The Battery and White Point Garden

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.