Like many sightseeing stops in Charleston, Washington Square Park is rich in Holy City history. Seek relief from summer humidity under a canopy of ancient live oaks. Beautifully manicured flower gardens make a lovely picnicking backdrop. Between Broad and Meeting streets, the popular park exudes the laid-back charm of this engaging South Carolina destination.
Wrought iron gates and palmetto trees surround the 1.5-acre (0.6-hectare) park and its historical monuments and statues. It was one of Charleston’s first public parks, originally home to Corbett’s Thatched Tavern before becoming an official city square in 1818. It was later renamed in honor of America’s first president, George Washington.
Wander wide, brick pathways, past pink-hued azaleas and trees dripping with Spanish moss. Relax on the wooden or stone benches. Notice the General Pierre Beauregard monument on the East Wall, honoring a Civil War Confederate military figure. A 42-foot (13-meter) granite memorial in the park’s center is a miniature version of the Washington Monument in tribute to the Washington Light Infantry. Notice the park’s namesake Washington statue, designed by renowned sculptor Jon Michel.
After visiting Washington Square Park, walk to nearby Rainbow Row, with 13 pastel-hued historic homes near the Cooper River waterfront. These picturesque Georgian homes are some of the city’s most recognized and photographed sites.
From Rainbow Row, walk east and south along Charleston’s Waterfront Park, overlooking Charleston Harbor and the Cooper River. Wander along palmetto-shaded paths, picnic on the lawns, let the kids cool off in the Pineapple Fountain and watch the sunset from a family-sized porch swing on the pier.
A few blocks from Washington Square Park, the Heyward-Washington House is a classic representation of Charleston architecture and history. This Georgian-style double house was built in 1772 as home to Thomas Heyward Jr, one of the South Carolina signers of the Declaration of Independence. See lovely formal gardens and a 1740s kitchen open to the public.
Find Washington Square Park next to City Hall at the corner of Meeting and Broad streets in the Charleston Historic District. Use metered street parking or pay to park in lots and garages in the area.
