Charles Towne Landing

PARK ADVISORY

The park's ship, the Adventure, will depart the park on Monday, Nov. 16, for its annual winter maintenance. The ship is expected to return in April. We appreciate your patience and look forward to welcoming visitors aboard again in the spring.

Temporary Animal Exhibit Closures

Out of an abundance of caution due to the local impact of avian influenza activity in wild birds, Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site will keep the shorebird exhibit closed until the threat has subsided.

Additionally, we are postponing the grand opening of the refurbished bear and puma habitats as a precaution to protect the health and safety of our animals.

We appreciate your understanding and patience as we take these extra precautions. Please stay tuned for updates regarding the reopening of the shorebird exhibit and the rescheduled grand opening of the bear and puma habitats.

Approximately half of the Charles Towne Landing Animal Forest, starting at the puma and bear exhibits, will be temporarily closed Monday through Friday while construction continues. The Animal Forest will operate as usual on weekends.

The following exhibits will remain open during weekday closures:

Red Wolf
Otter
Skunk
Gopher Tortoise

Stay tuned for the grand opening of our refurbished exhibits and announcements about some exciting new residents!

HOURS

Visitor Center/Gift Shop: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily. Closed Christmas Day.

Animal Forest: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily. Closed Christmas Day.

Adventure: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., daily. Closed on Tuesdays and Christmas Day.
The ship Adventure departs from the park each winter for annual maintenance and is expected to return in the spring. Dates may vary each year.

Park Grounds: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., daily.

OFFICE

9 a.m. -4 p.m., daily

ADMISSION

$12/adult; $7.50/S.C. Senior; $7/youth age 6-15; Free for children 5 and younger.

PETS

Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Pets and service animals are not permitted in the Animal Forest. Please clean up after your pet and dispose of waste properly.

Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site Has Wifi

Wifi Available

EV Charging Station

PARK MERCH!

Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site

Coast

David Baker

Park Manager

Welcome to Charles Towne Landing, the birthplace of South Carolina! I am David Baker, park manager. I have always had a love for outdoor recreation. After graduating college, I went to work in county recreation but felt something was missing. I began interviewing for state park jobs and finally landed one as the ranger at Lake Warren State Park. I quickly realized the duties of park ranger was what I was missing.

My favorite spot at the park is walking through the gardens. I absolutely love the large live oaks that are hundreds of years old. You also get views of the marsh where you can see wading birds, and, if you’re lucky, you might even spot a wood stork.

If you’re visiting Charles Towne Landing you have to check out the Adventure. It is a 17th-century replica trading vessel that is docked in Old Towne Creek. Board the ship and imagine sailing between South Carolina and Barbados carrying goods for trade. It is pretty amazing!

**Our Ultimate Outsider stamp can be found at the admission desk in the Visitor Center.

Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site sits on a marshy point, located off the Ashley River, where a group of English settlers landed in 1670 and established what would become the birthplace of South Carolina. Charles Towne Landing introduces visitors to the earliest colonial history of Charleston. Interact with hands-on exhibits in the Visitor Center, talk to knowledgeable staff members, and take a walk on the self-guided history trail.

Guests can step aboard and tour the Adventure, Charleston's only 17th-century replica sailing ship, see cannons fired, or take a peek at otters, bears, bison, and more at the Animal Forest natural habitat zoo. The grounds also include 80 acres of gardens, with an elegant live oak alley and the Legare Waring House. One of Charleston’s favorite sites for weddings and other special gatherings, the Legare Waring House combines historic charm with unique and flexible space—come see it for yourself!

Don't forget to check out the other parks in the South Carolina State Parks system. Experience the charm of Colonial South Carolina or consider a hike to the stunning Raven Cliff Falls at Caesars Head State Park!

BY THE NUMBERS

1670 the year the first permanent European settlement in South Carolina was founded

1 of only a handful of original settlement sites that still exist in the United States

1 awesome 12-room exhibit hall with interactive exhibits

1 Adventure - a replica 17th-century trading vessel visitors can board and explore beneath the deck

1 Animal Forest - the only zoo in the Charleston area

1 majestic alley of oaks that will take your breath away

6 reproduction cannons that are fired on special event days throughout the year

6 miles of trails for walking, biking and exploring

80 acres of park gardens

664 acres of beautiful lowcountry scenery for you to enjoy

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