this reservoir, check out the architecture of the houses that line the street on one of the sides. We were absolutely amazed at the shapes and designs of the houses; simply marvelous.
This park is situated in a part of town where you can really get your walking groove on. Don't pass this up.
This park is situated in a part of town where you can really get your walking groove on. Don't pass this up.
Written March 21, 2017
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.
Terrie J
Charleston, SC3,400 contributions
Nov 2016 • Solo
The renovation of Colonial Lake was nice, but there were still problems even before Hurricane Matthew destroyed most of the new landscaping. If you are handicapped and have a vehicle with a chair lift on the side, then you won't be able to park in the handicap spaces and get out of the vehicle. The designer put the spaces along a raised curb without realizing that the lift would not be able to go to the ground. It is being redone. The plants around the lake cost a fortune, but no one took into consideration that it is a salt water lake and Charleston floods, especially during a Hurricane. The once green and blooming plants are now all brown. The Palmetto trees are all propped up because of the wind during the storm. There is a lovely walkway around the lake and it is nice during good weather. Pets are welcome and bags are supplied to clean up after them. It is still a nice place to walk and look at all of the houses around it.
Written November 4, 2016
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.
Dobbs312
Chattanooga, TN132 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
We happened upon Colonial Lake almost by accident. It's just north of Broad Street at the intersection of Broad and Rutledge. The lake is serene, beautiful and surrounded by wide sidewalks and parks. There were many people in the area exercising, walking dogs, pushing baby strollers, taking photos or just sitting on the park benches. It is a stunning and peaceful area. If you enjoy White Point Gardens and Waterfront Park, you will definitely enjoy this area that is somewhat off the beaten path.
Written October 12, 2014
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.
patbannon
Southbury, CT75 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Took a nice walk around the lake. Such pretty homes in the area. Manmade pond. We saw fish jumping though...
Written October 9, 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.
ModerationForMe
Charleston, SC500 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
This is always a beautiful place to take a short walk. There is plenty of parking on three sides of the park. There is lots of nice greenery surrounding the lake.
Written July 8, 2018
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.
Bob19512014
Gulfport, FL10,746 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
This appears to be where the locals hangout. Popular to do here - walk, jog, dog- walking, biking, fishing, sitting, daydreaming, people watching, relaxing, loving life. The landscape is well-tended and beautiful.
Written April 28, 2018
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.
Is there street parking around Colonial Lake?
Written March 20, 2024
Are dogs allowed to swim/play in the pond?
Written August 1, 2017
And there IS a dog park right on Ashley Avenue very close to the lake! Stop giving incorrect answers.
Written October 16, 2020
Years ago, I used to go fishing and crabbing in the lake. Can I still fish and crab there?
Written September 4, 2016
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