Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site Reviews

Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site is a great state park and an unique way to experience history and South Carolina. I like all of the features and activities that the park has to offer and there is enough to keep you interested all day. The park is well managed and maintained throughout. I have been coming here from ever since I could remember and have had fun here each time. Charles Towne Landing is awesome.

Great place if you are into history. This is where the first European settlement was in the Carolina's. Lots of good information. The walking path is mostly paved and would be great for bikes. We will take our bikes next time!

There is an animal forest will you will see animals that would have been present back when the settlers were here. Little disappointing as there were some things mentioned but were apparently closed. Signs for Bison, but gate was closed. You could walk past the otters and could see them in the building jumping at their gate to get out, but no had let them out.

This site is great for the whole family or for a romantic get away! They have an animal Forrest that has animals that would have been there when we first came to Charleston and they have historic information about settling in Charleston. It was beyond beautiful! The views are breath taking.

This site has a lot of historical value, but it lacks upkeep. The animal enclosures are particularly behind the times. There is a definite lack of updating throughout.

This is where Charleston was first settled. Ten years later the city moved across the river and onto the peninsula. This site was left behind and pretty much forgotten. Today it is a state park with some historic recreations such as the stockade wall, some typical structures from the 1690s, cannons, embankments, and best of all a small ship docked in the estuary which you can tour.

The trails are perfect for walking and bicycling, level and smooth with great views around every turn. Beautiful gardens under tall live oaks. Definitely worth heading over to West Ashley to see.

If you are looking to experience a few of the attractions of the area (history, a plantation, a zoo, real working cannons) but don't want to spend a small fortune at one of the plantations along the Ashley river, this is the place to go.
I simply could not believe how large this place is and what it packs in. You have an animal forest of native animals, the stockades of the original Charles Towne settlement, a plantation reproduction with gardens (gardens = trees) and an avenue of oaks, a replica trading ship on a river off the ashley river, a view of the citadel, and real working cannons that are fired every first saturday of the month. I could see how one could spend a full day here.
We also appreciated the complimentary shuttle that any staff member could call on demand to pick you up and take you to another part of the place. This was very handy for us since we traveled with some with mobility issues.
The only downside is that I can't believe there isn't a cafeteria. Since many spend an entire day, the snacks in the gift shop just aren't enough.

Though a bit pricey..no senior/military discounts...this historic site clearly illustrates the courage of the first settlers to Charleston. Lots of shade...bring you water bottles...and make sure you walk to the boat! We took a couple of hours to read and discover,

Love the walkways, views, and wide open spaces for kids and adults to stroll, learn about history or sit on a bench. If you have a State Parks pass a must SEE! Go!

I cannot recommend this enough; so very historic and the zoo (which was a pleasant surprise) was very nicely done. Pretty convenient to get to, overall.

We attending a wedding at Summerall Chapel at The Citadel on May 28th after which we attended a reception at Legare Waring House, 1500 Olde Towne Rd. The reception was to be outdoors on the grounds of this historic antebellum plantation however tropical storm Bonnie had other ideas and forced the guests inside a huge tent set upon the grounds by the management. It was a fun filled wild and wet windy evening. Under these conditions we did not have the opportunity to fully explore the plantation. The staff did there best to make us all as comfortable as possible.
Food and service was first rate. Parking was provided and transport provided by shuttle to the reception site and back.

If you are looking for a place to be out in nature with not a lot of people, this is your spot. Beautiful trails that are shaded for the most part, beautiful lake to sit by and watch the alligators and turtles. I was there first thing in the morning until lunchtime and there were not a lot of people.

My granddaughter had her wedding here in October. It was a beautiful setting for a evening wedding but it was hot. Staff worked very well with everyone and it was overall a great experience for everyone. Use of the house was great for the wedding party getting ready for both bridge and groom in separate parts of house. I think this is the best wedding I have been to. It was very relaxing and it had a lot to do with the staff.

Excellent tour. Enjoyed the wildlife area and the 1600's ship. Beautiful walk through the grounds. Several restrooms throughout the grounds.

We make sure to visit CTL on every visit. The animals are always ready to see you! We rented bikes this time and had a great trip.

We really enjoyed our stay at the Charles Towne Landing state historic site. It is large and difficult to cover in one visit. Highly recommend renting bikes or bringing your own. Definitely bring a stroller or a wagon for younger children. There is a small animal collection, with a focus on animals of the region. They appeared to have large habitats which was nice to see. We definitely want to go back and explore more. It’s a beautiful place, historic & educational, and great for an outdoor experience.

I felt obliged to write about this place again, as it is such a fun place for our family to go. If you are visiting the area, this is a must do. The visitor’s center has an amazing interactive exhibit that sets the stage for the rest of your visit. Very clean bathrooms and a nice gift shop are also inside.

The exhibits along the history trail are so extremely well done. It’s like being immersed in the colonial times. The animal exhibits are always a hit with our kid. The ship is also cool to board and look at.

In addition to all there is to do, there are e amazing views of the water, the marsh, and the surrounding area. During our most recent visit, we saw a couple of gators, large herons perusing the grounds, and numerous turtles. The Avenue of oaks is also beautiful.

This site provides a relaxing, educational, and interesting introduction to the Charleston area. The first surprise was that Charleston was first settled in another location. Survival of settlers depended on land features, defense, trade, and labor. The attraction offers "a walk in the park," along with concessions, a small museum, and an exotic animal forest. A primary point of interest is an authentic sailing vessel that can be boarded and explored.

Firstly, the gal working inside when purchasing tickets was a gem. Friendly and helpful and nice. We were there with our dog, so unable to explore the animal forest. Not a huge deal as the rest of the area was gorgeous. Learned a lot and enjoyed the easy hike around the grounds 5 stars for being dog friendly.

Spent the majority of the day leisurely walking the trails of this very well kept historical treasure. This is a very underated location! If you like history and a relaxing day to explore, thus is a wonderful location.

This park has paved trails through the first European settlement in Charleston. We started at the visitor center, and went thru the history museum. We then purchased the audio guide, and followed the trail to all the historic sites- the old settlement, the Indian ceremonial grounds, the replica sailing ship, and through the grounds of the Legare-Waring plantation home with its majestic oak alley. We also walked the entire animal forest, and went on one of the nature trails running along the marsh. Beautiful day, and not too crowded since we went early. We walked 4 miles total- it was great! Definitely will go back. There is an admission cost, but is is well worth the money.

We've been to Charleston many times, yet never visited Charles Towne landing until this year. We learned so much about this history of Charleston on this visit. The park and gardens were beautiful. You can catch a ride on a trolley, walk or ride bike. The sailing vessel was fun to see and learn about as well. We should have visited on an earlier trip, yet are glad we went now.

Start your visit in the interpretive center. Lots of details about Charleston's first settlement. Great walking or biking- they have bikes you can rent right there. The zoo is small but all indigenous animals. Great for all ages. Picnic tables, benches, shady spots and sunny.

Love this state park and historical site. Lots to do and the Animal Forest is unique. Early in the day is better, as is high tide to experience the Ashley River in all her glory. I visit each season. One of my favorite spots as a local.

I had been here many times in the past to Founders Hall and the Visitor's Center for work, but had never spent time exploring this wonderful park until now. Wow, what a gem! There are paved paths throughout the entire park allowing access to all the historic sites, and a wonderful (and largely hidden) nature trail that follows the water along the marshes edge that is sublime. There are shuttles from the visitor's center for those interested in the historical aspects of the park but unable to walk long distances, but beyond that there is a bit of walking involved. The scenery along the nature trail will simply take your breath away. It's quiet and peaceful . . . except for the musket and cannon fire. Yeah, that's right - check out the event schedule and try to catch the historic "Defending Charles Towne" program. If you are a history buff, you need to see this. On this visit, Mr. CJ Ohlandt led visitors through the history and how-to of musketeers as well as a lesson on cannon fire - both followed by demonstrations that were a treat for the senses! His command of history was complimented by period dress and an engaging manner that made history exciting and enjoyable for everyone. The entire historical volunteer corps was friendly and generous with their knowledge and make local history interesting for young and old alike. There is a small zoo, but I will withhold comment on principle. Other than that, this is simply a great place to while away a few hours and relax.

Took the grands and had a great time. Animal area is fun. Loved the buffalo and seeing the majestic Eagle. LOTS of walking. We were disappointed the ship was away for repairs. The map they gave us is a great tool and easy to follow. Grounds are beautiful. The river views are so pretty. It was time well spent! Lots of picnic areas!

The area was very nice. The river walk was nice seen alligators and turtles. Also a nice maritime museum that worked on donations.

This was somewhere I have always wanted to visit. A beautiful location, mixed in with the history was a nice side trip to take. Lots of walking, bring water, or if you don't they sell drinks in the gift shop. We took the time to talk to the park rangers and they were very knowledgeable about this location. We were a little disappointed to not see many animals this trip. Due to the S.C. summer go early, they hide in the shade as much as they can.

Beautiful setting. Lots to see. Incredible old live oak trees
Zoo in the site was great for the kids.
Expensive if you don't have an annual pass

Enter through a jewel of a museum into a gorgeous park with historic markers, a reproduction of original vessel, archieological sites, great boardwalks and other paths, wonderful plantings, especially in the former gardens of the last family to llve there. Can bring dogs on leash and bikes.

This is the big park at the tip of the old city, where the city meets the water. Notable for the big shade trees. Lots of places to sit. It was quiet on the sunny day of our visit.

Went with a photography group. Although there's not a lot to shot this time of year I can only imagine what the place must look like in the spring when all the azaleas are in bloom. They were in the process of setting up for a wedding. I can certainly understand why one would want to get married there; a beautiful location for "I do's". You'd never know you were in the middle of the busy city. Didn't go down the animal path since it was getting hot and was afraid all the animals were inside and out of the hot sun. Will certainly return, especially in the springtime.

We are in love with Charleston and all the history. Charles Towne State Park was magnificent. The characters were very knowledgeable and we had a wonderful time there

When checking in with a tour pass, they wouldn't accept the pass on my phone app. I was told it had to be on paper and the woman wasn't nice; not even smiling. I walked back to my car taking another 5 mins. and thought the app was the convenient way to check in. Once I got to walk outside for a solo tour it was very hot. Their map was confusing and didn't get to where I wanted to visit after the parking lot signs didn't clearly show you where to go, so I left.

great place to walk and learn of the earliest history of Charles Towne, then lots of picnic tables around the site/park to have a paced lunch.

This is a nice outdoor space with a 3 mile walk. Weddings compromise the experience a bit. The flowers and views are nice and there is a bit of history told. Allow about 2 hours. $10 per person adult admission.

We learned so much we did NOT know about Charleston's history. There are plaques aplenty throughout the grounds, on the ship the guide was very knowledgeable, and in a fun way. The animals were very interesting and the bird enclosure was awesome. A must see whether you live here or are just visiting.

Wow! A hidden gem! Something for everyone: beautiful walk, biking trails, local animal exhibits, remnants of the original colony/fortifications. Incredibly serene and picturesque! Hard to imagine that just minutes before, you were in the heart of a city.

My wife and I visited on November 18th for the annual Seeds to Shillings event, and couldn't have had a better time! We're park passport holders and visit a lot of the coastal parks regularly. Saturday's event was a great showcase for Charles Towne Landing. It is a treat to see such passionate educators in their element. The indigo dying, cooking, spinning, and military demonstrations were engaging but a special thank you goes to the three men working and teaching in the garden! (One ranger and two volunteers from NC I think) Going to The Landing is a fun time any time of year (except mabye August 😉) but this event was very well put on.
Don't let the previous reviewer deter you from a chance to interact with great rangers and teachers.
- A. Evans

Nice place for a walk as well as you can learn much about history and natural history. Rangers were very helpful as was signage

Nice stroll on asphalt path under shade trees with my dog. Interpretative signs along the way explaining the plantation. Nice museum at the visitor center. $12 includes parking.

This is a great place to learn about some of the history of Charleston. Loved seeing the animals & just walking the trails. The old ship was really cool to board & talk to the Captain!😜. Been going here since I was a little girl. Always loves it & always will.

I love everything about this place. The visitor center has a lot of information and a self-walk through tour of the history of the area. There is a small zoo that has tons of pretty animals. The landing has a boat that you can check out and usually has a guide explaining the history. You will not be disappointed if you make the trip. A bonus is that you can bring your pup to enjoy the site. They can go anywhere on the grounds, but not in the zoo.

Disclaimer: I am not a lover of wildlife or the great outdoors.

Because I'm not a big fan, this was a terrible experience for me. Snakes were everywhere along the nature trail! Of course, there are warning signs of them, but my family wanted to proceed so I went along. It was cool to see the puma, bear, bald eagle and other animals, but the snakes were freaking me out so much that I didn't even get around to seeing the bison.

The children really enjoyed it and so did my husband. I would have much rather gone to the beach or aquarium. I did appreciate the open spaces and the sail boat. Overall, if you love nature, you'll enjoy this place, but it is not for me.

I love Charles Town Landing. There is a ton of some of the most beautiful scenery you will ever see. A lot of walking is involved. A least for us we did a lot of walking. We enjoyed it. We like to be active. Please stop by and spend a number of hours here. You'll be glad you did.

Beautiful park. We rented bicycles be but they were very hard to ride. They have the hard rubber tires my wife had a real hard time keeping it in the road. If you ride a lot should be ok but not for older people.

Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site, located in the West Ashley area of Charleston, South Carolina, is the original site where English settlers landed in 1670 and set up the first permanent European settlement in the Carolinas. It was originally opened in 1970 to commemorate the tricentennial of South Carolina. The site features a 12-room exhibit hall with interactive exhibits, a replica of a 17th-century sailing ship and an Animal Forest natural habitat zoo.

Paved walkways throughout. Pretty walk. $12 per adult. The gift shop had nice merchandise. We bought some stuffed animals and a water bottle. The visitors center is welcoming. History lessons - noted on placards and displays were interesting.

The wildlife forest was surprising. We saw the bear, puma, eagle, cattle, deer and others. Taking pictures through glass or acrylic vs chain link would have been nice. This is not a “complaint”, just an annotation.

I went here as a child and was very happy to return and refresh my memory on how Charleston came to be.

We have enjoyed Charleston's numerous historic attractions on several visits over the years but have never been to Charles Towne Landing until today. How I wished we had come here first "to set the stage" before touring the many plantations, historic homes and other worthy sights. The visitor center's historic exhibits are beautifully and expertly presented, giving a well-rounded history of the colony's origins without wearing you out. We learned so much. Unless you are from this state, I would guess most of us got little perspective on South Carolina's role in colonial settlement in our school history classes. The exhibits and staff do a great job telling the compelling story. In addition, there are acres of grounds to cover, interlaced with nicely paved walking/biking paths (you can rent bikes at the visitor's center). The Animal Forest is great fun for young and old, but it's especially enjoyed by the little ones. The palisaded site of the original settlement is fascinating. The replica ship was unfortunately out for maintenance but the archaeological exhibits and surrounding gardens with beautiful oaks, weighed heavy with Spanish moss, are incredible, as are the many magnolias, camellias and azaleas. If you love history AND gardens, you are in for a treat. Plenty of spots available to enjoy a picnic or rest on a bench. There's also a shuttle to cart you back to the visitor center if you run low on energy. A must see destination and well worth the admission.

The animal forest is well kept. The kids love to ride their bikes all over the paths and the boat replica is always a hit! Beautiful state park!
Love to just bring lunch and sit in peace.

We stopped by here on a day off from work, and it was like turning back the pages of a history book. The admission fee is relatively cheap for the amount of time someone can spend here. Inside the visitors center, there are restrooms, some artifacts, and a nice gift shop. If you follow the history trail, you have the opportunity to see all the exhibits on site.

The animals were one of the biggest highlights for our daughter. Heads up, the birds exhibit is currently closed but you can still view them from outside the fence. The amount of history and time put into the exhibits and trails throughout the park is incredible. We loved being able to see things like the stocks, homes that were lived in, or the Legare-Ware house. Another highlight for us was the ship on site. Being able to go on board and under the deck felt like stepping back a few hundred years. There was also an incredible employee who gave us the history of navigation in a little tent outside of the ship.

Overall, amazing experience that has us considering a membership to the state parks in SC.

The exhibit inside was really well done. We liked how it was interactive and segmented as you went through so it felt like a journey. The zoo was just ok. Didn't see animals in several of the exhibits, and the rest of the animals looked bored or were sleeping. The grounds were spread out and peaceful to walk around. The adventure ship was out for maintenance until the end of March, so nothing to see there. Hard to get a good look at the house since they were cleaning up from a big event. Overall, it was just ok for us. Nice place to walk/bike around and have a picnic if the weather is good.

Very nice state park. Lots of walking on paved paths but they do have golf carts that come around if you want a ride. Interesting history going back before colonial times. Trails and exhibits are clearly marked , staff was very friendly , and bathrooms located throughout the park.

Went with family. Our third time ever to Charleston as a family. We are history buffs, but never had know about this place. Very neat capsule of early Charleston history, before they moved the town to its present location. We did the walking tour, which comes with an audio unit you wear around your neck. This place can get hot during the summer time...if you go during summer, pick your time of day wisely. Very interesting. Well done exhibit.

Once past the admissions check out the Exhibit Hall. Here is whee voyages started from England ending in the Carolina region, before there was a South Carolina. Here are subject matter as-Setting Sail For New Lives, A Hopeful Welcome, Rich, Brutal, & Sweet, Blinded By Paradise, Existing Societies, Elusive Cash and much more.

On the the trail around the site are at least 20 stops of interest, the first being the Animal Forest. The Forest has around twenty animals- Red Wolf, Black Bear, Puma-big cat-Bison, White tail Deer, Elk, Black Turkeys, & Vulture, Sheep, goats 7 a bald eagle. At the being is the Shore Birds exhibit- a completely enclosed sitting 10 different birds. A visitor is able to enter the sitting, however they must may sure that no birds are near the door entering & leaving. The day was hot, so many animals were staying in the shade. The birds didn't appear to be afraid of my presence.

At admissions a visitor will be given a map of all sites with numbers of where exhibits will be located. I learned to cross the numbers after each visit. Some numbers I had to back track for.

Along the walkway are: In Need Of An Ally, Protecting The Colony, Crime & Punishment, Seeking Wealth, A Common Lodging, Trade, Profit & Support, & The Charles Towne Labor Force, which just a few of the stop sites. About the half way point is the Adventure-a replica of a small sailing vessel for rivers & inlets for transporting goods.

If a visitor wants to learn how the Adventure worked, broad the vessel & hold a conversation with a crewman of the 1670 era & be told what life was about, how the Adventure was built, used & how the crew was paid. The crewman's name has been lost, however he looked just like a jolly roger of the time period.

If a visitor thinks they are walking in the wrong direction, just keep track of the map numbers or look for arrows pointing to the visitor center. If not wanting to walk there large golf type vehicles driven by staff members. Also big signs that will have 'You Are Here'. There restrooms at the center, the Animal Forest & at #21 site-The Harry Lueas Ruins.

The walkway is asphalt for both trail & Animal Forest. My visit started about 10:00 to around 2:00. If a visitor wants to learn about the 1660-1670's I can't think of a better site. Great helpful & polite staff. Admission was reasonable, I might have gotten a senior's rate, not sure. Charles Towne is located west of The City of Charleston across the Ashley River out in the country. The Site has no eatery, however north on Old Towne Road on the left is mall with restaurants.

A lengthy visit is highly recommended.

We visited Charles Towne Landing and it was really nice. It’s a small park but very enjoyable. Everything was marked off so it was easy to follow. Upset that the ship was out of order as that would’ve been interesting to see. But the animal park was pretty cool. Definitely a place you want to visit while in Charleston

Travel back in time and see how the first settlers lived and survived. Interesting stops along the way. Great for all ages.

This is the original landing location for the English settlement in 1670. It's a beautiful state park and a zoo,which most people have no idea there is a zoo there! Great history lesson and a great day out with the family!

Big beautiful property!! We walked and walked. Lots of big beautiful Oak Trees adorned with Spanish Moss. Row of Oak Trees in front of the house reminds me of Oak Alley in Louisiana. There is the Animal Forest that is cool. But most of the animals were trying to seek shade due to the 96 degree heat. I don't blame them!! The bird enclosure is cool, but breathe through your mouth....P. U.!! We saw brown pelicans, seagulls, and some other bird I had no idea what it was. Oh and Fiddler crabs!!! They birds eat these those! When we finished walking around, we got a frozen ice cream pop from the gift shop!! It was quite good and refreshing. I believe entrance fee was $10 pp. It is worth it!!

We went to another plantation, a National Historic Property and Charles Towne Landing. We loved all three however, we saw the most unique things at this site. There is a nature reserve where animals of the time are there for you to see. There is a replica of a coastal ship that you can go on and get history of the time. They have a cart so if you have trouble walking the whole site you can ride. We met the most wonderful, friendly people on our trip there. Some of the trees are 300 years old. Fantastic. If you like plantations, history and friendliness this is a must see.

I've been to several weddings here. Its beautiful, spacious and historic. There are so many things to see and take pics of!

Beautiful park filled with gigantic live oaks, Camillas, and over seven miles of trail. Great way to see the history of the south and how it was first settled. Exhibits of the original palisade wall, defense barricades, animal displays of the population first found there all combine to give the visitor a taste of "you were there".

The Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site, located at 1500 Old Towne Road in the West Ashley area of Charleston, South Carolina, preserves the original site of the first permanent English settlement in the Carolinas. Established in 1670, the settlement featured a fortified area bounded by a palisade wall to defend the young colony from attack from the Spanish or their native allies. Today, the fortified area contains reconstructed earthwork fortifications and six replica cannon. The colonists mounted a battery of cannon facing the Ashley River and a second battery to defend present day Old Town Creek. Both the palisade wall and earthwork fortifications are partially reconstructed on their archaeological footprint. In fact, archaeology is key to uncovering Charles Towne's history. To date, archaeological finds include Native American, English and enslaved African artifacts. Professional archaeologists have been digging on the site since 1967. In 1970, the 664-acre site was opened to the public to commemorate South Carolina's Tricentennial. It is home to an exhibit hall, rental facility, a natural habitat zoo, ongoing archaeological excavations, miles of hiking trails, dozens of picnic tables, a replica tall ship and six fireable replica cannon. The Experimental Crop Garden showcases crops planted by early colonists for food and profit. Sugarcane and indigo are frequently visible. Also on display is Adventure, a replica of a ketch, a popular style of 17th century cargo vessel that carried commercial goods, foodstuffs and even livestock between New York and Barbados. The zoo, dubbed Animal Forest, is home species indigenous to South Carolina in the 1670s, including Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Brown Pelican, Wild Turkey, Black Vulture, Red Wolf, Bobcat, White-tailed deer, North American river otter and Black Bear. Two animals, Puma and Bison, are no longer native to the South Carolina Lowcountry. The Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site has been added to the National Register of Historic Places.

We enjoyed an excellent tour of the gardens here, a scheduled event by the state historic site. I would recommend going on any of the special events at the state parks.

I really liked this place. It has a walking path/bike riding path throughout. There is a small zoo that contains animals native to that time in history to this area. There is also cannons, a small ship you can board, common house and other structures. There is a free shuttle that will take you to the ship but not thru the zoo. Picnic tables are inside. We saw raccoons in abundance.

This is a park with a self-guided tour (audio tour is available but wasn’t offered to me when I bought my ticket). The park is pretty but there’s very little history to read or interact with. I was disappointed.

The entry fee is $2. There are a number is exhibits of buildings, walls, fortification with information on each. The boat was not there when I went. I would recommend this park for someone with an interest in early Charleston.

Our san and daughter in law used Founders Hall for their wedding--great place--lots of room--unique, comfortable--really nice place

Although shortened by rainy weather, this excursion was well worth the time spent. The history/visitors center is well-laid out and displays a fascinating view of the area's history. The time span is from the early 1600s to late 1700s and gives a comprehensive (and relatively unbiased) view of the region's development. Especially interesting is the relationship with the native Americans who greeted the settlers with open arms and were treated with respect and cooperation. The visit to the shipping area was really well done and enlightening. This is a refreshing change from the "whitewashing" (pun intended) that much of Charleston's history receives.

Such a lovely site. They have the best Visitor Center in the area. I learned a lot about the early history of the area.

Very disappointed with the minimal signage and information provided on the history trail. Also, the ship reproduction is currently closed for renovations.

My son loved the animal park. The buffalo and elk really made you think about what the first settlers encountered when they first established a settlement here.

The ranger on the boat was a fountain of knowledge regarding the history of ship travel in the 17th and 18th centuries. I think my husband could have talked to him for hours.

The grounds are beautiful. There are just layers and layers of history in this place.

Huge park and historic site with live oaks and a small zoo. Charming and clean...had trouble finding flower garden....actually never did

I brought my girlfriend to Charleston for her birthday and I purchased the tickets to Charles Towne Landing. She had never been to Charleston before, so we really enjoyed the trip and the this place, it is Great!!!. I highly encourage anyone to purchase it!!!!!!!

This state historic site is located on lovely grounds and well worth the stop. Parking is plentiful and it is just a short walk to the visitor center. We walked in and paid our admission and I asked about the tour of the park. We rode in a large golf court with our tour narrated by the driver. We made a short stop at the trading ship and later passed the house used for weddings and the gardens which are especially lovely in the spring though camellias were in bloom. Other options to tour the park would be on bicycle or on foot.

We really enjoyed our visit! It was nice to learn about the founding of Charleston. Park is very well kept, and the staff were absolutely wonderful. It was hotter than blazes, and Scott the shuttle driver took pity on a couple of weary travelers!! All the staff we dealt with were wonderful!

I visited with my four sons ages 4-14 on a lovely April Day.

We didn't have time for any indoor activities (the museum or visitor's center) but the restrooms there were clean and it has a nice little shop.

We did walk the entire Historic Trail as well as the Trail to the zoo. This was three miles of walking! I was glad I brought a small stroller for my littles. I did see a little golf cart type shuttle with people in it that you could ask about if that much walking would make your visit unpleasant.

The historic trail had a house you could explore, lots of signage about colonial history, a nine pins game to play, stocks to play in, cannons to climb on and a great ship replica. The only costumed interpreter we encountered was on the ship but he was so good with the kids! Very welcoming and encouraged them to try everything, I loved that. There was a short boardwalk and another set of bathrooms out there.

Be sure to get a map before you start walking around - even with it we did get a bit turned around at one point.

The zoo was fun! The puma and the bear and the deer were all out and active, the otters as well. It was a nice variety and their enclosures felt humane.

For all five of us, this was a nice visit. There were things to cater to all ages and I felt like running around was encouraged. The scenery was lovely also with lovely trees and landscaping.

It's not Jamestown Settlement or Williamsburg but for the price, it's a nice chance to learn some history in a peaceful setting.

