The Incredible Unique Park That’s Right Here In South Carolina’s Own Backyard

South Carolina has some extraordinary parks. In 2016 we took you to Greenville to see a city park in the state that features a waterfall spanning the width of the entire river. We also showed you another amazing waterfront park in Columbia. The park we're featuring today is also unique and very worthy of a visit. Take a look.

Riverfront Park in North Charleston is located on the former Naval Base and was built to give locals better access to the water.

And it does JUST that! Visitors love getting an upclose look at the cargo ships on the Cooper River.

In addition to dramatic water views, this park is the location of the annual 4th of July Festival (shown in the first photo above). Hands down, this festival rivals any in the region. Plus, every year the park holds the National Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition. Winning sculptures are then kept on display for 12 months.

Take a look at SOME of the current pieces of art on display at Riverfront Park and you'll agree a trip to this park belongs on your bucket list:

"Cubes in Motion" by Hannan Jubran, photo by Ryan Johnson

"Swing Thing" by Adam Walls, photo by Ryan Johnson

"Undulation" by Jordan Fowler, photo by Ryan Johnson

"Truce" by Adams Walls, photo by Ryan Johnson

"Voyager Outdoor" by Corrina Sephora, photo by Ryan Johnson

"Go Take A Hike" by Davis Whitfield, photos by Ryan Johnson

"Mare and Foal" by Edward Byrd, photo by Ryan Johnson

The park also has a playground, a water feature for children, an amphitheater, a boardwalk, and a fishing pier.

It's quickly becoming the premiere outdoor venue for concerts in the Charleston area. Last summer O.A.R. (shown above) played here and there's a ton of live music scheduled...

...including "Slightly Stoopid" performing at Riverfont Park on June 23, 2017.

Go here for tour and ticket info.

Since the park is located on the former Naval Base it's only fitting to have a proper memorial, right?

The flags are a lovely tribute, but that's only the beginning of this cool memorial.

Your trip down memory lane starts with seeing some amazing restored (and some not) buildings from the base, like this one:

This is one of the buildings that housed the officers. Today it's part of the HQ for the park.

The memorial here is a completely interactive experience.

It starts with a unique ground fountain of water, resembling a river that opens to a "sea" at the memorial.

Cross the plank over to the displays showcasing the life of the base and its people/ships.

The walkway is lined with bricks with names carved into them.

You'll pass several bronzes of the vessels that once graced the docks here.

And finally, see both the lone sailor who's returned from sea...

...and just beyond him, you'll see another touching sculpture called "The Homecoming," featuring a returning sailor hugging his family.

Riverfront Park in North Charleston offers so much to see and do.

From ongoing events and concerts, to a memorial dedicated to the former Naval Base and an on-going exhibition of the winners of each year's National Sculpture Competition we haven't even touched the surface of the possibilities for fun at this waterfront oasis. Make plans to head on over there yourself and see all it has to offer.

Riverfront Park is open year-round and is very easy to access from Interstate 526 in North Charleston. You'll find the entrance at 1001 Everglades Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405.

Have you visited this unique park on the Cooper River yet? We'd love to hear your experiences in our comments!