Welcome to McClellanville, South Carolina, a charming little fishing village that feels like stepping into a storybook.
Old live oaks draped in Spanish moss, colorful shrimp boats bobbing the creek, and friendly locals—all create a place where young explorers can discover magic around every corner.
Here are some of the coolest kid-friendly spots in McClellanville—places to play, eat, and explore with wonder in your heart!
Explore Like a Local: Top Spots in Town for Families
1. Discover the Magic on Pinckney Street
This is the town’s main street, lined with storybook houses, neat little shops, and the smell of fresh seafood in the air. Kids can spot bronze fishing boots that look like they belong to a giant!
2. The Deerhead Oak—A Thousand-Year-Old Tree!
Standing at the corner of Pinckney and Oak Streets, this ancient oak looks like it could be the throne of a forest king—or the lair of a friendly wizard. Can you imagine what stories it could tell? Dating back before the Civil War, this tall standing Oak resembled a deer’s face in the bark with forked limbs at the antlers giving it its namesake.
3. Pirate Ships & Treasure at Town Park
At the very end of Pinckney Street lies McClellanville Town Park. Here, little pirates can climb a play ship, rummage through mysterious old ship parts, and scan the shimmering water for treasure (or maybe sea creatures). There’s a porta-potty located near the park for quick bathroom breaks.
4. Fairytale Church: The Chapel of Ease
This hidden gem looks like something out of a fairy tale! With its quiet beauty and magical charm, it’s easy to imagine finding woodland creatures or tiny woodland doors tucked inside.
Fun Things to Do for Adventurers & Nature Lovers
5. Museum Magic: Village Museum
Explore McClellanville’s fun history—from early settlers to shrimp boats—through exhibits and displays that kids can enjoy. It’s open Thursday through Saturday and perfect for curious minds!
McClellanville’s Village Museum
6. Nature Excursions & Wildlife
• Ferry to Bulls Island: Ride across the water and explore Boneyard Beach—where trees stick out of the sand like dinosaur bones! Trails, dunes, and lots of space to run and roam.
• Sewee Visitor & Environmental Education Center: Learn about animals, marshes, and even endangered red wolves (peek through the viewing area!).
• Hiking through Francis Marion National Forest: Walk under shady pines, see swamps, and maybe spot a woodpecker pecking away nearby.
Where to Eat: Family-Approved Local Favorites
T.W. Graham & Co.
This historic seafood spot, opened back in 1894, serves the freshest shrimp, soft-shell crabs, and more—straight from the docks to your plate. Kids will love sampling seafood as fresh as it gets, and the vibe is cozy and full of history. This place is simply delicious, with no frills, just good food. I ordered the blackened mahi sandwich and fries for myself, and the kids’ mini corn dogs and fries for my picky little one. It was fresh, the portions were larg,e and everyone left full and ready to explore the town.
We ordered:
- Blackened mahi sandwich and fries (for the grown-ups)
- Mini corn dogs and fries (for our picky eater)
✅ Large portions
✅ Cozy, kid-friendly vibe
✅ No frills, just really good food
McClellanville Diner
A friendly, fuss-free spot serving classic meals that’ll keep everyone full and happy.
Other Local Bites
- Bent Rod – Great local seafood and reasonable prices.
- Tea Room at Hopsewee Plantation – For a sweet break, enjoy tea and treats in a scenic historic setting.
Family-Fun Shopping
- O + C (“Oscar & Cornelius”) – Whimsical farmhouse decor and kid-friendly treasures. My daughter picked out a light-up unicorn ring and pink nail polish—the clerk even gifted her a felt pumpkin to hold her finds!
- The Yellow House – Across the street, another shop full of magical little treasures to browse.
Suggested Itinerary: A Day of Wonder in McClellanville
1. Morning: Stroll along Pinckney Street—pop into the arts center to see what is newly crafted and stand beneath the Deerhead Oak.
2. Playtime: Pretend to be pirates at the town park, climb the play ship, or look for hidden treasure.
3. Lunch: Dig into fresh seafood at T.W. Graham & Co., or grab a hearty meal at the diner.
4. Afternoon Adventures: Visit the Village Museum, then head to the Sewee Center or ride the ferry to Bulls Island.
5. Evening: Take a quiet walk through the forests of Francis Marion National Forest or just enjoy the sunset over the marsh. You can also sit on the dock and watch for dolphins; there were so many! My little one screamed, “SO MANY SHARKS!” Then, we realized there was a pod of dolphins heading towards the shrimp boats!
Why Kids (and Adults!) Will Love It Here
McClellanville is small, friendly, and full of hidden magic. Whether you’re chasing stories under a thousand-year-old oak, hunting treasure in little parks, or tasting shrimp fresh off the boat—it’s a place that sparks imagination and wonder.
A fun idea for your little one’s visit to McClellanville is to bring a printable scavenger hunt inspired by this magical town to keep your little explorer busy, while finding the magic in this charming fishing village!
