10 Fun Things To Do Near Mount Pleasant, South Carolina (Charleston County)
If you’re planning a trip to the Charleston area, don’t skip
Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. This relaxed coastal town sits just over the bridge from downtown Charleston, but it has its own personality, history, and plenty of things to do.
Whether you’re a couple on a weekend getaway, a family with kids, or a solo traveler looking for coastal vibes, you’ll find a lot to love in Mount Pleasant and nearby Charleston County.
Below are
10 great things to do near Mount Pleasant, SC, plus a few tips sprinkled in from real-life experiences.
1. Walk the Decks of the USS Yorktown at Patriots Point
One of the most popular things to do in Mount Pleasant is visiting
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, home to the historic aircraft carrier
USS Yorktown.
You can:
- Walk through the hangar bay and flight deck
- Step inside the crew’s tiny sleeping quarters
- See vintage military aircraft up close
- Explore a submarine and a destroyer (when open)
If you’ve never stood on the deck of an aircraft carrier before, the size alone is jaw-dropping. Standing on the flight deck at sunset with the Charleston skyline in the distance is a memory that sticks.
Tip: Plan at least 2–3 hours here. Wear comfy shoes—there are steep ladders and narrow hallways.
2. Stroll the Mount Pleasant Pier and Enjoy the Waterfront Park
Right under the famous
Ravenel Bridge, you’ll find the
Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park and its long pier stretching into Charleston Harbor.
This is a great spot if you:
- Want an easy, relaxing walk with water views
- Have kids who need a playground break
- Enjoy fishing without needing a boat
There are benches, swings, and shaded areas, so you can sit and watch ships roll by. The view of the bridge from below is surprisingly impressive.
Local-style moment: Grab a sweet tea or ice cream before you head out on the pier. It turns a simple walk into a mini “Southern vacation” moment.
3. Explore Old Village: Mount Pleasant’s Charming Historic District
If you like small-town charm, don’t miss the
Old Village of Mount Pleasant. This historic neighborhood feels like stepping into a movie set, with:
- Live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss
- Colorful historic homes
- Sidewalks perfect for slow, easy strolls
Walk down to
Pitt Street Bridge, a former trolley bridge turned peaceful park. It’s a fantastic place for sunset with views of the marsh, Sullivan’s Island lighthouse, and Charleston Harbor.
Why it’s special: Old Village feels local, not touristy. You see people walking dogs, kids riding bikes, and neighbors chatting in their yards. It gives you a real taste of everyday Lowcountry life.
4. Hit the Beach on Sullivan’s Island or Isle of Palms
One of the best things about staying in Mount Pleasant? You’re just a short drive from two great beaches.
Sullivan’s Island (about 10–15 minutes from central Mount Pleasant):
- Wide, quieter beach
- Great for walking, relaxing, and shell hunting
- Cool little restaurant strip (like Poe’s Tavern) for burgers and tacos
Isle of Palms (about 15–20 minutes away):
- Family-friendly beach with more amenities
- Beachfront bars and restaurants
- Plenty of rental homes and condos
If you like a laid-back, almost sleepy vibe, try Sullivan’s. If you want more action, go with Isle of Palms.
Beach tip: Summer days get hot and sunny. Pack sunscreen, water, and maybe a small pop-up tent or umbrella if you’re spending more than a couple hours.
5. Learn Local History at Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
Just a short drive from central Mount Pleasant,
Boone Hall Plantation is one of the most famous spots in Charleston County.
You might recognize its iconic
avenue of live oaks from photos or movies. But beyond the Instagram moment, Boone Hall is a place to learn more about:
- The history of the plantation
- The lives and stories of enslaved people who lived and worked there
- The agricultural roots of the region
There are original slave cabins, guided talks, and exhibits that help you better understand the area’s complicated past.
It’s beautiful, but also powerful and emotional. Give yourself time to take it in.
Good to know: Wear light clothing in warm months—it can feel extra hot walking under that Southern sun, even with shade from the oak trees.
