Welcome to our series: Lowcountry Parks & Playgrounds! Each article in this series focuses more on specific parks/playgrounds at locations all throughout the Lowcountry.
If you are looking for a day of touring new playgrounds, while taking in the beauty of Lowcountry waterways, marshes, and eating some delicious food — then come on over to Daniel Island! Follow the map below for a perfect day of fun, food, and fitness. Keep in mind, the entire trek is over four miles, so plan accordingly!
Start at Governor’s Park
Governor’s Park is right under 526. The community center offers restrooms and air conditioning if needed before or after you start your jaunt.
Right outside the community center is the “Zip Line” playground. This perfectly shaded little oasis has a long zip line that starts on a pirate ship, complete with a climbing net. It allows for plenty of squeals from kids of all ages. There is also a saucer swing and toddler swings for those wanting a more traditional playground experience.
The 17+ miles of trails on Daniel Island circles this playground! They will take you over bridges and boardwalks for majestic views of the Wando River and the James. B Edwards bridge into Mount Pleasant. You can see both dolphins and alligators if you are lucky, but guaranteed to see plenty of ospreys and seabirds! The trail also passes the Tennis Center and if there is a concert that night, you may be fortunate enough to spot a musician or hear a sound check while you stroll towards Waterfront Park.
Daniel Island Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park is one of the newest Daniel Island hot spots. This area has plenty of space for picnics, leisurely swinging while looking out at the water, and even a secret beach for kids to wade into the water. The playground is positioned so that you can watch the kids, the boats, and even grab a coffee or some lunch from The Dime (located right next door). If you come in the evening hours, dinner on the porch at The Kingstide will not disappoint, and the kids can still play on the playground while waiting for the food to arrive. There is also a super fun water feature that all the kids love, so be sure to bring some towels.
Cemetery, Tree House, & Center Park
If you continue on the trails you will come across a cemetery from the days when Daniel Island was a farming island.
Following that, you’ll see another boardwalk to a park with a tree house. This gorgeous little gem of a park gives amazing views of the marsh and river. It’s a favorite spot for photography, nature walking, running, and biking.
Crossing over a few streets, you will come to Center Park with a double playground feature. The littlest adventurers will love the train playground, with a tunnel and slides. The older crowd can enjoy a more adventurous playground, with climbing walls, monkey bars, and two longer slides.
Etiwan Park
From Center Park, you can walk a few more blocks to Etiwan Park, across from Bishop England High School, and marvel at the impressive new Catholic Church being built. Incidentally, the steeple can be seen from most walkways around Daniel Island if you know where to look. Etiwan is a park that has remained the same for all the years we have been here. A tried and true park with a sandbox, “princess tower” structure, multiple slides, swings, and even a good old-fashioned rocking horse. On the other side of the park is a sand volleyball court and basketball court. This is one of the few playgrounds with public restrooms so take advantage!
Codner’s Ferry Park
If you are still up for adventure, just a few blocks from Etiwan is Codner’s Ferry Park. Getting there takes you on a nice walk across the marsh and over a pond. This park allows for lots of shade, swings, a seesaw, a pirate ship, and a picnic area.
From here, you can catch the trail back towards Governors Park to return to your starting point. All in all, this trip covers about six miles, so you may want to bike it or be prepared with lots of water and snacks if walking.
There are literally more than seven parks and playgrounds I did not cover (and may do so in a future article), so take a trek to Daniel Island and explore all the great things our island has to offer. You may never want to leave!
