20 Best Things to Do in Mount Pleasant, SC

Mount Pleasant, along with the region surrounding this Charleston suburb, is a place steeped in history.

This pleasant town had a significant role in the area’s history, particularly in the Antebellum and Civil War eras.

As such, you can find a lot of history-related attractions in Mount Pleasant.

However, apart from those, you have a myriad of choices when it comes to exciting destinations.

Are you interested in checking this area out?

Here are the 2o best things to do in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina:

Check Out the Boone Hall Plantation

Boone Hall Plantation is famously known as one of the oldest working plantations in the U.S.

The said site dates back at least 300 years, all the way back to the 1680s.

The 470-acre plantation has been growing crops continuously for about 320 years.

It has been open to visitors since 1956 as a living historical site.

Here, you will find structures typical of the Antebellum era plantation life.

These structures include the plantation house, cottages, gardens, and the historic Avenue of Oaks, with trees planted back in 1743.

When you come here, you can participate in guided tours.

Several events also happen here once in a while, such as the Boone Hall Farms Market and the Lowcountry Strawberry Festival held yearly.

Stroll by Shem Creek

Make sure to take a stroll along Shem Creek when you visit Mount Pleasant.

This small creek goes through most areas in town, including Coleman Boulevard, before spilling into Cooper River.

While the creek is short, its banks offer one of the best places for some relaxing outdoor activities.

You can find places to eat along the creek, as well as areas where you can find interesting wildlife.

You can also find a boardwalk at the end of it and a covered shelter where you can hang out and fish.

If you want to have a slow, relaxing day during your vacation, then head over to Shem Creek.

Spend an Afternoon at Pitt Street Bridge Park

At Mount Pleasant, you can find a historic bridge that connects the town to Sullivan’s Island.

Pitt Street Bridge was created in 1898, and a trolley car ran across it.

After a few years, it was widened so that personal vehicles could cross it.

In 1945, Pitt Street Bridge was abandoned when the current route to Sullivan’s Island opened.

Now, when you come here, you will find a park featuring a line of palm trees and a grassy field you can find along the water.

You can come to this place to witness the famous Carnival cruise ship and other cargo ships passing by.

It’s an interesting hangout spot where you can spend a slow, quiet afternoon with your companions.

Unwind at Laurel Hill County Park

Another fantastic county park you can find in Mount Pleasant is Laurel Hill County Park.

This stunning site has numerous hiking and biking trails that span several miles and go through a myriad of landscapes.

The park in its entirety is 745 acres big, and it contains many recreational amenities that you can use.

It has many spacious meadows and a small lake.

While you’re here, you can hang out at the lake’s overlook and spot the many animals that run around the park.

Check this place out for some outdoor fun.

Learn More About the Charles Pickney National Historic Site

Steeped in history, you’ll never run short of exciting places to visit in Mount Pleasant.

When you come here, consider visiting the Charles Pickney National Historic Site.

This place aims to preserve a part of the Snee Farm, which has stood here since the 18th century.

The said farm served as the plantation and country farm of Colonel Charles Pickney, the site’s namesake, back in the day.

Here, you can find structures from the farm that have been wonderfully preserved.

These include the caretaker’s residence, a barn, and a corn crib, which were all part of the plantation and operational between 1754 and 1816.

When you come here, you can check out the archaeological digs that are part of the exhibits found at its Visitor Center.

This center is housed in a historic Lowcountry cottage constructed in 1828.

It’s a must-visit site in Mount Pleasant.

Explore the Town’s Old Village

You can find an incredible historic district right at the heart of Mount Pleasant.

Back when neighboring Charleston expanded in the 1700s, some English villages popped up in the area across the river.

These villages are now preserved as Mount Pleasant’s Old Village district.

You can find this area along the riverfront, where you can find another attraction, Shem Creek, to the north.

Being the oldest neighborhood in town, you can find several protected historic structures in this district.

Some of these include Pitt Street Pharmacy, which has been operational since 1937, and the Patjens Post Office that has been there since 1899.

You can also find quaint shops and a charming residential area along Main Street.

When you’re in town, don’t forget to explore Old Village.

