Summer is right around the corner. With longer days to soak in the sun comes endless opportunities to experience everything Charleston has to offer this season.
From concerts to festivals + farmers markets, this ultimate Charleston summer bucket list offers plenty of activities to make your summertime memorable.
🥕 Farmers markets
- Charleston Farmers Market | Saturdays | 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. | Marion Square | Shop food offerings, artisan crafts, live local music, and 70 farmers and growers.
- West Ashley Farmers Market | Wednesdays | 3-7 p.m. | Ackerman Park | The perfect way to support local and get out in your community.
- Mount Pleasant Farmers Market | Tuesdays | 3:30-7 p.m. | Moultrie Middle School | A large selection of fresh produce and crafts.
- North Charleston Farmers Market | Thursdays | 3:30-7 p.m. | 5025 Lackawanna Blvd., North Charleston | Features at the market include food trucks and locally grown foods.
- Summerville Farmers Market | Saturdays | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | 218 South Main St., Summerville | A great opportunity for the community to highlight neighborhood produced products.
- Sunday Brunch Farmers Market | Sundays | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Pour House, 1977 Maybank Hwy. | A curated market that is 100% local shopping.
- Sea Island Farmers Market | Saturdays | 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | 2024 Academy Dr., Johns Island | Shop fresh-from-the-farm foods, locally-prepared dishes, and vendors.
🌳 Parks
- Hampton Park | 30 Mary Murray Dr. | Think lush florals, bike rides, and runners when picturing Hampton Park.
- Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park | 99 Harry Hallman Jr. Blvd., Mount Pleasant | Nestled under the Ravenel Bridge, Memorial Park is the scene of many large festivals and events.
- Joe Riley Waterfront Park | Vendue Range + Concord Street | This is arguably one of the most famous sights in Charleston and home of the Pineapple Fountain.
- Brittlebank Park | 185 Lockwood Dr. | Brittlebank is set in a beautiful space overlooking the marsh and great for sunset views.
- White Point Gardens | 2 Murray Blvd. | A historic and lush area common for engagements and picnics.
- James Island County Park | 871 Riverland Dr. | Visit this popular park for camping and disc golf.
- Colonial Lake | 46-54 Ashley Ave. | Walk around this tidal pond and join a game a pickleball nearby at Moultrie Playground.
- Palmetto Islands County Park | 444 Needlerush Pkwy., Mount Pleasant | Get out in nature and enjoy the kayak rentals and tidal creek fishing on this 943-acre property.
👟 Scenic walks
- West Ashley Greenway | 42 Windermere Blvd. | The West Ashley Greenway is a partially-paved trail with water views that’s great for walking your dog.
- Charles Towne Landing |1500 Old Towne Rd. | Stop by this historic site to explore six miles of walking trails and a whole lot of Lowcountry history.
- Awendaw Passage | 901 25 Mile Rd., Awendaw | Hike this seven-mile Palmetto Trail with views of the salt marsh along Awendaw Creek.
- James Island County Park | 871 Riverland Dr. | Go for a jog with your running buddy on the trail around the park.
- I’On Village Walk | 18 Resolute Ln., Mount Pleasant | Spot the Rookery Wildlife Refuge and Mt. Pleasant Amphitheater on this easy route.
- Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge | 99 Harry M. Hallman Jr Blvd. | Walk this iconic 5.5-mile Lowcountry bridge at sunset for pretty views of the Cooper River.
- Laurel Hill County Park | 1251 Park West Blvd., Mount Pleasant | Follow the dirt path with your furry friend to see large open meadows + views from a small lake across 745 acres.
- Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve | West Ashley Avenue, Folly Beach | Amble along the colorful graffitied road to Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve for views of Morris Island Lighthouse.
🏖️ Beaches
- Sullivan’s Island | A quiet coastal town that has become the background to many books and movies. The beach here is filled with tidal pools, dunes, and wide stretches of sand.
- Folly Beach | This beach is filled with shark teeth and surfers. They have a great downtown area to eat and shop.
- Isle of Palms | Head to The Windjammer for a concert on the sand and then walk along the shore to see an unbeatable sunset.
- Edisto Beach | Take a short road trip to Edisto Beach for towering oak trees and quiet coastline. This spot is about an hour’s drive from downtown Charleston.
- Kiawah Island | Visit Beachwalker Park, the only public beach access on the island, to enjoy a boardwalk, snack bar, and picnic area plus ocean and river views
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