We ventured here solely for the animals for our six-year-old daughter. Some of the exhibits were closed due to Covid, but she still enjoyed seeing the bear, the otters, and the bird exhibit. The bird exhibit is really nice with a walking platform inside where you are surrounded by rescued pelicans, herons, and seagulls.

We ended up walking through most of the historical trail. Even with our daughter being young, she seemed to enjoy it. The ship was a big highlight for her. The entire grounds were gorgeous and felt like scenes from a movie. The alley of oaks near the house were stunning.

We stopped in the gift shop on our way out, and while it is not large, it has various items, including local snacks, stuffed animals, and books. I would definitely stop here again!

Couldn't wait to post a review for Charles Towne landing .. if you are a 1st time visitor to the area or a local, spending time at this site is well worth the time and certainly a great value for all you experience. Great place to take children, but no matter your age, will find this venue of great interest. Well paved walking trails, beautifully kept grounds, even has an 'avenue of the oaks' .. and we were there on a rainy day!

We chose this over Fort Sumter for a place to take the kids and I think this was a true winner. There is a lot of walking involved but the animals are a great attraction. We used the shuttle for part of the time, which cut down on some of the walking. The curator of the ship was great. The oaks and old home make for lovely photos. I spent 20 minutes behind the old home just taking in the water and mossy trees. Lovely.

Beautiful grounds and historical information at Charles Towne Landing. Dog Friendly except for the Zoo. We were there on a beautiful day and had a great time on the history walk.

This well kept park is well articulated I. SignGe throughout. We enjoyed the native animals in their habitat and the views of the grounds, marshlands and mansion. Very enjoyable couple of hours.

This is a fun place to visit if you have children that need a little time for children. Animals, reproduction ship, lots of room to run. It is also the site of the original Charleston settlement.

We spent a week in Charleston and really hadn't heard much about Charles Towne Landing. The day we went there was damp and dreary, but it was still an enjoyable experience. They have a small zoo area with native fauna. The habitats were naturalized and quite ample. There is also a small historic area where Charleston was originally settled. The recreated cabin there was very nice and there is also a reconstructed boat that was used in colonial days to journey up and down the river (I believe they offer boat rides in nicer weather--but, not sure) and some of the fortification. The interpreter there was welcoming and very informative. Since the weather was starting to get worse, he called the shuttle driver to pick us up and take us to the visitor center. Since we hadn't been through the gardens, the shuttle driver drove us through the gardens and also talked about the plants and animals in the area. There are also exhibits in the visitor center. There was a lot to see and do for a minimal entrance fee. I sure it would be fantastic in better weather.

So much to see and do here. If you can rent a bike.

April was a good month with the breeze; can see the bugs being awful during summer time.

Beautiful landscaping and views.

So glad it was saved and not developed.

Having grown up here, I have been many times over the years. From childhood school trips to as recently as going over just to ride bikes in the beautiful, peaceful nature and history. It's a great spot! The staff are wonderful and everyone is helpful. The Animal Forest is the first of its kind in the country - designed by famed environmentalist Jim Fowler (Mutual of Omaha's Wild KIngdom, Johnny Carson, Today Show, etc.) A great spot for a picnic, too.

There museum inside the main building is interesting and has some nice artifacts. Outside the grounds are nice and there are signs here and there with info about the settlement, and a few recreations. The really amazing area is the Avenue of Oaks. These two rows of gigantic live oaks form a dramatic approach to the old mansion. it is like walking through a tunnel, being under those trees. On the other end of the park, the wild animal exhibit has the animals widely scattered in the scruffy forest. Hardly worth the long walk to get there and back.

This was one of my favorite activities. What made it so was the guy at the back of the site, hanging out on the old ship in the marsh. He's a historian (or fancies himself as one), and a true Southern gem! I got to chat with him for a good half hour; totally made my visit. I also loved the animal exhibit; very educational as I'm new to the South. In all, a great trip.

This is a very lovely place and definitely worth the admission price. You start in a wonderful museum exhibit; we would have spent more time in there but wanted to listen to one of the rangers talk. He was very informative and answered a lot of questions. We toured the replica ship and enjoyed walking among the beautiful trees laden with Spanish moss. We hopped on the shuttle for a short ride and the man talking was so friendly and made us happy that we met him. After we ate our packed lunch, we made our way over to see the animals. Our favorite was watching the otter play in the water. If we ever come back to Charleston, we would visit this establishment again.

We love visiting Charles Town Landing. It's a lot of walking so please be prepared for that, but it's just beautiful. They rescue animals and so they have a small zoo, which is great for the kids. They have a ship you can get on and they do a small presentation. It can be very interactive.

This was disappointing. Advertise seeing a number of animals that were prevalent during earlier time of settlement but a number of animals were not visible. Older home on premises but not available for tour. Maybe we were there wrong time of year.

Unfortunately, we arrived at this site in late afternoon so we did not have enough time to explore these beautiful grounds. The museum at the visitor center does tell the story of the first European and Caribbean settlers in South Carolina, and it is a tale worth learning. We definitely plan to return, and it will be early in the day so we can adequately explore it.

I felt so bad for these animals. Their enclosures were small, smelly, and many water dishes were empty. I urge anyone visiting this place to find someone and complain about the conditions.

If the animals had been in better conditions this would have been a full 5 star attraction you could spend most of the day enjoying. It's the site of the first permanent English settlement. It offers 7 miles of paved and unpaved trails that allow biking. You can stroll through the settlement, gardens, picnic area, bird watching areas, visitor center/museum, go aboard a replica of a 27th century trader ketch called The Adventure (the guide on board was great and had a lot of knowledge and good stories to tell), and visit the historic Waring House. We spent some time just sitting in the adirondack chairs on the waters edge enjoying the quiet.

My wife and I visited Charles Towne Landing while in Charleston with our dog. The grounds are absolutely beautiful with live oaks draped in Spanish Moss. The site is the location of the first English settlement in what is now South Carolina. Lots of historical exhibits and ongoing archaeological work. The Adventure ship is a replica of a cargo ship from the time that visitors can check out. The Animal Forest is a small zoo with animals native to the area at the time of settlement. Dogs aren't allowed so we took turns going through. It's a really beautiful and historic site and a must-see if visiting Charleston.

We took our toddler grandchildren to the Animal Forest at Charles Towne Landing. What a great experience. The shorebirds were right there (in fact, you need to watch toddlers at that attraction as there is nothing stopping them from going from the pier to the water except an adult). The bear was amazing, and right there. The puma was keeping cool in his hollowed-out tree, but his head was visable, watching us. The eagle was very attentive (it was the 4th of July), The turkeys paraded around and gobbled, almost on cue. It is a bit spread out, if mobility is a problem, but we thoroughly enjoyed the walks between settings (you do have to backtrack from most paths, it isn't circular). I want to go back and do some of the trails - on a cooler day without my little ones. A wonderful way to spend the holiday morning.

I hadn't been here in probably 20 years and it has really changed! Most is for the better - although I liked the dirt trails better than the paved ones now - but it was probably paved so handicapped folks could enjoy. There's a historical boat in the harbor and the "sailor" on board was informational and charming. There is a visitor center where you can learn about the beginnings of life here - the intersection of white, African-American and Native American people and culture.
It was quite hot when I went and I felt badly for the lone black bear who was obviously incredibly hot - as well as the puma. Both were just panting - I could even hear them.
The protection wall - pallisade? is completely built now (before it was a small section) so you can get a good idea of what defenses were.
Great place to learn and visit.

We came here during Founder's Day and really enjoyed ourselves. Lots to see and do, plenty of areas to walk. We spent the entire day here. We didn't cover the entire grounds but were close. Since it was Founder's Day, we got to see them fire the cannons and have different areas set up like it was way back when. They have lots of animals on the property too. Unfortunately most stayed hidden so we had to go by signs of what was what. I'd like to go back again one day!

We enjoyed a beautiful day strolling this historic place. The museum was informative and well done. The grounds were beautiful and quiet. We only wish we would have planned a longer stay. Three hours would have been a good amount of time to see everything.
A great stop in Charleston.

We visited this park as we were staying close by in an Air BnB house. It was well worth the $20 we paid for our family of four to stroll around for an hour. We enjoyed the walk down to the little wharf and exploring the boat. We live in Virginia, and have been to historic Jamestown many times. This isn't quite up to that level of research and development, but it was interesting to compare this later 1670 settlement to the 1607 settlement in Virginia and to hear about Charleston history. The park interpreters were very friendly and informative. The camellias were beautiful in December, we took in lovely views of the river and Charleston on the far bank, and there is a gorgeous live oak alley leading up to the house.

This well-maintained state park offers a self-guided walking tour of the site of the 17th century Charles Towne village. The paved path offers informative plaques throughout explaining the history of the area. It's also a beautiful park, with lovely wooded paths, a view of the river, and a small zoo. You can walk through it in less than an hour---or take your time exploring. The $12 per person admission fee initially raised some eyebrows, but the funds are obviously put toward maintaining the area. Definitely worth a detour.

Been years since I was here- still a fantastic place to visit.The drive in to the parking was beautiful. Lanscaped park that is laid out wonderfully. The small zoo was nice=the bear was active, puma was larger than I thought and the Bison were beautiful. The replica cannons, village and ship were fantstic- helps one to step back in time. The mansion on the property was stunning. I must say, my favorite is the museum/history center. Helps explain the story of the settlement. Clean restrooms and a nice gift shop. A must stop for history buffs

What a beautiful and interesting place! The animals were neat to learn about and the pathway being paved was great for walking and pushing the stroller. What a relaxing way to learn! The informational guide on the boat was such a help learning more about the area and the boat while in character. Great job!

Paid for tickets and guide said it was a 1.5 mile walk. I think she meant per loop - there were three loops. I felt sorry for animals. The African American cemetery and tribal ceremony areas were lawns. The best part was the house but you couldn’t tour it. 3 miles in 90 plus degree heat and not seeing much was a bummer.

Beautiful grounds. This place came recommended by our carriage tour guide in the city. This place was quiet and peaceful and provided great history. The welcome center also provided great history and was very well done. This place is worth a visit. Plan on 2-3 hours.

This park is so worth the visit! This is where Charleston began as Charles Towne. You will find beautiful live oak-lined paths dripping with Spanish moss that transports you back to simpler times. There is a recreated fort-type area where on some weekends, there are musket or cannon firing demonstrations. A small river boat is also there to board and understand how settlers traveled to the coast. The kids' favorite is the zoo where native SC species are housed. Don't miss the museum before you head out!

Charles Towne Landing was not what I expected. I thought it was going to be some hyped-up touristy come-on. Far the opposite.

Wonderful setting. Interesting historical location, with reconstructed forts, houses, even a 17th century ship. The grounds are spacious. The trees breathtaking--especially some of the 350-year-old live oaks.

Best of all was the "zoo", known there as the "animal forest"--unlike any other I've ever been to. Bear, deer, puma, otter, bison, and more, are in large enclosures--some an acre or more in size.

Wonderful for children and adults. Low key, very educational. A different kind of Charleston experience.

We used to take field trips here when I was a boy back in the early 1970s. It looks like they are making improvements to the place; giving it a facelift; bringing in a new generation. It is certainly worth the visit. It is a great value for the money.

Dodged some rain and bad weather, but we were able to see most of the park. It was interesting to learn about the early settlers and their experiences. Our only complaint was that it was hard to figure out where the various trails led. As a result, we missed out on seeing the replica of the ship “Adventure.” We also ran out of time and couldn’t get to the zoo. The park is out of the typical tourist area, but definitely worth a visit.

This is a wonderful place for all ages. We are always thankful for those who thought to preserve this place and to make it so interesting with the mini-zoo, trails, information, and hands-on activities. It's actually a bargain if you purchase the annual pass.

We just took a self-guided walking tour of the grounds. Great place to go for an afternoon stroll with a low entry fee. We didn't get to see everything, but what we did see was absolutely beautiful- it did not disappoint. Just don't forget your bug spray (this is the only thing we regretted)! We were there shortly after hurricane Matthew, so I'm sure the bugs were worse than usual, but we did get eaten alive. It's full of history and charm and has the old time plantation feel. I would absolutely go back! The trees draped in Spanish moss and beautiful home stand out. It is definitely very Charleston!

In addition to this being a great Charleston treasure for history, this is a park, a zoo and a learning center all in one. Worth visiting more than once!

The walk around the grounds takes about 2-3 hrs depending on you. About 2 miles so wear comfortable shoes. We first visited the animal trail. Some of the animals were not there. Then we did the historic trail. Very beautiful grounds with lots of information. The house was not open for viewing. Try not to go on a muggy day.

I haven't been here in years. It is a beautiful place, quiet and relaxing. I strolled the entire History Trail after spending an hour in the well-planned and laid-out museum. I would recommend coming here on a weekday to avoid the crowds. Don't forget your camera!

Great experience walking the grounds here. Staff was friendly and helpful. Bikes are a little pricey to rent. If you're looking into the various historical sites in Charleston & also enjoy the outdoors, this is a great 2 in 1. Parking was free.

Spent a few hours here and it was beautiful. If you like walking and enjoying the view this is ideal.

The admission prices are posted on a placard seen when driving into Charles Towne Landing, and the price for Seniors is listed as $7.50. When we seniors got inside to buy our tickets, we were told that the senior price only applies to South Carolina Resident Seniors. That is simply rude.

It was interesting to view the place where settlers first landed and built a small town ten years before Charleston. You start your tour through a museum which is primarily a lot of reading. It is fine for adults, but I suspect that children would find that part boring.

