30+ Things to Do Near Joint Base Lindsey Graham in North Charleston, Goose Creek, and Summerville!

Looking for something fun to do near Joint Base Lindsey Graham this weekend? You’re in luck! JB Lindsey Graham is perfectly located to take advantage of all the great activities and fantastic restaurants throughout Charleston and the surrounding South Carolina Lowcountry. If you’re willing to drive a bit farther, multiple great coastal cities are nearby and full of fun things to do.

5 Military-Friendly Activities Near Joint Base Lindsey Graham

Kicking things off, we have some recommendations that are military-friendly. These are activities you can do or places you can go that offer military discounts or are owned by Veterans. Some of our other recommendations also fit this description, but these five are some of our top recommendations in this category.

Visit the South Carolina Aquarium

You won’t want to miss the iconic South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston. With fascinating exhibits, animal encounters, and a variety of daily programs, you’ll want to visit again and again.

Luckily, the aquarium offers discounts that you can access through the Information, Tickets, and Travel (IT&T) office on base!

Grab a Plate at Swig and Swine

When you’re looking for a hearty meal to soothe your BBQ craving, look no further than Swig and Swine. This small chain of BBQ joints is owned by a Veteran who served as a cook on a ship while in the U.S. Navy.

They’ve got two local locations for you to check out - one in Charleston and one in Summerville.

Explore Historic Drayton Hall

Charleston, South Carolina, is one of the oldest cities in the United States, and Drayton Hall is one of its oldest historic structures. Originally built in the early 1750s by a wealthy plantation owner, the estate was opened as a museum in the late 20th century.

Visit to learn about colonial American history with a focus on the estate’s early owners, the Drayton family, and on the enslaved people who lived there as well as their descendants. Discounted tickets are available through the IT&T office.

Get Lunch at Sapphire’s Bar and Grill

If you’re looking for a good meal in a great place to hang out and make new friends, Sapphire’s Bar and Grill is the place for you.

This Veteran-owned restaurant is proudly kid-friendly and dog-friendly, and ready to welcome your whole crew.

Catch a Charleston RiverDogs Game

Did you know Charleston has its very own Major League Baseball team? The Charleston RiverDogs are a minor league affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays.

The RiverDogs are committed to showing their appreciation for service members and Veterans. A quick call to the box office, and you could have discounted tickets to their next home game.

10 Restaurants Near JB Lindsey Graham You Won’t Want to Miss

The greater Charleston area is teeming with incredible restaurants. We’ve got plenty of great suggestions in North Charleston, Summerville, and Goose Creek, but there’s even more to explore further into Charleston proper.

Start here, then head out and try something new! Be sure to let us know in the comments if you find a new favorite that we didn’t include.

Sunrise Bistro - Start your day at this local favorite breakfast spot in Goose Creek

Shugs - Casual, family-friendly restaurant offering fresh seafood.

Boxcar Betty’s - Another family-friendly spot serving up Southern favorites and diner classics.

Old Li’s Restaurant - North Charleston’s go-to for delicious Chinese takeout.

Cane Pazzo - Old-school Italian means Low-Country goodness at this perfect date night spot.

Restaurants for the Whole (Furry) Family

Dog-lovers stationed at Joint Base Lindsey Graham will also find some great restaurant options with outdoor seating where their furry family members can join them for a meal.

Gilligan’s Seafood in Good Creek - This seafood favorite has a covered patio where your dog can join you for a bite to eat.

LoLA - This Cajun and Creole restaurant has delicious food and a dog-friendly patio.

Blue Tequila Tacos & Grill - Enjoy all your Mexican food favorites with Fido at your side on the covered patio!

The Tattooed Moose - Kick back with casual pub favorites and craft brews with your pooch on the covered and heated porch.

Dog and Duck - This casual spot in Summerville has a pet-friendly outdoor patio.

What Are Some Pet-Friendly Places Near JB Lindsey Graham?

When it’s time to work off all the delicious food with a long walk or some off-leash play time, pet parents will find some great options on or near JB Lindsey Graham.

