Melton Peter Demetre Park — Attraction in Charleston

View of downtown, the harbor and bridge. Kinda small, but out of the way enough that it’s usually not too crowded. Small parking area, maybe 25 vehicles. Got a beach, pier and dock. I’ve launched kayaks from here and paddled out to different spots in the harbor. I’ve seen lots of fishermen along the beach, pier and out on boats. Have not seen a boat ramp here. They do have a small bath house and fresh water supply for hosing off and restrooms. A picnic shelter with two tables and a water fountain (with a pet access) is on the grounds. I brought a catering burner and made up some pork and taters, had a great meal after paddling and never was bothered by anyone. Have not seen complete shells on the beach, mostly broken and jagged, don’t know if this is a dredged beach. Does seem to get a lot of water/wave action, so maybe check after a storm. To get here you will be driving through neighborhoods on small and slow roads, keep and eye out for children, animals and big freaking trucks pulling boats( I think they are coming from James Island...

Rating this park is complicated. Based on my previous visit, 5 stars all day. My mom and I went in January and it was wonderful: secluded, windswept, killer views, and the water lapping the beach clear and cold. A strong wind and rocky shoreline give a New England vibe (much different than Folly or Isle of Palms). I let my dog Margaret run in the water that day, she frolicked for a bit and we all walked together out to the point enjoying the solitude. Today was a different story. Basically, DON'T GO IN THE WATER AT LOW TIDE. Maybe it's a seasonal thing, but the beach turned to mud halfway down and the water line was too far out to reach without sinking six inches (and almost losing both sandals). The water proved no relief as it was brown with mud and littered with dead jellyfish. I felt like I was in an episode of Double Dare. Marge was thrilled to be chest deep in sludge but Dad, not so much. Thankfully there's a hose next to the bathroom, but for the love of dog don't make the same mistake I did. Just stick to the sand or...

Yea I still call it Sunrise Park.

The bathrooms are flat out scary, saw the largest brown widow I’ve ever seen in my life in there. Lots of those spiked egg sacks as well. But didn’t see a single palmetto ballgame - so that’s something.

The area is pretty nice overall, but it’s kind of being taken over as a launching place for kayak/SuP tours or something - seems like they’re always there and taking up a lot of spaces and generally blocking egress or maybe it’s the times I go.

I don’t really go as much as I did. It’s often crowded or loud. I understand letting the kids run wild but the silence is gone and it seems to have taken a few species of bird with it. Still a good place to get away but still be in the...