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.
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.
Shem Creek Park
Shrimp Boat Lane, Mount Pleasant, SC, USA
Experience stunning panoramic views of Shem Creek and the Charleston Harbor along 2,000 feet of boardwalks. Watch the sun sink into the sea while keeping an eye out for dolphins splashing nearby.
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Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Pavilion
99 Harry M. Hallman Jr Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
The Sweetgrass Basket Pavilion is a cultural arts exhibit on the history of sweetgrass basket making. Located in the Mount Pleasant Waterfront Park, the Sweetgrass Basket Pavilion is a cultural arts exhibit on the history of sweetgrass basket making and serves as a venue in which local basket makers can demonstrate their craft. The open air pavilion features informative kiosks, basket display cases, and a screening area for documentaries. This pavilion is a tribute to the generations of men and women who have carried on the Lowcountry sweetgrass basket tradition for over 300 years. As a stop along the Gullah / Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, the pavilion gives the public an in-depth look at one of America’s oldest and most important African-inspired arts. Sweetgrass baskets are available for sale at Sweetgrass Basket Pavilion.
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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.
Pitt Street Bridge
972 Pitt St, Mount Pleasant, SC, USA
Pitt Street Bridge is a former trolley bridge, now a scenic public park. Bring your picnic setup for an evening of waterfront wonder!
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Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
1235 Long Point Rd, Mount Pleasant, SC, USA
While visiting Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens, take a tour of the mansion, a plantation tractor tour, the self guided Black History In America tour, the Slave History Presentation tour, and tours of the beautiful gardens.
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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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Patriots Point Nature Trail
Patriots Point Nature Trail, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 (Entrance across from the Omar Shrine Center)
Discover one of Mount Pleasant’s most scenic outdoor experiences on the Patriots Point Nature Trail, a natural pathway surrounded by coastal views. Located on Patriots Point Road and minutes from downtown Charleston, this easy, family-friendly trail offers shaded paths and lookout points perfect for walking, photography, and quiet nature exploration. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Lowcountry landscapes, making it one of the most memorable places to walk and explore near Charleston, SC. Whether you're seeking a peaceful stroll or a beautiful spot to connect with nature, the Patriots Point Nature Trail delivers a uniquely stunning Mount Pleasant experience. Follow the Keep It Pleasant Promise while exploring the Patriots Point Nature Trail!
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Kearns Park
Entrance is on Wando Park Blvd. across from gravel parking lot near the Mark Clark Expressway.
Discover the natural beauty of Kearns Park in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina! This park is a peaceful spot perfect for walking, nature watching, and enjoying the outdoors. The charming park features scenic walking trails surrounded by marsh views and native Lowcountry landscapes, offering great views of the Cooper River Bridge and Wando River. It is a quiet escape just minutes from Charleston. Whether you’re looking for a short stroll, a place to relax by the water, or a serene spot to connect with nature, Kearns Park is one of Mount Pleasant’s best parks! Follow the Keep It Pleasant Promise while exploring Kearns Park!