Once you exit the museum, you have a choice of trails to follow. They have a QR code to scan at the admission desk to provide a map on your phone. Unfortunately, we found when zooming in on the map, the clarity of the image on the phone was insufficient to really tell us much about where to go. If it cost too much to print out an 8x11 map, charge $1 for it.

We enjoyed the walks, but the placards along the way only told you things that you already learned by reading the placards in the museum. Even being Seniors, we can remember what we read 15 minutes earlier.

The little zoo wasn't too impressive for us, because we live two miles from the stellar Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

The highlight of the walk was getting to talk with the archaeologist who was actively doing research on a dig. She was quite interesting and informative.

The highlight of the walk SHOULD have been getting to see a replica of a 17th-century trading vessel which visitors can board and explore beneath the deck. However, the trading vessel was out for repair.

Talking with the archaeologist was a 5-star experience, but the rest of our experience was so underwhelming that I rate them a 3-star average.

Charles Towne Landing offers something for all ages. The historical significance goes without saying but the grounds are also beautiful. The animal forest is nice but if it is hot the animals tend to stay in their protected areas. The information center has a nice museum. In the warmer moths I would definitely recommend taking water with you. This is an inexpensive way to spend a morning or afternoon.

We appreciate authentic historical sites and learning about history. The site is basically "authentic" in terms of location, but the experience is extremely lacking. There is no actual original structures, the walk thru the "gardens" is just a walk through basic trees and bushes. There is an old (private) house on the property that you can't do anything at (although apparently a popular wedding venue). The replica small ship (cargo transfer ship) was nice, but nothing historically special. The site was only Charles Towne for 10 years before they relocated the town to the current peninsula location. The animals/zoo was a huge disappointment, although there was a live copperhead snake in path area. Finally we did take away one souvenir; cellulitis from several bad mosquitoe bites. Sorry to be so negative, but this was just so underwhelming.

An unbelievable place for a wedding and a great place to visit and see history.Their are trees that date back to then 1600s.

A must see! Rent the audio tour as it really adds to the experience. We came upon staff in period costume and all were knowledgeable.They answered all questions and were patient.

Charles Towne Landing is located not too far from Charleston itself. There is a small zoo that you can bring your kids to, even though I do not like seeing caged animals. The grounds are in fantastic condition and if you are lucky you can see re-enactments. Lovely spot.

Prior to this trip I didn't realize Charleston had actually started somewhere other than where is currently sits! This is the original site of the settlement. The Animal Habitat Zoo is definitely worth the visit! The settlement and the sailing ketch, The Adventure, were worth the walk as well!

We had a rainy weekend in Charleston, took a short drive to this sweet museum where we got the Sierra Leone connection. Skies cleared and we took the easy circuit to the prototype ship. Kids would love this spot but plenty for adults as well.

We enjoyed our visit w/ my very active 7-year old. I’d have enjoyed spending more time on the interactive display in the Visitor Center, but we rushed through it. We rented the tandem bike ($15/hr; $5/hr. for normal bikes, incl. helmets). If you’re pressed for time, this is a great way to cover a lot of territory. We saw a turtle, an alligator, a blue heron, snowy egrets. The trading vessel was away for maintenance. There was a carpenter in period dress and wood carving in the indentured servant cabin. We didn’t see much of the “animal forest,” just the red wolf & shore birds; this area felt like it could use a refresh. We also didn’t see the Legare Waring House (which apparently is used for celebrations). There was a nice picnic area in the visitors building, clean restrooms, a gift shop. I feel like for the admission ($10/adult; $6 youth), it was worth it (it’s a big operation). I’m glad we went. If you’re into nature, birdwatching or history, you’d definitely enjoy this visit.

Visited here for a wedding and the venue could not have been more beautiful. The ceremony took place on a lawn surrounded by beautiful oak trees with Spanish moss, and the reception took place in the Legare Waring House's patio. While this historic site is quite large, we had the venue all to ourselves and it was wonderful! The staff--helping guests with parking directions and getting us from the parking lot to the ceremony--was very friendly. If you're shopping around for a venue, definitely consider this site!

My family had a wonderful time here! I would suggest to wear good walking shoes. Bring lots of water (for hotter months). There is a small gift shop that you can buy water and other beverages. You can use the strollers and wagons but I would suggest bringing your own due to their supply gets rented quick. All the trails that we walked on were paved. We visited the zoo, settlement and the ship that was docked. I wouldn't suggest the ship for children that have a fear of heights. The walkways to the ship are tall and steep. I also wouldn't recommend for elderly or people with knee problems. We did not get to see the house due to there was a wedding taking place there. There is also a museum on site that was a good air conditioned break from walking around the zoo and before we went to the settlement area. I went with my parents, brother and my three young children ages 9,8 and 3. My kids liked the boat and the zoo the best. All of us had a great time. I can't remember how much it cost to get in but it really wasn't a lot.

The park is beautiful and the visitors center has an exceptional set of,interactive exhibits. We were there on a weekday so there only a few docents present (no cannon firing, etc). It’s a bit of a hike to explore the entire park but there are bicycles available along with a golf cart-style shuttle. Highly recommended

Had one final day left of 2 weeks vacation (Brits from Plymouth UK) and decided to go here. We paid a little extra for an audio tour device (you only need one, it has a speaker not headphones) and followed the supplied map and audio commentary - well worth the extra few dollars. The grounds are beautiful and it is hard to imagine it as a wilderness and those early settlers living in the original dense forest with unknown creatures and diseases etc.
We covered the whole ground easily, including some time on the replica cargo boat, then brought our food from the car and had lunch in the reception building (no cafe or facilities there) and then went back out to the animal trail which was a bit of a disappointment. We saw barely anything, maybe due to the extreme heat, the most exciting (or in my wife's case - scary) thing (being Brits) was a huge spider web on the trailside signboard and a huge spider ... apparently, I was told, a 'Banana' spider?
It would be a lovely place to go as a family with a picnic, etc. as there are lots of tables provided in the grounds.
All in all, for the price a pleasant peaceful location and clearly why a poular wedding location.

We enjoyed walking through this historical site--the original site of Charleston. First, we went through the animal exhibits. The animals were amazingly close. Closest I've ever been to a bald eagle. He was beautiful & animated. One of the bears was out; bison were feeding towards the back of the lot. There were habitats for 12-15 groups of animals. Next you can stroll past excavation sites. Then you come to the water where a replica of an old cargo ship sits. A guide in period costume gave us some information about the ship & a little history. Next came the highlight of the walk--the Avenue of Oaks. What a refreshing sight. Large numbers of huge live oaks lined the property on both sides up to the old southern mansion. Don't miss the museum inside the visitor's center. Very well done! I believe the entire walk is about 3 -31/2 miles. There are picnic tables--if you'd like to break up your time spent here. Also biking trails. It was hot the day we were there--so bring water bottles. When it began to rain lightly, it cooled things off some. On some days (when the site may be more crowded, there is a trolley that runs from stop to stop). We didn't see evidence of the trolley the day we were there.

Interesting history and a beautiful walk through the property in the Spring. Many azaleas blooming and some later camellia's too.

We were there as part of the Charleston Food & Wine Brunch and can't wait to go back and explore more of this area. The land is beautiful! Trees are very large with beautiful shading! Excellent location of a wedding too. Don't miss seeing this one!

Terrific enjoyable walking path through beautiful forested grounds, interspersed with historical displays. There's even a zoo.

My daughter, son and I visited Charles Towne Landing last Saturday, but, as we got there fairly late, we only saw the Animal Forest. It is very interesting, with a pacing black bear (he was staying pretty close to the fence, but it was extremely sturdy!), puma, sheep, goats and a pig, turkeys, skunks and several other animals. When they renovated the park, they really improved the otter habitat, and watching the otters play and swim was quite fun! Kids would love it!

My daughter and I came back today to check out the rest of the park. We walked to the indentured servants' quarters, which was very dark, with a HUGE fireplace, table, barrels and ingenious window shutters. Also saw the archaeological dig, which is covered by a barn-like structure, as it's permanent. It clearly shows the discolored line of dirt that indicated where the original palisade wall was! If you ever went to CTL in the 70s, the wall is now different from the one we had then. It follows the configuration revealed by archaeology. The Adventure sank several years ago and a new one was built, which you can visit now. It is very nice, with a living historian on board to tell you about how the sailors lived on it and all about the cargo.

In all, it was a nice visit. The contrast with the "old" CTL from the 70s is stark! The entrance to the visitor area is wooded and covered with sweetgrass along the path and in the parking lot. Gone is the pavilion and the hideous admin building, gift shop and snack bar. The visitor center has exhibits for kids and adults, excellent restrooms and a gift shop. There is a tram, but not for tours. Just for getting rides from one stop to another. Not sure if it runs every day.

What I love about America is the respect and revence for its history - the park was crowded with visitors looking for a glimpse of the past. A large park of great beauty with wonderful exhibits showing the first landing in the area.
And the service is superb, a very helpful front desk and there is a shuttle to help people visit the major parts of the park, i.e the boat at the specific landing point.

The animal area is superb. The puma was our favourite. The pelicans (and getting up really close inside their netted area), the bear, the wolves too!
We returned on a Tuesday morning for 'toddler animal school' which was great.
Great value to buy a season ticket if you live fairly nearby.
This place doesn't seem to have too many visitors in August. Lots of space for a picnic and they have a ship to explore.
Another time (without the 2 year old) we would follow the history tour.

Charles Towne Landing was only occuppied for 10 years. learning about living in 1670 in harsh environments,

We enjoyed a nice walk through this park. It's about a 3 mile trek with lots of history along the way. If you get tired, there is a free tram that will take you to different areas of the park.

This site was recommended by our old town tour guide and we are glad we went! Very quiet, extensive grounds. Everything from animals to a boat from the time to walk on, to a home/lake, to beautiful trees and grounds. Welcoming staff, informative video and welcome center. We learned a lot and enjoyed our time at Charles Towne!

We love this place. We took our grandson last year but we didn't get to finish our entire visit because a storm blew up and we had to dash back to the visitor's center for protection.

This year our grandson's family came for a week's visit and we went back. He has a little brother with behavioral issues and I knew he loves animals so we did the animal loop which is the one we had to miss last year because of the storm. He loved it.

It was so hot the afternoon we were there we only did the animal loop. Then we checked out the indoor exhibits before heading out to Angel Oak.

I definitely recommend a visit here. Also it is very reasonably priced.

The park is indeed very lovely. I wish there was more information available. The desk just pointed me to a QR code for a map. Signage at the archaeological sites was minimal. I was particularly disappointed that there were no guides or docents available on the Adventure since I am quite interested in small sailing vessels and had all kinds of questions. Admittedly I was visiting off season. But, it was a pleasant walk.

This place is great for a family that loves history, nature, and walking trails! We spent the whole day there and saw so much stuff! Will go again when our toddler is older!

The staff were very nice and welcoming, they are also pet friendly on the grounds. The price to get in was $10 which is a lot less than some of the other places in Charleston. There is a walking trail around the site. The Avenue of Oaks is a gorgeous location to take photos. It is a great place to get lost for a few hours.

Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site, located at 1500 Old Towne Road in Charleston, South Carolina, in the West Ashley neighborhood, preserves the original site of the first permanent English settlement in the Carolinas. In 1670, English settlers landed on a marshy point off the Ashley River and established the Carolina colony. Archaeologists began digging at the site in 1967 and continue through the present day, uncovering Native American, English and African artifacts. In 1970, the 664-acre site was opened to the public to commemorate South Carolina's tricentennial. It features an exhibit hall, rental facility, a natural habitat zoo, miles of trails, archaeological excavations, dozens of picnic tables, a replica tall ship and six fireable replica cannons. The Experimental Crop Garden showcases crops planted by early colonists for food and profit. The Fortified Area features a reconstructed palisade wall and earthworks that colonists used to defend against an attack by the Spanish or their Native American allies. The American Forest is home to species indigenous to the Carolinas in the 1670s, including black bear, bison, bobcat, puma, North American river otter, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, egret and brown pelican. Board the Adventure, a replica of a 17th century trading vessel that is docked in Old Towne Creek, and imagine sailing between South Carolina and Barbados with goods for trade. The site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969.

A beautiful quiet outdoor space to explore, appreciate and learn about the history of the area. Was grateful for the shuttle service and the staff who drove the shuttle were very friendly and provided good info.

Scenic park with easy to navigate trails and interesting history including original settlement displays and a replica cargo ship. There is a small zoo onsite which is not really well done but overall kids would ind a lot of things interesting as well as the adults. You can even rent bikes there. Live oaks abound and there were water birds, turtles and other local flora and fauna to enjoy. $10 entry fee for adults was a good value for the 3 hours we spent there walking, relaxing and taking pictures. Very enjoyable.

We visited in early January and walked this park on a beautiful, sunny day. The ranger at the visitor center gave us a map, and we could follow the paths or make short cuts as we pleased. The park of lovely to walk and learn the history as you go along. There are plenty of benches if you need to rest. The home and grounds of the woman who donated the land to the county are beautiful to see.

Admission was $10 and we would recommend doing this park by bike! The cost is only $5.00 per hour. The bikes are easy to ride and a high end cycle. The park is large and this will save you a lot of time. Do the zoo first then rent the bike or do the zoo at the end. They don't allow bikes in the zoo area and that will cost you another hour rental and bikes will be just sitting there while you are in the zoo. The home on the property is beautiful and well maintained. The trees provide a stunning view. We didn't get to go on the ship because it was being winterized. The park entertained and fascinated our family and was worth the money and trip.

