16 Fun Things to Do in Mount Pleasant SC
These fun things to do in Mount Pleasant SC will keep you busy for the entirety of your Charleston vacation!
Considered a bedroom community of downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant actually has its own long history and plenty of attractions.
The area has exploded in growth over the last 30 years as more people are drawn to its proximity to downtown and two nearby beaches, Sullivan’s and Isle of Palms.
From a national historic site to a beautiful tidal creek to an antebellum plantation, Mount Pleasant’s attractions are well worth the 15 minute drive from downtown Charleston.
Come have some fun in my hometown with these fun things to do in Mount Pleasant SC!
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Written 7/2022
Best Things to Do in Mount Pleasant SC
Walk along the pier at Shem Creek Park.
Our younger child leading the way at Shem Creek Park
This park was installed about ten years ago and gave the community much needed public access to the Shem Creek area.
Look for dolphins as they’re always playing in this area, or watch the shrimp boats come in with their hauls.
It’s a popular spot for engagements, so be prepared for a spontaneous celebration!
There’s a free parking lot just off of Highway 17 in front of the park entrance.
It’s shared with Vickery’s on the Creek, Water’s Edge restaurant, and Mount Pleasant Seafood. It can be crowded on weekend evenings for that reason.
Otherwise, you shouldn’t have any issues finding a spot.
>> New to Charleston? Start with my first time visitors guide to Charleston SC! <<
See where one of the signers of Declaration of Independence lived.
My daughter at the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
I’m ashamed to admit that I drove past the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site on Longpoint Road for years until I decided it was going to be our homeschool field trip destination one week.
I am sad that I put it off so long as this small site is a great way to learn about the American Revolution and the risks that the people involved were taking on.
Don’t be like me, and make this property a priority on your trip to Mount Pleasant SC!
There’s a great, free Junior Ranger program here for kids, and it encourages young visitors to talk to the rangers.
There’s a short hike around the property (bring bug spray) and covered picnic tables.
Charles Pinckney Historic Site is just one of my family’s favorites! Check out my full list of the best things to do with kids in Charleston here.
Kayak or paddleboard down Shem Creek into the Charleston harbor.
This is THE best way to see the harbor and is one of my favorite things to do in Shem Creek!
Bring your own kayak to the Shem Creek public launch on Simmons Street.
If you’re visiting, grab a rental from Coastal Expeditions on Mill Street or Nature Adventures on Shrimp Boat Lane.
Both rentals are right on Shem Creek and will help you launch.
Bounce around at Sky Zone.
My preschooler having a blast at Sky Zone in Mount Pleasant
My kids are obsessed with this place, and we attend many birthday parties here each year.
Plus, it’s one of our favorite Charleston indoor activities when the weather is insanely hot or it’s raining.
The attraction offers passes for all ages: my husband and I came here once on a date without the kids, and it wasn’t weird at all!
When we go as a family, my preschooler and my 3rd grader each find plenty to do.
Book in 30 or 60 minute increments.
I’d suggest starting with 30 minutes and then adding on if necessary. 30 minutes doesn’t seem like a long time, but you’ll get quite the workout bouncing around!
Eat some chicken and waffles at Page's Okra Grill.
About a year ago, my husband organized a chicken-and-waffles head-to-head challenge at his office, and I got to participate.
We did a blind taste test of chicken and waffles from Page’s Okra Grill, Vicious Biscuit, and Flying Biscuit Cafe.
Page’s won 6-1 (there was one hold out for Vicious Biscuit’s version).
Dive into the crispy chicken, syrup, and jalepeño cheddar waffles for brunch or lunch at this Mount Pleasant staple.
Go shopping at Towne Center.
We’ve got some great shops here: Lush, Athleta, Ulta, Lululemon, and Barnes and Noble, to name a few.
There’s also a movie theatre, Palmetto Grande, and plenty of dining options from Burton’s Grill to Grimaldi’s Pizzaria.
Recently, Towne Center added an on-site hotel, the Hyatt Place Mount Pleasant Town Center, so you can eat, play, and stay all in one place.
Do a tasting of local beer at Westbrook Brewery.
Two fellow alumni of my high school run this local brewery which can be seen from I-526 when heading towards Mount Pleasant.
If you’d like to visit, the tasting room is open Tuesday-Friday 4 PM- 8 PM, and the weekends 12 PM-6 PM.
The Westbrook Brewery Mexican Cake stout has been a runaway hit ever since it was released in 2011.
Discover antebellum history at Boone Hall Plantation.
The Boone Hall Plantation house as seen from the oak allee
Just across Longpoint Road from the Charles Pinckney National Historical site (see above), this plantation is privately owned and operated by the McRae family.
While the historic home and property are beautiful, the tours and exhibits don’t shy away from the enslaved people who made such a life possible for their wealthy white owners.
The slave cabins have been turned into heartbreaking stops about the reality of what the plantation life cost so many Black families.
For older kids, the house and slave cabin tours might be challenging, but they will learn a lot.
For younger kids, I’d skip the slave cabins or be prepared to explain what they’re seeing in appropriate ways.
Little kids will love the tractor-pulled farm tour.
Take a stroll down the Pitt Street Bridge.
