Charleston Waterfront Park runs along the Charleston harbour entry. It's 8 acres of lawns, fountains, "garden rooms'' and paths, and culminates in a long pier jutting out into the harbour. It's a must for any tour of the city.
The park sits in the centre of downtown, and is the perfect place for visitors to enjoy a leisurely day out. The pier and pavilion have picnic tables and family-sized wooden swings, and you can enjoy views of the ships going in and out of the harbour. If you're lucky, you might even spot a dolphin or two.
The old-fashioned benches and palm-lined walkways offer a great place for families to relax and unwind. Bring a picnic along whilst your children play on the lawns, and when they want to cool off the two enormous fountains are just waiting to be jumped into. At night, the Pineapple Fountain lights up creating a beautiful spectacle.
The park was designed by local landscape architects Edward Pinckney Associates Ltd, and in 2007 it received the ASLA Professional Landmark Award for its innovative design and positive impact on the community. Mayor Joseph P Riley of Charleston has deemed it "this generation's gift to the future'', and it's credited with turning around and revitalising the waterfront area to make it attractive to visitors again. What was once an abandoned area by the Cooper River, it's now completely remodelled into a great green space.
Great care was taken over the design of the park. They wanted to make it accessible for everyone, so rather than yacht tie-ups at the end of the pier they designed it to be used for recreational fishing. Lighting was kept to a minimum so people can see the stars at night, and they made sure that it was completely environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. They wanted to integrate Charleston's past and future, and have managed to do just that. The regeneration of the surrounding area has been another positive impact on the community.
Visitors love the views from the pier and the peaceful atmosphere, and the huge fountains are definitely one of the main attractions. In the evening the park takes on a more romantic vibe, and the walks along the pier can be a special treat.
Entry to the park is completely free, which is a particular bonus, and being open daily from 6am until midnight it's perfect for morning joggers, family days out and romantic evening strolls alike.
You can even take in a bit of education while you're there. Look out for the plaques positioned around the pier that tell how the area has changed over the last 400 years; a great addition for any history enthusiast.
The park is a must for any visitor to Charleston, where you'll be able to see why it's so popular for visitors and residents alike. And being right near the Charleston City Market, why not make a day of it and visit them both?
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