Welcome to Mount Pleasant
A southern gem with a rich history and sensational waterfront views.
Mount Pleasant, a beautiful coastal town located about 45 minutes from Charleston in the heart of the South Carolina Lowcountry, is a place with luxurious and historic architecture. Its landmark buildings range from well-preserved 18th-century plantation houses to upscale 20th-century coastal cottages. The city’s rich history is remarkably reflected in the style of these homes as a fishing village and military outpost: they are made primarily of pine or cypress with columns, wraparound porches, and substantial chimneys.
Families, retirees, and professionals make up much of the affluent communities in Mount Pleasant, enjoying the numerous outdoor opportunities like fishing, biking, jogging, and walking on scenic trails that weave through peaceful neighborhoods overlooking Charleston Harbor.
What to Love
- Ample access to scenic waterfront views
- Enthusiastic outdoor activity culture
- Seafood lover’s dream
- A vibrant coastal village atmosphere
- Bustling waterside restaurants, bars, and hotels
Local Lifestyle
Mount Pleasant has been economically successful in recent years, thanks mainly to its booming tourism industry. Outdoor farmer’s markets occur weekly at City Hall Plaza during peak season, bringing in scores of people. Here, vendors sell fresh local produce, and local artists showcase their latest works. Within this vibrant upscale atmosphere, residents and visitors often spend their time in a leisurely state, enjoying the many amenities this luxurious waterfront town offers.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Regarding dining, Mount Pleasant is renowned for its fresh seafood and gorgeous views that accompany every dining experience. A short distance from Patriots Point, the Charleston Harbor Fish House is the perfect place to enjoy delicious seafood with a view. The interior is modern and spacious, with natural hardwood flooring and an abundance of large windows, creating an airy effect that brings nature closer. With stunning views of the marina, the Charleston skyline, and the U.S.S. Yorktown moored close by; this impressive restaurant remains a favorite of locals and tourists alike.
Keeping with Mount Pleasant’s dedication and commitment to preserving history, The Wreck of the Richard and Charlene is another favorite seafood destination with an incredible origin story. Inspired by an astonishing hurricane that left the Richard and Charlene, a North Atlantic style trawler, stranded at the restaurant’s present location, this local lore sensation offers a charming, bare-bones style seafood dining experience with a view.
Further inland, Shem Creek is a popular destination offering visitors a diverse selection of dining options and entertainment. Lively restaurants, bars, and hotels line both sides of the creek, and the 10-foot wide boardwalk presents a wonderful opportunity for a romantic stroll during the dreamy Charleston sunsets. With some luck, visitors sometimes witness a dolphin sighting within the waterways, a sure sign of the creek’s thriving environment.
Mount Pleasant’s Old Village District, nestled between the beautiful seascape of Charleston Harbor and bustling restaurants and boats of Shem Creek, combines the charm of a historic neighborhood with the trendy flare of a modern shopping destination. Known for its 18th-century roots, majestic live oaks, and historic homes, visitors can also find a wide range of goods, from unique apparel to antiques, in this serene neighborhood.
Things to Do
A shining example of Mount Pleasant’s rich heritage and communal closeness, the Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival is an annual celebration that pays tribute to the local fishing and shrimping industry, the courageous backbone of the town. Patrons can enjoy an exciting boat parade, craft show, live music, and scores of free activities in view of the Ravenel Bridge and Charleston Harbor.
For health enthusiasts, the Cooper River Bridge Run offers an exciting opportunity to support the community and its different industries. This amazing 10-k foot race brings in scores of participants from all over, generating an astonishing $33 million in just one weekend, all of which goes to support the local community, the hospitality and tourism industry, and other businesses in Mount Pleasant.
In the northern part of Mount Pleasant, Palmetto Islands County Park provides a gorgeous setting for nature lovers to enjoy. Spanning 943 acres, this impressive natural landscape, with its many bicycle paths, open meadows, boardwalks, trails, and kayak launches, remains a popular destination for locals and visitors. Unique to this park is the Splash Island Waterpark and 50-foot observation tower.
Overlooking Cooper River, the Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park is another favorite among the locals. Known as the “crown jewel” of Mount Pleasant, this park offers stunning views, lush lawns, and a nautical-themed playground. Additionally, a 1250-foot-long pier stretches into the harbor, where visitors can rest on the many swing sets while they admire the waterfront views.
Schools
Mount Pleasant is proudly served by the Charleston County School District and is home to some excellent educational institutions. Some of the schools accessible to the area are:
