If there’s one view that says “home” to people around here, it’s the Ravenel Bridge. Those two diamond-shaped towers rising up over the Cooper River have become a symbol of Charleston, just as recognizable as Rainbow Row or the Battery. I’ve crossed that bridge more times than I could ever count, and I still catch myself looking out at the harbor every time. Whether you drive it every day or you’re seeing it for the very first time, it’s hard not to smile when it comes into view.
A little history
The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge opened to traffic on July 16, 2005. It connects downtown Charleston with Mount Pleasant, and it replaced two older, narrow bridges over the Cooper River: the John P. Grace Memorial Bridge and the Silas N. Pearman Bridge. If you’re one of the folks who remembers white-knuckling it across the old Grace Bridge, you know what a welcome change that was.
A few fun facts
As an old Navy guy, I’ll admit I have a soft spot for anything that lets big ships come and go safely. Watching one of those giant container ships slide under the bridge is something I never get tired of.
Walk it, run it, bike it
One of the best things about this bridge is that you don’t need a car to enjoy it. The walking and biking path, called Wonders’ Way, runs the full length of the bridge, with amazing views of the harbor, downtown, Patriots Point and the port. It’s named in memory of Garrett Wonders, a young cyclist who was killed while training. On any given morning you’ll see neighbors walking their dogs, friends catching up and runners getting their miles in.
A few tips: go early in the morning or around sunset to beat the heat, bring water, and park at Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park or on the downtown side.
Chris’s tip
Walk Wonders’ Way around sunset, then grab one of the porch swings at Waterfront Park. It’s the best free view in Charleston.
The Cooper River Bridge Run
Every spring, tens of thousands of people take over the bridge for the Cooper River Bridge Run, a 10K that starts in Mount Pleasant and finishes in downtown Charleston. It’s one of the largest road races in the country and a true Charleston tradition. Some people run it to compete, and some just walk it to soak up the atmosphere. Either way, it’s a day you won’t forget.
Right under the bridge: Memorial Waterfront Park
On the Mount Pleasant side, Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park sits right at the foot of the bridge. It has a long pier out over the harbor, porch swings looking out over the water, green space, a playground, and concerts and events all year long. It’s one of my favorite places to take people when they’re new to the area. Sit on one of those swings at sunset, and you’ll understand why so many people fall in love with this place.
What the bridge means for living here
The Ravenel Bridge makes it easy to live on one side of the river and enjoy the other. Lots of families choose Mount Pleasant for its neighborhoods and schools and still get downtown for work, dinner or a night out in just a few minutes. Others love living downtown and heading over the bridge to the beaches at Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms.
If you’re thinking about making the Charleston area home, take a look at our guides to Mount Pleasant and Downtown Charleston, or reach out to our team.
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