Looking to visit black history sites in Charleston, SC? Or maybe looking to learn more about Charleston black history? The beautiful city has some unique historical sites and museums where you can learn about the atrocities of slavery in this country and in South Carolina.
We recently visited and compiled this list of black historical sites in Charleston, SC, where you can go to learn anytime you’re in the area.
(more…)Ever wanted to have your own romantic boat ride through massive cypress trees like Noah & Allie in “The Notebook”? Well, you can right at Cypress Gardens near Charleston, SC.
I loved the Nicholas Sparks romance, The Notebook, and while the book is always better than the movie, the film didn’t disappoint, especially when it came to creating a scene that looked like it was from another world on a boat amongst massive cypress trees and swans.
While I took this trip with my kids (who have not seen the movie), the boat ride at Cypress Gardens was just incredible, beautiful, and peaceful. Doing it with your significant other would be next level up romantic. But there’s more to see at the gardens than the swamp gardens, which I’ll tell you all about.
Cypress Gardens is a 170-acre nature preserve with trails, a swamp garden with boat rides, a Swamparium, a playground, and an education center.
Think lots of beautifully tall trees and Spanish moss, flowers everywhere, and a sense of total peace, especially on the water.
It seems that Hollywood also loves Cypress Gardens, Charleston SC. The Notebook was filmed here, as well as parts of the “Outer Banks”, Swamp Thing, The Patriot, and Cold Mountain. You can see the full list on the Cypress Gardens Website.
Just outside the Swamparium is a small waterway where we saw two big gators. I actually thought they were fake until we got closer. Nope, they are real and they are everywhere in the gardens. They are pretty docile – just don’t go trying to pet them.
The Swamparium is a building that houses lots of fish and reptiles that are found both in local waterways and swamps as well as in South America. We saw big catfish and a couple of venomous snakes but the biggest thing we saw was the massive Anaconda.
This thing was huge – and it was feeding time. I’ll spare the details for those readers who would rather not read about this part of nature but for those who think it’s cool, it was.
The self-guided swamp boat tours are part of your admission ticket, which is pretty awesome. We went in February, which could not have been more perfect in terms of temperatures and bug levels. It was cool and bugless so we could really take in the immense beauty of the blackwater and cypress trees. It’s truly a stunning sight.
There are very sturdy rowboats to take out into the swamp and life jackets are available. Pro tip: for smaller groups, take a smaller boat. There were only three of us and maneuvering the larger rowboat was a challenge.
The self-guided tour takes you through the swamp by arrows on the trees so it is easy to follow. You’ll go right past the part of the swamp where Noah and Allie were filmed in the boat as well as the bridge that was shown at the beginning of the film, referred to by the guides as the “duck bridge” because you have to duck under it while paddling. It’s so pretty.
We were told it would take us about 45 minutes to paddle through the swamp and it took us a bit longer, maybe. I totally lost track. It was peaceful and quiet paddling through the blackwater. We were given instructions to watch for gators and other wildlife and just to keep to ourselves. I’m sure they were there but we didn’t see any in the swamp.
If you’d rather paddle with a pro, Cypress Gardens offers guided boat tours, it’s an additional $5/person and you can reserve that when you get there.
There are trails that wind all around the gardens. We took the pink trail around part of the swamp and it took us about 20 minutes to walk it all. There are places to sit along the swamp and admire the beauty. There are other, longer trails if you’d like.
The Butterfly House is a must-see. The plants and flowers there are very pretty and you may get to see some newly-made butterflies. There is a small pond inside with koi fish as well.
And kids will love the playground at Cypress Gardens. There is a larger playground for bigger kids and a smaller one for the littles. There is also a covered pavilion with picnic tables that are perfect for a shaded rest.
My kids are 13 and 9 and they really enjoyed Cypress Gardens. They are used to me dragging them to gardens to see pretty flowers and plants but not to take a boat ride in a swamp. They both definitely liked it but for me, I was just awed the whole time. Yes, I love the romantic movie that was filmed there but I love nature more. The beauty of those huge cypress trees standing tall in the water just blew me away. I could have done that boat ride again.
And the Swamparium was also really neat. I may be in the minority but I like snakes and turtles, especially the more I learn about them. The building was so well put together and educational.
And one of the best parts about Cypress Gardens was the price. I couldn’t believe the low cost of admission to see all we did and the fact that it included the self-guided boat ride. You can’t really do any better than that in the Charleston area. This place is a treasure – go visit.
Cypress Gardens is open daily from 9 am – 5 pm with the last admission at 4 pm and the last self-guided boat tour going out at 4:15 pm. They are closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Admission is $10/adults and $5/kids ages 6-17 and free for kids ages 5 and under.
