As you wind through the park on the Historic Trail, passing under large sprawling oaks with Spanish moss hanging from them, you will come to the site of the first permanent European settlement in the Carolinas, which was established in 1670. Stops along the way provide an insight into the daily lives of the settlers, from the crops they grew to the protective palisade and embrasures where cannons were mounted to protect them from Spanish attack from the Ashley River. A reproduction of a wooden sailing ship of the time named Adventure is currently being constructed on site. Ships of this type were used by the settlers to trade with colonies from New England to the West Indies. The History Trail also adjoins the English Garden Trail—you can catch sight of azaleas, camellias, wisteria, bald cypress, and Japanese yews..

Handicap Accessibility: All areas and facilities of the park are accessible by wheelchair with the exception of the Adventure exhibit (17th century replica ship). The Adventure is viewable from shore. All pathways are paved, concrete or boardwalk. The 17th century Common House exhibit and current archaeological research site is hard, packed dirt. Manual wheelchairs may need assistance at these locations.

From Charleston: Drive west on US 17 South and cross the Ashley River Bridge. Bear right onto SC 61/171, drive two miles and bear right on SC 171. The Charles Towne Landing entrance is one mile on the right.

From Exit 216 A on I-26: Drive south on SC 7 for four miles and bear left on US 171. The Charles Towne Landing entrance is one mile on the left.