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: Oct. 2, 2021
Time: 12 pm - 4 pm
Where: Cannon platforms along History Trail
Admission: Regular Admission

Charleston may be known for its balmy gentle winters, but sitting by the fireside would not have been quite enough to keep 19th century residents toasty. Visit the museum to see historic fashions for winter and learn why wool and fur dominated the pre-synthetics fashion industry.

What: Keepers Choice
When: Oct. 2, 13 & 30, 2021
Time: Oct 2 & 30 - 11 am - 11:30 am; Oct 13 - 2 pm - 2:30 pm
Where: Meet at the Outdoor Classroom in the Animal Forest
Admission: Regular Admission

A zookeeper's day is never the same - and neither is this program! Some days the bear will be the star, or it might be the bobcat or otters. You just never know who'll be there until you are. Depending on staff schedules and animal needs, this program may discuss topics like animal behavior and biology, demonstrate training techniques that help the keepers take care of the animals, or include enrichment activities that bring out natural behaviors and exercise the animals. Join us regularly to see how diverse and fun a day in the zoo really is! Please allow at least 15 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the Animal Forest outdoor classroom.

What: Bald Eagle: Symbol of Survival
When: Oct. 6, 2021
Time: 11 am - 11:30 pm
Where: At the Bald Eagle Habitat
Admission: Regular Admission

Come introduce yourself to our bald eagle and listen to a harrowing tale of survival, The combined and unified effort from a group of lawmakers, conservationists, biologist, and scientists, the bald eagle was taken off the threatened and endangered list in 2007. The bald eagle species story is one of the best “comeback” conservation successes.

What: Creature Feature - Starring "Our Animal Ambassador"
When: Oct. 9 & 20, 2021
Time: Oct. 9 - 11 am - 11:30 am; Oct. 20 - 2 pm - 2:30 pm
Where: Outdoor classroom in the Animal Forest
Admission: Regular Admission

It's not nighttime. It's not scary. And it's not on television. No monsters here - this live Creature Feature just might make you laugh! Meet the Animal Forest's Animal Ambassador, the opossum, as he helps you discover why the only North American marsupial is so fascinating.

What: Piecing Together the Past with Archaeology
When: Oct. 16, 2021
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Where: Charles Towne Landing
Admission: Regular Admission

Dig into history at Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site. Discover how archaeologists see beyond written records and learn about past cultures based on artifacts left behind by visiting with our archaeologist and professionals from historically significant sites. Join us for “Piecing Together the Past with Archaeology” for a firsthand look at Charles Towne Landing’s archaeological resources and discover the history revealed below the surface.

What: Close Encounters of the Bird Kind
When: Oct. 23, 2021
Time: 11 am - 11:30 am
Where: Vulture/Turkey Habitat in the Animal Forest
Admission: Regular Admission

They are alien, strange, and bizarre. They eat what you and I can't. And we find them ugly and scary. But take a closer look at their lives and you might find you should really appreciate them. So let's talk turkey - turkey vulture that is! Join us at the Animal Forest Vulture/Turkey Habitat and see the beauty behind the beast. Please allow at least 15 minutes to walk from the Visitor Center to the Animal Forest turkey and vulture habitat.