Travel & Vacation: Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge (Charleston, SC)

 The sun is setting and birds are flying by as we go over the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge in Charleston

We typically go over the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge as we head into downtown Charleston, SC.  Usually if we are in the area for a few days we go over the bridge several times.  My favorite time to go over the bridge is around sunset.  It is beautiful and you get a great view of the sunset from the top of the bridge.  We typically drive over the bridge, but there is a walkway where you can walk as well as a bicycle path over the bridge.  We often see people walking, jogging, or biking across the bridge during the day or early in the evenings.

The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge first opened its 8 lanes back in 2005.  It is a cable bridge with two diamond shaped towers.  It is lit up at night and you can see it for miles (it looks pretty neat).  The bridge was built so that ocean freighters and other large boats could get into the Port of Charleston.  Every Spring they have the Cooper River Bridge Run that crosses over this bridge.  Back in 2013 Jake, the girls, and I were in town the day before the run so we did the Cooper River Bridge Kids Run together which was a lot of fun.  Not only did they have the kids run, but a lot of great family friendly activities for the kids throughout the day.  We haven’t timed it right to participate again, but maybe some day we’ll get the timing right.

If you have kids another cool thing about the bridge is the shaded playground directly under it.  The playground is fenced and gated which makes it nice for the younger kids.  The kids enjoy going to the playground, walking through the park, or swinging on the swings positioned along the pier under the bridge.  The park and playground is called Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park. It is one of the few playgrounds you can go to if it is a rainy day because it is almost completely covered.  Also, on hot days it is a perfect place to find a shady place to play that has a little breeze.  The Mount Pleasant Visitor’s Center is located at the front of the park where you can pick up tickets to a variety of activities in and around Charleston without having to go all the way to downtown Charleston’s Visitor Center.  We typically go here if we want tickets to local events or tours because it is closer to where we are staying, faster (not as crowded with people or traffic), and the parking is free.

You will often encounter a fisherman on the pier too (usually they are very happy to show the kids their “catch” for the day).   The pier was made from leftover pieces of the old Silas N. Pearman Bridge which was the bridge used prior to the building of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.  There is the River Watch Cafe and Gift Shop that sells souvenirs, fishing supplies, ice cream, and more.  There are clean bathrooms and water fountains located near the Welcome Center and the River Watch Cafe and Gift Shop.  The park has always been very clean.  Sometimes we’ll grab a pizza, eat it in the park, let the kids play for a little bit, then go for a nice walk before heading back to the hotel.  During the summer months (a some other times of the year) they do special events in the park, like Movies in the Park, Music events, Fishing Tournaments, and more.

 Crossing over the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge

Big bridge

Passing directly under the first tower

The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax.  Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away.  Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories.  It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine.  Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn.  You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!