Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
About
The Spot Where Charleston Began
Charles Towne Landing marks the 1670 founding site of the Carolina colony. The 664-acre park combines 80-acre gardens, a 17th-century history museum, and the Animal Forest natural habitat zoo - the only zoo in the Charleston area.
What Kids Can Do
The Animal Forest features otters, black bears, bison, red wolves, alligators, and pumas in shaded boardwalk habitats. Kids can board the Adventure, a replica 17th-century trading ketch. Six miles of trails wind through the Live Oak Allee and marshfront. Cannon demonstrations fire on special-event weekends [marked: cannon demos schedule varies - check the park calendar].
What's Included
General admission covers Animal Forest, gardens, trails, the 12-room Visitor Center museum, and the Adventure ketch. Bike rentals available. Picnic shelters first-come, first-served.
Experience
Plan 3-4 hours. Mostly outdoor - bring water and sun protection in summer. Heavily shaded in oak alley areas. About 4 miles west of downtown Charleston, ample free parking on-site.