As a photographer specializing in lifestyle and documentary work, my passion extends beyond just photographing people. Living in the Lowcountry has given me an appreciation for nature, with its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. One of my favorite Mount Pleasant locations is the Pitt Street Bridge in Old Villag. One of Charleston's premier sunrise and sunset spots, I return to this golden hour gem time and again, drawn by its beautiful views and diverse wildlife.

Surrounded by the waters of the Intracoastal Waterway, specifically connecting to Cove Inlet and the surrounding marshlands between Mount Pleasant and Sullivan's Island, this location offers a special blend of natural beauty and historical charm. I have set my alarm more times than I can count just to catch the first light spilling over the marsh, and I have lingered long past dinner to watch the sky melt into evening colors.

Even when the weather turns, this place holds its beauty. Just before a storm or right after the rain, the skies can be breathtaking, with heavy clouds breaking apart, light pushing through, and reflections on the water that feel almost otherworldly.

Pitt Street Bridge Revitalization in 2025

From January to June of 2025, the Pitt Street Bridge went still while the Town of Mount Pleasant made a series of updates. I missed those sunrises and sunsets, but when the bridge reopened in June, it was worth the wait.

Improved designated parking spots including ADA-accessible spaces

Dedicated areas for golf carts and lsv’s
Better lighting for early morning and evening visits
New kayak launch
Pollinator garden brightening the entrance area
Indigenous landscaping and slope stabilization for shoreline protection

Once a quiet gem mostly known to locals, the bridge is now on the radar of more and more visitors, each drawn by its sweeping views, layered history, and the kind of peace that settles in as the day begins or ends.

The History of the Pitt Street Bridge

The Pitt Street Bridge, also known as the Cove Inlet Bridge and the Cove Inlet Causeway, is located in the charming Old Village of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and has a fascinating history. The original Pitt Street Bridge, completed in the 1770s, underwent multiple reconstructions and was notably rebuilt by the time of the Civil War. At one time, the Pitt Street Bridge was the only means to get from Mount Pleasant to the beaches of Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms.

For decades, the bridge carried both trolleys and cars, serving as a lifeline between Mount Pleasant and the barrier islands. From 1898 to 1927 it was home to a trolley line, and by 1923 it had been widened for automobiles. Fires, storms, and repairs marked its history until it was retired from traffic in 1945 with the opening of the Ben Sawyer Bridge.

Rather than demolishing it, the community saw its potential and repurposed it as a pedestrian walkway and fishing pier. Today, remnants of the old bridge, including the tower, can still be seen in the water, serving as historical markers of its storied past.

A Lowcountry Spot Where You can View the Sunrise and Sunset

Because of its panoramic, unobstructed views, the Pitt Street Bridge offers the rare chance to watch both sunrise and sunset from the same spot. You can see the sun rise in the east over the marsh, and later in the day, watch it set in the west beyond the Charleston skyline. Some evenings, the timing is just right and the moon rises in the east as the sun dips low in the west, with warm colors painting one side of the sky and cool blues and purples deepening on the other. You only need to turn your back to take in an entirely different view.

The scene transforms most dramatically when the air is clear and the clouds are perfectly placed — enough to catch the light but not so thick that they hide it. At dawn, soft pastels stretch across the horizon; at dusk, deep golds and fiery pinks melt into cooler tones.

Expansive Marsh Views

One of the most captivating features of the Pitt Street Bridge is the tranquil marsh views that surround it. The expansive marshlands create perfect Lowcountry birdwatching opportunities, while the Sullivan's Island bridge views add iconic coastal charm to every shot. The views extend to the iconic Sullivan's Island lighthouse, the Ravenel Bridge which spans the Cooper River connecting Mount Pleasant to downtown Charleston, the Ben Sawyer Bridge, and downtown Charleston.

As the tide ebbs and flows, the marshes transform, revealing different aspects of their beauty. High tide brings glistening water, reflecting the sky's colors like a mirror. At low tide, the exposed mudflats and tidal creeks add texture and depth to the landscape. These changing tidal conditions create diverse habitats that attract various bird species throughout the day, making it an ideal spot for feeding birds and observing their natural behaviors in this beautiful coastal environment.

Best Times to Photograph the Pitt Street Bridge

Sunrise: Be there 20 minutes before sunrise during blue hour, when the marsh is still and the first hints of light touch the horizon beyond the Ben Sawyer Bridge.
Sunset: Arrive 45 minutes to 1 hour prior to sunset to catch the sky as it glows behind the Charleston skyline, with colors reflecting in the marsh and water. Sunset is particularly popular Thursday through Sunday, so plan to arrive earlier to secure parking.
Dramatic skies create deep colors and striking contrast across the marsh, with the iconic Ravenel Bridge silhouetted against moody cloud formations. Enhanced reflections add depth to the water while the marsh grass takes on a more vibrant green hue in the soft, filtered light.
Tide and Bird Activity: The perfect combination occurs when low tide aligns with sunrise or sunset. Birds are most active, feeding in the exposed tidal creeks, while the light creates optimal conditions for capturing both wildlife and landscape shots.
Midday: Can be challenging due to harsh overhead lighting. The high sun creates short, sharp shadows, washed-out colors, and overly bright reflective surfaces. The softer, angled light of morning or evening produces much more flattering results for both landscapes and portraits.
Real-Time Planning Resources:
- Current Sunrise/Sunset Times for Charleston
- Live Tide Charts - Charleston Harbor

Birdwatching at the Pitt Street Bridge

If you love birds, this place will pull you back again and again. It is what calls me here most often, the anticipation of what I might see. Some days it is the graceful sweep of a great blue heron lifting off, other days a row of black skimmers cutting across the water's surface. You never know what you will encounter.

