Discover Charleston During America's 250th
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Charleston’s rich history and vibrant culture through an exploration of its national parks as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. Whether you’re in town for a big event or just passing through, there are national parks waiting for you right in the neighborhood.
1. Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site
Explore the remains of a colonial town along the Ashley River, including fortifications and a historic church tower. This quiet site offers a glimpse into early South Carolina settlement and trade.
- 15 miles to Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park
- 18 miles to Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
- 20 miles to Downtown Charleston
- 60 miles to Cowpens National Battlefield
- 75 miles to Kings Mountain National Military Park
2. Middleton Place
Home to America’s oldest landscaped gardens, Middleton Place offers stunning grounds and a deep connection to plantation history. It’s a beautiful and reflective stop just outside Charleston.
- 15 miles to Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park
- 18 miles to Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
- 14 miles to Downtown Charleston
- 65 miles to Cowpens National Battlefield
- 80 miles to Kings Mountain National Military Park
3. Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
Visit the site of South Carolina’s first permanent English settlement, complete with exhibits and recreated structures. It’s an engaging way to explore the origins of the Carolina colony.
- 10 miles to Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park
- 12 miles to Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
- 8 miles to Downtown Charleston
- 60 miles to Cowpens National Battlefield
- 75 miles to Kings Mountain National Military Park
4. Downtown Charleston
Stroll cobblestone streets, historic homes, and waterfront views in one of America’s most charming cities. Downtown Charleston blends culture, cuisine, and history into a walkable, unforgettable experience.
- 2 miles to Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park
- 6 miles to Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
- 60 miles to Ninety Six National Historic Site
- 70 miles to Cowpens National Battlefield
- 85 miles to Kings Mountain National Military Park
5. Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie NHP
Stand where the first shots of the Civil War were fired at Fort Sumter and explore coastal defenses at Fort Moultrie. This site offers a powerful look at Charleston’s role in shaping the nation’s history.
2 miles to Downtown Charleston
10 miles to Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
12 miles to Middleton Place
15 miles to Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site
20 miles to Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
6. Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
Visit the home and plantation of Charles Pinckney, a signer of the U.S. Constitution. This site offers insight into early American politics and plantation life.
- 6 miles to Downtown Charleston
- 10 miles to Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park
- 8 miles to Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
- 18 miles to Middleton Place
- 20 miles to Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site
7. Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens
Known for its iconic oak-lined entrance, Boone Hall offers a deep look into plantation life and history. It’s one of the most photographed and visited sites in the Charleston area.
- 20 miles to Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park
- 8 miles to Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
- 12 miles to Downtown Charleston
- 65 miles to Ninety Six National Historic Site
- 80 miles to Cowpens National Battlefield
8. Ninety Six National Historic Site
Walk the grounds of one of the South’s first inland settlements and a key Revolutionary War site. This park features a rare earthen star fort and scenic trails.
- 60 miles to Downtown Charleston
- 65 miles to Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
- 70 miles to Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park
- 40 miles to Cowpens National Battlefield
- 60 miles to Kings Mountain National Military Park
9. Cowpens National Battlefield
Stand on the battlefield where a decisive American victory turned the tide of the Revolutionary War. This site brings strategy and history to life through trails and interpretation.
- 70 miles to Downtown Charleston
- 80 miles to Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
- 75 miles to Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park
- 40 miles to Ninety Six National Historic Site
- 20 miles to Kings Mountain National Military Park
10. Kings Mountain National Military Park
Explore the site of a pivotal Revolutionary War battle that helped shift momentum in favor of American forces. Surrounded by forest, it offers both history and scenic outdoor experiences.
- 85 miles to Downtown Charleston
- 75 miles to Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
- 80 miles to Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park
- 60 miles to Ninety Six National Historic Site
- 20 miles to Cowpens National Battlefield
America's 250th & National Park Events
America's 250th & National Park Events
Get Stamped! With Passport To Your National Parks®
Discover all of the National Park Service units in or near Philadelphia where you can get your Passport book stamped with classic cancellations and America250™ stamps.
Visit an America’s National Parks™ Store
Find unique Publications, Souvenirs, and Educational Keepsakes to have an instant memory of your trip. Don’t forget to sign up to our email list to instantly get a coupon for 15% off at our park stores. The best part is 100% of proceeds from every purchase support events and educational experiences at national parks.
Shop America’s National Parks™ Online
Gear up for your trip with exclusive products from ShopANP.org, where your purchase supports the parks. Use the Passport To The American Revolution to track your visits to American Revolution sites and collect official America250™ cancellation stickers. Show up with exclusive America250™ apparel and gear so you’re ready for the celebrations!