Three main towns sit east of the Cooper River and Charleston, SC -- Mount Pleasant, Isle of Palms and Sullivan's Island. These last two communities are barrier islands. For most of the area's history Mt. Pleasant and the Isle of Palms were geographically close -- separated by a few the marshes and creeks -- but no road connected the two directly. This changed with the construction of the Isle of Palms Connector. Mount Pleasant and the Isle of Palms are both serviced by a number of well-maintained county parks that are used often by locals and visitors alike.
This front beach park centers around the Isle of Palms pier and offers a variety of amenities to include parking, boardwalks, seasonal lifeguard service, outside showers, restrooms and changing facilities, a picnic area, a volleyball court and a play area for children. Open from 9 a.m. through 7 p.m. during the summer months and 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. all other months, admission fees for parking and use range from $7 to $25 depending on the size of the vehicle. Beach chair and umbrella rental are also available on a seasonal basis.
Isle of Palms County Park
1-14th Ave.
Isle of Palms, SC 29451
843-886-3863
ccprc.com/index.aspx?NID=60
The Mt. Pleasant Pier is located at the foot of the Ravenel bridge that connects the town to Charleston. It is part of the larger county-run Memorial Waterfront Park. With panoramic views of the Harbor as well as a variety of ongoing events and activities throughout the year, the Pier also offers crabbing, fishing, tackle and rod rental, swings picnic tables, rocking chairs and restrooms. There is a Gift Shop and Cafe that sells sandwiches, ice cream, drinks and a variety of gifts and general store items. Fishing fees are $3 to $8 and gear rental is $8 to $12 with a $25 deposit. Open for different hours depending on the month, its best to check the website before heading over to this Mt. Pleasant, SC park.
Memorial Waterfront Park Complex (Mt. Pleasant Pier)
71 Harry Hallman Blvd.
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
843-762-9946
843-795-4386
ccprc.com/index.aspx?nid=1171
This Mt. Pleasant park is a great place to spend some time outdoors during every season, but it features an extra attraction in the summer when Spalsh Waterpark opens. With plenty of water-based fun for kids of all ages, this lifeguard guarded park features pools, waterslides, waterfalls, geyers and sprays. Restrooms, concessions, showers, changing areas and storage lockers are also available. General admission is no more than $8 a person depending on age and group discount rates are available. The rest of Palmetto Island has walking trails, open fields, two playgrounds, picnic tables and a volleyball court.
Mt. Pleasant Palmetto Island County Park (Splash Waterpark)
444 Needlerush Parkway
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
843-884-0832
ccprc.com/index.aspx?NID=94
