Pitt Street Bridge: The Most Beautiful Views
Tucked away at the end of a quiet street in the Old Village of Mount Pleasant, the Pitt Street Bridge offers serene waterfront charm and a connection to the past.
Want to know the history I learned about the Pitt Street Bridge? At one time, it was the only way to get from Mount Pleasant to Sullivan’s Island and the Isle of Palms.It began as a plank bridge built on barrels over Cove Inlet, which is the waterway that separates the mainland from the barrier islands. In 1864, the crew of the HL Hunley submarine walked across the footbridge to get to Breach Inlet for test dives.
Some thirty years later, a trolley bridge was built, enabling Mount Pleasant residents to reach the barrier islands. In the 1920s, the bridge was widened for vehicles. The Pitt Street Bridge was closed to traffic when the Ben Sawyer Bridge opened in 1945. It gradually became a pier and greenway for fishing, walking, and seeing the waterfront views. But Hurricane Hugo destroyed most of the bridge in 1989.
Eventually, the remaining causeway was transformed into a public space which is now the Pitt Street Bridge. In 2024, upgrades were completed, providing better parking, ADA- and golf cart-accessible spots, and a kayak launch.
Next time you’re looking for a peaceful spot, give yourself a little time and wander down to Pitt Street Bridge. The walkway is paved, which makes it perfect for walking with your dog or pushing a stroller. There’s always someone painting or reading. You’ll also see kids fishing and people running or walking with their dogs.Walk out to the end of the Pitt Street bridge, and you’ll see the marsh, tidal creeks, open water, and the Sullivan’s Island lighthouse.
Look the other direction for views of the Charleston Harbor and the Ravenel Bridge. You’ll see boats in the harbor and maybe a pelican or a dolphin, if you are lucky.The Pitt Street Bridge is the perfect spot to bird watch, have a picnic, or bring a book and enjoy the quiet. You can also go crabbing or fishing from the pier if you have a license.
My favorite time to go to the Pitt Street Bridge is at sunset, when you can see gorgeous sunset views of the marsh, the city, the Ravenel Bridge, and the water. Charleston is often bustling with tourists, and the Pitt Street Bridge offers a quiet, natural refuge. Bring a blanket or a chair and enjoy the sunset.