Mixson Avenue Dog Park

Location: 4856 Mixson Ave, North Charleston, SC, US, 29405

Mixson Avenue Dog Park is a fully-fenced dog park with a play apparatus.

Wag-n-Splash

Location: 4600 Ruff Rd #E, North Charleston, SC, US, 29418

Wag-n-Splash is a real treat - a private, indoor swimming pool specifically for dogs! Swims are private and by appointment only.

James Island County Park

Location: 871 Riverland Dr, Charleston, SC, US, 29412

James Island County Park features a fenced dog park with lake access and a cleaning station to hose off post-swim.

Isle of Palms Beaches

Location: 810 Ocean Blvd, 10th Ave to 14th Ave, Isle of Palms, SC, US, 29451

Isle of Palms beaches are dog-friendly! They even have designated off-leash hours throughout the year.

Charleston Waterfront Park

Location: Vendue Range at Concord St, Charleston, SC, US, 29401

Charleston Waterfront Park doesn’t have a dog park, but it is a great place to take your dog for an on-leash walk by the water.

5 Great Date Ideas Near JB Lindsey Graham (For Couples or BFFs)

Whether you’re looking for a fun way to spend the afternoon with your girls, going for a guys' night out, or planning a romantic date with your special someone, you’ll find plenty of great options near Joint Base Lindsey Graham.

Check Out Charleston’s Live Music Scene

Charleston and the surrounding area have a variety of live music venues offering everything from small artists, open mic nights, and karaoke to huge touring artists.

Check out some of the upcoming shows at venues like Bolts and Brews in Summerville, Firefly Distillery, Charleston Music Hall, or North Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Complex. These are just the tip of the iceberg!

Laugh Till Your Stomach Hurts at Theater 99

Theater 99 is Charleston’s Home for Improv Comedy. If you love to laugh, go to one of their shows (every Wednesday through Saturday at 8 p.m.) or sign up to take a class and get in on the fun yourself!

Enjoy Some Friendly Competition at Chucktown Activities

Chucktown Activities is the perfect date night for anyone who’s still a kid-at-heart, likes some friendly competition, or just wants to have a good time.

They have a variety of fun indoor activities, including mini-golf, axe throwing, a wipeout arena, and even more coming soon.

Shop Local at Summerville’s Third Thursday Market

If you love to shop local and support small businesses, you won’t want to miss the Summerville Third Thursday Market. Every month on the third Thursday, Historic Downtown Summerville is transformed into an evening market with local entertainment and vendors.

You can also check out the many cute shops and restaurants that stay open late for the event.

Explore Cypress Gardens

If you love nature, you won’t want to miss Cypress Gardens. Explore the butterfly house, the aquarium, and the reptile center, or take out on a boat on the swamp.

That might not sound super romantic, but believe it or not, the Cypress Gardens swamp was the filming location for the iconic rowboat scene in The Notebook.

5 Places Kids Will Love Near Joint Base Lindsey Graham

Parents looking for a fun activity to do with their kids will also find lots of options near JB Lindsey Graham. We’ve got you covered with a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, so you’re covered no matter what the weather is.

Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry

Children's Museum of the Lowcountry is the perfect spot for curious and creative children. Through a variety of interactive exhibits and themed play areas, kids can explore and learn through play. There are also regular programs offered for extra fun. This fantastic children’s museum has been creating innovative learning experiences for more than 20 years.

Ages: Not specified, but there is a special play area for toddlers and babies (3 and under)

Military Discount? None advertised

Hours: Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Charleston Fun Park

Charleston Fun Park is the perfect place to find something every member of the family will enjoy, from go-karts to bumper cars, axe throwing, mini-bowling, an arcade, and more! This spot is located a bit further from base than some of our other recommendations, but it’ll be worth the drive!

Ages: All ages - age and height restrictions vary by attraction

Military Discount? None advertised

Hours:

• Monday - Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark

Whirlin' Waters Adventure Waterpark is a favorite you won’t want to miss when the summer rolls around. Sure, there are pools on base, but this is a massive 15+ acre waterpark with everything from thrilling waterslides to wave pools, a lazy river, and interactive play areas for the littles.

