The temperate climate and beautiful setting of our parks make them ideal for family outings, a quiet place to enjoy a book, a coffee or a game of frisbee or football. Below is a list of our favorites.
Waterfront Park: The Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park is located in downtown Beaufort along the waters of the Beaufort River. The multi-acre park provides a breathtaking view of the Beaufort River, the Woods Memorial Bridge, the western tip of Lady’s Island, the eastern side of Port Royal Island and the northern tip of Parris Island. Shade trees swaying in the sea breeze provide a relaxing atmosphere. Other amenities include a variety of flowers, shrubs and plants, a stage for performances, a pavilion for displays, and a grassed amphitheater for picnicking, frisbee or simple relaxing. One the most popular features are the riverside swings, providing a simple opportunity to enjoy gentle sea breezes as a variety of water activities (fishing, boating, etc.) contribute to the relaxing atmosphere.
Pigeon Point Park: This family-friendly park was completely renovated starting in 2005 and includes an extensive playground for children of all ages, picnic tables, open space and restrooms. It’s many oak trees provide shelter and breezes from the sun on warm days and beautiful scenery.
Cypress Wetlands: Rookery and Amphitheater: There are several species of birds that call this place home, including herons, hawks, eagles, owls, falcons, geese, ducks, and other migratory waterfowl. It is absolutely a birdwatchers paradise. In addition to birds, regular visitors among the cypress trees are alligators, turtles, and snakes. 1700 Paris Ave., Port Royal.
- Features and Facilities: Walking trails, open air Pavilion / Amphitheater
Public Restrooms: There is a public restroom located at the Port Royal Police Station right next door. The entrance is outside by the driveway which leads around back and it is also Handicap Accessible. - Hours of Operation: Daylight hours
- How to Get There: The Amphitheater is located on Paris Ave right off of Ribaut Ave with Parking on Paris Ave. There is also a Handicap Parking pad behind the Police Station. The Richmond Overlook is located on Richmond Ave. just past the Waddell YMCA. Parking on the shoulder is permitted there.
Live Oaks Park: Live Oaks is a family-oriented park with an incredible playground, a covered oyster shed with fireplace and barbeque pit, tennis courts, basketball court, and a lighted roller hockey rink. Located in Port Royal.
Hunting Island State Park: Hunting Island is a 5,000-acre (20 km2) secluded semitropical barrier island located 15 miles (24 km) east of Beaufort, South Carolina, United States in between Harbor Island and Fripp Island. Since 1935, it has been classified as a state park. It is the most-visited state park facility in South Carolina and is a part of the ACE Basin estuarine reserve area. Known for its natural environment, the island remains one of the few remaining undeveloped Sea Islands in the Lowcountry. Hunting Island State park contains one of 3 public beaches in the Beaufort-Port Royal area. The park is very secluded and family-oriented with nature trails, nature center, a fishing pier, lighthouse and campground. 2555 Sea Island Pkwy., Hunting Island. (843) 838-2011 or www.huntingisland.com.
- Park: Summer Hours – 6 a.m.-9 p.m. | Winter Hours – 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Lighthouse: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., weather permitting
- Visitors Center: Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Saturday-Sunday: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Burton Wells Park: The Burton Wells Park is a 300 acre regional recreation complex including two three-field ball complexes, a multi-field soccer complex, a community recreation center, passive use facilities, picnic areas, walking and nature trails, lakes, interpretive botanical garden, tennis and basketball courts. 1 Middleton Recreation Dr. (843) 255-6680 or www.bcscrec.com.
- Hours: Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. | Saturday: 8a.m.-6 p.m. | Sunday: Closed