Best Places to Visit in South Carolina

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Want to explore South Carolina but not sure where to start? We’ve got some awesome recommendations on the best places to visit in South Carolina. Discover the Palmetto State!

Best Places to Visit in South Carolina

Myrtle Beach

Recommended By Julie From More Than Main Street

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is one of those places you either love or hate. Yes, one might consider it overly commercialized…but there are actually a lot of really fun things to do in Myrtle Beach if you look for them. Not only is Myrtle Beach one of the best beaches on the east coast, but one of the best destinations in South Carolina! 

During your visit to Myrtle Beach, you can enjoy miles upon miles of fun in the sun. With over 60 miles of coastline, you can play in the surf, build sandcastles, or simply enjoy a walk along the beach. But beyond the beach visitors can try out kayaking, take a dolphin cruise, or explore the lovely Brookgreen Gardens. Want more outdoor fun? Check out the two local state parks. 

Looking for fun for the whole family? Mini-golf, go-karts, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, and Wild Water & Wheels Adventure Park are sure to please the little ones during your vacation. And don’t forget the shows! Medieval Times, Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show, Carolina Oprey, and Alabama Theatre all have fun options for all ages! Be sure to check out Broadway at the Beach and Barefoot Landing if you’re looking to do a little shopping while you are in town. Regardless if you’re looking for a slow-paced relaxing vacation or like to do it all, Myrtle Beach has something for everyone.

Charleston

Recommended By Disha from Disha Discovers

One of the best places to visit in South Carolina is Charleston. Known as the “Holy City,” Charleston is oozing with charm, history, and romance. Whether you spend a weekend in Charleston or you’re staying longer, you’ll find plenty of fun things to do.

One of the most iconic things to do in Charleston is to stroll along the Battery. It’s a gorgeous promenade where you’ll see stunning classic homes on one side and the ocean on the other. Next, head over to the infamous Charleston Pineapple Fountain and snap a selfie. After that, head over to the heart of Charleston — King Street. This street is dotted with restaurants and shops.

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Charleston, go on a haunted ghost tour where you can learn about the spooky and chilling history of the city. You can also kayak or paddleboard around one of Charleston’s many waterways. Also, go to the top of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and check out the beautiful views. If you happen to be visiting the Holy City during the oyster season (November to February), definitely go to an oyster roast.

Lastly, one of the best things to do in Charleston is to simply eat. Some dishes local to Charleston are She Crab soup, hush puppies, shrimp and grits, and fried green tomatoes. You can’t leave without trying them!

Mount Pleasant

Recommended By Soumya from Stories by Soumya

One of the best places to visit in South Carolina is the beautiful town of Mount Pleasant. Filled with historical sites and natural wonders, it makes for a wonderful weekend getaway in the American South.

Mt. Pleasant is home to the famous Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens, a great place to visit if you are interested in American history. You can also take a ferry from here to Fort Sumter, the exact place where the American Civil War began in 1865.

There are several other interesting things to do in Mount Pleasant such as checking out Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, exploring the Old Village District filled with live oaks and historic homes, and spending an exciting day at Shem Creek.

If you are a nature seeker, you will love Palmetto Islands County Park filled with nature trails, boardwalks, and gorgeous picnic spots. If you love beaches, Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island are super close by.

It is easy to get to Mt. Pleasant from Charleston. Located on the opposite side of Charleston Harbor, Mt. Pleasant is just 15 minutes away from Charleston’s Historic District. That’s why it also makes for an amazing day trip destination from Charleston. 

Congaree National Park

Recommended By Utkarsh from Journeys From Heart

Congaree National Park is a perfect destination for all those nature lovers who admire the flora and fauna that nature brings with it. It is a 26,275-acre national park of America that lies in Central South Carolina 18 miles from the southeast state capital Columbia. The park is famous as the home to the largest remains of old-growth bottomland hardwood forests that are left currently in the US. As one takes a stroll through the park one can witness a pack of towering trees along with various species of animals and plants around.

This national park includes many attractions for visitors. It is a natural landmark, a globally important bird area, an international biosphere reserve, has a visitor’s center, and includes 20 miles of backcountry hiking trails and a 2.4-mile boardwalk loop trail.

The park creates a natural ecosystem. Enjoy other activities like canoeing, kayaking, backpacking, fishing, birding, nature study, etc.  Admission is free and the park is open 24 hours a day, year-round.          

How to reach: One can reach From Interstate 77, take exit 5 At Exit 5 turn onto SC Hwy 48 East/Bluff Road. Follow directional signs from there, close to the Harry Hampton Visitor Center.

Fun fact about the park: Initially the area was operated by Santee River Cypress Logging Company which used to do resource extraction at the Congaree River centered on cypress logging, which is now the National Park.

York County

Recommended By Mikkel from Sometimes Home

York County is a wonderful area just south of Charlotte, North Carolina. It’s in northwestern South Carolina and includes two great towns in particular, Rock Hill and Fort Mill.

You’ll have a wonderful time there with plenty of outdoor activities and great restaurants to enjoy. Exploring both areas of York County is easy to do because they’re only 20 minutes away from each other.

It’s recommended to stay downtown in Rock Hill, at a hotel that’s walking distance to Main Street, like CAMBRiA Rock Hill. You’ll be able to walk to breweries, shops and restaurants. Legal Remedy Brewing Co. is a great place to grab lunch or dinner; they have delicious food and over 24 beers on tap. Kounter, a restaurant in the historic space where Friendship 9 stood up for racial equality in 1961, serves inventive food in a great atmosphere. Sit at the counter, where you can watch the restaurant owner, Chef Rob Masone, in action.

