Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Folly Beach

"Riley Waterfront Park, located on the east of the Charleston peninsula a little beyond the end of Broad Street, is a more recent addition to the city’s downtown park space. Originally known simply as Waterfront Park, it was later renamed in honor of former Mayor of Charleston Joseph P Riley, Jr. It is most notable as the site of Charleston’s Pineapple Fountain (the pineapple is the symbol of hospitality) but is also an ideal spot for a picnic or a rest while sightseeing, providing a shaded place to sit alongside the river."

"Joe Riley Waterfront Park is a captivating eight-acre park which has received the 2007 Landmark Award from the American Society of Landscape Architects and the National Trust for Historic Preservation."

"A venue for work that is new and innovative with a focus on broadening the art outlook including up and coming local, regional, national & international contemporary artists."

"The Angel Oak Tree on John’s Island is a must-see if you’re in the area!. The tree is estimated to be approximately 400-500 years old (some believe it is much older), and is about 66 feet tall. It is amazing how far the branches on this tree extend (the longest is 187 feet)."

"This Southern live oak located on Johns Island is estimated to be over 500 years old. There is no fee to visit and take photos, however tripods are not allowed. The hours are from 9-5 and you will want to go early for softer morning light and less crowds."

"Take a short drive out of Charleston to the Angel Oak tree where you can witness one of the oldest trees in the nation. It’s estimated to be 400-500 years old!. It is truly an impressive sight to behold."

"60-acre Hampton Park is one of peninsular Charleston’s largest parks, located a little over 2 miles northwards of downtown. Originally a horse racing track, Hampton Park was created out of the grounds of the city’s 1901-1902 South Carolina Interstate and West Indian Exposition. The park is popular as a neighborhood recreational space, with beautiful flower displays and a historic rose garden."

"Hampton Park is a generous 60-acres of greenery and is the largest park on the Charleston peninsula. Go crazy photographing the flowers, oak trees, ponds, and the pretty gazebo in the center of it all!. There are plenty of backdrops for you to discover."

"So if you’re looking for a Charleston nature spot, there’s no better place!. Hampton Park has the best and biggest flower displays of any of Charleston’s many parks. Many of the flowers are seasonal, but there is also a historic rose collection."

"White Point Garden is the Charleston park we spend the most time in because we head here so frequently on walks with and without our dogs. It is a little park at the very bottom of the Charleston peninsula that is filled with beautiful live oak trees. It is a marvelous place to stroll, read a book, or enjoy a picnic!"

"This shady oak and monument-filled park offers up gorgeous views of the Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter. Stroll the oyster-shell-laden paths, and during certain months of the year, you may spot some nests and baby birds as the park is also a rookery for black-crowned night herons."

"The kids loved running around under the oak trees draped with Spanish moss, playing on the cannons and piles of cannon balls, chasing squirrels and picking up fallen azaleas. The walk from our hotel down Church Street to the park was utterly charming as well."

"In addition to White Point Garden, Colonial Lake Park is the other park we spend the most time in because we frequent it on our neighborhood walks. The park is, you guessed it, centered around a pretty lake. The grounds around the lake are landscaped to perfection."

"Located in the heart of Harleston Village, Colonial Lake is a large tidal pond with wide, paved walkways surrounding it. No matter how hot it is outside, you’ll see people exercising here. For those feeling less active, there are benches shaded by water oaks."

"A picturesque spot for a stroll around the lake or a break from touring in the heart of Charleston’s historic district."

"Quite often the site of local festivals such as the Charleston Beer Garden and XXX, Brittlebank Park is chosen as a spot for celebrations due to its near-downtown waterfront location overlooking the Ashley River from Lockwood Drive. Also just a short walk from the Charleston Riverdogs minor league baseball stadium, the 10-acre Brittlebank Park makes for a nice place to spend some time with the kids before or after going to a ball game. There are swings and playground available here, and the park is open (free of charge) year-round."

"It has a vast green space with epic views of the tranquil river. This park is also an ideal place to go for a nature stroll or fishing. If you want to enjoy some food here, you can bring a packed lunch and eat at one of the picnic tables."

"Mom got a new camera lens which means I have to go the park and model for her. Oh the hardship #lifeisruff ."

"This expansive, 943-acre Mount Pleasant park is part of the Charleston County Park system, and located just 20-30 minute drive from downtown Charleston. Situated along Horlbeck Creek off of the Wando River, Palmetto Islands County Park affords any visitor an untouched view of Charleston's natural beauty, flora and fauna. This park was made for groups and families, including such features as a boardwalk trail, bike paths, an observation deck, and picnic facilities with grills."

