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.
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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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.
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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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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Wonders’ Way on Cooper River Bridge
99 Harry M. Hallman Jr. Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC
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.
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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Marsh View Trail
1619 Rifle Range Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Marsh View Trail transitions from southern pines into maritime forests with large oaks and rewarding salt marsh views. The brisk 0.4-mile stroll also includes a popular dog park and ends by overlooking Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms. Lowcountry Land Trust proudly protects Marsh View Trail forever with a conservation easement. Pets must be leashed at all times. Leave nothing behind but pawprints. Follow the Keep It Pleasant Promise while exploring Marsh View Trail!
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.
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.
