Last Updated on June 5, 2025 by PorchLightReading
Exploring Charles Towne Landing in Charleston, SC. 6 Miles of beautiful walking trails, Animal Forest, 17th century trading ship, and more!
Another weekend, another day exploring historic Charleston with our family. We purchased a state park pass when we first moved to the lowcounty, and since then we’ve visited Charles Towne Landing several times. Each time during a different season and all while learning and seeing something new.
With over 80 acres of gardens and six miles of walking paths, it can take most of the day wandering the trails and seeing all there is it see. And the first tip I’m going to share is bring the scooters and helmets for the kids.
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- Table of contents: Charles Towne Landing family guide
- 5 Things to do while visiting Charles Towne Landing
- Location and admission
- Helpful tips while visiting
- Frequently asked questions
Scooters at a State Park? It sounds like a request the kids would make and us adults would easily shut it down. But the first time we visited this historic site we were blown away by how family friendly it is. And not just in the broad sense of the word. Kids were riding scooters, families were enjoying picnics, and bikes were for rent right up at the front desk!
Charles Towne Landing
Considered the birthplace of Charleston, this State Park has a bit to offer everyone both young and old. If you’re a history buff you’ll enjoy learning more about the area from their museum and live action events. If you’re an animal lover you might find the Animal Forest to be you’re favorite spot with otters, elk, a bald eagle and more! Or perhaps you’re just looking to walk the beautiful paths under the large oak trees dripping in Spanish moss.
5 Things To Do While Visiting
Nature trails- Charles Towne Landing offers 6 miles of walking trails and paved paths. Many of them connecting to each other throughout different areas of the park.
Start by taking the double glass doors from the visitors center. From here you’ll be on a boardwalk that overlooks a pond with turtles, frogs, and possibly a few other creatures living below. From there you can decided just how adventurous you’d like to be, which can be weighed by the amount of time you have, paired with how hot the day is. By taking the outer loops you can expect to get a bit more exercise, or skip through the middle to make your way over to the settlement and hop aboard the 17th century replica ship, the Adventure.
Visit Animal Forest- One of the highlights for young families is visiting Animal forest. A natural habitat zoo featuring native wildlife. Kids and adults alike will love seeing the bears, otters, turkeys, bald eagle and more! Just keep in mind that dogs are not allowed to walk this area and bikes and scooters need to be left by the Animal Forest entrance. Don’t worry, there is a clear sign letting you know just how far you’re allow to go with your bike.
Settlement with 17th century trading ship- You’ll love visiting the early settlement area. Log fences, cannons, and trading ship! The first thing you’ll notice are the spiked top logged fences as you enter the settlement. Then you’ll see a few cannons, historical building, and beautiful view of the Ashley River.
After walking through the common house you can follow the path right down to the replica trading ship, The Adventure. Climb aboard this brightly colored ship to see the marsh land and river. Head down below for a dark look into the hull of the ship, taking note of the ladder in the far back. Just be sure to watch your step as the ladders and stairs can be very steep.
Note: Be sure to check their website for future events and program information to include musket demonstrations and other fun activities.
Boardwalks and gardens- If you’ve been moving in a counter clockwise direction, then the avenue of oaks is our next destination. As you leave the settlement area you’ll come around the corner to see a perfectly manicured lawn with oaks lining each side. At the far end of the lush, green lawn lies the beautiful Legare Waring house. It’s absolutely breathtaking, as are the walking paths and boardwalks in this area.
Interactive museum- Back in the visitors center you can enjoy the air conditioning and take a moment to visit their museum. With hands on exhibits and historical videos, it’s the perfect way to cool off and see a bit more on how the original European settlers made their home here just a few hundred years ago.
Location and Admission
Charles Towne Landing is located at 1500 Old Towne Rd. Charleston, SC 29407. They are open daily from 9am-5pm with the visitors center closing at 4pm. Something to keep in mind while thinking about restrooms on your way back home.
Be sure to check their website Charles Towne Landing, for the most up to date information regarding hours, admission, and special evens.
- Admission
- $12 Adults
- $7 ages 6-15
- 6 and under free
- State Park passes available for purchase
Helpful Tips While Visiting
- Wear comfortable shoes- While visiting this state park you’ll be doing a ton of walking. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes with support.
- Bring bikes or scooters and helmets- The kids will love exploring the area on their bikes or scooters! Not only that but it helps little feet move a bit quicker while on wheels.
- Stroller friendly! These paths are paved and completely stroller friendly. There is a slight slope to visit the trading ship but you can easily use a different path to go around.
- Rent bikes- You can rent bikes to explore the state park right at the front desk.
- Snacks and water- Water is a must here in Charleston. The heat and humidity can really drain your energy so be sure to bring some healthy snacks and plenty of drinking water.
- Bring a picnic!
- Visit early- By visiting early you’ll skip the midday heat and find that the animals in the Animal Forest are a bit more active.
- Check the weather- Most of the must see activities are outdoors, so check the weather and plan accordingly with either sunscreen or rain jackets.
- Visit the gift shop- Books, stuffed animals, souvenirs. It’s fun to remember these day trips with a small gift to bring home.
Tip: The Adventure trading ship is away from January 1- April 1 for yearly maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Kids will love visiting Animal Forest and touring the 17th century trading ship.
Plan to spend anywhere between 2-3 hours visiting the park, but history buffs might take a bit longer to stroll around.
Yes! You’ll find a couple of different locations offering picnic tables.
Yes, most of the trails are wheelchair accessible including the visitors center and museum.
Spring and fall are great times to visit as the temperatures are more mild and comfortable. However, if you arrive early you might just beat the heat.
Pets are allowed to accompany you in most outdoor areas as long as they are on a leash no longer than 6 feet. They are not permitted in the Animal Forest area.
Charles Towne Landing has quickly become one of our favorite weekend destinations. With its beautiful paths, picnic areas under giant trees, and educational exhibits, it’s a day trip that you won’t soon forget. Just be sure to pack the scooters and helmets for the kids. Trust me. We’ll see you on our next adventure!
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