Palmetto Islands County Park

943-acre Charleston County park in Mount Pleasant with tidal creek, marsh and maritime forest access — not a beach. ADMISSION IS $2 PER PERSON, with free entry for Gold Pass members and children ages 2 and under; educational groups pay a discounted $1.50 per person Monday-Friday (call 843-795-4386). Hours: January-April 8 a.m.-sunset; May-August 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; September-December 8 a.m.-sunset. Gate closes to incoming traffic 30 minutes before the park closes. Water access: a kayak dock on Horlbeck Creek — personal kayaks are allowed on Horlbeck Creek but not on the park pond — plus kayak/canoe slip rentals and a tidal creek fishing dock. SCDNR requires a saltwater fishing license to fish the tidal creeks. Other features: paved trails and boardwalks, the Big Toy playground, Nature Island, a 50-foot observation tower with a play area, open meadows, picnic sites, and an off-leash dog park with separate large- and small-dog areas (closed until 9 a.m. each Tuesday for maintenance). Splash Island Waterpark operates seasonally inside the park and carries its own separate admission. Bike rentals open at 10 a.m., $5 per hour or $15 per day. Covered shelters and tents available to rent. Roughly 6 miles / 12 minutes from central Mount Pleasant (approximate).