I find it special that beyond the pastel houses and cobblestone streets, Charleston’s parks are full of wonder. I love how this city blends tidal creeks, moss-draped trees, and hands-on history into outdoor spaces that feel both relaxing and alive. I look forward to days that begin with sunrise walks by the marsh and end with sunsets over the harbor.
To me, Charleston parks mean picnicking under centuries-old oaks at Hampton Park, watching dolphins from the pier at Waterfront Park, and exploring shaded trails at James Island County Park. We always bring our kites to Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park, where breezes and bridge views never disappoint. Angel Oak Park lets kids stand in awe beneath one of the oldest living trees in the country, while Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site turns a nature walk into a journey through South Carolina’s colonial past. Whether it’s spotting egrets in the marsh or cooling off in a splash fountain downtown, Charleston’s parks offer the perfect mix of wonder, history, and Lowcountry magic for every family outing.
Picture this: The kids are chasing butterflies, crossing wooden boardwalks, and listening to the wind in the live oaks—all before lunch in a Charleston park.
"Moss, marshes, and maritime breeze? This is Charleston with kids!"
Unique Charleston Parks
1. Allan Park
Allan Park is a small square park in downtown Charleston, in the Hampton Park Terrace neighborhood. It is a popular spot for neighborhood events such as music concerts and social celebrations and gatherings. The park was developed in the early 20th century on a piece of land donated to the city by the widow of James Allan, the developer of a large part of Hampton Park Terrace. Allan Park is a great spot to slow down, relax, have a picnic, read a book, or catch up with a friend. It has a lovely fountain in the center surrounded by thousands of plants, shrubs and trees. There are plenty of benches for the neighbors or tourists to sit and enjoy this tranquil oasis in the heart of the city.
Allan Park, 365 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC 29403, Phone: 843-724-7327
2. Bees Landing Recreation Center
Opened in 2010, the Bees Landing Recreation Center is located in the West Ashley neighborhood of Charleston. It offers a range of opportunities for recreation such as tennis courts, boardwalk, athletic fields, and a fenced dog run. It is a popular spot for neighbors and youth groups to come for a game of basketball, football, baseball, or soccer. The center also provides fitness classes for seniors, summer camps, and special events. The dog run is surrounded by several trees that provide pleasant shade for the whole area. There are also park benches and drinking fountains for dogs and humans. The area is intersected by a network of hiking and biking trails.
Bees Landing Recreation Center, 1580 Ashley Gardens Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407, Phone: 843-402-4571
3. Brittlebank Park
Brittlebank Park is a ten-acre park located next to the Joe Riley Stadium overlooking Charleston’s Ashley River. The park has a kids’ playground with climbing structures and two piers that extend out over the Ashley River. Fishing, shrimping, and crabbing are popular activities in the park, which has several paved walking and biking trails running through it. There is an off-leash area at the north side where dogs can roam freely. While on the edges of Charleston’s historic downtown, the park is one of the most scenic and charming green spaces in the area. There are popular live music concerts in the park during the summer music festival.
Brittlebank Park, 185 Lockwood Dr, Charleston, SC 29403
Romantic Charleston Parks
4. Cannon Park
Located on Calhoun Street near the Medical University of South Carolina and sandwiched between Rutledge and Ashley Avenues, Cannon Park is one of Charleston’s most outstanding parks. In the shade of large live oaks there is a small playground that kids love. The grassy area is very popular with dogs and dog owners. A sidewalk around the park is used extensively by runners and joggers. The park is located at the site of a sawmill pond that was later converted to a convention hall, a museum, and a hospital. The remnants of the hall, destroyed by fire in 1981, are still visible in the form of four large columns, the most visible features of the park.
Cannon Park, 131 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29401, Phone: 843-724-5003
5. Charles Towne Landing
Charles Towne Landing is a State Historic Site located on a marshy point off the Ashley River. This is the spot where in 1670 a small group of English settlers landed and established the future Carolina colony. Charles Towne Landing Visitor Center offers hands-on exhibits, knowledgeable staff members answer questions, and visitors can take a self-guided audio tour on the history trail. They can also tour the Adventure, a replica of Charleston's 17th-century sailing ship, watch cannons fired, or observe bears, otters, bison, and other animals at the Animal Forest zoo set in a natural habitat. The Landing grounds include 80 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, a magnificent live oak alley, and the historic Legare Waring House.