Hang Out With Friends and Family at the Palmetto Islands County Park

You can visit Palmetto Islands County Park if you want to participate in outdoor activities while in Mount Pleasant.

This 945-acre nature-oriented park has a design that primarily puts families and groups into consideration.

It features a tropical setting filled with bike paths and boardwalks.

It has a picnic area equipped with a grill so that you can make some delicious meals while hanging out here.

When you come here, you can also check out a 50-foot observation tower that also has a play area for your kids.

During summer, you can also check out a water park for you and your companions to cool off.

You can also find kayak rentals and opportunities for other water-based recreational activities while you’re here.

Bike rentals and snack bars are also around for your convenience.

For a great time with friends and family, visit Palmetto Islands County Park.

Spend a Day at Mount Pleasant Waterfront Memorial Park

When you come to Mount Pleasant, you will see an iconic cable-stayed bridge.

This bridge goes over the river between the town of Mount Pleasant and the city of Charleston.

It’s called the Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge, which opened in 2005 as a replacement for the run-down Cooper River Bridge.

Following this, the town built the memorial park at the old bridge’s entry point from Mount Pleasant.

Here, you can find a Visitor Center, which is where you can begin your visit.

There is also an area called the Sweetgrass Pavillion, where you can catch some events.

You can also find the River Watch Cafe and Gift Shop, where you can hang out, eat, and shop for souvenirs.

Spend a lovely afternoon here with your family when you visit this town.

Support the Locals at the Farmer’s Market

Head over to Mount Pleasant’s Farmer’s Market if you want to try out the best local produce around.

Here, you can support local farmers and artisans who produce a wide variety of goods.

This unique market offers an ambiance similar to that of a festival, which, apart from shoppers, also has kids’ activities and other events.

When you visit, make sure to check out the fantastic seasonal offerings vendors bring out.

A special market also sets up shop here as the holiday season nears.

For some of the best goods, check out this market.

Honor U.S. Troops at the Patriots Point Cold War Submarine Memorial

If you’re visiting Mount Pleasant, consider heading over the Patriots Point Cold War Submarine Memorial.

You can find this location right by the town’s Charleston harbor.

This harbor preserves parts of the USS Lewis and Clark SSBN 664 submarines.

You can view these submarines atop a full-sized Benjamin Franklin Class Fleet Ballistic Missile submarine replica.

The said submarine played a vital role in the state’s participation during the Cold War in the mid-20th century.

Throughout history, it has become a tribute to the people who worked in submarines during the said era.

You can also find a circular plaza that displays an American flag dedicated to U.S. troops when you come here.

Swing a Club at RiverTowne Country Club

If you are a fan of the green, golfing in Mount Pleasant should be at the top of your to-do list.

Swing away while surrounded by the Charleston Harbor, picturesque houses, palm palms, and undulating fairways!

Mount Pleasant is home to stunning coastal courses suitable for both seasoned pros and beginners.

RiverTowne Country Club is just one of several stunning local golf courses.

It offers both superb resort golf and genuine southern hospitality.

It received 4.5 stars by Golf Digest.

It evokes the laid-back elegance of the South while providing an unforgettable venue for social gatherings.

Have a Blast at Charleston Fun Park

If you're looking for a fun place for your family or friends in Mount Pleasant, visit Charleston Fun Park.

Younger people, in particular, will have a blast there.

There's a lot of stuff to make the environment enjoyable, and you won't be able to have as much fun anywhere else.

There are two mini-golf courses, go-karts, a jumping area, a great arcade, and even a place to dig for gemstones or fossils.

There is a climbing wall, so it's an excellent spot for families to celebrate special occasions.

Catch the Sunset at Mount Pleasant Pier

Mount Pleasant Pier is a popular destination in town.

This 1,250-foot bridge juts into Charleston Harbor at Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge's foot.

Join other tourists as you lay low and take in breathtaking vistas of the port and bridge.

At the pier, you'll find seat swings and covered areas perfect for photographing special moments.

But the best thing to do in this spot is to watch the sun go down while casting your line.

Sample Beer from Westbrook Brewing Company

There has never been a craft brewery in Mount Pleasant before the founding of Westbrook Brewing Company. It's the place to be if you enjoy beer.

The firm has been working toward its goal of producing "the most intriguing, exciting, and generally fantastic beer in the Southeast."

