James Island

Island living minutes from downtown Charleston and Folly Beach.

About James Island

James Island is a sea island in Charleston County just south of the Charleston peninsula. The island is divided among the Town of James Island, the City of Charleston and unincorporated Charleston County.

The Town of James Island was founded in 1992 and, after years of legal battles, succeeded with its fourth and final incorporation in 2012.

The island is home to James Island County Park and McLeod Plantation Historic Site, a former sea island cotton plantation that the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission opened to the public as a historic site in 2015.

Why Live in James Island?

• James Island County Park offers a campground, an off-leash dog park, a playground, picnic areas and seasonal water play, and hosts the annual Holiday Festival of Lights.
• McLeod Plantation Historic Site, near Maybank and Folly Roads, shares the stories of the people who lived and worked on the former sea island cotton plantation.
• Town of James Island parks include Brantley Park, Dock Street Park, Mill Point Park and Simeon Pinckney Park.
• The Town hosts a First Friday Town Market at Town Hall.

The James Island Market

From marsh-front lots to established neighborhoods, every James Island street is a little different. Reach out to Pamela for a current, no-pressure look at the market.

Schools in James Island

James Island is served by the Charleston County School District. Elementary schools in the district's James Island area include Harbor View Elementary, James Island Elementary, Murray-LaSaine Montessori and Stiles Point Elementary, and James Island Charter High School is also on the island. Attendance zones can change, so confirm school assignments directly with the district.

Local Favorites

• James Island County Park (Park): 871 Riverland Drive, Charleston, SC 29412 — Charleston County park with a campground, dog park, playground and seasonal water play; home of the Holiday Festival of Lights.
• McLeod Plantation Historic Site (Historic site): 325 Country Club Drive, Charleston, SC — Former sea island cotton plantation operated by Charleston County Parks as a public historic site since 2015.
• Simeon Pinckney Park (Park): Town of James Island park with a pavilion available to rent.

Frequently Asked Questions About James Island

Is James Island its own town?

Part of it is. The Town of James Island covers part of the island, while other areas are within the City of Charleston or unincorporated Charleston County.

When was the Town of James Island incorporated?

The town was first founded in 1992 and completed its fourth and final incorporation in 2012.

What is the Holiday Festival of Lights?

An annual holiday event at James Island County Park featuring a three-mile drive through light displays, plus holiday shopping, treats and family activities. It runs nightly from mid-November through December.

Where is McLeod Plantation Historic Site?

At 325 Country Club Drive on James Island, near the intersection of Maybank and Folly Roads. It is operated by the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission and is open Tuesday through Sunday.

Which school district serves James Island?

The Charleston County School District. Confirm the schools for a specific address directly with the district.