Brittlebank Park

River Views Worth Your Time

Stretching along the Ashley River in Charleston, Brittlebank Park spans 10 acres of waterfront beauty. Neighboring the Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park baseball stadium, this compact green space offers a front-row seat to some of Charleston's most captivating river and marsh landscapes.

If you're wondering when to visit, we'd recommend catching the sunset here. There's something magical about watching the day's last light shimmer across the water. It's become a bit of a local tradition, and for good reason - the calm waters and open sky create an ideal moment of peace in an otherwise busy world.

A Story of Renewal

Interestingly, this serene spot has a transformative history. Back in 1975, the park was established and named after Julius Brittlebank, a wealthy Charleston resident whose legacy included funding public parks. What's remarkable is that from 1954 to 1970, this same land served as a landfill and garbage dump. Talk about a comeback story!

What You'll Find Here

The park features plenty of green space and paved walking paths, but the real highlight might be the fishing pier and boat dock extending into the Ashley River. Fishing enthusiasts regularly reel in blue crabs and whiting - if you've got the patience, you might leave with dinner.

Scattered across the grounds are picnic tables, especially near the playground and along the waterfront. They're perfect spots to enjoy a sandwich while watching boats glide by.

The playground isn't the newest in town (showing its age a bit), but kids still enjoy the swings and slides. A bonus: it's nicely shaded, offering some relief during Charleston's steamier months.

A practical note: bathroom facilities are limited to portable toilets, though they're regularly maintained. The good news is that the park is quite accessible, with paved paths that work well for wheelchairs and strollers.

When Things Get Lively

Though often peaceful, Brittlebank Park transforms during various events throughout the year. You might catch the Southeastern Wildlife Exhibition (SEWE), the vibrant Carifest, thrilling Dragon Boat races, or even Astronomy in the Park sessions on summer Wednesday evenings.

Water sports have found a home here too. The College of Charleston's crew team and Dragonboat Charleston use the park as their aquatic headquarters.

On ordinary days, you'll see folks fishing, crabbing, picnicking, and walking their dogs. Bird watchers bring their binoculars for the variety of seabirds, and if you're lucky, you might spot bottlenose dolphins playing in the tidal waters.

Good to Know

The Charleston Parks Conservancy manages Brittlebank Park, which welcomes visitors daily from 8AM to 7PM. While usually tranquil, it can get crowded during events.

A word to the wise: bring insect repellent, especially in the evening when riverside mosquitoes make their presence known. Parking is free, but the lot could use some TLC according to regular visitors.