Charleston Sports and Recreation

Charleston's climate is so inviting and appealing all year round, you'll definitely want to spend some quality time outdoors. If you love recreational activities like hiking and biking, you'll love the excellent trails that you'll find in the many parks and other areas around town. If finding your next adrenaline rush is what you're after, then perhaps a skydiving trip is in order. Or, if you prefer to relax by spending the afternoon fishing at one of the areas' many lakes, rivers, or even the ocean itself, then you're in for a big treat. And if all that activity isn't enough to keep you busy, you can also check out Charleston's unique selection of spectator sports.

Pro Sports

The Charleston Battery is the city's own entry in the United Soccer League, and the athletes have represented their city well, as they have consistently maintained an impressive record, solid performances and winning matches. Riding the wave of soccer's popularity, the Battery has worked hard to maintain an impressive record of wins, and fan support is rewarded by several fan promotions and giveaways at each game.

Address: 1990 Daniel Island Drive, Charleston, SC 29492 - MAP
Phone: (843) 856-6958
Web: www.charlestonbattery.com

If the rough and edgy excitement of rugby sports action appeals to you, then get ready to enjoy a great game as the Charleston Outlaws take on their next challengers. The tough attitude and commitment to physical stamina are highly visible as Charleston's Outlaws live up to their no-rules moniker while focusing on their next victory.

Web: www.charlestonrugby.com

The Charleston Riverdogs are the city's very own Minor League Baseball team that takes to the diamond every spring to not only play the best baseball they can, but to also please their many fans who come to watch them play America's favorite sport. That fanatical devotion is rewarded with several fan-oriented promotions at many of the home games played at the Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. The team is a Class A affiliate of the New York Yankees.

Address: 360 Fishburne Street, Charleston, SC 29403 - MAP
Phone: (843) 723-7241
Web: www.charleston.riverdogs.milb.com

If you're a big hockey fan, then the Charleston Stingrays are a team to watch. Part of the ECHL Network, the Stingrays have worked hard and it shows. The team has been the Kelly Cup Champions three times, taking home the big prize in 1997, 2001 and 2009. So get ready for more great sports action on the ice with the Charleston Stingrays!

Phone: (843) 744-2248
Web: www.stingrayshockey.com

Hiking, Biking & Trails

The Capers Island hiking trail is an invigorating 5-mile trail that is quite popular due to its natural, nearly untouched surroundings like live oak, magnolia, cedar and palmetto trees. You're also likely to encounter raccoons, snakes, and even alligators. There are no facilities on the island so bring everything you need for a brisk hike and other outdoor recreation.

Web: www.sctrails.net

The West Ashley Greenway Trail may be flat and easy, but it's 10-mile length is still a challenge, even for the most seasoned hikers. The trail is 100 feet wide, is made up of mostly hard-packed dirt and runs through a residential and then commercial area. The trail parallels US 17 and moves past neighborhoods, parks and a marsh before reaching Johns Island and then a turn-around point.

Web: www.sctrails.net

If you're looking for a great bike trail in town, the West Ashley Bikeway is a great choice. The paved, 2.5 mile bike trail may be too short for serious cyclists, but it is an ideal area for walkers, runners, and bikers who want a more relaxing, scenic course.

Web: www.sctrails.net

Watersports

Looking to cool off in one of Charleston's many lakes or maybe heading out to the beach? Then look no further than Tidal Wave Water Sports to add an ingredient of fun to your aquatic endeavors. Go parasailing, wakeboarding, waterskiing, tubing, or hop on a waverunner. They provide an excellent choice of recreation rentals, as well as safety gear, too.

Phone: (843) 768-3482
Web: www.tidalwavewatersports.com

Try something a little different the next time you head out to Charleston Watersport-stand-up paddleboarding is a fun form of water recreation and it's also a great workout! Your weight on the board as well as your paddling motion will make it seem like you're surfing, but you'll take it a step beyond for a truly unforgettable experience!

Phone: (843) 884-9098
Web: www.charlestonwatersport.com

If you've ever wanted to water ski but don't know the first thing about how to go about it, then let the pros at the Isle of Palms Marina guide you to finding the right gear to make your waterskiing adventure a reality. You won't find a more thrilling water recreation activity.

Phone: (843) 886-0209
Web: www.iop.net

Plenty Of Thrills

Race with gravity with help from Extreme Charleston Skydiving! The pros will help you through extensive training and will make sure that you have all the necessary gear for your extreme sport experience. Make sure to get a video of your skydive so that your friends will believe you won your race with gravity!

Phone: (800) 242-0463
Web: www.charleston-skydiving.com

If you're looking for some extreme recreation, hop on over to Air Boingo in Myrtle Beach for a chance to get the adrenaline rush that only bungee jumping can bring! The professionals will put you at ease as you stand atop the jump-off point, and they'll make sure that you safely return to your starting point without a scratch!

Address: 914 Chester, Myrtle Beach, SC - MAP
Phone: (843) 626-5327

The staff at Frankie's asks, "Have you had your fun today?" If you answer with a resounding "NO," then you need to make your way to their Fun Park for lots of great fun, including several rides and amusements like go-karts, bumper boats, a rock wall, an arcade and other recreation activities that guarantee fun.

Address: 5000 Ashley Phosphate Rd., North Charleston, SC 29418-2818 - MAP
Phone: (843) 767-1376
Web: frankiesfunpark.com

Leisure

If you love the challenge of bowling and want to get in a few frames, then Charleston's AMF Lanes is your ultimate destination. AMF prides itself in offering you a state-of-the-art bowling experience as well as pricing specials and other great incentives. Shoe and ball rentals rates are reasonable, and the kids will love the high-tech gaming area. The concession stand is also a well-stocked with snacks if you get hungry between games.

Address: 1963 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29407 - MAP
Phone: (843) 766-0241
Web: www.amf.com

Looking to play a few games of pool to relax with your friends? Then look no further than Players Place, an excellent venue to grab your cue stick and play a few games. Between games, enjoy a snack or maybe something from their well-stocked bar before you rack 'em up for another fun game.

Address: 1401 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., Charleston, SC 29407 - MAP
Phone: (843) 556-4991
Web: www.playersplace.com

If you're shooting for a great time with friends, then why not get the gang together and head to Gene's Hofbrau for a friendly game of darts? Gene's has one of the most extensive sets of dartboards in town, and it's no wonder that many dart leagues both practice and compete here. So if you're aiming for a great time, great food and drinks and good friends as you play darts, Gene's Hofbrau is the perfect destination to hit!

Address: 817 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407 - MAP
Phone: (843) 225-4363
Web: www.geneshaufbrau.com

Charleston, SC