Pets are allowed only from November through February and they must be leashed at all times. They are not allowed in buildings. Be sure to check the website for special events, like an upcoming torch-lit boat ride!
Cypress Gardens
3030 Cypress Gardens Road, Moncks Corner, SC
843.553.0515
Cypress Gardens Website
Discover more things to do in Charleston, SC!
Planning a trip to the Mount Pleasant area? If you’re looking for free things to do in Mount Pleasant, SC, you’ve come to the right spot. We’re sharing our top recommendations for things to do that you will not want to miss on your next trip to the Low Country. From history-rich tours to fun at the waterpark, we’ve got you covered on things to do and even where to eat in Mt. Pleasant.
Planning a trip to the Lowcountry? Here’s your ultimate guide to visiting Charleston, SC – read it before you go!
Want to plan an educational trip to the low country with your family? Discover all things you can learn on a Road Schooling Trip to the Charleston Area.
This article includes:
Free Things to Do in Mt. Pleasant, SC
Cheap Things to Do in Mt. Pleasant, SC
More Things to Do in Mt. Pleasant, SC
Where to Eat in Mt. Pleasant, SC
Charleston is a popular destination for residents of the Upstate of South Carolina. Tucked away, just at the other end of the iconic Ravenel Bridge, is the town of Mount Pleasant. And if you’re looking for free things to do in the area, we’ve got some recommendations for you to consider adding to your itinerary.
As you cross the Cooper River into Mount Pleasant, you’ll be on top of one of the best places to visit. Beneath the Ravenel Bridge is the Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park. The Park offers visitors a bunch of things to do for little to no cost. The Mount Pleasant Visitor’s center is located at the front of the park, and this should be one of your first stops. Inside you’ll be able to get all kinds of information about the area, grab discount tickets for area attractions, and book reservations for popular restaurants.
Underneath the bridge is a great playground for kids. With seating for parents and a fenced-in area, it will be a favorite stop for you. The park’s huge greenspace is host to several free events, including live music, moonlight movies, and more.
If fishing is something your family enjoys, you’ll love the pier. The bait shop offers everything you’ll need to drop a line in the water with your kids. You could be in for an exciting time on the pier! If fishing isn’t your thing, the pier is excellent for people-watching.
Another great place to visit in Mount Pleasant is Shem Creek Park. The 2,200-foot boardwalk extends over the marsh and out to the water. The creek is home to the local fleet of shrimp boats, and kids will love watching them come and go. The boardwalk is a great place to bring your kids’ scooters. If your family owns a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard, this is a great place to bring it. You can rent one at the shop right there if you don’t own one.
This is also a popular spot for watching dolphins frolic in the creek as they hope for scraps from the incoming fishing vessels. Grab a picnic lunch and enjoy the view from the many benches along the boardwalk.
If the crowds at Folly Beach aren’t your thing, then you’ll enjoy Sullivan’s Island, located off the coast of Mount Pleasant. Free public parking makes the beaches on this quiet island appealing, and the secluded nature of the beach makes it peaceful. Searching for shark teeth is a great lesson in patience and attention to detail for adults and children alike.
There’s also a small local library, the Edgar Allan Poe/Sullivan’s Island Library, you can visit. There’s a comfortable sofa and plenty of books for kids to enjoy. The Island has ties Poe, and you’ll find his name all over the island.
We’ve got even more things for you to do at Sullivan’s Island.
The Pitt Street Bridge (also known as the Cove Inlet Bridge and the Cove Inlet Causeway) was once the only way to cross the water to get to the beaches. Originally built for a trolley, it was later widened for personal vehicles. The bridge closed in 1945 and was converted into a fishing pier. The old bridge burned, and now it’s covered by Pickett Park, a greenway lined with palm trees that takes pedestrians and cyclists across the former bridge site. At the end of the bridge is a great spot to go fishing.
Charles Pinckney helped draft and sign the US Constitution, and now you can visit a 28-acre remnant of his original 715-acre plantation, Snee Farm. While visiting, you’ll be able to learn about Pinkney’s life and political influences, the People he enslaved, plantation operations, and the main cash crops of the Lowcountry (indigo and rice). There is no fee to visit Charles Pinkney’s National Historic Home.
Taking a trip to the Charleston area doesn’t have to break the bank. If you need some extra things to do on your trip, there’s plenty of low-cost fun to be had!
Kidding Around’s fans are some of the best around! The suggestion of the Charleston Water Taxi was from a loyal reader. She hesitated to share her secret, but we’re glad she did.
