Downtown Charleston is famous around the world for its lush southern gardens. Spring is an exceptionally good time to visit them… although truth be told, they’re lovely all year round. They’re a must-see while you’re here staying in one of our Isle of Palms vacation rentals, especially a new one that’s making quite a splash.
Some are private...
Many of Charleston's gardens are private. In order to see them, you have to either peer through a garden gate, or know a local who invites you in.
Or, you can visit during the annual Festival of Houses and Gardens, now known as The Charleston Festival. Hosted by the Historic Charleston Foundation, it’s been going on each spring for almost 70 years. Their Glorious Gardens tours take you inside some of Charleston’s most beautiful and iconic addresses, in the coveted area South of Broad. Think: famous streets like Tradd, Wentworth, Meeting, Legare and South Battery.
Some are public…
A sign of a great city, is that it has great parks.
Thankfully, Charleston is blessed to also have several gorgeous gardens and parks that are open to the public and free to visit. Some favorites include:
- White Point Gardens located at the tip of the Charleston peninsula, located along Charleston’s Battery. Look for the beloved gazebo in the center and views of Fort Sumter.
- Waterfront Park along the Cooper River, home of the famous pineapple fountain and offering great vistas of the harbor and the Ravenel Bridge.
- Hampton Park in the north part of the peninsula, near the Citadel. Plenty of places to stroll amidst the oaks and azaleas, cross the bridge over the water, or run the track that encircles it.
The Gateway Garden Walk
One of Charleston’s coolest public parks is actually a garden walk. It was created almost a hundred years ago, as a way to traverse the spine of the city’s peninsula while passing through peaceful gardens and ten pairs of wrought iron gates along the way.
The Gateway Walk opened in April 1930 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Charles Towne’s founding, in 1670. It was conceived by Mrs. C.P McGowan, president of The Garden Club of Charleston, and designed by the renowned landscape architect Loutrel Briggs.
The walk begins at the iron gates of St. John’s Lutheran Church on Archdale Street, then travels through the Unitarian Church’s cemetery, across King Street, past the Charleston Library Society, the Gibbes Art Museum, across Meeting Street, through the grounds of the Circular Congregational Church, St. Philip’s Graveyard, and then across Church Street to St. Philip’s Episcopal Church.
It’s a lovely, quiet, shaded, flora-filled path through the city that brings peace to all who walk it.
A shiny new segment just opened – and it’s a gem.
A brand new garden park: American Gardens, an instant Charleston landmark
There’s a new park in town, and it’s so well done, it feels like it’s been here for a century or two. It just fits.
Called American Gardens, it dovetails beautifully with the existing Gateway Walk, connecting King and Meeting Streets, running along the north side of the Charleston Library Society and the Gibbes Museum. It’s the brainchild of Ben Navarro, civic visionary behind Beemok Hospitality, Charleston Place, the Credit One Stadium, the Cooper, and much more.
American Gardens is an impressive public greenspace designed with community in mind. There’s an abundance of blooming perennials and native plants, live oaks and crepe myrtle allées, a mix of shady areas with benches to relax, plenty of café tables for a picnic lunch, outdoor laptop or reading spot. Two majestic fountains bring the refreshing sound of water. A spacious, open central lawn offers room to stretch out or play, or for hosting special events.
Here’s how they describe it:
Centered in Community. Rooted in the American Spirit.
American Gardens was created as a living reflection of Charleston’s role in shaping the American story. Honoring the city’s past and embracing its evolving spirit, the gardens offer an urban retreat where all are welcome. Here, residents and visitors can pause, gather, and connect in a space designed to celebrate shared humanity.
Special happenings & events, all year long
American Gardens hit the ground running when they hosted an enchanting pop-up Christmas market this past December. The space was filled with twinkly white lights, vendors, artisans, the scent of hot cocoa and mulled wine, and a large working vintage carousel.
Currently they’re offering all kinds of fun events, like:
- Qigong in the Park every Thursday from 10:00 am -11:00 am, free classes led by Amy Parker, with gentle moves and stretches amidst nature;
- Books on the Green - Storytime for children of all ages with Charleston Library Society and Buxton Books, Tuesdays and Saturdays at 10:30 am;
- Music in the Park, Fridays through Sundays from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm;
- Coffee Cart - Wednesdays through Fridays from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm, and Sat/Sun from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm;
- Pop-ups like Ambrose Farms and SOUR+SALT Bagels;
- Special Mother’s Day with live music and family illustration artists on hand.
Check their schedule for the latest happenings. American Gardens is located at 174 King Street and is open every day from 7:00 am till 8:00 pm.
A perfect picnic place.
If you’re here staying in one of our Isle of Palms rentals, be sure to schedule a day in downtown Charleston. A perfect outing – grab lunch to go at gourmet market Caviar & Bananas or one of the best sandwiches around at Da Toscana Porchetta Shop, and head to American Gardens for a picnic. Divine.
And be sure to contact us at EP so we can pair you with the perfect luxury Charleston beach house.
All best,
Lowcountry Lisa
your Isle of Palms vacation blogger