This stretch of marsh is home to an incredible variety of species throughout the year:
Common Year-Round Species:

Herons and Egrets: Great Blue Heron (large, blue-gray, stands motionless), Great Egret (large, white, yellow bill) - one particular Great Egret has become accustomed to being fed bait by fishermen and is not spooked by people who approach it gently, Snowy Egret (smaller white, black bill, yellow feet), Little Blue Heron (medium, slate-blue when adult), Green Heron (small, hunched posture, greenish back), Tricolored Heron (medium, white stripe down neck), Black-crowned Night Heron (stocky, black crown and back)
Gulls: Laughing Gull (medium, gray wings, black head in summer), Ring-billed Gull (medium, yellow bill with black ring), Herring Gull (large, yellow bill, pink legs)
Brown Pelican (large, gray-brown, distinctive pouch)
Osprey (large raptor, white head, dark eye stripe)
White Ibis (medium, curved bill, white with black wingtips)
Various Terns (diving seabirds with pointed bills)
Common Grackle (medium blackbird with iridescent sheen)

Seasonal Visitors:

Spring/Summer: Roseate Spoonbill (pink, distinctive spoon-shaped bill)
Fall/Winter: Wood Stork (large white bird with bald black head)
Winter: Red-breasted Merganser (duck with distinctive spiky crest)

Best Viewing Times: Around sunrise and sunset, ideally during low tide when birds actively feed in exposed tidal creeks.

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Planning Your Visit to Pitt Street Bridge

Getting There and Parking

Address: Pitt Street Bridge, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Parking Details:

Free parking with approximately 50 spaces
ADA-accessible spaces available near entrance
Golf cart/LSV designated areas
Overflow parking on nearby Old Village streets
Peak times: Thursday-Sunday evenings, expect fuller parking

Operating Hours and Access

Open: Dawn to dusk, 365 days a year
No admission fee
Bridge length: Approximately 0.5 miles
Surface: Paved walkway suitable for wheelchairs, strollers
Weather closures: Rare, typically only during severe storms

What to Bring

Essential Items:

Sunscreen (no shade on bridge)
Bug spray (especially April-October)
Water bottle (no water fountains on bridge)
Hat and sunglasses

For Photographers:

Lens cloth (sea breeze can cause salt spray)
Telephoto lens (70-200mm minimum for birds)
Wide-angle lens (for landscape shots)

For Birdwatchers:

Binoculars (8x42 recommended)
Field guide or bird ID app
Folding chair for extended viewing

Amenities and Facilities

On-Site:

Kayak launch (added in 2025 renovation)
Bench seating along bridge
Improved lighting for early/late visits
Pollinator garden at entrance

Nearby (Old Village - within 0.5 miles):

Public restrooms: Alhambra Hall (0.3 miles)
Shops: Old Village shopping district
Gas station: Coleman Boulevard

Pet Policies

Dogs welcome on leash at all times
Waste bags: Bring your own (no dispensers on bridge)
Water: Bring water for your pet (no dog fountains)
Hot surfaces: Check pavement temperature on sunny days

A Perfect Place to Unwind

The Pitt Street Bridge is the perfect place to relax and take in the beauty around you. You can lay out a blanket on the grassy areas for a picnic, or take your dog for a walk along the long, open bridge. Incorporate the bridge into your running or biking route for a scenic and invigorating workout, or cast a line and enjoy some quiet fishing time by the water. Find a quiet spot to sit back and let your mind wander as you soak in the tranquility, or bring your instrument along — the gentle breeze and scenic backdrop create an inspiring setting. With unobstructed views of the horizon, this is one of the best spots to start or end your day.

Inspiration and Tips for Your Visit

I've spent many mornings and evenings at the Pitt Street Bridge in the Old Village of Mount Pleasant, sometimes alone with my camera, other times joined by a friend or family member. Each visit is a little different — the light shifts, the clouds change shape, and the marsh feels alive in its own quiet way. That unpredictability is part of the draw. The blend of history, nature, and community activity offers so many opportunities for beautiful photos.

The bridge stretches about half a mile, offering plenty of space to wander, find a quiet corner, or set up for the perfect shot. On Thursday through Sunday evenings at sunset, expect to share the view with more visitors — it has become a popular spot for both locals and travelers.

If you're planning a visit, arrive about 15–20 minutes before sunrise or about an hour before sunset to catch the changing light. Check the tide schedule if you're hoping to see bird activity — low tide is often best, especially at the very beginning or end of the day. Bring a camera or binoculars, and while you're in the area, explore the charming streets, shops, and waterfront of the Old Village. Another nearby destination for beautiful sunsets and waterfront views is Shem Creek, also in Mount Pleasant, which offers excellent dining and wildlife viewing opportunities.

The Pitt Street Bridge stands out among Old Village attractions as a must-visit destination for photographers and nature lovers alike. It's for anyone who enjoys slowing down, taking in the view, and letting nature set the pace. Whether you stay for ten minutes or linger until the colors fade, you'll leave feeling like you've experienced something worth remembering.

If you're visiting from out of town or just looking for more local favorites, check out my Charleston Area Visitor Guide for more ideas on what to see and do nearby.