As you find yourself surrounded by amazing history in Charleston, don't forget about the sheer beauty of this place. Along with the historical sights, Charleston offers many areas for outdoor enjoyment. Make plans to spend some time outdoors, exploring the coast, gardens, trees, and wildlife that you can only find in Charleston.
Charleston Waterfront Park
Charleston Waterfront Park is a 12-acre park which includes a 400-foot-long wharf and fishing pier with two fountains, a riverside walkway, lawns and formal gardens, and shaded walking and seating areas. What used to be a busy wharf has been redesigned into an open space that is a perfect place for picnicking and looking out over the coast. You will enjoy the peace and charm of this beautiful park.
Palmetto Islands County Park
Centered on the nature and beauty of the area, this family-friendly park offers a great place to enjoy the scenery. Sitting on 943 acres, this park has gorgeous jogging paths, bicycling paths, a toy playground and a water playground, and offers grills and picnic areas throughout. You can also use the fishing and crabbing docks and observation towers. And for an additional admission fee, you can enjoy Splash Island Waterpark, also located on the property.
Cypress Gardens
Here is a unique opportunity to explore a southern swamp. Just 24 miles north of Charleston, Cypress Gardens offers an amazing look at swampland, wildlife that calls the swamp home, and the flowers and other vegetation that grow here. Visitors can simply wander through these beautiful gardens or take a flat-bottomed boat tour of the swamps. There is also an opportunity to see how rice fields were planted and harvested in this area throughout the 18th century.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
This lush, serene plantation offers a look at the oldest garden in America. You can canoe, walk or bike through this gorgeous area. You will see Spanish Moss, oak trees, swampland, serene waters, and wildlife. There is also an animal zoo on the grounds and areas to picnic. This place is a favorite of visitors, and once you get there it is easy to see why. The staff here will be happy to show you around and educate you on the exceptional beauty that exists at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens.
Wherever you visit in Charleston, don't miss the amazing landscape offered by this area. You will get some much-needed fresh air and connect with nature in a very complete way.
