Hampton Park: Where Old Charleston Charm Meets Easy Sunday Energy
If you’ve lived in Charleston long enough, you know Hampton Park isn’t just a park, it’s a whole mood.
60 acres of winding paths, moss-draped oaks, and gardens that shift with the seasons make Hampton Park one of the Charleston’s most beloved outdoor spaces.
It’s where locals take engagement photos, runners find their morning rhythm, and families turn picnics into full-day affairs.
Hampton Park Charleston has that rare energy; equal parts old charm and easy Sunday calm.
Here’s an ideal way to spend a Hampton Park day…
Start Your Day at Sightsee Charleston
Before your stroll through Hampton Park, grab coffee at Sightsee, a small but mighty retail-meets-café spot on Rutledge Ave. This locally owned shop is equal parts curated design store and micro coffee bar, the kind of place that feels effortless but considered.
Order a flat white or matcha, and grab one of their baked goods or hand pies for the road. If you’re in the mood to linger, browse their locally made products, Charleston-inspired prints, ceramics, and limited-run apparel that always sell out fast.
Slow Mornings at Hampton Park
Walk a few blocks north and you’ll hit Hampton Park. Once home to the Washington Race Course in the 1800s (and later, the 1901 South Carolina Inter-State and West Indian Exposition), the park has evolved into a local favorite for good reason.
A one-mile loop encircles the park, lined with oak trees and vibrant flower beds. You’ll see joggers, Citadel cadets, and families soaking in the shade, all part of the park’s lived-in rhythm. It’s as scenic as the Battery, but without the crowds.
If you’re planning a weekend visit, check the City of Charleston events calendar. Hampton Park often hosts community events, plant sales, and cultural festivals. And if you’re scouting a photo-worthy backdrop, this is it. (We did our maternity photos here with Erin Rose Photography, the light is unbeatable.)
Healthy Lunch at Huriyali
After a relaxed morning, walk or bike twelve minutes to Huriyali on Huger Street. Known for its colorful, plant-forward menu, Huriyali is Charleston’s go-to for clean eating without the compromise. The dishes are global but grounded, from acai bowls and curry wraps to smoothies and turmeric lattes; all served in a vibrant, plant-filled space.
The outdoor patio is where you want to sit. Surrounded by greenery, good music, and that distinct Charleston ease. Order the Huevos Rancheros Bowl or their Golden Milk Latte, and take your time. Huriyali isn’t a place to rush.
Stroll Through Hampton Park Terrace
Before you wrap the day, wander through Hampton Park Terrace, the historic neighborhood just east of the park. Most of the homes here were built between 1912 and 1925, creating a living showcase of early 20th-century Charleston architecture, big porches, tall windows, and an authenticity you can’t fake.
It’s one of Charleston’s most intact historic suburbs, with quiet streets perfect for a late afternoon walk. From there, you can also cross over to The Citadel, where self-guided and cadet-led tours are available year-round. If you’re visiting during football season, check the home game schedule, the tailgating scene is classic Charleston energy: polished, friendly, and a little wild in the best way.
Why Hampton Park Is Worth a Sunday
Hampton Park is where you’ll find locals sipping coffee under the oaks, students throwing frisbees, and couples sharing quiet picnic lunches. There’s no rush, no tour groups, just the feeling that you’re in on something special.
Start with a latte from Sightsee, find your corner of the park, and let Charleston do what it does best, charm you, quietly and completely.
