Discover South Carolina’s Largest Coastal Town
What makes a great coastal getaway? In a word, everything. For the most satisfying vacation, you want shoreline adventures and pristine nature, for sure, but you also want great food, arts, and a warm local culture.
When it comes to delivering on all fronts, few coastal destinations compare to Mount Pleasant in South Carolina’s Lowcountry. It’s all about immersion here. Whether you’re flying into Charleston International Airport for an extended stay or taking a weekend escape from somewhere nearby, you can lose yourself in picturesque views, wildlife sightings, Lowcountry flavors, and living history. Mix in the area’s laid-back vibe and Southern hospitality, and whatever your plans, don’t be surprised if you want to stay a little longer.
Wander by the Water
With tidal creeks and marshes aplenty, Mount Pleasant allows you to see the water at every stage of its journey into Charleston Harbor. At Shem Creek Park, you can walk more than 2,000 feet of boardwalk, traveling over saltwater marshes and back alongside the namesake waterway, ending with incredible Lowcountry cuisine at the vibrant Shem Creek Waterfront.
Pitt Street Bridge no longer connects to Sullivan’s Island, but this historic “bridge” is now a waterfront park that extends from the Old Village Historic District through coastal wetlands and into the harbor. It’s home to some of the most stunning sunsets and sunrises in the state, along with a public fishing pier at its south end.
Paddling
Every Mount Pleasant vacation should include on-water adventure by kayak or SUP. Plenty of outfitters offer rentals and guided trips. And getting on the water is the best way to see wildlife. Whether you travel up Shem Creek or head into the harbor, you could end up paddling alongside locals, like leaping dolphins and coastal birds.
For the surest chance at spying wildlife, let the experts lead the way. Take a guided SUP or kayak tour, or book a wildlife cruise for close-up views of harbor dolphins and the thriving bird colonies of the Crab Bank Seabird Sanctuary, a protected island at the mouth of Shem Creek.
Living History
Curious travelers can step into the past in the Old Village Historic District, where the streets are lined with historic homes, quaint shops, and shady Spanish moss. You can also visit a Founding Father’s cottage at the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site or board World War II-era ships at Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum.
Some of the best ways to experience history in Mount Pleasant come by way of the Gullah Geechee culture. This distinct African American culture, carried forward by descendants of enslaved people from Central and West Africa, is explored at Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens, where Gullah performers share cultural stories and presentations. You can also visit during the annual Sweetgrass Festival to watch Gullah Geechee artisans at work, weaving sweetgrass baskets as they continue to weave their story into the rich tapestry of Mount Pleasant and the Lowcountry.
Make the most of the coast and experience Mount Pleasant!
The post Discover South Carolina’s Largest Coastal Town appeared first on Outside Online.
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