The Battery and White Point Garden

The Basics

The Battery refers to the stretch of seawall and adjoining pedestrian paths along Charleston’s peninsular edge. White Point Garden is a 5.7-acre (2.3-hectare) public park on the Battery that rests on Charleston’s southernmost tip, where the Ashley and Cooper rivers converge. Both attractions are free and open to the public—expect to see them full of locals and visitors alike on any given day, especially around sunset. The Battery is also rich with historic sights and monuments, including old cannons, the Confederate Defenders of Charleston statue, and grand antebellum homes as far as the eye can see.

Visiting the Battery is an essential Charleston experience. You can explore it and White Point Garden independently or with a guide, as its complex history is included on most city sightseeing boat, bus, and walking tours.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Battery and White Point Garden are a must for first-time visitors to Charleston, especially history buffs.

• This outdoor attraction is great for kids and suitable for pets.

• Dress for the weather, keeping in mind the midday heat.

• There are no public restrooms or water fountains nearby.

• While mostly accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, uneven surfaces can make it difficult to navigate.

How to Get There

The Battery is located along the edge of the Charleston peninsula. You can walk or bike from downtown Charleston, or take the free DART shuttle’s green line. If driving, there is free and metered street parking in the vicinity.

When to Get There

The Battery and White Point Garden are free, open, and popular year-round. Be sure to check the weather before you go and plan accordingly.

Tours of the Battery

If you’re looking for more than just a pleasant walk along the Battery and White Point Garden, consider going as part of a guided tour. Downtown Charleston walking tours are a popular option, as are sightseeing cruises that let you see the Battery from the water.

Ways to explore

Visiting the Battery and White Point Garden is an essential Charleston experience. Thankfully it’s included on most sightseeing tours of the city, making it easy to check off your list. Explore by foot on a walking tour of Charleston’s historic homes or take a classic horse and carriage ride through the city’s broad avenues along with a historian guide. Boat tours offer a different perspective on the city. Sunset sailboat rides, dinner cruises, and private charters give you a broader perspective on the Battery, the Harbor, and the bridges beyond.

Accessibility

While paved paths are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, uneven surfaces can be difficult to navigate.

Age limits

None; this is a great place to take the kids.

What to pack

Full water bottle, snacks, picnic lunch

What to wear

Dress for the weather, with light clothing and sun protection in the summer and warm layers in the winter.

Not allowed

Drinking alcohol in public, loud music that may disturb the peaceful atmosphere

Amenities

There are no public restrooms or water fountains nearby, so plan accordingly.

Address 

The Battery and White Point Garden are located at the southernmost tip of the Charleston peninsula. The easiest way to get there is to walk—it’s a short stroll from downtown, and limited parking makes driving a hassle.

Driving

Look for street parking between Murray Boulevard and East Bay Street, keeping in mind that some metered parking spots have a 4-hour time limit. If you aren’t feeling lucky—or need to stay longer—the Queen Street Parking Garage is your closest alternative.

Public transportation

Take the free DART shuttle Route 211 (green line) to the Four Corners of Law. From there, walk straight south on Meeting Street for about 10 minutes until you hit the water.

Best times to visit

Go right before sunset to experience golden-hour magic at White Point Garden and to watch dolphins jumping through the waves on the Charleston Harbor.

Best days to visit

Weekends tend to get busy. Plan your visit midweek for fewer crowds and easier parking.

Best months to visit

Fall and spring are the best seasons to visit thanks to mild weather and shoulder-season crowds. Winter holiday decorations are beautiful if you can stand the cold, but whatever you do, try to avoid going in the summer.

Special events

While the Battery itself doesn’t host any events, some of Charleston’s biggest hits happen in the spring, including the renowned Spoleto arts festival and the Charleston Wine and Food festival.