Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
4.6(764)google
4.3(103)yelp
HistoryOutdoorWildlife Watching
Overview
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site in the West Ashley area of Charleston, South Carolina, preserves the original site of the first permanent English settlement in Carolina. Originally opened in 1970 to commemorate South Carolina's tricentennial, this 664-acre (269 ha) site is home to an exhibit hall, rental facility, a natural habitat zoo, ongoing archeological excavations, miles of trails, dozens of picnic tables, a replica tall ship, six fireable replica cannon, and much more. The Tricentennial Commission selected Corkern and Wiggins of Hilton Head, South Carolina in 1968 to design the exhibition pavilion at the site.
Practical Info
Every day9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Suggested Duration2.5-4 hours
Best TimeLate spring (March to April) or mid-autumn (October) provides optimal weather for outdoor trekking. Arriving right at 9:00 AM opening is highly recommended to explore the full-scale replica of the 17th-century trading ketch 'The Adventure' and walk the oak-lined paths before midday heat and large tour groups arrive.
Getting TherePerfectly nestled at 1500 Old Towne Road along the western banks of the Ashley River. Driving a personal vehicle is highly efficient: travel west from downtown via SC-61 N, turn right onto SC-171 N (Old Towne Road), and proceed for 3 miles straight into the historic site's grand paved parking lot, which is entirely free.
Travel Tips
- As a premium State Historic Site, general park passes may require localized surcharges, and federal interagency cards are discarded. The sprawling 664-acre park boundary demands massive walking loops; renting on-site cruisers at the visitor center at opening is highly advised.
- The replica 17th-century trading ketch 'Adventure' features steep timber decks with zero modern high-mesh safety netting; strollers are legally barred from boarding. High heels are prohibited on the gangway; scaling masts or structural rigging triggers immediate ranger eviction.
- The Animal Forest exhibit utilizes open natural trench barriers housing black bears, cougars, and bison. Leaning over observation railings or flashing digital beams at nocturnal predators is banned; the perimeter fencing gates lock sharply at 4:30 PM, making early egress mandatory.
Reviews
Positive
- As South Carolina's earliest settlement site, the perfect vintage wooden ship replica and natural vistas combine for great visual and history fun.
- The history pavilion features excellent modern multi-language interactive multimedia with strong A/C, and flat accessible trails cover the grounds.
- The order management and staff service are great; it houses a native forest zoo showcasing various rare Lowcountry wildlife.
- The admission pricing is highly budget-friendly; it's a short 10-minute drive from Charleston with a massive free parking lot, yielding great value.
Heads up
- The site's footprint is massive and core ruins are scattered; attempting it all on foot without spending extra to rent a bike is highly tiring.
- Due to surrounding waters and heavy brush, biting insects and mosquitoes are frustratingly abundant in summer, triggering constant bites outdoors.
- The replica settlers' ship (The Adventure) sometimes closes temporarily for routine maintenance or weather, leaving some visitors disappointed.
- In-park food and retail kiosks are frequently closed on weekdays, making it inconvenient to buy hot food or budget drinks inside.