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.
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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James B. Edwards Park
20 Royall Ave, Mount Pleasant, SC, USA
An open greenspace that was part of the original 'Town "Common'. Pets must be leashed at all times. Leave nothing behind but pawprints.
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Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
40 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant, SC, USA
Take the Captain's Tour aboard the USS Yorktown to learn about what life was like for sailors at sea during World War II, Vietnam, and during the recovery of the Apollo 8 space capsule. Some tours go to areas that are usually off-limits for the general public.
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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.
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.
Winnowing Hands Sweetgrass Statue
1164 Oakland Market Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
Tucked into the heart of Oakland Market, the Winnowing Hands statue is a stop that blends powerful storytelling with an unforgettable photo moment. The larger-than-life sculpture features two hands gently holding a traditional winnowing basket, celebrating the centuries-old art of Gullah Geechee sweetgrass basket-making that has shaped Mount Pleasant’s cultural identity.
Supported and dedicated by the Town of Mount Pleasant, this striking piece honors the generations of artisans whose skill, creativity, and resilience continue to define the Lowcountry. Set against a lively mix of shops and dining, Winnowing Hands invites visitors to pause, snap a photo, and connect with a living tradition that’s as meaningful today as it was generations ago, making it a must-see stop for anyone exploring Mount Pleasant’s history and culture.
Mount Pleasant Splash Pad
99 Harry M. Hallman Jr. Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC
The Mount Pleasant Splash Pad is located at Memorial Waterfront Park, as a piece of the 2025 Phase III addition. This popular splash pad is designed with the heart of Mount Pleasant in mind with elements of the Arthur Ravenel Bridge and the old Mount Pleasant water tower included. Restrooms are available at the park. There is not a life guard on duty, swim/splash at your own risk. No pets, bikes, or skateboards allowed in the splash pad area.
Operating Hours: April - October, 8:00 AM - Dusk.
The Splash Pad is closed on Tuesdays from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm for routine maintenance to keep it in safe conditions. To see if the Splash Pad is open or closed before you go, sign up for Mount Pleasant Recreation Department alerts!
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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Fort Palmetto Park
2213 N Palmetto Fort Dr, Mount Pleasant, SC, USA
Fort Palmetto Park in Mount Pleasant is a short, scenic walking trail that combines Lowcountry nature with local history. Located off N Palmetto Fort Drive, this hidden gem features approximately 1.5 miles of walking trails through wooded areas, boardwalks, marsh views, and quiet natural surroundings. This trail is an easy option for people looking for a more peaceful outdoor spot away from busier parks. Along the way, visitors can explore the preserved earthworks of Fort Palmetto, a Civil War-era fortification. Look for the history markers! At the end of the trail, enjoy views from a two-story lookout deck facing toward the Isle of Palms.
Pets must be leashed at all times. Leave nothing behind but pawprints. Follow the Keep It Pleasant Promise while exploring Fort Palmetto Park!
