Nature & Parks in Charleston
THE 10 BEST Charleston Parks & Nature Attractions
Nature & Parks in Charleston
Category types
Nature & Parks
Awards
Travelers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travelers across the globe.
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68 results sorted by traveler favorites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Recommended Outdoor Activities (27)
Revenue impacts these recommendations, learn more.
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks
French Quarter
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Equestrian Trails • Horseback Riding Tours
Bodies of Water
Harleston Village
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks
Parks • Playgrounds
Upper Concord Street
Aquariums
What travelers are saying
- Voyager539710676011 contributionMy husband and I visited on February the 10th. It was about 55° very chilly out over the water. But still a fantastic visit I would much rather be a little chilly than super hot. They had hot chocolate at the concession stand and closed in bathrooms that were very nice. We got to see a hot close up and an alligator a blue heron and some white egrets as we walked through the swamp Loop. Overall it was a fantastic visit!Written February 10, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Dave48838Greenville, MI680 contributionsI have to say that this review is biased as we visited on what has to be the very best day February could offer. We purchased a combo ticket that included admission and lunch for $40. At this time of year, the visitors are few, parking is easy, there is no waiting, and the camellias are in full bloom. Walking around the gardens was beautiful. We also joined a guided tour which was also very good.
The included lunch (which also included a tip) involved two courses. I started with the she-crab soup which was delightful. My wife had the pulled pork and I had the fried chicken for entrees and both were very good.
We did not pay extra for the home tour. After so many historic buildings, I get jaded. Still, we spent about four hours on the grounds. If one is hesitant in visiting, knowing the growing season is important. We hit the camellia season. At the end of March the azaleas will be in bloom. Later in the year you may only see annuals. The formal gardens do not high light lots of colorful flowers. Our experience was grand and I feel the price of admission was worth it.Written February 7, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - KBD87Arkansas1,376 contributionsThis is a beautiful relaxing park on the waterfront with benches, fountains, gardens and a beautiful view of the harbor. It’s a wonderful place to relax and people watch and also seemed very safeWritten September 25, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Maryann H21 contributionsBeautiful holiday experience at Aglow. We saw the aquarium attractions and saw Santa swimming in the big tank. Beautifully decorated and the price was very reasonable. Worth the trip. 🎄Written January 1, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- sanju_222323New Jersey17,775 contributionsAt the southern tip of the Charleston peninsula sits White Point Gardens and the Battery. It’s where the Ashley and Cooper Rivers meet to form the Atlantic Ocean (according to locals), and is a must-see for visitors.
It is a nearly 6-acre historic public park located at the tip of the Charleston Peninsula overlooking Charleston Harbor and Cooper River. The park entrances visitors with its beautiful water views, graceful live oak trees, and historic monuments.
formerly known as Oyster Point – it is a lovely spot to sit on a bench and enjoy the view under the shade of live oak trees.
Amazing history:
Originally, the park was used as a fortification during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and several cannons from both eras remain on site as a reminder of the city's military past.
it hasn’t always been as pleasant as it is now. It’s the first point on peninsular Charleston reached by ships heading up from the harbor entrance. As such, White Point Gardens served military purposes at various times in its history:
a watch tower was built on the location in the late 1680s and locals added cannons and entrenchments in the early 1700s
save time for a break beneath the old live oaks in nearby White Point Garden where several Civil War relics and memorials commemorate the city's role in the battle.
Ocean views, gentle breezes, large shady oak trees, and oyster shell pathways are enough to make anyone want to pull up a blanket and have a picnic on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Today, White Point Garden attracts both locals and tourists to its historic monuments and markers, shaded benches, and gazebo, which hosts weddings and other events.Written January 2, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Kailee S37 contributionsWe've visited the east coast with our family, including an airboat tour of the everglades last Christmas. We saw more gators here than the everglades! Aside from the beaches we visited while in SC, this was our absolute favorite part of our SC trip! It's very peaceful, beautiful, and the wildlife is amazing!Written July 7, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Candie GAnderson, IN40 contributionsStunning park. You will love this if you are a runner, walker or just want to relax. Beautiful places for photos for a special event. Loved the ducks and beautiful plant life.Written May 5, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Megunticook72Camden, ME265 contributionsOnly one drawback to a River Dogs game
at this stadium and it’s the blaring
noise that is in every announcement.
The “dumb” TV noises and the pitch of
the walk up music is bush league even
for a single A team. It hurts the ears and
the experience. Small children like noise
that loud?
The game itself against the Columbia
Fireflies was intriguing and real baseball.
The game was a joy to watch.
Seeing the Tampa Bay 1st round draft
pick perform was a look into his career
as it might be. A look into Summer.Written April 17, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Kelly C1 contributionThe garden paths were very pretty and seeing the headstones from the 1800s as well as the carvings made by hand into the stones were pretty incredible. If you are looking for a unique thing to do when visiting Charleston, this is a gem. It doesn’t take too long to walk through but definitely is a change from walking the shops and restaurants. The iron gates in each section do have locks on them, so it appears they do get locked at times, but there are signs that say the gardens are open to the public between 930am-2pm.Written January 2, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jessica TMebane, NC42 contributionsVery friendly staff and beautiful scenery. The tour was informational, but left plenty of time to just enjoy the ride. The horses were well behaved. We saw lots of birds and an armadillo- even in January. Definitely a fun addition to our family trip with a horse loving tween.Written January 19, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- SarahGreensboro, NC11 contributionsI found out about this place in a tour and wow what a hidden gem! The story is so fascinating and definitely worth a visit for anyone in Charleston. The craft is beautiful and I hope it can continue to be passed down.Written April 14, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LostInTimePittsburgh, PA24,795 contributionsThis is a nice shady square in the old part of town. There is a miniature Washington monument as well as a statue and a lot of real green grass.Written June 16, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Polaroids & Drinkin StoriesUnited States2,459 contributionsThere are so few actual sidewalks around here. They start and stop so infrequently it can get frustrating just trying to take a walk for some exercise. I’ve been staying near the beginning of this path for a few months and it makes things so much better. The path does cross a few busier spots but mostly it’s a secluded, peaceful walk (or bike or jog etc.) It’s a paved path. There are benches in spots to rest. Some local art. Some exercise equipment. Water fountains to get a drink for you or your pet. Signs point ya towards nearby shops and some give you a brief history lesson on the area. I believe if you walk from start to finish it’s seven miles (there are markers) but I usually do about half and turn back. Just so happy to have this as opposed to the alternative of trying to walk on streets around here next to speeding traffic.Written July 2, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Vette6 contributionsSC 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, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LostInTimePittsburgh, PA24,795 contributionsA nice shaded park by the boat launch and the aquarium. The park has a lot of shade and most people are just walking through and not stopping.Written June 17, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
