parks and tours

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!

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.

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.

For an easy way to enjoy the water in Mount Pleasant, head to the Mount Pleasant Pier at Memorial Waterfront Park, just minutes from downtown Charleston. As the longest pier in the Carolinas, it’s a great spot to take a relaxing walk, cast a line for fishing, or simply enjoy the views of the Cooper River, Charleston Harbor, and the Cooper River Bridge.

Stop by the River Watch Café & Gift Shop for quick bites, cold drinks, and ice cream, browse the shop, or find a spot to sit and watch the boats go by. Whether you’re looking for things to do in Mount Pleasant, a place to fish near Charleston, or just a great waterfront view, come on out, take your time, and enjoy a little Lowcountry life by the water.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.