Opened in 1970 to commemorate Charleston's tri-centennial, Charles Towne Landing is the original cite of the first permanent English settlement in South Carolina. This 80-acre state park showcases animals indigenous to the state in 1670, with exhibits designed by naturalist Jim Fowler. You can see alligators, bobcats, bison, foxes, white tailed deer, pumas (cougars), and bears. There is a 17th-century village typical of what the original settlers might have constructed. There is also a 53 foot replica of the trading ketch "Adventure", a vessel typical of what the young colony would have used for conducting trade on the eastern coast and in the West Indies. You may board the vessel and go below to see where the crew of six slept.

Charles Towne Landing is a wonderful place to visit for people of all ages!

Location: Hwy. 171 between I-26 and Hwy. 17
(about 3 miles from Downtown Charleston)
Park hours: 8:30-5:00 p.m. 7 days a week
Admission is $5 for adults, $2.50 children 6-14
Children 5 and under are admitted free
Phone (843)852-4200

843-873-0692
Overlooking the site of ferry crossing dating back to the 18th Century, this 988-acre park on the Edisto River is an access point of the Edisto River Canoe and Kayak Trail, a 23 mile canoe/kayak trail between Colleton and Givhans Ferry.

The park has 4 cabins and about 25 campsites and picnic tables. There is also a moderately strenuous trail along the bluff that affords splendid views.

Isle of Palms County Park is a great place to go to the beach! The park has playground equipment for the children, picnic shelters, rest rooms and outside showers, as well as a boardwalk over the dunes to the beach. In season, there are lifeguards in this area.

843-873-1740
This historic park is the site of a Colonial village founded in 1697 by a group representing the Congregational Church of Dorchester, Massachusetts. Attractions at this 325-acre park today include the site of the c. 1757 tabby fort, ongoing archaeological excavations of the village, the tower of St. George's Parish Church and a small outdoor kiosk explaining the history of Dorchester and the upper Ashley River area. The park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The park offers interpretive kiosk exhibits on the history of St. George, White Church Place, life on upper Ashley River, and the settlement of Dorchester. Enjoy fishing in Ashley River for fresh and saltwater species. Private boat access to the Ashley River is 1/2 mile from park.

For you nature lovers, like me, this is your place! Wonderfully built to melt in with nature, the colors are neutral, and all the trees have been left, thank goodness. There are nature walks everywhere where you can watch all kinds of wildlife - Snowy egrets, Great Blue Herons, Green backed Herons, crabs, and who knows what else, docks for fishing, and paddle boats for going out in the creeks.
There are large picnic shelters for family or office groups and to keep the children entertained a huge "splash pool", for the summertime, and play equipment as well.
Palmetto Islands County Park is a special place - Don't miss it! 843-884-0832