The Coast With The Most, Exploring The Charleston Area

After a weekend in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina we made our way down the cost to Charleston. Along the way we made a quick stop at Hunting Island State Park.  Then on James Island, just out side the city of Charleston, we set up camp in a county park near the beach.  We enjoyed a cool ocean breeze and sunshine as we took in the sites of  historical Charleston and lounged on the beach on James Island.

Our side trip to Huntington Beach State Park was as exciting as we could have hoped for. Alligators inhabit the waterways throughout the park, and visitors are very likely to catch a glimpse of one.

As we strolled the walkway that divided a part of the marsh, we were taken aback by the beauty of the area. Low tides exposed tall grass that blew in the wind and hundreds of oysters coated in mud waited for the tide to rise again. Large white egret birds gracefully flew down from trees to find something to eat in the low waters.

It didn’t take long for someone on the walkway to reveal a huge alligator to us. The large prehistoric animal made its way up one side of the bank were it had been sunning. The beautiful creature made its way  causally across the pedestrian cross walk. The alligator slipped into the cool water that was waiting on the other side.

We watched in awe as the alligator moved and took to the water, where he swam off into the distance. As we walked back to the car we saw several smaller gators sun bathing along the bank! I was thankful that they all seemed totally uninterested with us!

After our little adventure we headed into Charleston where we found the town to be very walkable. We made our way from the visitor center to the waterfront. A large park and walkway outlined the cost of the Atlantic Ocean. Intimidatingly large French style houses stood with views of the waterfront. Many of the houses seemed perfectly suited to be B&B’s! It was lovely admiring the architecture.

We had lunch at Fleet Landing were we sat at the bar overlooking the water and the ships passing by. We started with steamed peel-and-eat shrimp that was covered in old bay seasoning, and we shared an order of southern fried flounder. The flaky fish was lightly battered and severed with house made tartar sauce. We washed down our delightful lunch with a local Stone IPA and a beer from Coast Brewery.

We spent the next day enjoying the beaches on James Island near our camp site. A pier lined with men fishing led far out over the ocean providing a wide view.

One man was cast net fishing. He through a big net into the water at schools of fish hoping to catch some fish to use as bait. Other fishermen moved around the dock to check on three or more rods they were using, all hoping for a bite.

In the distance we spotted some porpoises enjoying lunch! They were jumping and splashing in the waves; it was a beautiful site.

Then we took some time to splash in the waves ourselves! We read on the sand until the tide could no longer be outrun. It was a relaxing way to spend our time. Walking, swimming, and enjoying everything around us.

The terrain of the area changed rapidly always giving the eye something new to feast on. Palm trees and pine trees, from plants that seem suited for the dry dessert to hearty green bushes I wouldn’t have expected to find in the same area.

The Charleston area gave us so much to take in–amazing architecture, dark green parks, light sandy beaches, and marshlands that crawled with interesting creatures. We relaxed in the sun and strolled through old towns, it was a great way to experience this part of the south.