The Water Taxi is a great way to see the waterfront from a different perspective. The pontoon-style boat picks passengers up at several different locations. Pro-Tip: There are no bathrooms on board, so make sure to stop at a restroom before hopping on.
One of the nice things about the taxi is you can stay on as long as you’d like, or hop on and off to sightsee. The taxi offers some very unique views of the ships docked at Patriots Point.
A complete trip around the harbor takes approximately 60 minutes. Make sure to have your camera ready because, in addition to the photo opportunities at Patriots Point, guests of the taxi are often treated to visits from dolphins. You can also capture some nice family photos with the Ravenel bridge in the background. The guys that captain the ship are happy to jump in a play photographer, so you can capture the memory of your entire family’s day out on the water.
$14 a person gets you a pass that covers the entire day, and kids 3 and under ride free.
Sullivan’s Island is also rich in history, as it was home to where some of the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Fort Moultrie is part of the National Park Service. Adult admission costs $10, and children 15 and younger receive free entry.
Among the ranks at the Fort was someone who was destined for fame later in life. Regimental Sergeant-Major Edgar Allen Poe spent just over a year stationed here, and you will find evidence of his time here all over the island.
For more immersion into Lowcountry history, take a visit to Patriots Point. In June 1975, the USS Yorktown entered Charleston Harbor and was the first ship dedicated to the Naval & Maritime Museum. Patriots Points opened the following year, housing the museum and a fleet of National Historic Landmark ships. You’ll be able to view a World War II Aircraft Carrier. You’ll also find the Cold War Memorial, the only Vietnam Experience Exhibit in the US, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, and the official Medal of Honor Museum. It’s a very popular attraction and one to consider.
Give yourself 2-3 hours to go through everything. A single-day Patriots Point ticket for adults 12-61 years old is $27, children 6-11 years old tickets are $16, children 6 and under are free, and seniors 62+ years old will pay $19 for their tickets. There are bundle ticket options, and Veterans, First Responders, Teachers, and Active Military are offered discounts.
Splash Island Water Park is an excellent and fun attraction within Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park. The water park features a 200-ft body flume, a 16-ft otter slide, cyclone swirling water ride, a pool, and plenty of sprays, geysers, and raindrop waterfalls. There are lifeguards on-duty, and you’ll find concessions, restrooms, showers, and changing areas. Be sure to check their site for hours of operation because they do close during the winter season.
Another thing to do in Mt. Pleasant is to visit Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens. The plantation was founded in 1681 by Major John Boone. His family and descendants were significant influencers in South Carolina’s history. It’s one of the oldest working plantations in the US; it continues growing crops to this day. Boone Hall has been dubbed “a must-see stop on any trip to Charleston, SC” by NBC Daytime and is recognized as the “#1 Plantation in the Charleston Area by USA Today 10Best.”
Regular Adult tickets are $28, Seniors/Military/AAA are $25, children 6-12 years old are $12, and children 5 and under are free.
There’s no shortage of pitmasters in the Lowcountry, that’s for sure. Swig & Swine BBQ is a favorite. If you haven’t been yet. Be sure to follow Swig & Swine BBQ on Facebook so you don’t miss out on their daily specials, like $5 burger night and Wing Night!
Bon Bahn Mi is another local favorite restaurant in Mount Pleasant. They have delicious food and a build-your-own kid’s meal menu that is a hit when we go! Kids get to choose from a taco, a rice bowl, a noodle bowl, or a sandwich – and build it with protein and veggie options all for just $7 with an included drink!
Be sure to treat yourself to one of their iced Vietnamese coffees, they are amazing!
The Pitt Street Pharmacy Soda Fountain is an old-school spot where you can grab a no-frills meal and a low price. Cheap burgers, sandwiches, and ice cream are the perfect lunchtime meal when you are on the go. Dine in and go around exploring Historic Mount Pleasant, or get it to go and head up the road to Shem Creek to relax.
Every Monday night, from 6-8 pm, Dog & Duck has family bingo night! The family-friendly prizes include gift cards for X-Box, iTunes, and more. If you make it there before we do, let us know!
Want to read our entire guide to visiting Charleston, SC? We’ve got you covered with Charleston Itineraries, Things to Do in Charleston, Where to Eat, and Places to Stay.
We can’t wait to add more free and cheap fun to our list of activities in Mount Pleasant! Check back often to see where our next adventure takes us.
Thinking about some holiday fun in Charleston, SC at the Holiday Festival of Lights? The low country is full of holiday fun, including this awesome holiday light display! Here’s everything you need to know about the Holiday Festival of Lights in Charleston, SC.
