One of the most diverse recreational areas in the Southeast, the Charleston Lowcountry offers an endless variety of outdoor experiences for an active Lowcountry lifestyle. Take a stroll through a canopy of hardwoods, kayak through the still waters of a lagoon, tie bait to a string and catch a crab, relax and enjoy a beautiful sunset, zoom down a 200-foot water slide, picnic under live oaks, dance to live music at an outdoor concert…. countless opportunities await! And you can discover all of these and more at Charleston County Parks!
The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission represents one of the most unique park and recreation agencies in the state of South Carolina. The commission is responsible for providing park and recreation services, but not to duplicate services provided by the other municipalities and special recreation districts existing in the area.
One of the prime responsibilities of the commission is the development of a countywide park system. Each park facility offers a variety of programming generally directed toward the natural features and characteristics of the site. The staff and commission are committed to maintaining high standards in the delivery of leisure services and facilities to the citizens and visitors to Charleston County.
Currently the commission operates three large multidimensional family parks, three water parks and three beach parks. Additionally, they have a marina, fishing pier, two dog parks, equestrian center, campground and cottage rentals, nature and history interpretive center, and 19 boat and kayak landings. Several other parks are currently in the development phase.
Cool Off at a Water Playground
Charleston Country Park and Recreation Commission offers three great water parks for cooling kids off during the hot summer season. Splash Island, located at the Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park, is a wonderful water playground. Kids can enjoy the sprays, geysers, raindrop waterfalls, cyclone, 17-foot otter slides and the awesome 200-foot body flue. Geared for kids of all ages, Splash Island offers showers, concessions, lockers and restrooms.
Splash Zone, located at James Island County Park, is a well-rounded water playground offering two 200-foot tube slides, a 500-foot lazy river with an adventure channel featuring sprays and a waterfall, a leisure pool, and a Caribbean play structure with interactive elements. Geared for kids of all ages, Splash Zone offers showers, concessions, lockers and restrooms.
Whirlin' Waters, located at North Charleston Wannamaker County Park, is the area's adventure waterpark. This 15-acre island-style attraction offers seven major water attractions, thousands of gallons of rolling water, and more than 800 interactive features catering to all ages. Whirlin' Waters is a great place to enjoy the hot summer months in Charleston. Whirlin' Waters offers showers, concessions, lockers and restrooms.
All three parks require proper swimming attire and no outside food or beverages are permitted.
A Day at the Beach!
Enjoy the sparkling sand and cool surf of the Atlantic Ocean at the three beautiful beachfront parks operated by the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission. They take the hassle out of a day at the beach.
On the west end of Folly Island, situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Folly River, beachgoers will find Folly Beach County Park. Lifeguards are on duty seasonally along a beautiful beachfront designated swimming area. Amenities also include dressing areas, handicap-accessible restrooms, picnic area, retail area, outdoor showers, boardwalks, snack bar, beach chair and umbrella rentals and shelter rentals for group functions.
Isle of Palms County Park is located on 14th Avenue between Palm Boulevard and Ocean Boulevard on the Isle of Palms. Isle of Palms County Park offers beautiful ocean frontage with lifeguards on duty seasonally along a beachfront designated swimming area. Other amenities include dressing areas, outdoor showers, restrooms, boardwalks, picnic area, children's play area, sand volleyball course, and beach chair and umbrella rentals.
Beachwalker County Park at Kiawah Island is located on the west end of the island. Beachwalker offers ocean frontage and a river view. Lifeguards are on duty seasonally along a beachfront designated swimming area. Beachgoers can also enjoy dressing areas, restrooms, picnic area with grills, outdoor showers, boardwalks, a snack bar and beach chair and umbrella rentals.
Vertical Fun
Looking for a little adventure? How about a new workout outside of the gym? Discover the fun and safe sport of rock climbing and test your vertical limits! South Carolina's tallest outdoor climbing facility, The Climbing Wall at James Island County Park is 50 feet tall with over 4,500 square feet of climbing space for all ages and abilities. No experience is necessary and the trained staff provides a safe climbing environment. Groups are welcome with a reservation. Don't worry about the necessary equipment-they'll rent everything you need! And just in case you get hooked, the climbing wall pass is an affordable option.