Stop by for a tour and some free samples or to buy a growler.

It offers 22 beers on tap; you can also buy bottles, crowlers, and cans to take home and enjoy later.

Enjoy a beer at the taproom or its beer garden.

Grab Souvenirs from Mazie's Sweetgrass Baskets

The Gullah people, descendants of enslaved West Africans, have carried down the skill of making sweetgrass baskets from mother to daughter through the ages.

The sweetgrass basket has transformed from its practical beginnings as a tool for growing rice into a beautiful art form.

Even in modern times, the art of weaving sweetgrass baskets remains deeply rooted in Mount Pleasant's culture.

The seven-mile section of State Route 17 was named the Sweetgrass Basket Makers Highway to honor the baskets and their makers for their cultural impact and lasting legacy.

You can support local artists like Mazie Brown of Mazie's Sweetgrass Baskets by buying one of her stunning woven creations straight from her.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Witness Stunning Mansions at The Battery

One of the most popular areas in nearby Charleston is The Battery.

Many consider it as one of the best tourist spots in the region.

You can find this stretch of beautiful, Southern-style mansions 25 minutes away from the center of Mount Pleasant.

The said row overlooks the gorgeous Charleston Harbor.

Apart from the houses, you can also check out the nearby White Point Garden.

There, you can find interesting relics and memorials connected to the Civil War.

When visiting a region as steeped in history as this one, checking out historic tourist attractions like The Battery is necessary.

Take a Ferry to Fort Sumter

Another incredible tourist destination in this part of South Carolina is Fort Sumter.

The site is a federal fort that the state’s militia managed to capture, and it began the Civil War back in 1865.

Today, this area is part of a historical park along with Fort Moultrie.

From Mount Pleasant’s Patriots Point, you can take a 30-minute ferry ride to reach this destination.

The boat ride itself isn’t boring as it’s narrated, letting you know more about your destination.

You also get to witness beautiful views of Castle Pickney and downtown Charleston as you sail to the said attraction.

At the fort, you can listen to a 10-minute narration from one of the park rangers.

After that, you and your companions are free to explore the area on your own.

However, do note that you only have 40 minutes to do this.

Nevertheless, that time is enough to discover the fort’s interior and find souvenirs at the gift shop.

Learn About Marine Life at South Carolina Aquarium

An exciting destination to go to in Charleston is the South Carolina Aquarium.

You can find this place just 15 minutes from the heart of Mount Pleasant.

Here you can witness a myriad of marine life up close.

It features a Touch Tank, the Great Ocean Tank where you can see sharks, and the Shallows, where rays reside.

You can also find the Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery, which is the aquarium’s state-of-the-art hospital for sea turtles.

Apart from the areas mentioned, the aquarium also hosts many interactive dive shows and animal-centered programs every day.

The entire family can have a blast when they visit the South Carolina Aquarium.

Be Surrounded by Nature at Francis Marion National Forest

A great place to appreciate nature that this region is blessed with is Francis Marion National Forest.

You can find this place 30 minutes away from mount pleasant.

The forest spans almost 259,000 acres, and it serves as the home for a myriad of interesting wildlife.

One of them is the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.

Here, you can find hiking and biking trails, canoe launches, and even rifle courses.

You can also go camping here or try out horseback riding for some outdoor fun.

Opportunities for ATV rides and off-road motorcycling are available here as well.

Don’t hesitate to visit this breathtaking nature area close to Mount Pleasant.

Check Out Regional Art at the Gibbes Museum of Art

If you’re in Mount Pleasant, you can drive around 25 minutes away and witness amazing local art.

At the Gibbes Museum of Art, you can find gorgeous American art that focuses on Charleston and the region’s history.

This place aims to engage the public with the experience local artists want to give.

They do this by gathering and preserving local art.

Apart from browsing through its amazing collection of works, you can also find opportunities to learn about the region here.

When you come to this part of South Carolina, learn more about the region by visiting this attraction.

Final Thoughts

Apart from being close to Charleston, Mount Pleasant has a lively charm of its own.

There is a lot to discover about this great town - from its historical significance to its natural beauty.

Consider heading to Mount Pleasant on your next vacation.