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.
Cooper River Waterfront Path
Nearest: 71 Harry M. Hallman Jr. Boulevard, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Tucked along the shoreline beside the Cooper River, the Cooper River Waterfront Path is one of Mount Pleasant’s most scenic places to explore. Beginning at the base of the Mount Pleasant Pier at Memorial Waterfront Park, this natural dirt-and-shell trail connects Memorial Waterfront Park to Patriots Point Road. Find the entrance from Memorial Waterfront Park by veering to the left before you enter the Mount Pleasant Pier. You will enter the path and be greeted by a boardwalk taking you over the marsh, with an amazing view from under the Cooper River Bridge.
This path offers social-media-worthy views of the Cooper River Bridge, the USS Yorktown, Downtown Charleston, and the Cooper River as it meets the Charleston Harbor. Leashed pets are welcome, remember to leave nothing behind but pawprints. Follow the Keep It Pleasant Promise while exploring the Cooper River Waterfront Path!
Path length: Approximately 0.8mi one way.
Palmetto Islands County Park
444 Needlerush Pkwy, Mount Pleasant, SC, USA
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.
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.
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!
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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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.
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.
Nature Adventures
1 Shrimp Boat Ln, Mount Pleasant, SC, USA
Nature Adventures is creating experiences and memories to last a lifetime. If you want to rent or be on our guided kayak or stand up paddleboard tour in the waters around Mount Pleasant and Charleston, they have many options!
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Book A Local Fishing Charter
Mount Pleasant, SC, USA
Choose from a variety of expert offshore and inshore fishing charters around Mount Pleasant. Catch fish and make memories of a lifetime!
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