If you have kids and love Charleston, SC, then the suspension bridge playground at Mt. Pleasant Waterfront Park is worth a visit! This park features a unique suspension bridge-themed playground under the Arthur Ravenel Bridge. Not only is it a free activity in a city that can be quite expensive, but you can also walk along the pier and search for dolphins with your kids!
Heading over the Cooper River into Mount Pleasant? You’re passing right by one of the best family spots in the Charleston area—Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park.
Whether you’re stopping for a quick break, looking for a breezy afternoon playdate spot, or planning a whole day by the water, this park has it all.
A Playground Kids Won’t Want to Leave
Our kids love this must-visit playground! Tucked beneath the towering Ravenel Bridge is a suspension bridge-themed playground that reflects the design of the real bridge soaring above it.
The design is super creative and an awesome place to play.
Here’s what we love:
- Fenced-in and family-friendly: The playground is safely enclosed, with plenty of seating for parents, making it a relaxed spot to let kids run free.
- Unique nautical design: It’s not your average park playset! This one includes cable stays, mimicking the bridge’s structure, plus a toddler area modeled after the flight deck of the USS Yorktown at nearby Patriots Point.
- Shady play: Being located under the bridge adds a bonus—built-in shade! So even in the Charleston heat, your little ones can play without getting too hot.
- Paths for strollers, joggers, and bikers: The surrounding area features well-maintained jogging and bicycling trails along the Cooper River, perfect for a full morning of play and movement.
This is one of those rare parks where the playground itself is the destination—but there’s so much more!
Check out the New Splashpad at Waterfront Park
Stroll the Mt. Pleasant Pier
Stretching 1,250 feet into Charleston Harbor, the Mount Pleasant Pier is a showstopper. Built on the old pilings of the Pearman Bridge, it’s the longest pedestrian pier in the Southeast and offers:
- Gorgeous panoramic views of the Charleston skyline, Cooper River, and Patriots Point
- Benches and a large covered pavilion perfect for a picnic or a dolphin-watching break
- Coin-operated binoculars for kids to explore the horizon
- Fishing opportunities with a bait shop on site—stocked with supplies, snacks, souvenirs, and even ice cream!
You can fish, people-watch, or just take in the salt air. It’s one of those spots where Charleston’s charm really shines through.
Events, Green Space & More to Enjoy
The park also features:
- Expansive green lawns for picnics, cartwheels, and free community events
- Live music, moonlight movies, and seasonal festivals—many at no cost
- A Visitor Center near the entrance where you can:
- Pick up brochures and local info
- Snag discount attraction tickets
- Book restaurant reservations or activities
It’s the kind of place where you can plan a day or just drop by for an hour, and it always feels like a good idea.
What’s New: Recent Park Updates
Mount Pleasant has added amazing new features to the park (as of late 2024), and they’re ready for your family to enjoy:
- First Responders Monument: A striking memorial with a large bell suspended between mini bridge towers, honoring firefighters, EMS, and police.
- Officer Vaughn Kee Memorial: A bronze badge sculpture with a poem tribute near the new court area.
- Across Harry Hallman Jr. Blvd:
- Multipurpose court for basketball and pickleball
- Splash pad for cooling off on hot days!
- Exercise zone with outdoor fitness equipment
- Dog park for furry family members
- Restroom facility with changing tables
- Expanded parking
Plan Your Visit
Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park
📍 99 Harry M. Hallman Jr Blvd, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
📞 843.762.9946
🕕 Open daily from 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Bring sunscreen, snacks, and maybe a couple of quarters for the pier binoculars. Whether you come to run, relax, or reel in a fish, this spot truly delivers.
Have you been to Mount Pleasant Waterfront Park? Share your family’s favorite part in the comments!
Plan Your Own Trip to Mt. Pleasant Waterfront Park
Mt. Pleasant Waterfront Park
843.762.9946
99 Harry M. Hallman Jr Boulevard, Mt Pleasant, SC
Open Daily from 6 am – 11 pm
Would your family enjoy a visit to Mt. Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park & Pier?
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