Charles Towne Landing, 1500 Old Towne Rd, Charleston, SC 29407
6. Colonial Lake
Historic Colonial Lake is one of the most popular Charleston parks. For the last 150 years it has been a favorite place for gathering of friends and families, outdoor recreation, afternoon strolls, and dog-walking. Walkers and joggers can be seen running around the park at all times of the day. This scenic tidal pond is also very popular with fisherman. The park has a seating wall along Rutledge Avenue, many benches scattered throughout the park and plenty of wide open green space. Colonial Lake Park is also known as a favorite spot for wedding proposals and other big announcements. Visitors will notice a small rose bush planted below every palmetto tree in the park. The bush is known as the Peggy Martin Rose, one of two plants to survive Hurricane Katrina in Mrs. Peggy Martin’s Louisiana garden after being submerged for two weeks under 20 feet of saltwater.
Colonial Lake, 46-54 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC 29401
Charleston Parks for Families
7. Gadsdenboro (Concord) Park
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Gadsdenboro (Concord) Park is one of the newest parks in downtown Charleston. The five-acre park is located on Concord Street just across from the Charleston Maritime Center and not far from the South Carolina Aquarium. The park was formerly called Concord Park and includes a large green space with a range of sports fields and plenty of amenities such as a nautical-themed playground, a walking path, a bocce court, chess tables, game tables, and public restrooms. The recreation spaces are broken by beautiful flower gardens. The park is located in the heart of the Concord Park mixed-use development.
Gadsdenboro (Concord) Park, 303 Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401
8. Corrine Jones Playground
Located in the heart of the Charleston’s Wagener Terrace neighborhood, Corrine Jones Playground is a friendly neighborhood park with picnic tables, plenty of benches, a tennis court, a basketball court, and a soccer field. There is also a large playground that was added during the big makeover in 2011, as well as a shade structure constructed by Clemson students. The park, which was previously called Hester Park, has free Wi-Fi access as a result of a partnership with the Speedwell Foundation, the Charleston Digital Corridor Foundation and the Charleston Parks Conservancy. The Conservancy also plans to add a community garden, which will be created, as other Conversancy projects, mostly by local volunteers.
Corrine Jones Playground , 36 Marlow Dr, Charleston, SC 29403
9. Demetre Park
Melton Peter Demetre Park is a municipal waterfront park on James Island in Charleston, South Carolina. The park was named Melton Peter Demetre Park after the landowner who deeded the land to the city for the use as a park. Among locals, the park is known as Sunrise Park. The park has two large sandy beaches, a covered picnic area, a large pond, marshes, fields of green grass, and a hiking trail. There is also a 190-foot long fishing pier that extending into the harbor. At the end of the pier is a 20-by-20-foot long pier head, a 40-foot long floating dock, and steps leading to the beach. The park offers spectacular views of Patriots Point, the Ravenel Bridge, the Battery, Sullivan's Island, Fort Sumter, and Mount Pleasant in the background. The park is one of the most popular public landmarks on Charleston Harbor and is visited by thousands of locals and visitors every year.
Demetre Park, 640 Wampler Dr, Charleston, SC 29412, Phone: 843-724-7327
10. Hampton Park
Located on the western borders of Charleston's downtown near the Citadel, historic Hampton Park is one of the largest and oldest parks in the city. The 60-acre green oasis is a perfect neighborhood spot for a pick-up game of baseball, a family afternoon picnic, or a leisurely stroll under the shade trees. There is a lovely relaxing pond full of ducks, a romantic gazebo, and plenty of green space for a nap. What is today a relaxing spot has a long and turbulent history that dates from 1700s when it was part of an orange grove plantation owned by local John Gibbes. In 1835, part of the plantation was converted into the Washington Race Course. During the last days of the American Civil War, the entire area was used as a prisoner-of-war camp. Over two hundred Union soldiers died and were buried in the camp.
Hampton Park , 30 Mary Murray Dr, Charleston, SC 29403
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
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What types of parks are in Charleston?
- From the small green spots in downtown Charleston surrounded by modern urban architecture to the vast green spaces of James Island, Charleston has a park for any season and any expectation.
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What amenities do most parks offer?
- Most parks offer sports fields, children’s playgrounds, and picnic areas.
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Are there hidden parks in Charleston?
- Some are hidden neighborhood green spaces where locals come for a picnic or to walk their dogs.
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Are there historic parks in Charleston?
- Others are historic spots with important monuments and even forts.
Best Time to Visit Charleston, SC’s Parks
- March to May – Pleasant spring weather, perfect for walking, picnics, and sightseeing.
- September to November – Mild fall temps, ideal for outdoor activities and fewer crowds.
- June to August – Hot and humid summer months with vibrant events and family fun.
- December to February – Cooler months offering peaceful trails and scenic views.
- Late March – Best time for blooming flowers and comfortable outdoor conditions.
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