South Carolina is an outdoor lover's paradise. With the ocean, the mountains, the sandhills...we pretty much have it all, don't we? In fact, sometimes there are so many options for things to do that it's actually hard to narrow it down to just one. Maybe this article will help. Let's just focus on great city parks found in the Palmetto State. These 11 urban parks in South Carolina are absolutely amazing and are guaranteed to give you an unforgettable experience.
1. Waterfront Park - Charleston, SC
This 12-acre park was created in 1990 by the City of Charleston as a centerpiece of waterfront activity.
The park's two major fountains are a mainstay and the city allows "splashing" in both.
A favorite among locals and tourists, this park sustained a major blow during construction when Hurricane Hugo struck the South Carolina coast just months before the scheduled opening of the new park.
Bring a towel and a picnic and spend the afternoon at this great park in Charleston's Historic District. Note: splash at your own risk - no lifeguards are on duty here.Address: 1 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401
2. Falls Park On The Reedy - Greenville, SC
Falls Park on the Reedy was built in downtown Greenville's Westend in 2004.
The 32-acre park has several gardens and a series of trails.
Most of the park offers stunning views of the massive waterfall cascading just ahead of Liberty Bridge...
...which offers unobstructed views of the waterfall.
It's easy to spend an entire day at Falls Park. The park adjoins Greenville's Main Street so it's easy to pop over and get something to eat or drink.Address: 601 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601
3. Finlay Park - Columbia, SC
Possibly the most visited park in downtown Columbia, Finlay Park spans 18 acres.
The park, originally built in 1859 as "Sidney Park," was revitalized and reopened as Finlay Park in the 1990s. Finlay Park offers breathtaking views of the city and skyline.
Finlay is the setting of many popular festivals in Columbia.
This green oasis in Columbia offers a chance to get away from the asphalt of the capital city and relax in the great outdoors. Address: 930 Laurel St, Columbia, SC 29201
4. Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park - Beaufort, SC
This slice of Heaven in downtown Beaufort dishes up sweeping views of the Beaufort River and surrounding area.
Home to many events in Beaufort, the park offers some shade on a hot summer's day. Walk along the boardwalk just steps away from Bay Street.
Built in the 1970s and renovated in the mid-2000s, Waterfront Park is a beautiful spot in downtown Beaufort.Address: 700 Bay Street, Beaufort, SC
5. Memorial Waterfront Park - Mount Pleasant, SC
Mount Pleasant's newest park is also its most visited park.
It's easy to see why! Memorial Waterfront Park has so much to do and see. There's a war memorial (hence, the name), a visitor center, the Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Center...
... and a 1,250-foot pier that lines the shadows of the towering Ravenel Bridge above.Address: 99 Harry M. Hallman Jr Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
6. Cleveland Park - Spartanburg, SC
Easily Spartanburg's most prominent park, Cleveland Park has an amphitheatre, an event venue and walking trails.
This lakeside park is also a popular spot for weddings in Spartanburg.
Venture into downtown Spartanburg and enjoy a walk along the promenade. Or just get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Address: 141 N Cleveland Park Dr, Spartanburg, SC 29303
7. West Cambridge Park - Greenwood, SC
The West Cambridge Park is 11-acres strong and offers a beautiful escape in downtown Greenwood.
The park has a great pavillion, a playground and picnic shelters.
The walking/biking trail runs along an old railroad line and is 1.7 miles roundtrip. Enjoy this peaceful slice of Heaven in downtown Greenwood.Address: 451 Grove St, Greenwood, SC 29646
8. Edisto Memorial Gardens - Orangeburg, SC
A real gem on the landscape of Orangeburg, Edisto Memorial Gardens is a much-visited park by locals and tourists alike.
The Annual Festival of Roses is reportedly one of the Top 20 events for the Southeastern Tourism Society and attracts people from all over the country.
In addition to more than 70 beds of roses in many varieties, this park also features a butterfly garden, a sensory garden and a serenity garden.Address: 200 Riverside Dr SW, Orangeburg, SC 29115
9. Hopelands Gardens - Aiken, SC
Home to many a concert in Aiken, Hopeland Gardens is an 11-acre park adjacent to the heart of town.
The park features a stage and reflection pool, a gazebo, trails and fountains.
Wander around at leisure and take in all the sights and sounds of this urban paradise. If you're brave enough, try the labryinth for added adventure.
Hopeland has many 100+ year old oaks, perfect for catching some shade on a hot summer day.Address: 135 Dupree Pl, Aiken, SC 29801
10. Glencairn Gardens - Rock Hill, SC
This 11-acre urban garden features tiered fountains and flowing flower-lined walkways.
What started as someone's backyard garden is now one of Rock Hill's showstopping attractions.
Enjoy all this urban oasis has to offer, including free admission, except duing the occasional special events.
Located in the heart of Rock Hill, Glencarn Gardens boasts a variety of blooms including dogwoods, azaleas, wisteria and camillas.
Stroll along the many pathways and enjoy the sights and the smells from all those lovely blooms.Address: 725 Crest St, Rock Hill, SC 29730
11. River Walk - Conway, SC
Conway's popular River Walk is definitely worth hopping off Hwy 501 for on your way to or from the beach.
Enjoy a nice stroll along the Waccamaw River in downtown Conway SC. There are plenty of opportunities to just sit and relax also.
Meander along the trails in this wonderful riverside respite.
The path will even take you under the Waccamaw River Memorial Bridge, offering much needed shade on a sunny day.Address: 2nd Avenue, Conway, SC 29526
Have you visited any of these great parks yet? Or do you have a favorite urban park you'd like to add to the list? Feel free to add it to the list in our comments!
Looking for a different sort of outdoor activity? This canopy walk in South Carolina will make your stomach drop!
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