Charleston is famous for public parks, magnificent plantations and secret gardens that lie behind the walls of private homes. White Point Gardens, on the point of narrow Battery Peninsula bounded by the Ashley and Cooper rivers, is a popular gathering spot. Waterfront Park along Concord Street on the Cooper River has a fishing pier, unique interactive fountains, a picnic area and landscaped gardens.

Drayton Hall built between 1738 and 1742 is the only plantation on the Ashley River that survived the Civil War. It is unfurnished, which serves to highlight the original plaster moldings and opulent hand carved woodwork. This is considered one of the finest examples of Georgian Palladian architecture. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens hold one of the largest collections of azaleas and camellias in North America. Nature lovers can canoe through the 125 acre Waterfowl Refuge, see the 60 acre Audubon Swamp Garden along boardwalks and bridges explore 500 acres of wildlife trails and visit the petting zoo.