Ages: All ages; some activities have height restrictions

Military Discount? None advertised

Hours: Season dates and hours vary annually; see website for current information

Pepperjack Pottery

If you’re looking for a fun rainy day activity, Pepperjack Pottery in Summerville is a great option. This locally-owned and operated pottery studio offers paint-your-own pottery and regularly offers classes and special events. If you’re creative, kiddos really love the experience; Pepperjack Pottery even offers kids and teens camps so they can keep exploring their artistic sides.

Ages: All ages

Military Discount? None advertised

Hours:

• Sunday - Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Bizzy Bee Indoor Play Center

When your kids want to go to the playground but the weather isn’t cooperating, what do you do? Head to Bizzy Bee Indoor Play Center. This massive, 15,000-square-foot facility has a variety of play options, including a toddler area, an obstacle course, and a tiny town for imaginative play.

Ages: 12 and under

Military Discount? None advertised

Hours:

• Monday - Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sunday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Don’t Miss These Seasonal Activities at Joint Base Lindsey Graham!

Mark your calendar for these fun seasonal events and activities in the Charleston area that only come around once a year.

North Charleston Arts Fest

For over forty years, the North Charleston Arts Fest has returned every spring to celebrate local arts of all kinds. This multi-day, multi-venue, and multi-disciplinary arts festival features a variety of dance, music, and theatre performances, as well as visual arts and literature exhibitions.

Pumpkin Patch at Boone Hall

The Pumpkin Patch at Boone Hall is one of the biggest fall festivals in the state. With a huge variety of attractions, like a corn maze, tractor tour, circus performers, petting zoo, mini-golf course, and oh so much more, this is one you won’t want to miss. Open from early October, this is the perfect place to go for fall fun and to pick out a pumpkin to carve.

Holiday Festival of Lights

From mid-November through the end of December every year, James Island County Park is home to the beloved Holiday Festival of Lights. Drive through over 750 displays of twinkling lights before stopping to explore festive gift shops and meet Santa Claus.

Check Out These Nearby Day Trips and Weekend Getaways

On your next long weekend or day off, you might want to plan a quick getaway. Hit the road to one of these nearby cities and explore all that the Southeast has to offer!

Georgetown, SC

Drive time: 1.5 hours

• Visit the South Carolina Maritime Museum to learn about the rich history of the state’s second-largest port in the country’s third-oldest city. Other great local museums include the Rice Museum and the Gullah Museum.
• Do some shopping in Georgetown’s many locally-owned shops and boutiques and end the day at one of the city’s fantastic restaurants, some of which feature fresh, local seafood.
• Explore Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge, perfect for a variety of outdoor adventures from birding to hiking, fishing, hunting, and more.342

Savannah, GA

Drive time: 2 hours

• Visit the Oatland Island Wildlife Center or the Tybee Island Marine Science Center to learn more about local nature, wildlife, and marine life.
• Explore the local arts scene at the SCAD Museum of Art, Jepson Center for the Arts, Savannah African Art Museum, and the unique galleries of City Market.
• Take a walking tour - Savannah is a beautiful city to walk through and explore, and local companies offer everything from history tours to ghost tours, food tours, architectural tours, and more.

Myrtle Beach, SC

Drive time: 2.5 hours

• WonderWorks at Broadway at the Beach is “an amusement park for the mind” with over 100 hands-on exhibits to explore. There are also additional hair-raising activities, like a zip line and ropes course.
• Whirlin' Waters Adventure Waterpark is a great local option, but you won’t want to miss Myrtle Waves Water Park, the largest water park in South Carolina! Make sure to ask about their military discount on tickets.
• Visit Brookgreen Gardens, a massive botanical garden that also features outdoor sculptures and exhibits of wild animals.

Don’t Miss Out on These Fun Things to Do Near JB Lindsey Graham

While you’re stationed at Joint Base Lindsey Graham, make sure to take advantage of all that Charleston has to offer while you can. From fantastic restaurants to fun attractions and much more, Charleston really does have it all.

Plus, it’s just a short drive to some of the best cities on the East Coast. It’s all waiting to be explored, so get out there and have some fun!