The Must-Visit Outdoor Spots in Charleston

By: Keegan Taylor

Source – Charleston-SC.com

As the oldest and largest city in South Carolina, Charleston is famous for its rich history. The city offers many places to visit and is located in Charleston Harbor along the Atlantic Coast, a natural fit for its military base. History buffs come for the vintage sites while the beaches and weather draw many families. There’s definitely no shortage of must-visit outdoor spots in Charleston.

Waterfront Park

Source – WalksOfCharleston.com

This 10-acre park, built along the waterfront of Charleston, offers beautiful views of the Harbor. Waterfront Park has plenty of paths for a morning run, afternoon walk, or bike ride. You’ll find the locals and tourists catching some rays in the park. Stop by the infamous Pineapple Fountain and watch the kids splash. Adults enjoy taking a break on the many benches lining the park. Charleston ranks as one of the ten best dog cities in the country. So, if you brought your pooch along, make sure you stop by the dog park at the end of the park.

Johns Island

Source – Wikipedia

Located just a short drive over the bridge, is Johns Island. It’s famous for its 400-year-old Angel Oak tree. The tree branches cover an astounding 17,000 square feet! The Angel Oak is an absolute must-see spot when visiting the Charleston area. After getting a picture in front of the tree, visit the Charleston Tea Plantation and the many distillery and vineyards.

White Point Gardens

Source – Charleston.com

The Charleston Battery home to the unique White Point Gardens. This stretch of land sits on the waterfront edge of the seawall that was once used for defensive purposes. The tip of the sea wall features White Point Gardens covered in beautiful oak trees and plants native to South Carolina. A gorgeous gazebo is a popular spot for photos. You’ll also see people posing next to the canons that date back to both the revolutionary and civil war era. Plenty of statues line the park which attests to the area’s rich military history.

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

Source- NPS.gov

Charleston has several plantations that were once vital to the local economy. Many of these large estates have become visitor centers where you can learn about the crops that once grew there. You’ll also get a tutorial about the slaves who ran the plantations. Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, named one of “America’s Most Beautiful Gardens” by Travel + Leisure Magazine, is a popular spot to visit. The public gardens date back to 1870 and are the oldest public gardens in the country. You’ll find a variation of beautiful blooms adorned by low branched trees that create a picture-perfect setting. Make sure to stop by the Audubon Swamp Garden that features moisture-loving plants, an integral part of the local ecosystem.

Patriot’s Point Naval and Maritime Museum

Source – Google search

You can’t visit Charleston without paying homage to the deep roots the military has in the area. Known as the spot where the Civil War started, (the first shot was fired at Fort Sumter), Charleston is a naval military hub. Patriot’s Point Naval and Maritime Museum offers an up-close and personal look into the massive size and power of the country’s military. You can explore the USS Yorktown as well as historic aircraft and vessels as well.  

There are plenty of spots in Charleston that you can’t miss when traveling to the area. From beautiful gardens to outdoor plantations to naval ships, Charleston has everything that you need for a fun vacation. Consider all of these must-see spots in Charleston on your next trip to the coast of South Carolina.

Keegan Taylor is an adventure seeker and writer for LawnStarter Charleston . When he’s not creating content on how to create a better home, he can be found exploring the east coast and all of its natural beauty.