Cannon Park is located near MUSC and Roper Hospitals, in a less commercialized area of downtown Charleston. My most recent visit was for two days of volunteer work with my running club, which hosts a race that begins and ends in the park. Cannon Park's most prominent feature is the raised platform with four columns, which are the last remnants of the old Charleston Museum that burned down in 1981. Lately, people have used sidewalk chalk to write inspirational quotes and positive messages on the columns. For dog parents, Cannon Park is the place to go. Your pups will meet plenty of other pups to social with, as this seems like Charleston's token dog park. I'm not sure if dogs are supposed to be off leash in this park or not, but they often are. The park has doggy bags and waste receptacles, but watch your step as not everyone cleans up. I almost slipped stepping into a few holes as well, and I wish the city would give the park some TLC and level those so no one gets hurt. The park has a small playground, which is shaded but the equipment looks like it's seen better days. Although the Charleston City Parks website claims the park has wifi, it is spotty at best, so I wouldn't count on it. If you're hungry or thirsty while in the park, there's a Walgreens and a gas station very close by. This simple park doesn't have a huge tourist draw, which could be a plus. Since it's so close to the hospitals, it's the perfect place to go for a walk for some fresh air and a little escape from the medical community. read more

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This is my favorite park in Charleston. It has trees that provide the perfect amount of shade in the hot and humid Summers, but it also provides some piece and quiet when you want to escape the hustle and bustle from the city center. Thanks to the columns that remain from the old museum, they are the perfect meeting spot to hang out with friends or have a first date. It's proximity to the gas station gives you the opportunity to get an ice cold beverage at any time. But make sure not to litter this green lung! read more

Anchored by palm trees and live oaks, the four iconic columns at the park are all that remain from and old building (perhaps, a museum?) following a fire. I enjoy taking a few laps around the park when I need post-lunch pick-me-up or when my dogs and I want to take a detour from our daily walks. It's kid friendly and dog friendly, as there is a playground shaded by live oaks and doggie waste bag dispensers and ground-level water fountains on your way around the park, respectively. Dog can go unleashed, but please be considerate of other dogs if your dog tends to be aggressive. Although this may not be the prettiest park on the peninsula, I still appreciate this beautiful, off-the-tourist-radar gem. Located near MUSC on Calhoun Street, you will not be seeing a ton of tourists here. Rather, you will see locals passing through with their dogs or coming here to enjoy the peace and stretch of beautiful and historic properties between Rutledge and Ashley Avenues. One thing to note - have your mosquito spray handy. You will certainly be needing it! read more

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The selling point of this park, historically speaking, are those four pillars sitting off to the side. It looks like they were part of a house, but I can't know for sure because there are no markers or signs anywhere to tell you what you're looking at. They're very photogenic, but I want to know more about them. The rest of the park is just a park, and I didn't see signs of a cannon, which would indicate why it was called Cannon park... read more

Cannon Park - Parks Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Site of the former city museum, Cannon Park has gone to the dogs, but everyone seems to like it that way. This unofficial dog park is where the neighborhood gathers after work, with their faithful companions. Be cautious, devious squirrels will lure your dog into traffic if given half a chance. There are no fences, so don't even think about losing the leash unless your pet responds to voice commands. Non-dog-lovers will probably be disappointed. The center of the park is virtually grass-less and uneven. But you can't blame the dogs entirely, this place never dries out. There are a few beautiful trees, as well as benches. The remaining museum steps create a dry, dog-free, haven. read more

Cannon Park - Parks Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Cannon Park in Charleston is one of my favorite parks in the entire area. This park is conveniently located in the middle of the city and has plenty of on street parking surrounding the park. Whenever I have business to do at the different hospitals I will park around here and walk through the park coming and going and take some time to relax and catch some fresh air when I get a chance. I like that there is plenty of green open space to run and roll around in. I also like that this park is usually not as crowded as some of the other parks and many times throughout the day there may be no other people there. This park is well maintained and cared for and I enjoy being able to come here and enjoy it. read more

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A hidden treasure that isn't truly hidden in Charleston, SC. Located between Rutledge Avenue and Ashley Avenue behind Rite-Aid, this park is a haven for dog owners, tanners, frisbee fans and photographers. With an iconic platform and Greek style pillars surrounded by beautiful green trees and an open park setting, this is one of the most scenic little spots in Charleston. Just outside the green is a small park for the kids to play and doggie poop bags all around (You know why). Just outside the busier part of the peninsula, you will find mostly locals and students spending warm afternoons there, some photo shoots, yoga sessions and maybe even a pop-up wedding or two. read more

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What a mess. This park is a mosquito breeding ground full of dog poop. I live nearby and was looking forward to walking my dog there when I moved to the neighborhood. I have found that even though bags are provided, people don't pick up after their dogs. The walking paths are dirt and therefore usually mud as this is the first area to flood when it rains. Charleston needs to invest in fixing this greenspace. read more

Cannon Park - Twilight. - Parks Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Awesome park in downtown Charleston. It is a popular place to bring dogs so watch where you step!

I prefer this park over others in Charleston due to it's convenient location yet quiet atmosphere. Hampton is nice, but far away from most things downtown and can sometimes be loud and busy with workout groups and what not. Cannon generally only has a few people in it, and the dog owners usually keep their dogs controlled so that isn't a problem. It also offers plenty of shaded areas without the college and tourist crowd, unlike Marion Square. The only downside to this park is the almost constantly muddy grassy area, which is unavoidable in that area of the peninsula. Definitely a "locals" spot. Tourists probably wouldn't enjoy it. read more

Funny and a little eerie to see an isolated colonnade on an unkempt lawn silhouetted against the sunset. I actually think it's pretty cool that the place has been left to run a bit wild. read more