2024 Holiday Festival of Lights Season: November 15th through December 31st, 2024
This review is from a previous year’s event and has been updated with 2024 dates and fees.
If you have kids and love Charleston, SC, then the suspension bridge playground at Mt. Pleasant Waterfront Park is worth a visit! This park features a unique suspension bridge-themed playground under the Arthur Ravenel Bridge. Not only is it a free activity in a city that can be quite expensive, but you can also walk along the pier and search for dolphins with your kids!
Tucked under the gorgeous Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge in Charleston sits a fun playground themed just like the iconic bridge itself. The fenced-in playground has a nautical design, complete with cable stays just like the bridge which towers high above. It also boasts a toddler area designed like the flight deck of the USS Yorktown at Patriots Point! There are jogging and bicycling paths that weave through a manicured park right along the Cooper River, making this a favorite stop!
Jutting out from the park is the 1,250 ft Mt. Pleasant Pier which was built on the old pilings from the Pearman Bridge. It is the longest pedestrian pier in the southeast and offers panoramic views of Charleston Harbor. Bring along some quarters for the kids to place in the binocular machines located along the pier. This area is considered the crown jewel of Mt. Pleasant, especially since the view is spectacular!
We were able to gaze upon the Charleston skyline, spy the aircraft aboard the carrier at Patriots Point, and watch a school of dolphins play in the river. There are several benches along the pier to relax. There is also a huge covered pavilion at the end which made a great spot for a picnic.
Located at the pier entry is a shop where you can get fishing and tackle supplies, souvenirs, ice cream, or a tasty sandwich.
Mt. Pleasant Waterfront Park
843.762.9946
99 Harry M. Hallman Jr Blvd
Mt Pleasant, SC
Open Daily from 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Would your family enjoy a visit to Mt. Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park & Pier?
Check out our complete Guide to Charleston, with things to do, places to eat, and the best places to stay!
If you’re planning a trip to Charleston, SC and need something a little out of the ordinary to do and satiate your adventurous family, we’ve got just the place at the Charleston Aqua Park! Kristina tried it out and has all the details for our readers.
Media tickets were provided for this review but the opinion is completely that of the author.
I love anything adventurous as do my kids so when we had the opportunity to try out the floating obstacle course and first-ever ropes course over water in the country at the Charleston Aqua Park, I was one hundred percent on board. My kids and I love to watch “American Ninja Warrior” and old re-runs of the hilarious show “Wipeout” so we wanted to see how good we’d be at anything remotely like either of those shows.
Spoiler alert: we have a whole new respect for people who do obstacles over water and slide around on water obstacles!
So if you’re in the Charleston area or anywhere nearby and want something fun and unique to do over the summer months, the Charleston Aqua Park is your place.
(more…)Right in the middle of Charleston Harbor rests a massive aircraft carrier called the USS Yorktown, one in which you and your kids are welcome to tour and even sleep aboard! The USS Yorktown is flanked by other historical, climb-aboard gems like the USS Laffey Destroyer, as well as several aircraft, a Vietnam memorial exhibit, and a Medal of Honor Museum. Patriot’s Point Naval & Maritime Museum is like the game of Battleship, come to life.
See our Charleston page for even more suggestions of things to do and places to eat in Charleston, SC.
My kids enjoyed tunneling through passageways, sitting at helms, and checking out the helicopters and awesome aircraft on the flight deck. These vessels served our nation in many wars including WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War before they were put on display and transformed into a must-see floating museum.
The USS Laffey Destroyer is also known as The Ship That Would Not Die – learn all about the amazing legacy while aboard the ship herself. The stories each of these ships will tell you are simply remarkable.
Out on dry land, you can find the Vietnam Experience Exhibit. A 2.5-acre immersion experience with simulations to give you an idea of what life was like during wartime. You can also tour the Medal of Honor Museum which honors the courage and tells the stories of brave American heroes.
Open every day of the week 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
40 Patriots Point Road
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Located near the base of the Ravenel Bridge.
(843) 884-2727
Visit the Patriot’s Point website for more details.
Check out local tour books for the occasional coupon.
They also hold events, including fireworks on the 4th of July!
Plan to spend 2-4 hours here depending on your kids.
There is a gift shop, café, and a snack shack available to feed your crew.
Tickets are $27 for adults, $16 for children ages 6 to 11, and free kids under 6. Buy Patriot’s Point tickets online in advance.
Have you ever visited Patriot’s Point Naval & Maritime Museum?
This article was originally written by Jackie Vest and has been updated by the Kidding Around Team.
