Since sharing our bucket list item of walking the Ravenel Bridge, we have gotten tons of visitors looking for more information on this beautiful Charleston landmark. So, today we are excited to share everything you need to know about the Ravenel Bridge.
The Ravenel Bridge
Tell me about this gorgeous bridge!
The Arthur Ravenel Bridge spans the Cooper River between downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.
The Ravenel Bridge is 2.7 miles long and features a pedestrian walkway the entire length. This sidewalk is separated from the road with a concrete barrier and therefore feels very safe and protected.
This bridge is a cable-stayed bridge meaning that it has tall, triangular cables suspending the entirety. This gives the bridge it’s iconic shape. The Ravenel Bridge does not have to open or raise to let boats through – it has 186 foot clearance underneath. You can frequently spot huge container ships passing underneath!
This is an 8 lane bridge with 4 lanes in each direction. The whole bridge is 575 feet tall and 13,200 feet long.
What is allowed on the bridge?
Walking
Walking is allowed on the pedestrian path on the bridge.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed on the pedestrian path on the bridge.
Strollers
Strollers are allowed on the pedestrian path on the bridge.
Dogs
Dogs are NOT allowed on the pedestrian path on the bridge.
Where do I park to walk the Ravenel Bridge?
Memorial Waterfront Park
Memorial Waterfront Park is the easiest place to park to walk the bridge. It is located on the Mount Pleasant side of the bridge.
In addition to bridge access, the park is pretty awesome itself. It features the Mount Pleasant pier, which is a 1,250 foot long pier that runs under the bridge. They actually built this pier on the (sliced down) footings from the old bridge that predated the Ravenel Bridge – the Silas N. Pearman Bridge!
The park features:
- Fishing
- Gift cafe
- Special events
- Swings, picnic tables, and rocking chairs
- Tackle sales and rod rentals
The address to this park is: 71 Harry Hallman Blvd. Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
There is also a small parking lot on the Charleston side of the bridge at the base. It is a gravel lot and there are no amenities, so we recommend parking on the Mount Pleasant side.
What is the Cooper River Bridge Run?
The Cooper River Bridge Run is an annual event held in Charleston, South Carolina. It is a 10k race and is held in April. You can read about our experience at the Bridge Run here! Find more information about the bridge run on their official website.
Where else should I walk in Charleston?
There are tons of places to take beautiful walks in Charleston!
Here are some of our favorite walking spots in the Holy City:
Read our comprehensive review of all of the Charleston County Parks here!
Charleston, South Carolina is a great place to visit. There are tons of activites to do to appreciate the history, outdoors, and great food. Here are our favorite activities in Charleston. Peruse local treats at the Farmer's Market Visit one of many county parks. Take in a baseball game. The Wine and Food Festival is always so much fun! The Angel Oak is the oldest and biggest tree in the area. Riverfront park is a beautiful place to walk. If you like cats, check out Pet Helpers! Morris Island has a gorgeous light house on Folly Beach. Catch a hockey game! Check out the soccer team! The nature center at Kiawah has some great local wildlife. Beachwalker is a public beach on Kiawah island. The aquarium is a great spot for kids or adults! Things to do in Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston Farmers Market
Charleston County Parks
Visiting Charleston? Visit the Riverdogs!!
101 in 1001: Charleston Wine and Food Festival
Charleston's Angel Oak
Riverfront Park in North Charleston
The Cat Rooms at Pet Helpers Charleston
Morris Island Lighthouse on Folly Beach
Stingrays Hockey
Charleston Battery Soccer Game
Kiawah Nature Center
101 in 1001: Kiawah Beachwalker Park
South Carolina Aquarium
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Hey there, I’m Sean, the woodworking enthusiast and builder behind CharlestonCrafted.com! Since 2012, I’ve been sharing the magic of turning raw materials into beautiful creations. I love teaching others the art and satisfaction of woodworking and DIY. I try to inspire fellow crafters to make something extraordinary out of nothing at all.