Top Rated Parks to Visit in Isle of Palms

"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."

"Hampton Park is your answer if you want oak trees with Spanish moss but you don’t want to pay for it!. Did you know it used to be a horse racing track, a Union prisoner of war camp, the site of the first Memorial Day parade in the country and it once housed a zoo?"

"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."

"This large downtown park never fails to show off its flora come springtime. A rose collection and other seasonals are planted with care. That and the big gazebo make this a very sought-after spot for weddings and professional photoshoots."

"Battery Park is the quintessential image of Charleston for most Holy City locals. Walking along East Bay Street, with the famous Battery mansions to one side, the Charleston harbor to the other, you'll be able to spot Ft. Sumter in the distance, and imagine the first shots of the Civil War that took place here in 1861."

"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!"

"Set on the very same land where the Carolinas' first permanent British settlers made their homes in the year 1670, this extensive 664-acre park offers not only beautiful natural surroundings but a living history lesson for the whole family. A natural habitat zoo featuring area wildlife that these early colonial settlers would have encountered, along with a replica sailing ship, an experimental garden, and an authentic replica common house can all be found and explored on this historic site. Along with these, you'll find picnic areas, hiking and biking trails, and beautiful regional plant life, including azaleas, camellias, and sprawling live oaks."

"More of a historic colonial settlement brought to life in authentic fashion than a simple park, a visit to the Charleston Towne Landing historic site makes for an excellent afternoon activity off-peninsula for people and groups of all ages. Just a short drive from downtown Charleston across the Ashley River, Charles Towne Landing brings the past to life at the site of the first permanent European settlement in the Carolinas. This state historic site offers bike rentals, nature and walking trails (including nature and history trails), and 80 acres of gardens and greenery."

"Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site sits on a marshy point, located off of the Ashley River, where a group of English settlers landed in 1670 and established what would become the birthplace of the Carolina colony."

"Located at the base of Ravenel Bridge sits Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park. This park not only provides a top place to watch sunsets in Charleston, but also has ample green space for picnics and boat-watching. While exploring the park, don’t forget to stop by River Watch Cafe and Gift Shop."

"Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park is located under the Ravenel Bridge so it has beautiful views of the bridge and the Charleston Harbor. It is also one of the best places to catch a Charleston sunset from the 1,250-ft pier. Find Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park here."

"At the Mount Pleasant area of Charleston is a beautiful park. Here, people can get to some games, picnics, cycling, dog walking, enjoy some ice cream, and even just taking a stroll. The park is usually open from 6 AM to 11 PM."

"Adjacent to Hampton Park, this is a great well-shaded playground with ample green space to run around in as well. I hope this list is helpful for you when you visit Charleston with your family!. Click Herefor a complete list of area parks if you are staying or visiting somewhere outside of downtown."

"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."

"I bet you will have never seen a tree as big and beautiful as the majestic oak tree that makes up Angel Oak Park. The oak tree is estimated to be a few hundred years old (some believe it’s over 1,000 years old!), stands 65 ft tall, and provides 17,000 square feet of shade. It is a gorgeous sight to behold and truly magical!"

"Angel Oak Park is located on John’s Island just west of Charleston. It actually takes a bit longer to get there than I expected as the roads are not great–single lanes with lots of traffic. I was happily surprised that, although there were a lot of people there, parking was not an issue."

"Every time locals bring first-time visitors to see the Angel Oak, it’s the same story. The newcomers have no idea the tree is going to be so big. Sprawling and majestic, it’s estimated to be at least hundreds of—maybe even more than a 1,000—years old."

"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."

"The Isle of Palms County Park is a famous beachfront park offering a playground & umbrella rentals, alongside grills and an always-open sand volleyball court."

"The John C Doyle Art Gallery, located at 125 Church Street, features dozens of original, private, and high quality reproduced works in categories such as “low country”, “wildlife”, “blues and jazz”, and “architectural.” The gallery was founded by John Doyle who was born in Charleston and was internationally known for his energetic paintings. The Doyle gallery also features works from local artist Margaret Petterson. The Doyle Gallery is open Tuesday though Saturday from 11am to 5pm."

"Sandpiper Gallery, located on charming Sullivan's Island is known for the eclectic and wide range of unforgettable work that is shown. We welcome you to visit us on Sullivan's, shake the sand out of your shoes and experience a gallery like no other."

"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."