Looking for more fun in Charleston, SC? Here’s your entire Travel Guide to Visiting Charleston!
Did you know you can catch a ride on a haunted harbor tour with Sandlapper Boat Tours? Reviews are in, and this haunted tour in Charleston, SC is a must-do! Sandlapper Boat Tours actually offers a wide range of water tours. In addition to a haunted tour, you can also discover new things on Sandlapper Boat Tours’ Eco Tour or enjoy nature, sunset, and good company on a sunset cruise through the harbor.
We were provided media passes in partnership with the Charleston CVB and Sandlapper Water Tours to bring you this review. The following review is an honest and genuine account of our experience.
For more fabulous things to do in Charleston, don’t miss our KA Travel Guide to Charleston, SC
Find a place to stay in Charleston. This article contains Stay22 affiliate links.
Any place that has seen turmoil and tragedy is bound to have restless spirits. The history of Charleston includes the start of the Civil War, the main port for incoming enslaved people, the fires that ravaged the city, and so many other things. This makes it a perfect setting for tales of ghostly encounters.
Get all the details about the Sandlapper Water Tours Ghost Tour in our Kidding Around Review!
Sandlapper Water Tours reviews boast about the other tours offered as well! They offer a few options besides the ghost tour, and one of them is a Nature and Dolphin eco-tour! I was excited to take this because it’s also a dolphin tour and it lived up to the promise. With breathtaking views, the nature tour is wonderful!
Each tour has a local naturalist on board that will talk to passengers about the ecology of the local waters. The boat will bring you to Morris Island (one of 30 SC barrier islands), where you will disembark for a short time to explore the island and beachcomb. I hit the jackpot and found the very first shark’s tooth I’d ever found!
There were lots of cool things found on the beach, and we had a show and tell once we boarded the boat again. On the tour, we saw all sorts of different wildlife, including a sea turtle! My children really enjoyed learning about the ecology of the harbor and wanted to go out again the next day! Their website offers links to powerpoint lessons that meet SC education standards!
The tour lasts two hours.
The Sandlapper Nature & Dolphin Tours
Adults $52 | Children (ages 4-12) $40 | Children (3 and under) Free
Sandlapper Water Tours reviewers seem to really love the sunset cruise! Though we didn’t get to experience it personally, it’s easy to see how this tour would be absolutely gorgeous! If it’s as nice as the ones we did get to enjoy then it’s worth checking out. Sunset cruises are two hours long. Beer and wine are purchasable on board, as well as snacks and water.
Experience the beautiful sights and sounds of the coast, as Charleston’s unique skyline comes alive with peaceful and breathtaking views of sunset silhouetted steeples. It is truly remarkable! In addition to the gorgeous cityscape, dolphins and shorebirds will entertain you with their whimsy.
The Sandlapper Tour WebsiteThe Sandlapper Sunset Cruises
Adults $56 | Children (ages 0-12) $40
Have you been on a tour like this in Charleston? Let us know what your favorite kind of harbor tour was in the comments.
Having a child experience illness is always a stressful time for a parent. Leaving the comfort and familiarity of home to find answers, only compounds that stress. Kidding Around Contributor, Melanie Coblentz is bringing her family’s experience to you in this guide so you’ll have the information in case you ever need it.
(more…)Local mom Jackie Vest shares her experience taking her children to The Old Exchange in Charleston, SC.
The Old Exchange is touted as a “must-see” when visiting downtown Charleston. Located right on the water, it is a historical gem of both the Colonial and Revolutionary eras – being at times a Revolutionary-era prison, a place where George Washington visited, a post where slaves were sold, a building for 18th Century assemblies, a platform for trade and business, a dungeon for pirates, and the place from which South Carolina’s delegates ratified the Constitution.
There is more history here than can be absorbed. Visitors are welcome to wander around before and after tours, take a guided tour, and even sign the Constitution!
Below the building is a huge brick dungeon complete with full-size pirate figures, gun powder kegs, and more. The only thing my boys loved more than that awesome dungeon was standing in the great hall where our delegates once stood and signing their names on the Declaration of Independence! The tours are very informative, yet can be a bit lengthy for toddlers – bring diversions. The whole building itself is a mystery as so many things took place upon that foundation, it is incredibly fascinating! Of course, we couldn’t leave without visiting the gift shop, my boys are now the proud owners of gunpowder holders made from cow horns and leather.
Open every day of the week 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
122 East Bay Street
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 727-2165
(888) 763-0448
Visit the website here.
Plan to spend 1-3 hours here depending on your kids.
Would your kids love a visit to The Old Exchange?
