One of our favorite things about James Island is the County Park, which is part of the Charleston County Park system. This park is sprawling and green, with plenty of activities year-round, including special events, and other fun outdoor diversions for the whole family.
The park is 643 acres total, and really feels like its own, separate paradise from the bustle of Folly Road and other parts of James Island. In the pleasant weather, it’s nice to take a book of poetry (or whatever you like reading) and chill out on the grass or in one of the many sitting areas. You’ll see people on bicycles, folks walking their dogs, and everyone just basically enjoying the natural beauty. General admission into the gates is just one dollar.
If you want something a little more active, the park offers plenty of fun. Try scaling the largest climbing wall in the state, or go to the Splash Zone, an outdoor water park that’s perfect for summer. You can also rent paddleboats and kayaks.
The James Island County Park is also a great place to camp, right along the Stono River marsh. There are cottages available, plus places to pitch your own tent, so if you long to be reunited with nature for an evening this is the place to be.
Lots of other great parks exist in the Charleston region, but James Island’s has arguably the best assortment of special events throughout the year. One of our personal favorites, the Cajun Festival, happens every spring and is a complete blast. It really ushers in the warm weather, and folks come out to drink real N’Awlins beer, eat authentic food like alligator and crawfish, and listen to zydeco tunes.
The Reggae Series is another attraction, bringing reggae music to sultry summer nights in the Lowcountry. You can park a blanket on the grass, purchase a beverage, and listen to groups like Mystic Vibrations and Da Gullah Rootz.
Of course, it’s likely that the most popular, and well-known, event that JICP hosts is the Holiday Festival of Lights, which runs from about the first week of November to the first week of January. It’s truly spectacular, and we suggest taking any visitors you might have during the holidays—grown-ups and children—to this breath-taking display. Not only are there literally millions of twinkling lights (go see if you don’t believe it!) but they’re artfully arranged in designs—some holiday-based like Santa Claus, and some Lowcountry-based like the Cooper River Bridges. It’s not just lights though—there’s also Santa’s Wonderland, where you can park your car and ride the merry-go-round or roast marshmallows. Wait for an actual chilly night in Charleston to enjoy this event—it definitely isn’t as magical in 60 degrees!
To find out about special events, admission prices, and seasonal hours for the James Island County Park, visit the Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission page, at ccprc.com.