"After you explore the global brand stores on King Street, hop into Spa Adagio at the iconic Francis Marion Hotel, known for playing relaxing sounds and filling their posh service lounge with sweet aromas. Using world-class skincare products from Image Skincare and Babe Lash, they offer a full slate of rejuvenating natural herb treatments, innovative detoxifying and cleansing body therapies. Whether it’s a fun date night or an exciting party, Spa Adagio preps you up gorgeously for your next adventure."

"The Spa Adagio at The Francis Marion Hotel is located in the hotel's lower level, conveniently situated close to nearby parks, museums, shopping and Upper King Street restaurants. Duck into Spa Adagio, whose name means 'slowly, leisurely, gracefully', for a quick nail care treatment or wax, or instead dedicate a full morning or afternoon to this spa's menu of services. Spa Adagio offers Massage Therapy at $55 for 30 minutes, $95 for 60 minutes and $135 for 90 minutes."

"This full-service day spa is located in the Francis Marion Hotel across from Marion Square in downtown Charleston. A day at Spa Adiago will leave even the most stressed person feeling rejuvenated and renewed. Some of their services include full body massage, aromatherapy, wrinkle lifts, facials, wraps, lash lift, and so much more."

"Elyon Boutique Spa is an appointment-only day spa and massage boutique located at 192 East Bay Street, on the second level next to Slightly North of Broad. Elyon Boutique Spa is owned and operated by Leah Whatley, an experienced makeup artist and licensed massage therapist. Visit Elyon Boutique Spa for Feet, Body and Hand Massage such as their Hot Stone Massage at $90 for one hour, Salt or Sugar Scrub at $60 for one hour or Milk and Honey Body Wrap at $80 for 75 minutes."

"Owned and operated by Leah Whatley, a knowledgeable make-up artist and licensed massage therapist, this appointment-only day spa provides an array of luxe body care treatments and a signature Green Peel with corrective benefits. Their menu is completely customizable to fit anyone’s budget without compromising on service quality. A thorough dermatological consultation with in-house Dr Christine Schrammek precedes your session to ensure maximum, long-lasting results."

"Elyon Boutique Spa has a long list of massages and skin care treatment services that will help relax your mind and body and keep your skin in tip-top shape. They’re also one of the few places in Charleston certified in the Dr. Christine Schrammek Green Peel which has been known to transform skin. Their services are totally customizable to fit any budget or needs."

"Offering extensive inventory, commissioned portraits and art advisory services to build collections of 19th – 21st century art for clients. US and European artists on view."

"Dog & Horse Fine Art & Portraiture represents leading talent by US and European artists. Along with extensive inventory, the gallery is a matchmaker for portraits as well."

"Bargain hunters will want to head to this shopping center in North Charleston, which offers more than 100 different discounted and outlets shops from name brand clothiers like Michael Kors, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF FIFTH, Coach, Forever 21, Ann Taylor, J. Crew, Banana Republic, and Brooks Brothers. Athletic companies Nike, Adidas, Under Armor, and New Balance have stores here as well, as do accessory brands like Vera Bradley, Sunglasses Hut, and Claire's. The outlets are only about 2 miles from Charleston International Airport, so if you're driving or renting a car, it's worth your time to swing by on the way in or out of town."

"Once you have strayed far downtown amidst vintage streets and boutiques of Charleston, prepare to unleash the serious shopper in you at Tanger Outlets - an enormous mall with a full-service inventory of 100 factory stores world-famous brands, accessories, and footwear. Among all the malls of this eminent US-based chain, Charleston's outlet is home to multinational tenants like Gap and Ascena. Bask in the tropical South Carolina sun at Tanger Outlets’ open-air shops and enjoy a 30% discount on specialty retail goods, a fraction of the normal cost of shopping in Charleston."

"Whatever luxurious brand that you can think of, you will find it here. Be it local or international brands, you will find them all side by side. There are great discounts in the stores and you are guaranteed value for money in the store like Nine West, Skechers, Coach, Ralph Lauren, Saks Off 5th, Nike, Michael Kors, Under Armour, Old Navy, Gap, Palmetto Moon, and Tommy Hilfiger."

"Redux Contemporary Art Centre is a non-profit art gallery in Charleston. Small yet impactful, this art centre is known for the best art sessions, workshops and discussion panels in South Carolina. Workshops like figure painting, portrait drawing are a must attend if you happen to be in Charleston on assigned dates."

"The Redux Contemporary Art Center is a non-profit organization focused on bridging the gap between artists and audiences. They host eight creators a year as well as host fantastic educational programs."