Stopped here with 3 littles and grandpa.
Nice shop, but very crowded, especially when people are waiting in line to buy tickets.
Lots of people here with bikes, I think they rent them which would be a great way to get around.
Tons to see here, from ruins, to the ship, to a small zoo area. Beautiful old house with lots of trees and moss. Very scenic.
They also have cool shirts, nice fabric good price.

Superb place to wander, admire the animals or learn about local history. Allow at least 2 hours. Children can run around and let off steam. Do not hesitate to ask for the audio guide

A very good interpretive center is followed by lots and lots of walking with poorly signed exhibits and outdoor zoo stretched over many many acres ... the guide is a 1 cent 1pg copy that provides no real info or guidance and a group of 4. 12 bucks a head

It's a nice place to take an extended afternoon and walk the grounds. Your not allowed to go into the house on the grounds, but you can walk the gardens. There's a model of a ship to scale that you could board and walk around on...some interesting information there. If you like walking and nature it's a nice afternoon.

The land was beautiful and peaceful, but the animals did not look cared for. The enclosures were way too small and there was only one of several of the animals. The wolf was dirty and looked so sad. The same for the otter. I only saw one. If they are going to have a “zoo” they need to take better care of these animals and they all need mates!

My 15 year old son and I really enjoyed Charles Towne Landing. It's more toned down than the plantations, but it's much more reasonably priced. It cost $16 total for us while a plantation was going to cost us $60. The park is very large with many different areas. They have a nice museum, wildlife exhibits (we actually saw the bobcats and bear), and a replica of a river merchant ship (with a period costumed guide). The grounds are lovely with a very nice oak alle in front of the plantation house. I thought it was extremely impressive for a state park.

Loved this one the most in our entire trip.
We're history buffs so museum itself took us 2.5 hours.
The best part was replica of a cargo ship, kids loved going on a real ship (It's a small one but still pretty cool)
The zoo inside is just enough to keep kids interested..
Lots of insta worth photo spots, but if you're wearing hills n pretty dress, pack sneakers bcz it's lots of walking..

Charles Towne Landing is a great historical site. Plan to spend at least 2 hours for the walking history tour and animal forest. Nice museum and gift shop on the property. We stopped here while in South Carolina for Christmas and enjoyed the walking tour and animal forest. Great for families with paved paths and walkways for strollers and wheelchairs.

Enjoyed a beautiful walk, arrived early before it got too hot. Easy walking trails, all paved. Animal exhibit is very pleasant. Plenty of places to sit and enjoy the serenity. Beautiful old trees covered in Spanish moss. We'll go back in winter for camellias and spring time for azaleas. I suggest you bring water and bug spray. Also, there's a lot of perfect places for family photos so bring the camera

Great place to take pics, great view of the water and the houses. The canopy was nice would be a great place to picnic.

We were quite excited reading about Charles Towne Landing given the mix of animals, history, grounds, and Adventure, but some set ups and displays were clear let-downs. First, the Animal Forest is definitely interesting with the two pumas, two bob cats, and one black bear among other animals, but the skunk is perpetually not there and it is extremely sad to see the Bald Eagle in such a tiny cage. The grounds were generally pretty with a few historical displays, but some clearly needed updating (eg, we could not find the dark line in the archeological site, the servants’ quarter had interesting tools but no instructional/informational plaques, the house designed to show you construction approaches was a mess with wooden planks and a small toy-like canon inside). The biggest disappointment was the ship Adventure. The photos make it look like a ship that would impress any colonist or visitor on the horizon (including the photo on a readily searchable website). However, upon arrival, you will realize that it’s no bigger than a playground ship for kids or steamboat Willie (approximately 65 foot long which is the size of a yacht or large boat). Perhaps recognizing the advertising’s exaggeration, the park worker on the boat tells you right away that the Adventure was the historical equivalent of a midsized UPS truck. Seeing this lil thing at the end of a somewhat bland walk was very anti-climatic (the drawing on the Charles Towne Landing map was bigger than the actual ship).

When we visited on a Saturday, the Legare-Waring House was also closed for a private event. If the State Park system wants to generate revenue off these private rentals, perhaps it should give visitors a discount when they visit on a day when certain displays are closed.

Come spend the day at Charles Towne Landing, a SC State park where the colonial settlers first tucked in before moving to the peninsula. The Spanish moss laden trees, the gorgeous camellias, and a boat with a period dressed docent are just a few of the treats to be discovered on the grounds.

Nice little park worth the visit. We went to the settlement. The park is very educational about the early settlement with some props. The walk is mostly tree in the shade so the hot sun is not a bother. Plenty of benches. Other attractions we did not visit. Small zoo and a house. Reconstructed trade ship used by settlers, fortifications, houses and ramparts.

$12 per person for entry. Soooooo many huuuuuge live oaks. Spanish moss everywhere. One live oak near the rear of the house is circa 1220! We went for the Animal forest. The bear was awesome. 5 feet away, he was very sociable and put his arms up on the fence as if he was hugging. You could hear him breathe. The 3 otters were so playful in the water and out of the water. We saw a puma, bison, and wolves!

Wonderful walking tour of beautiful gardens and exotic animals. Can talk with "ye olde " people along the way.

This park has something for everyone. The habitats in the zoo section are some of the largest and most natural I have ever seen for the animals. It's so nice to see the animals in such a nice environment and they all looked beautifully healthy. The park is huge. They have a tram if you can't walk the entire area. There is so much to explore. I would love to come back on a day when they have a re-enactment. I can imagine it would be like taking a step back in time. On a regular day, it is very beautiful and peaceful. Definitely worth a visit.

Within view of downtown Charleston, this gem of a State Park gives the visitor a glimpse of the original 1670 settlement by the British.

My wife and I rented one of the audio tour devices ($5) which led us through the 1 mile History Trail. I have to say I normally get bored with these types of "educational" experiences, but in this case I got immersed in the moment and thoroughly enjoyed the walking tour.

Although it was a sunny, 90 deg day in mid-August, the temperature wasn't a problem as the path took us through deep shade and breezes from Oldtown Creek.

All in all, a great experience!

My family picked this place among the many things we could have done on a warm, sunny day in Charleston and are so glad we did. We spent a full five hours walking around the gorgeous grounds, reading all of the expertly crafted museum exhibits, exploring a period sailing ship, taking the 22 station audio tour, talking up the knowledgeable Park employees, and having a picnic lunch. You could wiz through the place in 2 hours but you’d miss a lot and, trust me, you don’t want to miss anything in this State Park. I’m a history buff and yet learned a lot here. Even my teenagers loved it (yes, hope lives).

TIP: for just a bit more than the price of admission for a medium size family, you can purchase a year pass for the whole family to not just this Park but EVERY South Carolina State Park. Bargain city!

Perfect day out with the family. History scattered around the site with rangers throughout who are excellent and very informative. Great flat walks and plenty of shade to rest for a bit. I could have done without the zoo but the rest of the park is fantastic!

Beautiful park! Nice trails. The audio tour is worth the $5 charge. Stanley offered exceptional customer service going above and beyond to answer our questions and be helpful on our first visit to this park.

This is a large building with lots of resources for the traveler. There are a number of trams which go around the city. You can also buy tickets to a number of attractions. It is worth the visit.

We live so close to Charles Towne Landing and enjoy the property so much. We ride our bikes there all year long. It has a great entrance drive that is from a 1 mile to 1.5 miles (if you go around the parking lot). Just do laps in the beautiful trees, passing ponds and nature common in SC. Love to have it so close.

We went on our visit on a hot August day so there was very few tourists, but we loved it. There is a ship to walk on, archaeological sites, reproductions, a zoo, etc. It easily filled three to four hours of our day. We brought our lunch and sat in their air conditioned lunch area. Our only regret was that we did not see the gardens in bloom.

This is a beautiful historical park displaying much of what the first settlers of SC experienced. The grounds are great and the small zoo of animals is very interesting. The admission is $12 so make sure you buy a park pass if you are going to be visiting many of the state parks in SC.

Went there often as a child and now with my child and it hasn't changed much but the price has gotten a little out of hand. We still go once a year because its great!

Very educational and lots to see while doing the tour of the grounds as well as the museum. We were there during a hot time but with plenty of water we did ok. We learned alot about how the government worked in SC as well as where the first settlers came from.

We walked to entire park, enjoyed the ship and museum. Most of the animals were hiding and only saw a few of them but the black bear was so cute playing in his kiddie pool. The rest of the park is beautiful but the exhibits are just okay. The staff at the front desk was very friendly and helpful. Also the gentleman on the ship was very interesting to talk to.

This park opened in 1970 to celebrate South Carolina's tricentennial. This park preserves the original site of the first permanent settlement in SC.

Has a nice zoo, miles of trails, a replica tall ship and much more. Great place to take the grandkids.

We took visiting family to Charles Towne Landing today. We had not been there in about 25 years. The walk among the large shade trees and lush foliage was a wonderful respite from the harsh, hot concrete and asphalt of West Ashley and the city. If you need to clear your mind and rest your soul, a leisurely walk on the winding trails is the perfect prescription.

Highly recommend a visit it Charles Towne Landing. It has something for everyone - our kids (5 and 8) loved the zoo and visiting the ship. We enjoyed the gardens and history of the grounds, and the whole family got a kick out of seeing an alligator, Canada geese and turtles. We were grateful for the free wagon / stroller rental and enjoyed a picnic at one of the many designated picnic areas.

This park is so well run and great for families, and the price is very reasonable. This was one of the highlights of our trip to Charleston.

We visited the museum, which was organized chronologically. The organizers did a very good job explaining the settlement of Charleston. It was too hot to explore the site, but seeing the museum only was half price. While there, we noticed that bikes were available for rent for touring the original settlement.

I live downtown and love the history in our neighborhoods, but I need an open space to relax.
I bring my dog once a week and walk 2 loops around the park.
Great history, fantastic volunteers & staff, and beautiful vistas of marsh and live oaks.
I saw an alligator last week!

Nice park with lots to see - history and nature. Paved walkways. We visited the Animal Forest - it was nice but fairly small cages and enclosures for some animals. Not good for photos. Good for a couple of hours for a morning stroll.

Spend the day exploring and learning about the original Charles Towne Settlement. Walk through the museum and learn about life in the Colonial Days. The grounds are beautiful and the animal section was quite entertaining.

Took my daughter's family here to celebrate our grandson's 3rd birthday. The kids had a blast. Parking is readily available. The main building is where you pay to enter the park. The people who work there are so friendly and helpful. We picked up fried chicken and had all of our lunch when we got to the front area. I have the annual pass. We asked about where we could picnic. The lady pointed us to an area out the back door near the bird feeders which has several picnic tables on a concrete area. It was secluded and very quiet so perfect to have a nice lunch with the family. We went back to the front to ask about the wagons that are behind the desk. They are free to use so we got a large Radio Flyer wagon to carry the two children, ages 3 and 1. This made the visit to the animal forest much easier. The kids would get out of the wagon at the animal exhibits and we didn't have to carry them once they got tired at the back of the exhibits. There are red wolves, otters, bears, mountain lions, deer, bison, turkeys, an elk, bobcats, a bald eagle, as well as goats and pigs. The skunk exhibit was closed. The kids loved riding in the wagon around the park. There are also four new swings at the entrance to the animal forest which the kids loved. There are also exhibits in the main building to walk through. We didn't make it to the boat on this visit. The kids definitely had fun and we always enjoy going through the park.

We spent a very enjoyable three hours here. The museum exhibit is just outstanding, a great way to learn about the beginnings of Charleston. The history walk and gardens are also good. We are glad we discovered this place.

Went with a group.
Very pleasant walk. Lots of trees. Not very many flowering shrubs. A house that is only used for weddings or other events.
The animal area was disappointing.
Nothing to eat except junk food, candy bars, ice cream.
It had been 20 years since my first visit. I was expecting more for a famous tourist spot.

We decided to visit Charles Town Landing to see the animals. The park is extremely nice and the landscape is manicured perfect. We did view the animal portion of the park which was nice. Unfortunately about an hour in it decided to rain so we attempted to walk the historic side with an umbrella but the rain wasn't cooperating so we cut the visit short. I would recommend this park to anyone young or older for s good family event.

This place was amazing! I loved it took a few hours but it was awesome and really informative and great learning experience from the past!

Spent a day here. Wonderful history, informative and fun seeing the rescued animals. If you have a family would be nice to pack a lunch. However you can leave the park and come back same day. Just keep your receipt to show on return.

We arrived on a week day morning when the park is not busy. They have a lovely welcome center and gift shop as well as a very good introductory display which takes about a half hour to see. It is essential to study this display as it is the key to the rest of the park. (The display also has many child oriented stations that are pretty cool.)

The lady at the desk was very friendly and supplied us with an audio tour device at no charge. As we were travelling the blacktop paths, another volunteer in a golf cart tram asked us if we would like a ride. We hopped in and got a personal tour of the whole area. (The path usually takes at least an hour to walk.)

We were glad to have the tour as the actual sites are either virtual or models. There are really no furnished buildings to enter. We also were glad we did not spend the time to walk as none of the attractions were open and there were no volunteers that day so nothing was happening. We simply had a ride through a beautiful park like setting.

In addition, there is a very nice, small, outdoor zoo. It is worth seeing - and it has bathrooms. What we learned is that there are days with special events and guides - especially the first Saturdays of the month. A potential visitor should consult the website and plan on arriving on a day when history is dramatized.

