Charleston, South Carolina is known for its cobblestone streets, pastel-colored homes, and historic landmarks. But beyond its architecture and rich culture lies an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. From scenic waterways and sandy beaches to lush parks and wildlife refuges, Charleston offers a variety of outdoor activities that highlight the beauty of the Lowcountry.
Whether you're visiting for a weekend or settling into your new Charleston home, getting outside is one of the best ways to experience the city. The Andy Bovender Team knows the value of lifestyle when it comes to real estate, and these top outdoor activities make Charleston an incredible place to live and explore.
Stroll Through Waterfront Park
One of the most iconic outdoor spaces in Charleston, Waterfront Park is a must-visit. Located along the Cooper River in the heart of historic downtown, the park offers gorgeous views, iconic photo ops like the Pineapple Fountain, and plenty of shaded benches to relax and watch sailboats drift by.
This park is ideal for a morning walk, a romantic evening stroll, or simply a place to pause and soak up the charm of the city. It’s also within walking distance of many shops and restaurants, making it an easy addition to any day in Charleston.
This park is ideal for a morning walk, a romantic evening stroll, or simply a place to pause and soak up the charm of the city. It’s also within walking distance of many shops and restaurants, making it an easy addition to any day in Charleston.
Paddle Through the Marshes
Charleston’s unique geography includes miles of tidal creeks, rivers, and estuaries perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding. Rent a kayak or join a guided eco-tour to explore the serene waters of Shem Creek, Folly Creek, or the Ashley River.
These tours often pass through protected marshlands where you can spot dolphins, egrets, herons, and even otters. It’s an immersive way to appreciate Charleston’s natural beauty while getting in some light exercise.
These tours often pass through protected marshlands where you can spot dolphins, egrets, herons, and even otters. It’s an immersive way to appreciate Charleston’s natural beauty while getting in some light exercise.
Explore the Beaches
Living in Charleston means easy access to several stunning beaches. Each beach has its own personality and appeal:
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Folly Beach: Known for its laid-back vibe and surf-friendly waves, Folly is a local favorite. The Folly Beach Pier is perfect for a scenic stroll or casual fishing.
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Isle of Palms: A family-friendly beach with wide shorelines and plenty of vacation amenities.
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Sullivan’s Island: Offers a quieter experience with historic sites like Fort Moultrie and excellent kiteboarding and paddleboarding conditions.
Spend the day sunbathing, building sandcastles, or beachcombing along the coast.
Bike/Run the Ravenel Bridge or the West Ashley Greenway
Cycling enthusiasts have great options in Charleston. The Ravenel Bridge, which connects downtown Charleston to Mount Pleasant, has a pedestrian and bike lane with breathtaking views of the harbor and skyline.
For a longer, more relaxed ride, the West Ashley Greenway is a 10.5-mile trail that winds through neighborhoods, marshlands, and open green space. It’s a favorite among runners, walkers, and bikers who want to experience a more natural side of the city.
For a longer, more relaxed ride, the West Ashley Greenway is a 10.5-mile trail that winds through neighborhoods, marshlands, and open green space. It’s a favorite among runners, walkers, and bikers who want to experience a more natural side of the city.
Visit Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
One of the most visited plantations in the South, Magnolia Plantation is a blend of history and nature. The gardens are some of the oldest public gardens in America, featuring romantic-style landscaping, bridges, and azalea blooms in spring.
The grounds also include a nature tram, boat tours, a petting zoo, and access to the Audubon Swamp Garden, where you can spot alligators, turtles, and countless bird species.
The grounds also include a nature tram, boat tours, a petting zoo, and access to the Audubon Swamp Garden, where you can spot alligators, turtles, and countless bird species.
Charter a Boat or Take a Sunset Cruise
Charleston’s scenic waterways offer the perfect setting for a boat outing. Charter a sailboat for a private day on the water, go on a fishing expedition, or book a sunset cruise departing from the Charleston Harbor.
As you sail past landmarks like the Battery, Fort Sumter, and the Ravenel Bridge, you’ll see the city from a whole new perspective. Many tours include local history commentary and refreshing Lowcountry libations.
As you sail past landmarks like the Battery, Fort Sumter, and the Ravenel Bridge, you’ll see the city from a whole new perspective. Many tours include local history commentary and refreshing Lowcountry libations.
Discover Angel Oak Tree
Located on Johns Island, the Angel Oak Tree is a natural wonder that’s estimated to be over 400 years old. This massive Southern live oak is one of the oldest and largest of its kind in the country, with limbs that stretch more than 180 feet across.
Visiting the Angel Oak is a peaceful and humbling experience, perfect for a quiet afternoon or a stop during a scenic drive through Charleston’s countryside.
Visiting the Angel Oak is a peaceful and humbling experience, perfect for a quiet afternoon or a stop during a scenic drive through Charleston’s countryside.
Play a Round of Golf
Charleston is home to some of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses in the Southeast. Whether you’re a casual player or a seasoned pro, the region offers top-tier courses surrounded by marshland and ocean views.
Favorites include:
Favorites include:
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Kiawah Island Golf Resort: Home to the Ocean Course, a PGA Championship host site.
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Wild Dunes Resort: Located on Isle of Palms, featuring two championship courses.
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Patriots Point Links: Offers unbeatable views of the Charleston Harbor.
Go Bird Watching at the Center for Birds of Prey
For something truly unique, visit the Avian Conservation Center in Awendaw, just north of Charleston. The Center for Birds of Prey is home to eagles, owls, falcons, and hawks, many of which have been rescued and rehabilitated.
You can watch live flight demonstrations and learn about conservation efforts in the region. It's a fun and educational experience for families and nature lovers alike.
You can watch live flight demonstrations and learn about conservation efforts in the region. It's a fun and educational experience for families and nature lovers alike.
Take a Historic Walking Tour
While many associate walking tours with indoor museums, Charleston’s tours take place almost entirely outdoors. Choose from ghost tours, history tours, architecture walks, or food-focused outings that take you through the city’s charming streets and hidden alleys.
Guides share fascinating stories about Charleston’s past while you explore its most picturesque corners. Don’t forget your camera—this city is a dream for photography enthusiasts.
Charleston’s mild climate, coastal location, and abundant green space make it an outdoor lover’s dream. Whether you’re paddleboarding through tidal creeks, biking over the harbor, or relaxing on the beach, the opportunities to connect with nature are endless.
If Charleston’s outdoor lifestyle speaks to you, The Andy Bovender Team can help you find the perfect home near the city’s best parks, beaches, and trails. Visit bovenderteam.com to explore Charleston real estate with local experts who understand the Lowcountry way of life.
Guides share fascinating stories about Charleston’s past while you explore its most picturesque corners. Don’t forget your camera—this city is a dream for photography enthusiasts.
Charleston’s mild climate, coastal location, and abundant green space make it an outdoor lover’s dream. Whether you’re paddleboarding through tidal creeks, biking over the harbor, or relaxing on the beach, the opportunities to connect with nature are endless.
If Charleston’s outdoor lifestyle speaks to you, The Andy Bovender Team can help you find the perfect home near the city’s best parks, beaches, and trails. Visit bovenderteam.com to explore Charleston real estate with local experts who understand the Lowcountry way of life.
