Take a Walk in Charleston

Travelers visiting Charleston typically stick to the downtown area, but if you’re interested in Civil War history, head up to “the Neck,” the area between downtown and North Charleston, to Magnolia Cemetery. The marshside cemetery is where the most notable Charleston families are buried. It’s also where the three crews of the H.L. Hunley, a Civil War submarine, are buried, and it offers great views of the Ravenel Bridge. You can visit the cemetery for free.

For many Charlestonians and tourists, every Saturday is spent in Marion Square at the farmers’ market. Students nursing hangovers wait in line for a crepe at Charleston Crepe Company while farmers from John’s and Edisto islands sell their fresh vegetables. Artists sell their work while children play on inflatable slides and a guitar player keeps the crowd entertained. Between the French, Greek, Cajun, Spanish, Italian, Southern, German, and Indian foods on offer, you really can’t go wrong. Grab an assortment of foods to try and find a nice spot in the shade to eat and people watch.

With its Spanish moss-draped oak trees and beautiful stucco buildings, the College of Charleston‘s campus is long on atmosphere and makes a great place for a stroll. Randolph Hall, a magnificent edifice built in 1828 and one of the six college buildings on the register of National Historic Landmarks, has appeared in movies from The Patriot to Dear John, and in the Civil War miniseries North and South. Also of note, the President’s House, once the parsonage of St. Philip’s Church, is the oldest building on campus.

Waterfront Park runs a picturesque half-mile along the Cooper River, from an exuberant fountain at its north end (near the cruise ship terminal), to North Adgers Wharf at its southern border. There is much to recommend a stop in this small eight-acre space: a great path for running or strolling with expansive views of ships moving in and out of the harbor; a fountain topped with a pineapple sculpture that splashes water into a small wading pool where children are permitted to play; and, also welcome on hot Charleston afternoons, a tree-shaded promenade lined with benches for those in search of a sea breeze.

White Point Garden is located on Charleston‘s Battery, and it’s surrounded by beautiful grand mansions. There are sweeping views of Charleston Harbor, and ample trees to hang a packable hammock and relax for awhile. The historic park is a good place to start or end a walking or biking tour of the South of Broad district—maybe with a picnic lunch from Burbage’s? There are no public bathrooms here, so plan accordingly before heading into the neighborhood. Opening hours are 9 a.m. to sunset.

Located in the northern part of the city, Hampton Park is by far the biggest green space on the peninsula. It contains beautiful oak trees, a fitness trail, and lush flowers (including one of the city’s best collection of roses).