5 Essential Things to Do in Charleston Parks This Summer

Summer in Charleston is all about embracing the coastal lifestyle, and the city's parks offer the perfect backdrop for classic Lowcountry activities. From paddling through tidal creeks to crabbing from a tidal pier or listening to live music under the oaks, there is no shortage of ways to spend a summer day. Here are five essential activities to add to your Charleston summer park bucket list.

1. Paddle Through the Marshes at Palmetto Islands County Park

One of the best ways to escape the summer heat is to get out on the water. Palmetto Islands County Park features direct access to Boone Hall Creek, making it a premier spot for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. You can launch your own boat or rent gear from local outfitters nearby. Paddling through the tall spartina grass is a peaceful way to spot local wildlife, including egrets, herons, and sometimes dolphins feeding in the creeks.

2. Go Crabbing from the Pier at Mount Pleasant Waterfront Park

Blue crabbing is a time-honored Lowcountry tradition, and summer is peak season. The 1,250-foot pier at Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park is one of the best public crabbing spots in the area. All you need is a crab line, a weighted net, and some chicken necks from a local grocery store. It's a fun, low-cost activity for all ages, and the pier's tackle shop sells basic supplies and licenses if needed. Even if you don't catch dinner, the views of the harbor make for a great afternoon.

3. Enjoy a Shaded Picnic at Hampton Park

While beach days are popular, escaping the crowds for a quiet afternoon under the trees at Hampton Park is a local favorite. The park's historic live oaks and magnolias create a deep, cool canopy that blocks the intense midday sun. Set up a blanket near the pond to watch the ducks and turtles, or stroll through the rose gardens. Bring a cooler with cold drinks, fresh fruit, and sandwiches from a downtown deli for the perfect summer picnic.

4. Fish the Tidal Creeks at James Island County Park

For anglers, the saltwater fishing pier and freshwater lakes at James Island County Park offer excellent summer fishing. The tidal creek docks are perfect for targeting reddrum, trout, and flounder, while the inland lakes are stocked with bass and bluegill. The park's modern docks make it easy to cast a line, and the shaded picnic shelters nearby provide a comfortable place to rest when the sun gets high.

5. Bike the Paved Trails at Wannamaker County Park

If you want to stay active, the miles of paved trails at Wannamaker County Park offer a shaded route for cycling. The trails wind through cool wetlands and pine forests, providing a break from direct sunlight. You can bring your own bike or rent one from the park's campground store. Keep an eye out for turtles sunning themselves on logs in the lagoons along the way.

Summer Park Etiquette & Safety

• Leave No Trace: Summer is the busiest season for our parks. Help keep them clean by packing out all trash and recycling.
• Respect Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from alligators, snakes, and shorebirds. Never feed park wildlife.
• Beat the Bugs: Use insect repellent, especially on trails through maritime forest or near standing water.
• Watch the Weather: Summer afternoon thunderstorms roll in quickly in the Lowcountry. Check the radar before heading out, and seek shelter immediately if you hear thunder.