6. Kayak or Paddleboard Through the Marshes
Mount Pleasant is surrounded by creeks, marshes, and tidal waterways. Getting out on the water is one of the best ways to experience the Lowcountry.
You can:
- Rent a kayak or paddleboard
- Join a guided eco-tour with a local outfitter
- Paddle around Shem Creek, Copahee Sound, or the Intracoastal Waterway
Along the way, you might spot:
- Dolphins
- Pelicans, herons, and egrets
- Oyster beds and crabs
If you’re new to kayaking, don’t worry. Many tours are beginner-friendly and stick to calm water. Guides also share fun details about the ecosystem, which makes the trip more interesting.
7. Enjoy Seafood and Sunsets on Shem Creek
If you ask locals where to eat in Mount Pleasant, many will mention
Shem Creek.
This area is:
- A working creek with shrimp boats
- A dining spot with several waterfront bars and restaurants
- A scenic boardwalk that’s free to walk
You can grab fresh seafood, a cold drink, and then walk the boardwalk as the sun goes down. Watching dolphins follow the shrimp boats while you sip a drink? That’s basically the Shem Creek experience.
Personal-style note: It’s hard to beat a late-afternoon meal here, when the light is golden and the breeze off the water kicks in. It feels like vacation even if you’re just there for a quick weekend.
8. Take a Day Trip to Historic Downtown Charleston
One huge perk of staying in Mount Pleasant is how close you are to
downtown Charleston. Just hop over the Ravenel Bridge, and in about 10–15 minutes, you’re in the heart of one of America’s most charming cities.
While this list focuses on things near Mount Pleasant, skipping Charleston would be a crime against your own vacation.
In downtown Charleston, you can:
- Walk along the Battery and White Point Garden
- See Rainbow Row’s colorful historic homes
- Browse the Charleston City Market
- Take a carriage ride or walking tour
The best part? After a busy day in the city, you can escape back to quieter Mount Pleasant for the night.
9. Bike or Walk Across the Ravenel Bridge
The
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is the huge cable-stayed bridge you’ll see in almost every Charleston skyline photo. What many visitors don’t realize is that it has a wide pedestrian and bike lane you can actually use.
From the Mount Pleasant side, you can:
- Park near Waterfront Park
- Hop on the path and walk or bike up
- Enjoy sweeping views of the harbor, ships, and city
It’s about 2.5 miles one way across, so you can make it as long or short as you like. Even going halfway up gives you fantastic views.
Tip: Early morning or late afternoon is best, especially in warmer months. Midday sun on concrete can feel like an oven.
10. Visit Fort Sumter & Fort Moultrie Nearby
History buffs, this one’s for you.
From Mount Pleasant, you can easily visit:
- Fort Sumter – in Charleston Harbor, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired
- Fort Moultrie – on Sullivan’s Island, with history stretching from the Revolutionary War to World War II
To reach Fort Sumter, you’ll take a boat tour, which adds a fun harbor cruise to the experience. Fort Moultrie, on the other hand, is reachable by car and tends to be a bit quieter.
Both sites give you a look at how important this area was in American history.
Final Thoughts: Why Mount Pleasant Is a Great Home Base
Mount Pleasant, SC, makes an excellent base for exploring the
Charleston area because it blends:
- Easy access to beaches
- Rich history and culture
- Family-friendly parks and outdoor activities
- Great seafood and waterfront dining
You’re close to everything—Charleston, Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms—yet it still feels like its own community, not just a tourist strip.
If you’re planning a trip, consider spending at least a few days in or around Mount Pleasant. Slow down, walk the piers, eat some shrimp, and let that Lowcountry breeze do its thing.
Share Your Mount Pleasant Experience
Have you visited
Mount Pleasant, South Carolina or the surrounding Charleston area?
- What was your favorite thing to do?
- Did you discover a hidden gem I didn’t mention?
- Are you planning your first trip and still deciding where to stay or what to see?
Drop your thoughts, tips, or questions in the comments below. Your experience might help someone else plan their perfect Mount Pleasant getaway.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are thinking about visiting Charleston or looking for fun things to do in South Carolina’s Lowcountry.
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