The view of the Charleston harbor and the Ravenel Bridge from the Pitt Street Bridge
Venture into the Old Village for a short walk on the old bridge to Sullivan’s Island.
You can find it at the end of Pitt Street in Mount Pleasant. You won’t see any signs to the bridge, but follow Pitt Street all of the way to its end, going away from Highway 17.
There’s free parking on the side of the road, and an turnaround spot just before the pedestrian-only section.
It’s a great place to take a picnic! There are large sections of grass, but bring a blanket.
You’ll also find benches to relax on.
Walk to the end of the pier to see how people once got over to Sullivan’s Island.
Share a milkshake with your favorite person at the Pitt Street Pharmacy.
Return to the 1950s with a stop at this adorable old-fashioned pharmacy.
The prices are super reasonable: a large milkshake is only $3.50!
Because of its low prices, it’s quite busy after the nearby middle school lets out each day. Plan your time accordingly so you can enjoy your snacks.
You might also recognize this spot from The Notebook, which was filmed all over Mount Pleasant.
This building is where Noah gets an ice cream for Allie and she smushes it in his face, then kisses him!
>> See my Charleston filming locations post for more! <<
Make reservations at the Post House Inn.
Heading to check in at the Post House!
Located in a 140-year old building, the Post House and Inn is where my sister held her small wedding reception.
Whether you’re celebrating something equally as exciting or you’re out for a regular Friday night dinner, the Post House has great food and a great atmosphere.
It’s located in the adorable Old Village section of Mount Pleasant, so you can walk to get a milkshake at the Pitt Street Pharmacy or see the harbor from Alhambra Hall.
There are also 7 hotel rooms onsite if you’d like to stay the night.
The restaurant sources most of its ingredients from local farms and companies, so you’ll be eating Geechie Boy grits and oysters harvested from Bulls Bays.
Climb aboard the USS Yorktown and other historic vessels at Patriots Point.
Military history abounds here!
While the main attraction is the massive World War II naval ship, the property also offers up lots more.
You can climb aboard the submarine USS Clamagore, then head over to see historic airplanes.
On property is also a World War II destroyer, and an entire area dedicated to the Vietnam War experience.
Challenge your family to some putt-putt at Charleston Fun Park.
There’s also an arcade, bumper cars, ax throwing, and virtual roller coaster at this kid-favorite.
My kids would literally never leave this place if I didn’t make them.
>> Explore more of the Holy City with my Discover Charleston visitors center page! <<
See the harbor at the Mount Pleasant Pier.
Mount Pleasant Pier at the Charleston Harbor
This property is part of an ongoing effort in Mount Pleasant to provide residents and visitors with more curated green spaces.
The pier is great for fishing or looking at the container ships at the ports across the Cooper River.
The playground is a favorite for local meet ups and has plenty for all kids to enjoy.
We love that there are separate playspaces for preschoolers and older kids.
The wide green space in the middle of the property is perfect for picnics.
If they’re hungry, try one of the thick milkshakes in the bait and tackle shop!
Afterwards, see the bricks in the World War II memorial section. Each brick has the name of a local veteran who fought in WWII.
The Sweetgrass Basket Pavilion is another can’t-miss element at this park.
Here, you can learn about the history and artistry behind these Lowcountry baskets and meet the talented artisans behind the craft.
Just across the bridge here is the historic district of the City of Charleston, where you’ll find the City Market, Rainbow Row, and many other of the best things to do in Charleston SC!
Stroll through Palmetto Islands County Park.
Kayaking on a pond inside Palmetto Islands County Park
The 943-acre Palmetto Islands County Park is a favorite place in the Charleston area as there’s always something to do.
Younger kids will love the paddleboats (above) and story walks on the paved paths that the Charleston County parks put up in conjunction with the local library.
At the back of the park is a kayak launch, while the entire property has several great hiking trails.
Kids will love the Big Toy and the Tower play area.
If you’re visiting during the summer, go to the Splash Island waterpark, which I think is best for ages 2-10 since it’s on the smaller size.
The Gold pass sold by the Charleston County Parks System gets you in for free here, too!
Consider buying the Gold Pass if you’re planning on entering one of the parks more than 6 times in a year.
The pass will also get you into the Isle of Palms County Park, one of the best things to do on Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island, at no extra charge.
(I am not an affiliate for the Gold Pass—I love ours and think it is a great way for families to save money and experience more of the Lowcountry!)
See the Charleston harbor from a new perspective.
The walking and bike paths are on the left side of the bridge
Lace up those walking shoes and test out your bike!
The Ravenel Bridge has a wide, paved walking and biking path so you can get unprecedented views of the Charleston harbor.
I still think of this as the “new” bridge even though the old bridges were demolished back in 2005.
In any case, the Ravenel Bridge has a fantastic walking and biking path that is completely separated from the 8 lanes of traffic.
If you’re walking with kids or using a stroller, I’d suggest approaching from the downtown side, where the slope to the top is gentler than from the Mount Pleasant side.
Fun fact: the bridge is named after the dad of Thomas Ravenel of Southern Charm fame.
Which of these things to do in Mount Pleasant SC would you like to do?
