Shem Creek: A Lowcountry Must-do

When visitors ask us locals what are some must-see spots to visit here in the Lowcountry, this one’s a no-brainer. 

Shem Creek embodies so much of what we love about the Lowcountry  -  water, wildlife, great views, terrific food, boats, seafood, some cherished history, and very nice people.    

Can’t get much more Lowcountry than that. 

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Where is Shem Creek?  

Shem Creek runs through Mount Pleasant and empties into Charleston Harbor.  Another great thing about Shem Creek is how convenient it is to our Isle of Palms luxury vacation rentals  -  about halfway on your drive to downtown Charleston.  It’s a perfect place to stop, grab a bite and get a real taste of the area.   

Just head over to Sullivan’s Island and cross the Ben Sawyer Bridge into Mount Pleasant.  You’ll be driving on Coleman Boulevard toward Charleston.  Shem Creek is the only bridge on Coleman, you can’t miss it.  The main area to explore is on your left, on both sides of the creek.  Just put “Shrimp Boat Lane” into your GPS (if you still have one) and it’ll get you there.   

Here are four of the top things to do there…    

Take in the views at Shem Creek Park. 

One of the coolest parks around got its start about 15 years ago, when town leaders realized what a gem Shem Creek is – offering some of the best views in the region.  They envisioned a public boardwalk park reaching thousands of feet across the marshes, along Shem Creek, all the way out to the mouth of Charleston Harbor.  Thus Shem Creek Park was born, and it’s grown and expanded since then.  The latest phase added a pedestrian bridge along Coleman, linking both sides of Shem Creek. 

It’s a beautiful, level walk that’s great for all ages, and strollers are welcome.  It’s even pet friendly, so bring your dog.  About halfway out, there’s a little island in the marsh with doggie poop bags and short trails that’s a convenient pet relief area.    

You’ll have terrific photo ops of the shrimp boats and pleasure boats all along the creek, as well as abundant wildlife.  Watch dolphins frolic in the water, pelicans dive for dinner, and herons and great egrets (including local legend Henry) keeping an eye on everything. 

The far end of the boardwalk and the covered gazebo are popular spots to fish, so bring your tackle and rod if you like.   

Shem Creek Park is on the west (Charleston) side of the creek.  There’s plenty of free parking, as well as public restrooms.  The park is open from 5:00 a.m. till midnight.  

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Eat local with a view. 

Just as local waters are teeming with fish, so is Shem Creek teeming with local restaurants.  They’re all oriented to have good views of the water, and they know how to serve up some seafood (included are links to their menus).  On the west side is Vickery’s Bar & Grill, with its Muddy’s Dockside Bar outside on ground level; there’s even a special bridge from the park’s boardwalk over to Vickery’s.  It’s a casual spot with lots of shrimp and grouper, crab cakes, sandwiches and burgers.   

Up the creek toward Coleman Boulevard is Water’s Edge, with “refined seafood,” a wine list of over 200 choices, and plenty of outdoor tables under the covered patio overlooking the water, plus a Cabana Bar “at water’s edge.” 

The east side of Shem Creek has even more dining options.  Starting at Coleman is Tavern & Table with its distinctive lighthouse out front, which old timers may remember as the location of the beloved Trawler Restaurant from decades ago.  T&T has a creative “New American” menu, with dishes like fire roasted oysters and flatbreads.   Next door, Red’s Ice House is a local fave, with loads of outdoor decks, patios and a very pet-friendly atmosphere, plus local seafood, cold beer and live music.  It’s a fun vibe. 

Next is Sunsets Waterfront, formerly RB’s, with levels of waterfront seating and lots of seafood options including tacos and sushi, plus cocktails like the Creek Water and Shems Cup (Pimms, lemon, blackberry puree, cucumber & mint).    And last but not least is Saltwater Cowboys, oriented toward the harbor and accessed down Mill Street.  Great views indoors or out, and southern fried seafood, boiled peanuts, deviled eggs, smoked wings and crab dip. 

Many of the restaurants have dedicated free parking, although spots go fast.  There’s also a parking garage on the east side of the creek. 

Shem Creek is where the shrimp boats come in with their fresh catch.  Local shrimpers face many challenges, including cheap imported shrimp and rising fuel costs, so it’s great to support them whenever possible.  Each spring, the town even hosts a giant Blessing of the Fleet, which you can read about here.  You can also buy fresh shrimp, right on Shem Creek.  Shrimp season runs from June 1st through the end of December. 

It doesn’t get any fresher than at Geechie Seafood, on the east side of the creek at 248 Magwood Lane, right where the trawlers come in.  Get medium or large shrimp, heads on or off, at very fair prices.  Or check out Tarvin’s Seafood on Wando Dock, at 102 Haddrell Street, where you can buy shrimp just caught on the trawler Miss Paula. 

Mount Pleasant Seafood, on the west side of the creek at 1402 Shrimp Boat Lane, is a 4th generation fish market that’s been in business for 75 years.  Check the link for what’s fresh, but you can get just about anything here – shrimp, crab, clams, cluster oysters, fish galore, take & bake and local products, too.