Had a great visit here at the original settlement in Charleston. The exhibits and museum were well done. Beautiful areas to see with the defined walks.

This state park is inquest indeed. It offers a great walk around what was Charles Towne (shortened to Charleston) around 1670-1690. Flowers blooming, great oaks, examples of life during the city's early period, and, of all thing, a zoo featuring native species (bison, bear, deer, bald eagle, otters, farm animals, etc). A movie shoot was n progress while we were there.

Be Prepared to walk. Many smooth and paved trails for easy walking. Historically accurate common house as well as a merchant ship that resides in the water with a informative guide aboard. There is a house on site, but the house is not open to the public as it is an area for brides and grooms to get ready as the park also hosts weddings throughout the year. There is an animal forest where you will see animals that the settlers would have seen when they landed in Charles Towne. There is an interactive museum in the visitor center. The admission is 10$ which is reasonable for Charleston attractions.

I used to work at Charlestown Landing and my experience was great! There’s a certain ambiance to the site, that I felt. It’s a beautiful site and worth a visit. Just think it’s where Charleston was born!!

Worth every dime of the entry fee ($12/adult). We spent 2.5 hours here and could have spent more, and your ticket will allow you to leave and return. My husband's favorite was the boat replica that you can tour. My favorite was coming across an archaeological dig in progress. We were encouraged to watch and ask questions. I also love they have a little zoo section.

Worth visiting if you’ve got the time, though by no means is this a must-visit.

You start your visit in the visitor center, where you pay the $10/adult fee. I’m unsure of the fee for others, as it was just my wife and I who visited here. Within the visitor center, there’s a small but informative museum/exhibit which details the history of Charleston as being the site of the first English settlement in Carolina. I thought they could have provided more information on the native population that was here before the English came, though they did provide some information in that regard.

After you finish the exhibit, there’s a footpath you follow out from the visitor center that will take you around to the different sights within the park. The path is paved, though much of it is in direct sunlight. The path is a loop, and towards the end there are some pretty awesome live oak trees and a cool little pond.

Zoo - Not really worth seeing, unless you’ve literally never seen a zoo before. I felt like the enclosures were pretty small, and the animals kind of seemed a little sad and bored.

Wharf - This would be fun for kids. There’s a replica of a 17th century ship called the Adventure that you can board.

Village - Pretty cool “replica” of the early settlers village, though it’s not exactly accurate to how the original used to be.

Overall, you can tell that a lot of thought and work went into creating this site, and it’s worth visiting and spending a few hours at.

I was a little disappointed in the grounds. I thought there would be more active portrayal of life in Charles Towne from the plantation owners, indentured servants, slaves and Native Americans. The grounds were nice and there were information stands but the only active role was the sea captain for a cargo ship.

Bring lunch and picnic - bike rentals are available or bring your own! There is a tram to take you all over the park and you can hop on and off whenever you choose. There is a relic ship, a homestead, many back trails and gardens - and of course the animal forest!! If you go in the afternoon - be sure to go to the animal forest after 3pm and hang around. They feed the animals in the afternoons and they all come out - you can see them ALL! Very entertaining for everyone!

Beautiful place with lots of wildlife. Squirrels everywhere my daughter enjoyed seeing them so close. Otter exhibit was nice. Only complaint is bring bug spray because mosquitoes will eat you alive.

We rented bikes and rode around here. Very cool, if you love history. Aboarded the ship. The animals were part of the trail.

Very picturesque with a multitude of live oaks complete with Spanish moss. I was disappointed that the one photo I was looking to capture was of the Avenue of Oaks and apparently due to overuse they had the area roped off to try to get grass to grow. If you’re going to see the animals I recommend going when the weather is cool as all of the animals were sleeping in the shade on my visit.

Charles Towne Landing, the first settled colony in South Carolina, is a great place to discover the origins of Charleston. The grounds are beautifully maintained, with something for everyone to enjoy. All areas are well marked and include walking paths, historical ruins, a zoo, an exhibit hall, and the not-to-be-missed replica sailing ship. Restrooms are located throughout the property and snacks/cold drinks available at the Entrance/Exhibit Hall.

Note of information: The address to the Entrance of the park doesn't seem to be correct. I keyed in the advertised 1500 Old Towne Road address to our GPS, but it was not the entrance and no sign of the park was visible. Punching in "Nearby Attractions" on the GPS revealed the address to be 1670 Old Towne Road, which took us to the entrance gate. So, if you find yourself "lost", you might try the 1670 address.

Initial site of the first settlement / landing in the Charleston area during the colonial period. Lots of history. Worth seeing.

We love this park and know that Hurricane Matthew did some damage, especially in the Animal Forest so we were anxious to see it again. I have a Park Passport which allows you to go into any state park. The animal forest is reopen with the exception of the pumas. The animal forest is a favorite for small children. There are events in the park and today was the Fall Festival through the animal forest for children later in the afternoon. The exhibits are fun. We went through the indoor exhibit giving the history of Charles Towne. There are a lot of interesting exhibits showing life in the beginning with indians and learning to grow crops. The gift shop has stuffed animals found in the animal forest, shirts, hats and numerous small souvenirs. The paved paths are open, but some of the unpaved walking paths are still closed. The staff is still working hard to removed downed trees and finish all of the cleanup. The path to the Animal Forest has a reproduction of the original fences. The African American cemetery is on the left on the way there. There are benches and water fountains around the park. Once inside the animal forest you will find Red wolves, shore birds, bears, deer, bison, turkey, goats, bobcats, skunk, and the favorite otters. There is a restroom located at the back of the trail by the turkey exhibit. The puma exhibit is closed for repairs from damage to the enclosure from the hurricane. This is a walking tour and can take as long as you want to spend. There is a walking trail to the boat on the creek, but this is a long way to walk. There is a tram that will take you there. We enjoy walking and taking in the scenery. On the trail to the bobcat enclosure, you get a view of the Citadel and the peninsula area. The park is large and you can take a picnic lunch to enjoy. There are areas with tables inside the main building as well as outside. You can also just sit on any of the benches around the park. This is a fun place.

There is a decent amount to see here, but our experience was not very pleasant due to the very unhelpful person at the entrance the day we visited.

Upon purchasing tickets, she did not share any information about the site with us and simply pointed to a QR code which she stated is where we could "find everything". We were traveling with my parents who do not have smart phones, so finding everything through a QR code was not an option for them. As stated by a previous poster, there are no maps available and yes, only South Carolina seniors are offered a discounted rate.

The museum is nice with a lot of information. Our kids enjoyed the animals, and after reading Tripadvisor reviews I learned that a golf cart was available for my parents to tour the park, and an audio tour was also available - again, information not provided by the unhelpful person at the entrance.

All in all, a decent stop if you are in Charleston, but certainly not as enjoyable as it could have been had the staff been more hospitable. Would not return again.

March 5, 2020, lightening, thunder, pouring rain. Elected to do the museum and skip the outside exhibits.
The museum presented the history of the colony and its ramifications to the local indians and other colonies in an outstanding manor. If you are interested in the large scale history this museum is very worthwhile. We spent about 1.5 hours and read most everything . Also tried and enjoyed the interactive exhibits.

I thought that this historic site was beautiful! It has great walking trails and is dog friendly! I definitely recommend visiting!

Just off a busy 4-lane street, down a lengthy corridor of live oaks, is one of the "hidden" gems of a tourist mecca (Charleston) that offers just as much to locals. Namely, beauty and serenity, crispness in fall, wildlife and explosions of azaleas and camellias in spring, shade from the oppressive heat of summer. Not to mention plenty of educational fodder. In the embrace of the Landing, you can't hear the buzz of traffic a few hundred yards away, only the calls of birds, the choruses of frogs, and the wind whispering through the Spanish moss. One of my favorite places for 30 years.

This was a great adventure - so many things to see and learn from different animals, to how early settlers lived, ate, worked etc, to getting on a replica boat near the marsh, walking into a replica home with real food that would have been eating...Beautiful place!!

Beautiful gardens, a ship to tour, delightful animal forest and many other sights and history lessons. Rent a bike or ride the tram so you won't miss anything. Touring by bike or walking will allow you to walk the newer marshside boardwalks for spectacular views of downtown Charleston and the area.

Good starting point for Charleston to learn the history. The animal forest park is a great place to see native species. Glad they were rescued. Our shuttle driver, Ealy, was fantastic. He gave us some history as he took us back to the center.

This is such a wonderful place to walk. The history is almost an added bonus. I’ve been spending tome here since they opened in 1970 and it just keeps getting better. I do miss the alligators in the animal forest, but the bear and the turkeys were a riot.

Did you know that Charleston has a zoo?! Well the Charles Towne Landing does and you will enjoy it. My wife and I used to be members when we live closer and that was our own private walking and jogging path. Now we take the kids there a couple times a year for the animals, history and relaxing.

I wasn't expecting much when I first looked into this spot but oh goodness was I wrong! This place is phenomenal! We spent about three hours in the museum portion of the visitors center reading about the original Charleston Colony. We learned so much. We then spent over an hour and a half walking the historic trail -filled with historical placards, historic reconstructions and beautiful landscaping. We then spent another hour in the animal zoo area where we saw native animals. This is a must see for both history buffs, and families with children. Awesome site!!

The tour here starts at a very nice visitor's center, where you can pick up trail maps & brochures, visit the gift shop, get a snack and visit the (very clean) restrooms. The trails are easy to follow and there are plenty of historical exhibits throughout the park with interpretive signage. There is also a shuttle that you can use if you don't want to walk the entire trail system, which covers all of the historical areas and a large nature area. We spent most of the day here, and I still found that I wished we'd had more time to really explore the whole park. I highly recommend it!

This park was a joy to learn about how Europeans colonized the Carolinas. It was not only very informative, but the grounds was pure bliss to walk. The zoo was the first stop since it is the only zoo in Charleston and always a joy to see all the animals there. Never had the chance in life to see a Puma or Bison up close and personal until today. The museum was quite fascinating to see the relics that was once buried on this land. It was quite a learning experience to remember all I was taught in school. The grounds was beautiful, even during the winter, and cannot wait till the first Saturday of the month to be able to see the cannons being fired. I took so many pictures that my battery died before I finished walking the grounds and the garden.Cannot wait to return for more fun.

This was a good visit. The animal part was good although some stayed too far off to get a good view of them. The historical aspect, monuments and info was good but more interaction and artifacts would enhance the experience in some areas. The boat was really cool

This was the first English landing in SC. They are still digging the site looking for more finds. It has some interesting facts. The grounds are beautiful and make an outstanding walk. When it is hot you will want water. 11 year old granddaughter found it interesting. There is a discount for SC Seniors.

We took the nature/animal hike in the fall and enjoyed the pumpkin hunt. Great variety of animals and a fun outdoor atmosphere. Also enjoyed the old sailing ship and the reconstructed 1700s buildings.

Charles Towne Landing is an interesting stop for history buffs, as the first settlement of the English in the Carolinas.You can tour a replica of a 1600s ship, or bring a meal to eat in the scenic picnic area.There are educational markers along the walking routes.
But it is also an excellent place to take your dog, as you enjoy the natural beauty of the Lowcountry. Some areas are restricted, but there is plenty of territory still available for walking with your furbaby, and “oh the smells we’ll smell!” I recommend going to their website to find out where pets are allowed, and then downloading a map, to see the walking areas you can enjoy with your furbaby(ies). I also recommend going in cooler seasons, and generously applying "Off!"

Spanning decades since its founding in 1970 this park was originally commissioned to celebrate South Carolina's tricentennial celebration. A vast expanse of open areas, hiking trails, a small, but interesting zoo, etc. A wonderful place to visit except in the heat of summer. Devastated by Hurricane Hugo in 1989, it took years to come back but now its renovated with a vengeance. Cannot be missed.

The zoo keeps you away from the animals rather than the otherway. There is interior exhibits and a very old video. I do not think there is a charge. The reroduce village is authentic and the open fields really do show you what it was like. There is the reproduction of the orginal ship that broght the explores here. Call to see if yo can visit the boat. It really is great. I have brought my parents for picnics in the area that has tables, grills and other things that make a picnic nice. A full half day or more.

If you have 2 or more hours then go experience the first permanet English settlement (1670) in Carolina. There is an exhibit hall, then miles of trails that provides insight into Colonial history, including a replica sailing ship. Also, wander through their natural habitat zoo area and gardens.

We love this place, the only reason we give it 3 stars is because of the staff and vague instructions. The grounds are huge and beautiful, the zoo part is very sad. People come very early in the morning and walk, so you really dont have to pay admission, we did because it is not right not too. It would be nice to go into the house and to have been told there is an audio tour. We didnt know it until we got on the history trail, there were very vague instructions on everything from the staff and they were not friendly at all. Yes, it is worth it to spend the day here, be sure you have on walking shoes.

We were fortunate enough to be invites to a wedding at the Legare Waring House, at Charles Towne Landing. It was a very beautiful evening.
We were very impressed with the beauty of the entire park and facility. The grounds staff was very helpful making sure we got to the right place. The wedding itself, was wonderful and our best to the couple. We were left with the knowledge that we needed to come back to this place to visit more and explore. Well worth it, especially if you are a history buff - like we are.

