Mount Pleasant South CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.
1. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
HISTORIC NAVAL EXPERIENCE
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is a historic naval museum located on an aircraft carrier in Charleston Harbor. Visitors can explore the USS Yorktown along with other naval vessels through self-guided and guided tours featuring immersive Vietnam War exhibits and a tribute to Medal of Honor recipients. The museum offers hands-on learning opportunities about American naval and maritime history.
2. Boone Hall Plantation
HISTORIC WORKING PLANTATION
Boone Hall Plantation is one of America's oldest working plantations dating back to 1681 and a notable filming location for movies like The Notebook. The plantation offers immersive tractor tours, engaging Gullah presentations, and provides a revealing look at the lives of the enslaved through Slave Street and restored quarters. Visitors can explore the Georgian-style house, expansive gardens, and learn about the history of slavery in the United States.
3. Shem Creek Park
WATERFRONT BOARDWALK EXPERIENCE
Shem Creek Park connects a lively shopping and dining scene to the surrounding Lowcountry landscape with its 2,200-foot boardwalk stretching across the marshes. The park creates the sense of walking on water while remaining close to trendy restaurants and entertainment venues. Visitors often spot dolphins in the waters and can enjoy spectacular views of the natural landscape.
4. Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park
CROWN JEWEL PARK
Memorial Waterfront Park is known as the crown jewel of Mount Pleasant, located under the grand entryway to the town at the base of the Ravenel Bridge. The park features a lush lawn perfect for family picnics, a nautical-themed playground, and the River Watch Café offering soft-serve ice cream along with beautiful views of Charleston Harbor. Cultural attractions at the park include the Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Pavilion, War Memorial, and Visitor Center.
5. Mount Pleasant Pier
HARBOR VIEWS AND FISHING
The Mount Pleasant Pier is a 1,250-foot-long pier stretching out into Charleston Harbor under the foot of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Visitors can sit and swing a while enjoying the harbor views or try their hand at fishing from this popular waterfront attraction. The pier is part of the Memorial Waterfront Park complex and offers a perfect vantage point for watching boat traffic and enjoying the coastal atmosphere.
6. Pitt Street Bridge
HISTORIC TROLLEY BRIDGE PARK
Pitt Street Bridge is a former trolley bridge that once connected Sullivan's Island and Mount Pleasant, now transformed into a waterfront park combining Lowcountry views with local history. Visitors come to fish off the pier, kayak through Charleston Harbor, or simply enjoy this hidden gem within the Old Village Historic District. The bridge is especially popular at sunset for its uninterrupted views of pink skies stretching to the horizon, though it is currently closed with plans to reopen in spring 2025.
7. The Old Village
CHARMING HISTORIC DISTRICT
The Old Village offers visitors a step back in time to experience the original small-town feel of Mount Pleasant. The district features gorgeous historic homes, endearing local shops and eateries, and a magical coastline all underneath draping Spanish moss. Walking through the Old Village provides a glimpse into Mount Pleasant's past while offering modern amenities in a charming setting.
8. Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park
NATURE AND RECREATION
Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park offers tranquil grounds with historical interpretive panels and period-furnished museum exhibits. The park features picnic areas amid live oak trees, creating an ideal setting for a serene, educational outing. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty while learning about local history and ecosystems.
9. Shem Creek
DINING AND WILDLIFE WATCHING
Shem Creek is a picturesque body of water flanked by some of Mount Pleasant's most popular waterfront restaurants and bars. Visitors often spot dolphins while dining at one of the many establishments offering fresh seafood and Lowcountry cuisine. The creek is also a popular launching point for kayaking and paddleboarding adventures, allowing close encounters with coastal wildlife.
10. Charleston Harbor
HISTORIC MARITIME GATEWAY
Charleston Harbor is the natural harbor at the confluence of the Ashley, Cooper, and Wando rivers, offering spectacular views of downtown Charleston and the surrounding area. The harbor played a crucial role in American history, including being the site where the first shots of the Civil War were fired at Fort Sumter. Today, visitors can experience the harbor through boat tours, fishing charters, and dolphin-watching excursions departing from Mount Pleasant.
11. Fort Sumter National Monument
CIVIL WAR HISTORIC SITE
Fort Sumter National Monument is the historic sea fort where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired on April 12, 1861. Located on an island in Charleston Harbor, the fort is accessible by boat tours departing from Liberty Square in Charleston and Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant. Visitors can explore the museum, view original artillery pieces, and learn about this pivotal moment in American history from National Park Service rangers.
12. Sullivan's Island Beach
PRISTINE COASTAL GETAWAY
Sullivan's Island Beach offers a less crowded alternative to other Charleston area beaches with its pristine shoreline and natural beauty just minutes from Mount Pleasant. The beach is known for its peaceful atmosphere, historic lighthouse, and lack of commercial development, making it a favorite among locals. Visitors can enjoy swimming, beachcombing, and spectacular views of ships entering and leaving Charleston Harbor.
13. Towne Centre Mount Pleasant
PREMIER SHOPPING DESTINATION
Towne Centre Mount Pleasant is an upscale open-air shopping center featuring over 60 national and local retailers, restaurants, and services. The center's architecture reflects Charleston's historic charm while offering modern shopping amenities and a pedestrian-friendly layout. Visitors can enjoy dining options ranging from casual to fine dining, making it a popular destination for both shopping and socializing.
14. Page's Okra Grill
BELOVED SOUTHERN EATERY
Page's Okra Grill is a beloved local restaurant serving traditional Southern comfort food and Lowcountry specialties that has become an institution in Mount Pleasant. The restaurant is known for its hearty breakfasts, fresh seafood, and classic dishes like shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and, of course, okra. Visitors often encounter lines out the door during peak times, testament to the restaurant's popularity among locals and tourists alike.
15. Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
ICONIC CABLE-STAYED BRIDGE
The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is an impressive cable-stayed bridge spanning the Cooper River and connecting downtown Charleston to Mount Pleasant. The bridge features a pedestrian lane that offers spectacular views of Charleston Harbor, making it popular for walking, running, and cycling. At 1,546 feet in length, it's the third-longest cable-stayed bridge in the Western Hemisphere and has become an iconic symbol of the Charleston area since its completion in 2005.