8 great parks to play outdoors in Beaufort, SC

From shady sanctuaries to waterfront views, Beaufort’s parks hold immense amounts of beauty, breezes, and fun to be had for all ages.

Beaufort residents are very fortunate to have a variety of community parks and playgrounds throughout the area to get out and enjoy some of our fabulous sunshine. While many of these spots are quite well known and loved, there are a few hidden gems that we may forget are located around town as well.

Pigeon Point Park

Play Beaufort
Pigeon Point Park in Beaufort, South Carolina

1521 Pigeon Point Rd, Beaufort, SC 29902

Pigeon Point Park, just off of Boundary Street up from Bellamy Curve, includes a playground in our natural Lowcountry element. Oaks draped in Spanish moss shade the large park from the heat.  Here you can find various playgrounds for all ages, bench swings, and picnic tables. What seems to be a kiddie favorite are the old school metal slides for a rapid ride down and the ever-popular merry-go-round.

The park has spaces that can be reserved for:

Birthday parties, family & community gatherings, picnics, and small informal wedding ceremonies. To Make A Reservation Contact: Rhonda  Carey, Events & Tour Operations Coordinator – Email Rhonda Carey Phone: 843-379-7063

The Naval Heritage Park

We have the Spanish galleon and the playground at The Naval Heritage Park in Port Royal. Saturday finds the little ones running about after attending the farmers market with their parents. Older siblings can take advantage of The Beaufort Skate Park, too.. There isn’t too much seating here, but that seems to be okay—parents are often up keeping the kids twirling on the tire swing.

 

Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park

henrycchamberswaterfrontpark
Downtown Beaufort’s Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, ESPB photo

One we all cherish is The Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. This spot has it all and gives the opportunity to enjoy the playground as well as taking a stroll along the river, catching a sea breeze on the bench swings, grabbing a bite to eat or stopping to cool off with some ice cream.

The park has spaces that can be reserved for:

Large-scale festivals, special events, weddings and wedding receptions, graduation ceremonies, concerts, and more. To Make A Reservation Contact: Rhonda  Carey, Events & Tour Operations Coordinator – Email Rhonda Carey Phone: 843-379-7063

 

Lenora Park

Lenora Park in Port Royal is a quiet out-of-the-way spot. Photo ESPB/Ty Snowden

Lenora Park is located in Port Royal, right at the foot of the Parris Island Bridge, off of Ribaut Road. It is a nice spot to stop by if you’re looking to play without too much of a crowd.

 

Coursen-Tate Memorial Park

Coursen-Tate Memorial Park is off of Springfield Road on Lady's Island and boasts soccer and baseball fields and a nice playground too. Photo ESPB/Ty Snowden
Coursen-Tate Memorial Park is off of Springfield Road on Lady’s Island and boasts soccer and baseball fields and a nice playground too. Photo ESPB/Ty Snowden

Tucked away on Lady’s Island at 9 Springfield Road, is the Coursen-Tate Memorial Park. This unique spot was named in memory of two Beaufort County Sherriff’s who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Here, there is a playground equipped with a shark tunnel, a large pavilion with picnic tables, and tons of open green grass for the little ones to run free.

 

Burton Wells Park

Another pet friendly spot is Southside Park in Mossy Oaks. ESPB photo
Another pet friendly spot is Southside Park in Mossy Oaks. ESPB photo

If you’re one who loves bringing your dog along for the adventure, you may want to check out Burton Wells Park. Here you will find a dog park, a pond featuring a walkway and dock, playground, an outdoor basketball court, baseball, soccer and football fields, an indoor basketball gymnasium, and a small fitness center.

 

Washington Street Park

Washington Street Park- Photo courtesy of the City of Beaufort

Nestled in a historic Beaufort neighborhood, this family-friendly park is a quaint setting for children to play and has quiet spaces for relaxation.  Many exciting additions and upgrades are planned to further enhance this community’s mainstay.

The park has spaces that can be reserved for:

Community Events, and small to medium gatherings, small weddings, and birthday parties. To Make A Reservation Contact: Rhonda  Carey, Events & Tour Operations Coordinator – Email Rhonda Carey Phone: 843-379-7063

 

Southside Park

Southside Park – Photo courtesy of the City of Beaufort

Another pet-friendly spot is Southside Park in Mossy Oaks. You can find that one at 2614 Southside Boulevard. The City’s only dedicated dog park is situated in this expansive park that has large open spaces, walking paths, and wooded landscapes.  The 38-acre park is located on Southside Boulevard, bordered by Battery Creek Rd and it abuts Beaufort County’s lighted tennis courts and picnic pavilion.

With so many options, you and your family are sure to have enough upcoming days filled with sunshine to try them all. Have fun playing!!!

List of Beaufort, SC Parks:

Park Name Location
Battery Saxton Park Boundary Street, next to Wendy’s
Calhoun Thomas Park Ribaut Road, next to the bowling alley
Christensen Park Pigeon Point Road and Albert Street
Cuthbert Park located off of Lafayette Street
Dowling Park battery Creek Road and First Boulevard
Freedom Park Bay Street and the Waterfront Park entrance
Horse Trough Park Bay Street and Bladen Street
Knott Park King Street and East Street, in The Point
Harvey Park King Street and East Street, in The Point
Logan Park Bay Street and North Street
Lovejoy Park Boundary Street and Lovejoy Street
Morrall Park Craven Street and Carteret Street
Pigeon Point Park Pigeon Point Road
Pinckney Park Pigeon Point Road, neat boat ramp
Secessions Park Bay Street and Church Street
Southside Park Southside Boulevard
Southside Dog Park 2614 Southside Boulevard
Stephen Elliot Park Bay Street and Carteret Street
Washington Street Park Washington Street and Newcastle Street
Wilson Park Ribaut Road, across from Hermitage Road

 


The feature was originally was written by Ty Snowden & updated by ESPB staff in 2020