This was one of the best museums I've seen in awhile. It starts off with a brief interactive Museum and then you walk through the Animal Park which is basically a 22 Acres Zoo. Different animals are in somewhat large closures. They have unique animals like a puma, a bear, a pack of red wolves and a hidden Bobcat. Enclosures are large enough to give the animals some space to prom but small enough to where you can't help but see them. I felt a little bad for the animals but if some of your great exhibit for kids. They also had turkeys in a bald eagle, family of others and some other animals.
Then you walk through the historically reconstructed original settlement. Give you a good idea of what the summit looked like back then including the reasons for abs development and eventual band admit. There is a reconstructed trade ship from the air of the settlement, 1670s. Jojn, the guide on the ship was excellent and gave a really detailed informative lecture on the history of the area, and settlement and the international Trade of the time which fueled the settlement.
A lot of walking but a good tour for the whole family.

This was hands down my favorite part of our family vacation to Charleston. The park is expansive and well maintained. The costumed period guides were knowledgeable. We enjoyed visiting with the animals, climbing aboard the sailing vessel, exploring the settlement, and watching them launch the cannons. We spent much longer here than we had planned. I had 3 children with me, ages 7, 9, and 11. All of us enjoyed our day here. (I would recommend eating at Red Orchids Chinese restaurant nearby. It has won Charleston's best Chinese 14 years in a row).

This site is by far the best historical site around Charleston especially for the price. For ten dollars or less you visit the original site where Charleston began, a small zoo, a mansion, a garden and climb aboard a replica of a 17th century supply boat all in a beautiful setting. We were also lucky enough to participate in a ranger led tour.

My favorite State Park to time travel back to Colonial Days with the original settlement of Charleston Towne Landing. We love the way things were as well as the zoo, a favorite walk or bike ride for Charlestonian Properties.

Have to say this made quite an enjoyable afternoon with my wife. Like taking a step back in time nearly 400 yrs. very informative and great recreations of original settlement. And can’t forget the nice little zoo that is there as well

It’s a beautiful and well-maintained location. Gardens are relaxing and beautiful. You can enjoy the view while learning about the history of the American settlers. We visited in April and it was not crowded at all. The only cons is that the place does not have a restaurant or cafeteria - you’re welcome to bring your own food though. Lots of picnic tables. Unfortunately we missed the animal area - was drinking my coke and drinks were not allowed.

Aaaaahhhhh! This place was large, magnificent and educational! BRING BUG SPRAY! Beautiful scenic walk around the property by trees, water and we even saw a wild red tailed hawk!(?) Wear comfortable shoes! You can rent or bring bikes to bike around. The Animal Forest was amazing with a sweet bear, coyote, playful otters, bison, proud bald eagle, and other animals. However, some were not out due to the heat. Crabs even darted in/out on the trail. The cool ship replica staff gave additional information! The views in all directions were fantastic!

We started in the morning, left for lunch, had a short nap a the hotel and returned for more in the evening. My seven-year-old son enjoyed it. The small zoo's animals were almost all out and about to see. We especially enjoyed the historical interpreter at the Adventure, a reduction trading vessel from the 17th C.

Beautiful place to visit in Charleston! Tour was self guided, but we also opted to do a presentation guided tour. Our guide was phenomenal! I can not remember his name. Very interesting!

We stopped here thinking we would really get a feel of one of the first landings. Were disappointed that there were no interpreters to bring the Towne to life. Grounds were OK. Beautiful azaleas, oaks and magnolias. Kids would enjoy the Forest and the open spaces. Replicated ship was nice too. Seems like it was assumed buildings were on the spots indicated. Extremely disappointed that the old home was not open. So basically the experience was lost on us.

This is a great destination for all ages. Mother's Day was full of families with small children bringing picnic lunches to celebrate. The main entrance now looks like it belongs in the woods. It has an interactive room to teach history. It also has a presentation about Charles Towne Landing. The gift shop is small and has a variety of items, most a little pricey, but you can find a souvenir in most price ranges. The stuffed animals are all adorable and represent the animals that can be seen in the animal forest. Our trip started with the animal forest after the main entrance. This is a good walk so wear walking shoes. There is a restroom at the back area by the turkeys and water fountains located at the fork in the middle and at the restroom. The new red wolf enclosure offers a great view under a covered pergola. The wolves can be seen in different areas. The new otter area has some great waterfalls with views of the otters as they swim. Unfortunately we've never seen them in the pool when we've visited. This time they were sleeping against the left fence. The bear was walking next to the fence and the puma was people watching from the left corner so everyone was excited to be able to see them. The small animal area contains sheep, goats and a hog. This has an open classroom area for school groups. The deer were also settled in the back. The bison have two viewing areas and today they were easily seen from the back area. The big gobblers were showing off their tail feathers for all the females. The skunk are adorable and were cuddled together in a hole made into a log. The bobcats have been elusive. The group coming back as we were heading that way told us they did see one, but we were not able to find any. There is a tram that takes visitors to the boat down on the water. Today was a limited visit, but we plan to go there on a subsequent visit. The pass cost $75 per year with unlimited access to all state parks. You can get a discount if you are an employee of MUSC. There may be other discounts too so check into it. With adult admission at $10 each, it's worth the pass to be able to make multiple visits to this park and others. The scenery is beautiful and always peaceful. You can come here just to walk for exercise. It also makes a great place to visit with guests. Kids love the animal forest so plan to come early to see animals moving around because many of the animals bed down once it gets warmer.

Besides the historical importance of the site, it's a good walking area. You can't beat the flatness of the whole site.

An outstanding historical museum, wildlife, reconstructed settlement, a historical ship, and beautiful gardens. Extremely well done.

We have visited a number of colonial/Revolutionary War historic sites this past year (Philadelphia, Jamestowne/Williamsburg/Yorktown, and St. Mary's City) so I have several other locations to compare this one to. The thing that makes this particular location stand out is the small zoo, featuring animals that once lived (some still do) in the area when the first Europeans came to live there. No other site we have visited offers that, and there were several park rangers available to answer any questions we may have had. We really enjoyed this portion.

The historic area requires a lot of walking and I wish we had been able to visit in a month with lower temperatures than July. There weren't very many park rangers for us to speak with in the historical area. There were cannons, stocks & pillory, a boat, and a small log building to investigate. There was also a historic house, but it wasn't clear if or where we would be able to enter it. This area was not as good as other areas like it we have visited.

The museum was small but informative and well designed, with some interactive areas. It provided a nice break from the heat. It wasn't as flashy as other colonial history museums we have visited, but it was well done.

There isn't really anywhere to get food inside the park, but you can just keep your receipt and drive out to a nearby restaurant (I recommend Locals West Ashley).

My wife, 13 year old son and I were looking forward to visiting here today-admission for us was $26 which was very reasonable compared to many other area attractions/locales. The grounds are very well kept throughout. Signage throughout was very minimal and left much to be desired as this is a large site. We started inside as suggested looking at the displays conveying the beginning history and settlement of Charleston-content was good but the lighting was abysmal in this area-I could barely read some of the display signs-curved walls and other design aspects left some long shadows along these interior walls and it was quite odd that lighting was not better. Once outside we focused on their "zoo" area first-let me be kind and say this entire area is just SAD-small enclosures, many needing significant care and upgrade! We are an animal loving, zoo oriented family and we ALL felt the same-lame and very unimpressive! Other exhibits through the remainder of property are history oriented and though interesting it did not hold our interest compared to many other sites in this historic city. I want to read real reviews from real families to help me make traveling and spending decisions-please take my advice and keep moving past this one-nice but not worth the stop-we would strongly suggest the Aquarium instead.

Highly recommended! For a small entrance fee you get to experience a small zoo, the cannon fields , the gardens, a small historic replica ship, and so so so much more! We were so impressed with how big this place was and how much fun we had here. I wish we had longer but we only had about to hours to spend here... it was still well worth it but I wish we had more time.

This is an out-of-the-way venue. But, I found it interesting, as it tells the story of the early years of Charles Towne. I had no idea that the first settlement was here. The views of Charleston are excellent. Low key. Easy on the eyes.

We contemplated this or one of the plantations. We made the right choice here. There would be no plantations without the success of this landing. Most Charleston history is about after the settlement. This is about where it all started. Without this landing history, the rest is lacking in information. Please go here first and then decide if a plantation is still on your agenda. A great walk with gardens etc. Highly recommended by a Market vendor. We agree. It's a must visit and really inexpensive, $10 per person. Well worth it!

My wife and I visited this historical site as part of the SC State Parks Ultimate Outdoors challenge. We spent a couple hours walking throughout the entire site, reading every plaque, viewing every exhibit, and would have stayed longer and spending more time on each exhibit if the hours were longer. It was just that interesting and fun.
The park rangers and interpreters were courteous and knowledgeable. They were very helpful to every patron.
I am impressed and will return with my family.

We visited Charles Towne Landing this past week to enjoy a beautiful day outside. We saw the animals and took the guided audio tour offered by the park.

I live in Charleston and have visited this park for my whole life. I have always been disappointed to see the quality of life for the animals. People are blind not to SEE!

I highly enjoyed this visit. The grounds are beautiful. Great place to walk and enjoy nature as you take in the history.

Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site has a little of something for all family members. We particularly enjoyed the animal forest and the replica of the coastal sailing ship. The site has a nice little museum and the staff is as friendly and helpful. Be prepared for a bit of walking and take advantage of the complimentary shuttle if need be.

Lots to do here. Lots of walking required. Plenty of history being taught by staff there. Beautiful property and nice areas to walk.

This is an enormous park. We only took the trail to see the Animal Park. And animals we did see. Put this on your to do list for a visit to Charleston. Deer, bear, wolves, turtles, puma, bobcat, otter, elk, bison, and on and on.

We attended a wedding here this week. It is a beautiful venue for an outdoor wedding and reception. But, in this instance in November, 2016 the temperatures dropped into the 50 degrees by the evening so the venue provided heat lights and fire pits and blankets for the ladies and children if needed. The only suggestion I have is they need some kind of road lights at night. Somewhat difficult to navigate the narrow road and paths as you have quite a long drive from the main road into the park and finally to the House venue. They did provide golf carts for guests to ride from parking to the House. It was pitch dark at 10 pm. I was ready for some park wild life to run across the roads when driving out of the park.

We took Uber back and forth from our home downtown to Charles Towne Landing, and that was the one tricky part of the experience. Your visit starts at the Visitors Center (duh), which is about a mile into the park, and some of the roads to get you there are not clearly marked - but there are signs directing you to the Visitors Center, which helps.

Once we got there, we had a perfectly lovely time. We had brought lunch with us from Martha Lou's Kitchen, and ate at an outdoor table next to the Center. Then we wandered down one of the walkways in the park (we had gotten an Audio Guide, but went backwards through the numbers, starting at the end, etc.). Our favorite part may have been just sitting on a bench surrounded by live oak trees - so peaceful, just lovely.

At a certain point, the shuttle passed by and the driver, who seemed to have a lack of passengers, offered to drive us around. So we took advantage of the offer to see the replica of an early shipping vessel, which was fun. A great way to pass an afternoon!

This park was a highlight of our trip to Charleston. We took the history trail using the recorded audio phones, which told the story of the first settlers in Charleston in a very interesting way. It was lovely to walk the trail while listening to the story. One could really picture life in the very earliest days.

Charles Towne Landing was such an historic area and we learned so much. It was a little hot, so some of the animals weren't out. The natural scenery was breath-taking. You have to make sure this is a part of your trip to Charleston.

Peaceful nature, and history too. I like to ride my bike here, but you could certainly walk around and enjoy it even more. The animal forest (natural habitat zoo) is only accessible on foot, and you need to dismount your bike if you want to tour the Adventurer, the replica 1600s sailing ship. You can rent bikes if you don't have yours.
There are places to picnic, a large parking lot, and incredible five hundred or more year old live oak trees. Plenty of information, and a small museum in the visitors center which is nicely done.
I've seen lots of waterfowl, but also a big gator lazing in the sun, and once a dolphin feeding in Old Towne Creek.

Go on a day it is not going to rain so you can take the outdoor audio tour which can take up to 90 minutes. I walked slow and looked at everything and finished it in 65 minutes, but I listened to the audio tour as I walked to the next stopping place. The audio tour is only $5 and it plays loud enough for a family of five or six to gather around and listen to, so I would only get one for a group up to around six. It covers the same thing you can get by reading the signage around the tour, but adds a lot of extra information and talks about the archaelogy of the site also. The historically correct ketch which you can walk on and see how cramped it was on board. The walk is about a mile and is paved all the way and is wheel chair accessible except for the ketch, which you can pass by and see but would be difficult to access. I would look at the indoor displays when you finish your audio tour. Buy a cold bottle of water to take with you at the visitor's center or bring your own! Recommend you check online as they have live demonstrations at various times of the year. Ask at the front desk for what they have for that day if you don't look online.. You can take your dog around the walking tour on a leash. They have dog poop bags toward the end and probably other places I did not see. You can understand why the settlers chose Charlestowne Landing rather than the Charleston peninsula as it was so much easier to defend, which was the priority back then.

Can't tour the house but the property is beautiful and worth the time and price. I've been there twice now and will be back.

We have been paying members for years. Having forgot our pass in be other car we assumed they would be able to look us up like any other place. Apparently that is not the case. Really ridiculous and annoying.

We enjoyed our visit to the Charles Towne Landing State Park. The Visitor Center has an interesting set of historical displays outlining the arrival of the original settlers and the progression of the development of the area. The grounds are just beautiful. A great place for a nice hike on paved paths through the property with an educational element as well. Well worth a visit.

Stopped in just after a pretty hard rain storm, not a soul in the park. We took a nice walk around the history walk which is likely less than 2 miles. The site is interesting and well maintained. Once you are warmed up you can spend a bit of time touring the museum in the visitor center. At $10 a person, it is great the season pass to the state parks will get a car
Load in!

