parks and tours
Parks and Tours in Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant is home to some of the best South Carolina parks. Connect with nature with over a dozen parks, trails, and a variety of tours.
discover adventure
Memories are only a few clicks away. Explore all Mount Pleasant has to offer below.
Coastal Expeditions
514 Mill St B, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Coastal Expedition's flagship location at Shem Creek is the perfect introduction to Charleston history and wildlife, complete with unmatched views of the Holy City skyline. Private parking & docks, retail store and changing area. Tours and rentals 7 days a week by kayak, paddleboard and boat.
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Memorial Waterfront Park
11 Ewall Street, Mount Pleasant, SC, USA
This park is called the “Crown Jewel of Mount Pleasant” for good reason. Take in the stunning harbor views with access to the Mount Pleasant Pier and Cooper River Bridge pedestrian path.
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Charleston Water Taxi
20 Patriots Point Rd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Travel between Mount Pleasant and historic downtown Charleston aboard the Charleston Water Taxi. The Charleston Water Taxi makes hourly trips to Patriots Point, Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina, downtown Charleston and Aquarium Wharf. You may even see a dolphin or two!
If you're staying in Mount Pleasant: Meet the Water Taxi at the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina, which is located at the end of Patriots Point Road. Follow the signs to the Water Taxi.
USS Laffey
40 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant, SC
If you’re searching for history in Charleston or unforgettable things to do near Charleston, a visit to the USS Laffey (DD-724) at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant is a must. Known as “The Ship That Would Not Die,” the USS Laffey is one of the most decorated destroyers of World War II and a powerful, hands-on way to experience American naval history just minutes from downtown Charleston.
Commissioned in 1944, the USS Laffey (DD-724) was a Sumner-class destroyer that saw intense combat in the Pacific Theater during World War II. On April 16, 1945, during the Battle of Okinawa, Laffey endured one of the most ferocious kamikaze attacks in U.S. Navy history. The ship was struck by multiple bombs and kamikaze aircraft in a single assault, yet remarkably, she survived. Despite devastating damage and heavy casualties, the crew kept her afloat, earning the ship its enduring nickname and a Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism. After World War II, Laffey continued to serve during the Cold War before being preserved as a museum ship, now standing as a floating tribute to the sailors who served aboard her.
Today, visitors can step directly onto this historic destroyer and explore:
⚓ Self-Guided Deck Tours - Walk the weather decks, stand beside massive 5-inch gun mounts, and imagine what life was like during wartime operations.
🛏️ Crew Living Quarters - See the tight sleeping bunks, mess areas, and command spaces that housed hundreds of sailors at sea.
🎖️ Combat Information & Bridge Areas - Explore the nerve center of the ship where critical battle decisions were made.
📚 Educational Exhibits - Learn about World War II naval warfare, the Pacific Theater, and the bravery of Laffey’s crew through interpretive displays and preserved artifacts.
The USS Laffey is included with admission to Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. Visitors can also tour other historic vessels and exhibits during their visit, making it one of the most comprehensive maritime history experiences in the Southeast.
Alhambra Hall Venue
131 Middle St, Mount Pleasant, SC, USA
Recently renovated, the historic Alhambra Hall event venue is located in the Old Village Historic District of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. The 3,280 square foot Main Hall offers amazing view of the Charleston Harbor, hardwood floors, large southern porches, and vaulted ceilings. The venue is popular for weddings, receptions, corporate events, family gatherings and more. Alhambra Hall hosts only one event per day for an exclusive experience.
The area is open to the public. Pets are welcome to enjoy the grassy lawn and sea breeze, but must be leashed at all times. Leave nothing behind but pawprints!
To schedule an appointment to tour the venue for your upcoming event, call (843) 849-2053.
Hog Island Trail
5 Patriots Point Rd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Explore the scenic Hog Island Trail in Mount Pleasant, SC, a peaceful walking path that winds through nature and salt marshes at Patriots Point. This easy, family-friendly trail offers incredible views of the Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter, and historic downtown Charleston. It’s one of the most picturesque walking trails near Charleston, perfect for nature watching, photography, or a relaxing stroll by the water. Trail visitors can also walk up a short ramp and steps to see the view from the observation deck. Hog Island Trail showcases the natural beauty that makes Mount Pleasant a true Lowcountry treasure! Follow the Keep It Pleasant Promise while exploring Hog Island & Trail!
The entrance to Hog Island Trail can be found on Patriots Point Road across from the golf course parking lot.
Palmetto Breeze
1 Shrimp Boat Lane, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Palmetto Breeze is a 50-foot catamaran perfect for public harbor sails & private events. Room for 100 guests, customizable bar & catering packages. Locally owned & operated by passionate captains with over 20 years experience.
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Wayne Magwood Fisherman’s Statue
Shrimp Boat Lane, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Located at a scenic point at the Shem Creek boardwalks is the Wayne Magwood Fisherman’s Statue. This statue is more than a photo stop, it’s a celebration of Mount Pleasant’s deep-rooted shrimping heritage and one of its most legendary champions. Captain Wayne Magwood was a lifelong fisherman whose passion for local seafood took him from the docks of Shem Creek to the halls of Washington, D.C., where he fiercely advocated for American shrimpers as President of the South Carolina Shrimpers Association, earning the state’s highest civilian honor, the Order of the Palmetto. His boat, Winds of Fortune, became an icon in its own right, famously spotlighted in commercials and media that helped shine a national light on the Lowcountry’s fishing way of life.
After his passing in 2020, the community rallied to honor that legacy with this life-sized statue, a tribute not only to Captain Magwood, but to the entire Magwood family, whose ties to Shem Creek span more than a century. Today, the statue stands as a powerful reminder of Mount Pleasant’s working waterfront, local seafood traditions, and the enduring spirit that still comes alive each year during the Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival, which the Magwood family helped found.
Laurel Hill County Park
1400 Highway 41, Mount Pleasant, SC
This beautiful park site features several miles of running, walking, or biking trails that wind through a variety of landscapes. Pets must be leashed at all times. Leave nothing behind but pawprints. Follow the Keep It Pleasant Promise while exploring Laurel Hill County Park!
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