THE VISITOR'S GUIDE TO THE BEST CHARLESTON EXPERIENCES

Charles Towne Landing

Charles Towne Landing Park is located on the original site where English settlers landed in 1670 and set up the first permanent European settlement in South Carolina. The park boasts a 12-room exhibit hall with interactive exhibits, a replica of a 17th-century sailing ship, and an Animal Forest natural habitat zoo. Visitors can tour the ship, take a peek at otters, bears, bison and more, or take an audio tour on the self-guided history trail. Bicycles can be rented by the hour or by the day for use on the 7 miles of paved and unpaved trails. The park has a small gift shop and offers free WiFi at the Visitors Center. Paid Admission is required to enter the park.

Charles Towne Landing Photos

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Charles Towne Landing Hours and Admission

Hours:
Open Daily 9 am - 5 pm
Closed Christmas Eve and
Christmas Day

Admission:
Adult (16+) $12
Seniors $7.50
Youth (6-15) $7
Children (5 and under) Free

Charles Towne Landing Address and Map

Charles Towne Landing
1500 Old Towne Rd
Charleston SC 29407
(843) 852-4200
Charles Towne Landing Website

Features and Amenities of Charles Towne Landing

Animal Forest (only zoo in Charleston area)
Walking and Biking Trails
Park gardens
Free WiFi
Archaeology Exhibits

Museum
Park Store/Gift Shop
17th Century replica sailing ship
Picnic Area
Historic Cemeteries
Bicycle Rentals

Current and Upcoming Events
at Charles Towne Landing

What: Defense of a Colony
When: March 7, May 2, June 6, Sept. 5, Oct. 3, and Dec. 5
Time: 11 am - 4 pm
Where: Cannon Platforms along the History Trail at Charles Towne Landing
Admission: Regular admission required

Feel the ground shake beneath your feet and smell the brimstone as the Charles Towne Militia fires replica, 17th-century cannons. Charles Towne, established on the edge of England’s North American empire, faced many threats, especially from England’s longstanding rival, Spain. Not only did Spain lay claim to what is now South Carolina, but the Spanish garrison at St. Augustine, Florida, was within a few days sail of the fledgling English colony. In a strange, new land without professional troops to protect them, Carolina’s farmers and laborers could be pulled away from their daily tasks and forced to serve as soldiers. Historic weapons demonstrated at 1 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm at the cannon platforms.