We spent a day exploring this state park. The historians at the ship and house were awesome! We learned what it was like for the first settlers. Not easy! The park is beautiful, and fun to walk. The cart was a welcome ride back to the visitor center.

This is a lovely place to walk about , enjoy the surroundings and imagine the history of the place.This is a very comfortable place to expose kids to history.

Found out about this site through TripAdvisor. We weren't sure exactly what we were going to, but I'm so glad we did! The grounds are beautiful as are the animals. We enjoy doing a lot of outside walking on our vacations, so this was really the perfect spot for us.

My kids and I go here at least once a year. Its always a good time and we pack a picnic lunch to eat by the water.

Be prepared to walk a lot or rent a bike. Audio guide for $5, but the signs tell the same thing.
We’re in our 70tys and should have put aside more time to do all the grounds and exhibits. Needed at least 2 1/2 hours.

Dog friendly, our corgi loved the cool floor of the exhibit hall.

We had no idea what to expect but this place is huge. Wear good shoes and take a lot of drinking water. Beautiful grounds.Hardly any buildings but a foundation of an older home, a ship replica and the hull of a ship. The grounds and trees are beautiful and well kept. You cannot view the inside of the house. I am 76 and it was a bit much for me because I have asthma and had an attack because of the heat (heat index 103). Also almost had a heat stroke. A wonderful attendant named Tyler came to my aide and was very helpful. We never made it to the zoo or to the Founder’s house because of this but this was still very enjoyable and educational.

It is a great park with a great mixture of history and great scenery. Lots of room for young kids and there is a zoo there. Great seeing all the animals. There is a replica slave ship there nd lots to learn about the first colony in SC.

I have lived in Charleston for 6 years. Charles Towne Landing is a magical place to visit. Love the animals, the beautiful grounds, the history, etc, etc. I am now very confused about this site. 40 years ago a wonderful sculpture of an Indian was donated to the site. It is called " Landing Brave ". It was carved from an oak tree-- how cool is that ! Well, while you're looking at the photos of CTL, you better forget seeing this sculpture in the near future. They are going to take it down because it does not depict a native Indian from this area ! Wow, after 40 years they come up with this. All of us who love this sculpture never knew this or cared what group it depicted. It is a work of art and belongs there. Just sayin !

We recently attended a business anniversary event here. We travelled from Jacksonville and were not familiar with the Site.. It was a great place to visit and have a catered event . This particular event had a phenomenal Band that got everyone involved in dancing and partying! The Site has various places to sit quietly or get involved in a group, and an ease of dining with stations throughout the area. I highly recommend it.

This place is amazing with all of the history and gardens it is a great place to visit and take the family

This was a good site to visit and develop insights into our historic past! We ended up spending more time than we expected by visiting the zoo, but it was worth it for the Red Wolf and the Bird Sanctuary were we say unusual ones we would not see at home!

A little early in the season to be at its finest, the Battery and gardens were nevertheless charming with its landslide backdrop of historic architectural glory and the Bay and Atlantic beyond. Windy and brisk the day we walked it, but the views were terrific and the homes elegant and stunning. Don't miss this lovely historic walk in any mild and inviting weather.

We visited the park during the Garden and Gun Jubilee. The Park is lovely and serene- a wonderful place for a bike ride, dog walk or to just let your kids run. Even though the weather was gray the park was simply a beautiful place to be.

We took our grandson to this site before leaving Charleston for Hilton Head. We found the historic walk very interesting and more attractions had been added since the last time I was there in the 1970s.

We had started on the animal viewing path but heard thunder and lightning coming in so we headed to the visitors center. A storm broke out after we arrived but there were plenty of interesting static displays to read. They also have a small gift shop on site where I found a cute child's t-shirt for our grandson's little brother.

Wonderful grounds, nicely kept. A good stop for history buffs. Quaint visitor center and gift shop. Great to walk around. Don’t miss the reproduction of a 17th century trading ship. Take the shuttle (golf cart) then walk back. Wear good shoes. We left to have lunch and came back. Our entry fee was honored all day. April 1st - October 31. I wouldn’t miss this!

nice walk along the battery and waterfront, park nearby too. rhere is also FREE parking along this st for the day

This is the location of Charleston's founding in 1670. Lovely gardens, walking and biking paths, a museum, a replica of a ship from the 1670s you can board. (Regrettably, there's also a zoo where you feel sorry for the animals—but you can avoid that.) Because it isn't on the peninsula, most visitors to Charleston don't know about it.

The tickets are reasonably priced. They have an Animal Kingdom, almost like a zoo, that has indigenous animals of the region. The rest of the site includes information about the first settlement in the state. I would recommend paying the extra fee for the MP3 player that describes different aspects of the site as you follow the path around the site.

This place turned out to be the highlight of our spring break. Our family of four rented bikes and rode our way through the gorgeous park. Enough history for the grownups and enough room to run and hands-on stuff to keep the kiddos entertained as well. The zoo was small but the kids enjoyed it. We had a great time.

This was a great little state Park and very quiet mid week. Well worth a visit and the animals were a bonus.

We visited this area with three young boys...6, 5, and 2. We didn't get to see all of the grounds, but we did visit the zoo and the ship. We had a nice time, and would recommend it-especially if you need to get some of that energy out of young ones! Plenty of space to let them walk and run. Beautiful grounds, and lots of history. We are from Williamsburg, VA, and I don't think it's fair to compare the two (I've read some comparisons). We discovered a shuttle to take us to the ship. That was a nice break since we had little ones and it was a very warm day. Beautiful views, and we would definitely go back and explore some more.

This is a great place to learn about some of the history of Charleston. Loved seeing the animals & just walking the trails. Been going here since I was a little girl. Always loves it & always will.

We're very glad to have spend a couple of hours at this State Park. Its visitor center contained a very interesting display, explaining the history of the city, from the native Americans, through the Europeans' landing and need for assistance, their ways of life, etc.
There was a recently built ship more or less of the size that the Europeans had used when they landed there, that you could walk through the lovely, verdant grounds to. We went on board, below deck, etc.
Saw the canons, the lovely parklike landscaping, etc., but, sadly, there were few original structures to see, as the State had mysteriously and criminally demolished them when it took the place over in recent years, but it built a zoo of sorts, where the kids can view a dozen different living animals in cages or roaming in fenced fields.

Also on site was the most beautiful old home whose grounds were being set for an outdoor wedding amongst the most beautiful stand of trees!! We were told that it was deemed to be one of the 10 best wedding venues in the USA. It was magnificent...but you need insect repellent. I inquired as to the cost of the venue and was told that it rented for something like $5,000- or $6,000 -- I don't recall which. It's state-owned, so not terribly costly as wedding venues go. But, that's only for the setting, I believe.

Another well-executed SC State Park historical site that should be included on your places to visit list while touring the Charleston area. Both indoor and outdoor things to do and see. Plan on spending at least 1.5 hours for an unhurried experience.

INSIDE: Behind the admission counter at the Visitors Centor you will find very informative, interactive displays that explain the founding of original Charleston. The layout has been carefully planned and makes for an enjoyable educational experience. You will not want to rush through here.

OUTDOORS: Here's where you will use what you learned INSIDE, coupled with some imagination. Starting at the Visitors Center, a paved roadway, maybe a total of two miles, meanders through the park. Well-marked with explanatory signs and displays, you can walk, bike (bring your own or rent one at Admission counter) or hop on/off a small electric bus that traverses the route regularly.

We went on a weekday afternoon in late January (temp was 62 F) mostly had the park to ourselves during our time there. Particularly enjoyed going aboard The Adventure and having an informative discussion with the white-bearded Captain manning the replica vessel. There are numerous areas to stop, sit and relax if needed. Might be handy during the hotter months.

Visited Charleston with husband on expense account as a when I made 99.4% toward President's Club, so just missed Hawaii, but Charleston was very nice honorable mention prize. We were pregnant with second daughter and spent dinners picking out baby names - Hannah. I remember walking around Charles Towne, admiring the house and the fort by the Ashley River from 1670. My husband reminded me of visiting Drayton Hall and hearing the story of the families who lived there, even though it is totally unfurnished, so you have to use your imagination. Visiting history is so much better than history books.

This was a very pleasant surprise during my last trip to Charleston. I could have spent much more time and intend to return. The park is the site of the first settlement in Charleston. I was fascinated by the archaeological displays and the recreated ship. To say nothing of the zoo and botanical gardens. Great time!

This park had so much more to offer than I would have imagined. I decided to drive to the park after seeing a road sign for it, so arrived without much of a clue as to what it would entail. My husband and I were happy with our decision to stop!

The indoor exhibit was very informative. I learned so much more about the history of South Carolina and Charleston in 30 minutes of walking through there than I ever had before. Equipped with a foundational understanding, the self-guided tour through the outdoor historical loop, gardens section, zoo section, and cemetery cements a deeper appreciation for the first happenings of Charles Town.

This would be a perfect spot to have a picnic with the family. Numerous large grassy fields amid amazingly historical sites would serve beautifully as an area to play, relax, and socialize.

Morning visit and no animals in the wildlife areas (even no otters!). House is NOT open to public. $5 for audio tour that offers little information. Gardens are nice, but not fantastic. Save the money and tour a plantation!

what a cool experience this was! They have a cute zoo, and beautiful grounds, but the most fun is riding a bike around to the different locations. The old ship is the best!! what a gorgeous environment

Visitor centre of 12 rooms details the beginning of Charles Towne which later moved to present day Charleston site. New modern museum, easy to understand displays, some were made especially for children. Birds and animals were around even in Feb. Lots of long trails, use the golf cart driver if he offers.

I expected this to be just a few signs but there was actually so much to do here so it offers many hours of possible learning and entertainment. I would love to go back when the gardens are in bloom! Great for both kids and adults.

We loved this park and our pooch loved it too. The only place he couldn't go was the zoo area but there are swings and seats by the entrance to the zoo, so my husband relaxed with our dog while the kids and I looked at the animals. The park is really beautiful and the Avenue of Oaks is gorgeous.

This is a great walking plantation, my fitbit said I got 8,000 steps here. It has a small "zoo" which is some naturally living animals in the area like wolves and pigs and deer. Great view standing on the banks of the river looking towards downtown Charleston. Went in January on a 70 degree day, was perfect for all that walking. Beautifully landscaped and friendly staff (after you leave the ticket counter). Restrooms spaced out too far and little stop and rest areas, so if you are going keep that in mind. Was only $10 to get in and worth it. Saw a lot of people bring bikes and saw you can rent them there too.

We visited and spent 3 hours wandering all over the park on 2.22.22. What a beautiful place and SO interesting to learn of the history. We got our stamp for the SC Ultimate Outsider program and a magnet for our RV fridge. The visitors center has a super exhibt inside of actual artifacts as well as a walking tour of all the info about the people who came here. All inventories of items, why they came, how they came and what happened. Fascinating!
They do weddings here must be, as we saw one being set up by the vendors.

Got lucky and talked for a long time with the archeologist. A 17th century dig! You have to see this.

Got to The Gathering Cafe for lunch after you leave. It's not far. Very delicious lunch fare as well as breakfast served till 2 or 3pm. I've forgotten which. I took home a to-go order of the GF pancakes for the next day. It was just as good rewarmed up! The coffee is super too.

I Learned so many new things about where Charleston truly started and enjoyed the hospitality from Beth & Chelsea. They were very friendly, knowledgeable, and easy to chat with.
This is a great park for people of all ages! There is a very interesting inside exhibit and a beautiful outdoor park filled with history.

Beautiful grounds with much historical meaning. Live animal type zoo which was fun to walk thru. Kids will have a blast and adults will learn a lot in the mean time. We went on Founders day and saw cannon blasts and muskets being fired. Everyone was very nice and knowledgeable. Great visit.

We met family in the Charleston area for a needed vacation.
Needing something to do together, we went to Charles Towne Landing. We were glad we did.
We walked the “history” trail and thoroughly enjoyed it.
There were several exhibits, scenic views, and a grand mansion to be seen, as well as some of the local animal life.
Our walk ended with a walk through a small museum.
If you are looking for something to do with your family, check this place out.

A great natural setting for this original founding site of Charleston, SC. Loved the walking trails as well as the shuttle.

Wow! There was so much to see here. If you have the state park pass, make sure you take it in to the visitor center with you to get admission to the sight. We loved the replica of the Carolina. The avenue of oaks was amazing.

Stopped by to get a little time outside of the hotel room. The site is so well done with plenty of history to take in and learn about the origins of the area. The staff on site are incredibly helpful and friendly. There was virtually no one there so I really felt like I got the park to myself. And there is no shortage of wildlife around. Had a couple raccoons come out while I was walking and a turkey only a few yards away.

You must visit this site if you are interested at all in the historic city of Charleston. Excellent informative display in Visitors Centre, and a walking trail down through the original town site with great replicas of fortifications etc. Very enjoyable. The Animal Forest with its lovely Bison was good to see.

Before heading into downtown Charleston, we decided to start our trip by stopping here. I was pleasantly surprised by how much there was to do. We arrived shortly after they opened on a Sunday morning and practically had the place to ourselves.

We started at the museum, which held our kids’ interest more than most museums do. The exhibits were interactive and informative. From there we went to the animal exhibits. Most of the animals were out and close to the front of their enclosures. Next we did the historical trail.

There were even bikes you could rent, which might have been a good idea, given how much ground there is to cover if you want to see everything.

Give yourself at least two hours. Make sure to bring bug spray!