When you visit Charles Town Landing State Historic Site, you’re stepping back in time to 1670 when English settlers first landed at this marshy point. Along the park’s trails and through its hands-on exhibits, get an in-depth look at the region’s earliest colonial history on the point of land that became the birthplace of the Carolina colony and the America South’s plantation system.
Visit the 12-room interactive museum located in the visitor center then take an audio tour on the self-guided history trail, which describes the settlement’s development during the decade from 1670 to 1680. The trail runs alongside reconstructed fortifications. An authentic experimental crop garden here has everything from sugar cane to a merlot grape vine, crops that may have been grown at the time of the settlement. Along the way, you may see archaeologists at work and interpretive guides dressed in period costume, all happy to answer any questions you have.
Continue along 7 miles (11 kilometers) of paved and unpaved nature and interpretive trails. Follow the edge of the marsh and look for alligators, wood storks and a variety of coastal wading birds. Stroll through 80 acres (32 hectares) of manicured English-style gardens, which contain azaleas, camellias and centuries-old live oaks. While you’re in the gardens, watch for weddings taking place at the graceful Legare Waring House, beneath a canopy of moss-draped oaks. If you prefer to bike along the park’s trails, rent a bicycle at the visitor center.
Along the Animal Forest Trail, notice animals native to the area around the time of the settlement, including otters, black bears and bison. Don’t miss the Adventure, a 17th-century replica sailing ship, complete with firing cannons. Enjoy birdwatching in the park year round, as well as searching for several geocaching sites.
Travel west for about 15 minutes by car from the center of Charleston to reach the Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site on Old Town Road. The visitor center and the Animal Forest are open daily. Pay admission at the visitor center.