"If you want to grill, or have a picnic or ride your bikes, play some games with the children as you enjoy nature, then this park is for you. There are also many nature trails, there is a waterpark, snack bars, kayak, boat, and bike rentals as well as paved roads for cycling enthusiasts. It also has a lot of covered shelters within the park where one can reserve which has picnic tables, fans, grills, depending on the size one needs."

"Just a quick drive over the Arthur Ravenel Jr. bridge and you’ll find one of Charleston’s prettiest photo spots!. For a particularly Instagrammable photo, let your hair down for some dramatic photos as you frolic over the boardwalks of Shem Creek Park. Combining wetlands, wildlife, and fishing boats, you’ll have plenty of subjects to turn your camera on."

"Shem Creek Park is known for its amazing collection of seafood restaurants. The night life is vibrant and the food is delicious. The place is a heaven for seafood lovers."

"Earthling Day Spa, conveniently located on East Bay street downtown, offers a tranquil escape from the touristy buzz of nearby Market and King streets, making it the obvious choice for your post shopping pit stop downtown. Get out of the sun, off the street, and into an Earthling robe for a massage, facial, body scrub or mani-pedi. Owning up to its worldly name, Earthling offers a selection of "Treatments From Around The World," including Thai Detox, Nirvana and Bindi Herbal Bliss treatments."

"Boasting a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere, Earthling Day Spa is a sanctuary of wellness in downtown Charleston and has been voted the best destination spa in South Carolina. Having served visitors and the local community for over 3 decades, they feature a pilates studio and a stylish boutique spa that look straight out of an influencer’s dream. Their skincare, massages and spiritual balancing therapies are inspired by healing cultures from around the world."

"Providing a sophisticated blend of well-performing therapies, this spa in Charleston is an oasis of revitalization. First-rate spa services like boosting collagen facials, antioxidant treatments alongside customizable organic scrubs contribute to your optimal self-care experience. You can also bring your significant other for a couples massage and enjoy great deals on full-day spa packages."

"The Mary Martin Gallery of Fine Art was named one of the top 25 art galleries in the nation by the American Art Awards. The same organization awarded it the Best Gallery in South Carolina in 2016. The sculptures and painters on display here are diverse, spanning all genres and mediums."

"If you are interested in learning about Charleston’s art scene, check out the Gibbes Museum of Art. This attraction features over 10,000 pieces of work, most of which originate from the Carolinas. It gives you a look into the culture of the Lowcountry and allows you to learn about the history of the region."

"The Gibbes Museum of Art, the oldest museum building in the South, is home to the foremost collection of American art that incorporates the story of Charleston. The Museum connects the city and region’s artistic past to a vibrant contemporary art scene."

"When the Gibbes Museum opened in 1905, the nation celebrated what Charleston has always understood: the power of art ?. to inspire our imagination, heal our hurt, and nourish our souls."

"This regional shopping mall in Charleston houses over 100 stores, including 5 high-end anchor stores like Belk, Dillard's, and department stores like the area's first Target. Citadel Mall is also home to independent boutiques and brand stores stocking up on casual feminine clothing, men's formals, accessories, footwear, and fresh groceries. There is a massive food court at the mall to satisfy your cravings for freshly baked cakes, scrumptious snacks, and coffee."

"The citadel mall is one of the oldest and largest malls in Charleston. It was first opened in 1981 and is at the intersection of Sam Rittenberg Boulevard and I 526. This mall has more than 100 stores with four anchor stores like Belk, Dillard department store, JCPenney, Sear, Dick’s Sporting goods and Target supermarket."

"Located in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, only minutes from Charleston, Isle of Palms and Sullivan's Island, The Shoppes at Seaside Farms offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking for unique shopping and great restaurants or a relaxing massage, this is your premier choice. The Shoppes also feature Harris Teeter's flagship store and Target for your everyday shopping convenience."

"Lowcountry Consignments adds special charm to home interiors through unique consignment pieces, quality furniture pieces & home decor. We have an unrivaled array of: Dining Tables & Chairs, Artwork, Beds, Sofas, Accent Chairs, Area Rugs, Home Decor, Bar Stools, Ottomans, Decorative Pillows, Bookcases, Side Tables, Mirrors, Wine Racks, Lamps & Outdoor Furniture within a broad range of budgets. Summer Hours Open Tuesday -Saturday 10:00am - 5:00pm."