Get in, Charleston. We’re taking a field trip to Charles Towne Landing. Located in West Ashley. This historic site is where English settlers first landed and where the first permanent European settlement in the state was established.
City Editor Erika here — history is right in our backyard and it’s a something we shouldn’t take for granted. As a Charleston native, I fondly recall school field trips here, and I’m sure many locals share similar memories. Recently, I spent a morning at the park with Park Manager David Baker to explore its offerings and learn what’s new.
Keep reading to see just a few things that I learned on my trip to the park.
The park’s mission
The primary focus of Charles Towne Landing is to showcase the initial coming to Charleston during the years 1670 to 1680.
Highlights we explored
Visitor Center and gift shop + museum
- Dive into the site’s rich history through interactive exhibits.
Event spaces
- Legare Waring House and Founders Hall: These venues are popular for weddings and other local events.
Animal Forest
- As Charleston’s only zoo, it houses the species of animals that lived in the area during the early days of English settlement at this site.
- Pro tip: Visit in the morning when the zoo opens at 10 a.m. or late afternoon before it closes at 4 p.m.
- Coming soon: Look forward to a new bobcat exhibit, projected to open in the spring.
Outdoor opportunities
- Explore paved walking trails, enjoy biking, bird-watching, and geocaching. The park boasts 80 acres of gardens, including an oak alley — a perfect spot for Lowcountry views.
Historical sites
- Wharf area: Visit the landing site of the English settlers.
- Replica ship “The Adventure": Charleston’s only 17th-century replica sailing ship. Heads up: the ship will leave in January for maintenance and return in April.
- Reproductions cannons: Witness historical reenactments firing cannons every first Saturday of the month.
- In the works: Park Manager David Baker shared that the team is working to bring greater awareness to the Indigenous groups of the area, who played a crucial role in teaching settlers how to survive winters and farm.
Archaeological site
- Discover fascinating artifacts uncovered by the onsite archaeologist which sheds light on the site’s history.
- In the works: The team is working on a digital catalog to showcase their findings.
And that’s not all, there’s even more to explore this at this historical state park. Visit the website to learn more to see and events + happenings.
Hours and Admission
- Park grounds: Open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Visitor Center: Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Animal Forest and “The Adventure": Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Admission: $12 for adults, $7.50 for older adults (SC residents), $7 for children ages 6-15, and free for children 5 years and younger.
- Pro Tip: Purchase a $99 parking passport to visit any state park year-round.