Hone your skills on the nearby bouldering wall, a 10-foot structure featuring an additional 1000 square feet. This is the perfect tool for mastering techniques and warming up for a big climb.
A full array of fun classes and programs are offered at the wall year-round. A sample of the selection includes Holiday Wall Climbs, Climbing Competitions, and Introduction to Rock Climbing.
Saffire is located in the elegant Charleston Marriott Hotel on the Ashley River, Lockwood Boulevard. Enjoy the bold flavors of Saffire’s seasonally inspired menu which reflects a belief in “the cuisine of today,”. Always healthy, always evolving. Eclectic, imaginative and unrestricted by ethnic boundaries.... Superb selection of wine. Free parking. Warm and welcoming. Tel: (843) 723-3000.
Charleston's favorite Irish Pub. Tommy Condon’s Irish Pub and Seafood Restaurant has made its name by becoming one of Charleston's favorite local spots. Try popular Lowcountry specialties such as shrimp and grits and fish and chips. A family-oriented establishment where children are welcome as they are. Serving food and fun into the wee hours of the night. Live Irish music Wednesday through Sunday nights.
Charleston's premier walking tours with exclusive access to some locations. Behind the scenes of the Holy City's graveyards, back alleyways, and dungeon. As seen on Travel Channel's America's Most Haunted Places. Ghost Dungeon, Dark Side Charleston, Ghost Graveyard Walking Tours. Haunted Jail Tour, Charleston Strolls Walk With History and more.
The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission represents one of the most unique park and recreation agencies in the state of South Carolina. The commission is responsible for providing park and recreation services, but not to duplicate services provided by the other municipalities and special recreation districts existing in the area. 
Charleston Country Park and Recreation Commission offers three great water parks for cooling kids off during the hot summer season. Splash Island, located at the Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park, is a wonderful water playground. Kids can enjoy the sprays, geysers, raindrop waterfalls, cyclone, 17-foot otter slides and the awesome 200-foot body flue. Geared for kids of all ages, Splash Island offers showers, concessions, lockers and restrooms. 
Whirlin' Waters, located at North Charleston Wannamaker County Park, is the area's adventure waterpark. This 15-acre island-style attraction offers seven major water attractions, thousands of gallons of rolling water, and more than 800 interactive features catering to all ages. Whirlin' Waters is a great place to enjoy the hot summer months in Charleston. Whirlin' Waters offers showers, concessions, lockers and restrooms. 
Enjoy the sparkling sand and cool surf of the Atlantic Ocean at the three beautiful beachfront parks operated by the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission. They take the hassle out of a day at the beach. 
Looking for a little adventure? How about a new workout outside of the gym? Discover the fun and safe sport of rock climbing and test your vertical limits! South Carolina's tallest outdoor climbing facility, The Climbing Wall at James Island County Park is 50 feet tall with over 4,500 square feet of climbing space for all ages and abilities. No experience is necessary and the trained staff provides a safe climbing environment. Groups are welcome with a reservation. Don't worry about the necessary equipment-they'll rent everything you need! And just in case you get hooked, the climbing wall pass is an affordable option.
Saffire is located in the elegant Charleston Marriott Hotel on the Ashley River, Lockwood Boulevard. Enjoy the bold flavors of Saffire’s seasonally inspired menu which reflects a belief in “the cuisine of today,”. Always healthy, always evolving. Eclectic, imaginative and unrestricted by ethnic boundaries.... Superb selection of wine. Free parking. Warm and welcoming. Tel: (843) 723-3000.
Charleston's favorite Irish Pub. Tommy Condon’s Irish Pub and Seafood Restaurant has made its name by becoming one of Charleston's favorite local spots. Try popular Lowcountry specialties such as shrimp and grits and fish and chips. A family-oriented establishment where children are welcome as they are. Serving food and fun into the wee hours of the night. Live Irish music Wednesday through Sunday nights. 
Charleston's premier walking tours with exclusive access to some locations. Behind the scenes of the Holy City's graveyards, back alleyways, and dungeon. As seen on Travel Channel's America's Most Haunted Places. Ghost Dungeon, Dark Side Charleston, Ghost Graveyard Walking Tours. Haunted Jail Tour, Charleston Strolls Walk With History and more. 
