parks and tours

A memorable way to experience Mount Pleasant and Charleston is to take a Fort Sumter Tour! Fort Sumter Tours offers two departure locations, including one conveniently located at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant. Hop aboard the Tour Ferry for a scenic ride across Charleston Harbor to Fort Sumter National Historical Park, an official site of the National Park Service and the place where the first shots of the Civil War were fired in 1861.

Take in incredible views of Charleston Harbor along the way, then step inside Fort Sumter to explore the historic grounds, museum exhibits and stories behind this important piece of American history.

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!

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.

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.

Looking for the best parks in South Carolina near Charleston? Palmetto Islands County Park in Mount Pleasant is a 943-acre outdoor retreat perfect for nature lovers and families. Nestled along the scenic marshes of Horlbeck Creek, the park features walking and biking trails, tidal creek kayaking, fishing spots, and shaded picnic areas. Kids can splash at the water playground while adults enjoy nature watching, boardwalk strolls, or climbing the observation tower for panoramic Lowcountry views. Just minutes from downtown Charleston, Palmetto Islands is one of the top things to do in Mount Pleasant for anyone who wants to explore nature, relax outdoors, and experience the beauty of the South Carolina coast. Pets must be leashed at all times. Leave nothing behind but pawprints. Follow the Keep It Pleasant Promise while exploring Palmetto Islands County Park!

Palmetto Islands County Park FAQs

Q: Where is Palmetto Islands County Park located?
A: Palmetto Islands County Park is in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, just a short drive from downtown Charleston. The entrance is off Long Point Road near Horlbeck Creek.

Q: What can you do at Palmetto Islands County Park?
A: Visitors can enjoy walking and biking trails, kayaking on tidal creeks, fishing, picnicking, nature watching, and a water playground for kids. There’s also an observation tower with sweeping Lowcountry views.

Q: Is Palmetto Islands County Park family-friendly?
A: Yes! The park is great for families, offering shaded picnic areas, a kid-friendly water playground, and plenty of easy trails for walking or biking together.

Q: How much does it cost to visit Palmetto Islands County Park?
A: Admission is typically a small per-vehicle fee, and Charleston County residents can purchase a Gold Pass for unlimited entry to all county parks.

Q: Why visit Palmetto Islands County Park near Charleston?
A: It’s one of the best outdoor escapes near Charleston, combining nature, recreation, and relaxation. The park highlights the beauty of South Carolina’s coast and is a top thing to do in Mount Pleasant.

Pitt Street Bridge is a former trolley bridge, now a scenic public park. Bring your picnic setup for an evening of waterfront wonder!

Take in breathtaking views of Mount Pleasant, downtown Charleston, and the Charleston Harbor from Wonders’ Way - the dedicated walking and biking path along the Cooper River Bridge in Mount Pleasant. Stretching 2.7 miles (5.4 miles round trip), this pathway offers the perfect blend of exercise and sightseeing for walkers, bikers, and runners. With sea breezes, soaring diamond bridge towers, and panoramic views all around, it’s one of the most unforgettable ways to experience the beauty of the Lowcountry. Follow the Keep It Pleasant Promise while exploring Wonders' Way!

Access Wonders' Way from Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park.

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.

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.