The love affair between travelers and Charleston has now stretched through 11 years as the top city in the United States and one of the top cities in the world, with Santa Fe as the only other city in America to make the 2023 list chosen by Travel + Leisure readers. Charleston’s culinary scene and southern charm are largely what appeals most to those who chose the city for these rankings. There are several sights and landmarks that come to mind right away when it comes to thoughts about Charleston, one being the famous pineapple fountain. However, most probably don’t know the story of the Charleston pineapple fountain and how it became a symbol of restoration and hope.

Those who lived through Hurricane Hugo when it hit Charleston in September 1989 and traveled up through the state and beyond remember it well. At that time, the City of Charleston was working on a project to develop Waterfront Park, which had to be put on hold as massive trees and tons of debris had to be cleaned up where the park now exists. However, it was a very short-lived hold as officials realized moving forward with the project was desperately needed by a community hurting after such devastation.
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The waterfront park was completed in less than a year following the storm. It totals eight acres and features intimate garden "rooms," a long pier with a picnic table and wooden swings, spacious lawns, a half-mile walking and jogging path called Waterfront Park Loop, an oak tree promenade, and ...
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... spectacular fountains, including of course, the iconic Charleston pineapple fountain, one of the city's most photographed sites.
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It's interesting and perhaps puzzling that a pineapple would be chosen in the design elements of a fountain for Charleston, since the fruit is not grown in the area because of its climate. However, back during the colonial days of the city as more trading routes opened up between the United States and its partners, pineapples began to come in from the Caribbean along with other new goods.
Even so, pineapples were hard to come by due to the time taken to grow them and then the long journey to reach Charleston's port, often spoiling before arrival. This created a supply and demand challenge, which made pineapples an expensive commodity.
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This meant pineapples were viewed as a delicacy and enjoyed by those of higher status. When pineapple was offered to a guest, it was seen as an act of hospitality. Moreover, sailors began to place a pineapple in front of their homes to let the community know they had returned home from being out at sea. This was the beginning of the pineapple being seen as a symbol of Southern hospitality.
The pineapple fountain in Charleston and the park in which it stands have come to mean something much deeper to the city of Charleston. It serves as a daily visual reminder that even in the darkest hours of life, there's always hope. Every day is a new day and a chance to restore what was lost during a storm.
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In April 2018, almost 28 years after the park was established, it was renamed in honor of the mayor who worked to make it possible all those years ago. Mayor Joseph (Joe) Riley served the city of Charleston for ten terms, from December 15, 1975 until January 11, 2016. He is one of the longest serving mayors in the country still living, and the park was renamed to Joe Riley Waterfront Park just weeks before he left office.

An inscription on a bronze sign placed on the existing pillars and a new seat wall draws from Mayor Riley's speech when the park first opened in 1990: "Through the water, we bring the great beauty of nature into the city. When confronted with the extraordinary beauty in nature, as we do in places like this, our mind is in wonder at the handiwork of our Creator, and we may try harder to understand and to do His will. For many, this park becomes a cathedral of the stars, a chapel of the wind, a temple of the sun, a church of the sky.”
Through the years, locals and visitors alike have enjoyed cooling off on hot South Carolina days in the water of the pineapple fountain.
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If you happen to be going through a personal struggle, perhaps a dark winter of the soul, remember the story of hope that made it possible for this beautiful symbol to stand here today as a reminder in every season. And keep pressing forward in your own situation, just as those involved in establishing this beautiful park did.
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Not only are pineapples a symbol of Southern hospitality, but they also are good for our health! And there are several restaurants throughout Charleston where you'll find them on the menu to enjoy, starting with The Pineapple Hut, an ice cream shop on South Market Street.
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Playa Bowls, also known as Pineappleland and located on King Street, serves delicious coconut bowls, smoothies, and more.
Playa Bowls Charleston via Facebook
And for one more dish to consider, the Pineapple Fried Rice at Thai Elephants Restaurant on Folly Road is loved by customers at this eatery.
Thai Elephants Restaurant James Island via Facebook
While shopping in the charming downtown boutiques, you may also find pineapples in artwork or otherwise, such as this creative custom gift basket by Shop Historic Charleston on Meeting Street.
Shop Historic Charleston via Facebook
Who knows ... you may just end up taking a pineapple-something back home with you!

Did you know this story of the Charleston pineapple fountain? Have you ever visited this site while in Charleston? If you’ve never experienced the Holy City before, find a great Vrbo and plan a trip! It will be an unforgettable experience.

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Pineapple Fountain, 1 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401, USA