Head to Fort Mill to enjoy Kingsley town center, filled with wonderful restaurant options and shopping. Stay at the Marriott Courtyard where you’ll be steps away from the action. Don’t forget to leave time to take an easy hike through Anne Springs Close Greenway to enjoy nature during your trip. It’s one of the best things to do in York County, SC.

Hilton Head Island

Recommended By Neha from Travelmelodies

Hilton Head Island in South Carolina is one of the favorite summer destinations for families seeking to relax. From pristine beaches to lush green golf courses, there is so much to do. Boasting over 12 miles of beaches, there are so many outdoor activities for everyone to indulge in. Coligny Beach and Folly Field beaches are great to spend the day, both manned by lifeguards. 

HHI is popular for spotting bottlenose dolphins close to the shores during summer. There are many specialized dolphin watching tours and sunset cruises that can even be enjoyed. 

Hilton Head is a haven for bike lovers as you can bike along the hard-packed sand on the beaches. There are bike paths spread all over the island to explore at leisure.

Another great attraction is the Harbor Town Lighthouse. Even though it is not very tall, the views of the waters from the top of the lighthouse are spectacular. You just can’t miss the magical sunset from the top of this red and white striped lighthouse. Stroll along the pier and admire the yachts docked at the marina. 

The proximity of Hilton Head to Savannah (around 40 minutes drive) makes it a favorite weekend destination for the locals as well. 

There are many options to choose from for staying including luxurious resorts like Westin Hilton Head and three luxurious Marriotts. There are many vacation rentals that fit well for large families seeking to stay longer.

Kiawah Island

Recommended by Bryan from Budget Your Trip

Kiawah Island is located about 45 minutes south of Charleston and makes for a relaxing and fun-filled beach vacation. On this large island, you can find not just a beautiful stretch of beach set amongst old oak trees, but also golf courses, tennis courts, bike trails, and plenty of family-friendly vacation rentals and places to stay. 

Check out the Kiawah Island Club or the Kiawah Island Golf Resort. They offer golf, as well as nice dining options and beautiful scenery. Or, visit Night Heron Park with the kids which offers various activities such as a splash pad, kayaking, playgrounds, laser tag, and group sports. The park also offers day camps at Kamp Kiawah. This allows parents to have some time to themselves (perhaps at the Sanctuary Spa) while the kids enjoy the activities. A nearby shopping center, Freshfields Village, offers multiple restaurants, a grocery store, and some boutique shops. And if you’re looking for more, it’s very easy to drive up to Charleston for an evening out. 

To get out on the water, visit one of the nearby marinas to hire a charter fishing trip or take a dolphin-watching cruise. Or, take a kayaking, paddle boarding, or canoeing adventure on the marsh side of the island to spot local wildlife and learn about the ecosystem. Kiawah Island truly offers something for everyone in a relaxed and enjoyable package.

Beaufort

Recommended by Noel from Oahu Travel Now

One of the most charming southern cities in South Carolina with such a wonderful small town appeal and Southern sensibilities and lifestyle is Beaufort. The city is the second oldest city after Charleston with a historic downtown district that oozes Southern charm and comfort. Located on Port Royal Island in South Carolina’s Low Country region, Beaufort is a beautiful city to explore and you can easily walk the historic downtown district, visit some unique shops and eat at some delicious seafood venues around the city. Started initially as a ship building port city, it later became a slave center. During the Civil War when Union troops occupied the city, many slaves escaped to Beaufort and were emancipated to live as free citizens. They helped in the redevelopment of the city. 

The historic district showcases the earlier settlement of the British in the area as an English Colonial settlement. The entire downtown district is designated as a National Historic Landmark and is fun to walk around and explore. There are some wonderful festivals that typically happen around Beaufort including: The Home Water Festival, Beaufort Shrimp Festival, A Taste of Beaufort, and the Fall Homes Tour that brings in visitors from different parts of the state and from around the country. 

You’ll love exploring the city center and other outside areas of the Low Country including Hilton Head and even Charleston. Beaufort is definitely a great place to explore and base yourself while visiting some of the other attractions around the Low Country areas of South Carolina.

Greenville

Recommended by Annick from The Common Traveler

Lots of states have a city named Greenville, but South Carolina has embraced this with the motto, “Yeah, that Greenville.” Whether you’re a fan of the outdoors or walkable downtown spaces, Greenville offers that in spades. 

Enjoy a hike on trails leading to waterfalls. Or ride your bike along the 22-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail. The surrounding area provides many opportunities for SUP and other water activities. The breathtaking view of the Raven Cliff Falls from the suspended Wilderness Bridge is worth the 6.6-mile hike.

There are so many great things to do in Greenville. Foodies will love the city’s thriving cuisines featured on national shows. Walk along Main Street looking for the mice statutes or shopping. If you’re visiting in winter, don’t miss ice skating downtown. End your day by exploring the cities’ craft breweries. You won’t regret visiting that Greenville!

Columbia

Recommended By Ruma from The Holiday Story

Columbia serves as the capital and the second-largest city in South Carolina, USA. The city is 21 km northwest of the geographic center of South Carolina. It houses the famous South Carolina State House. The name often abbreviated as “Cola” resulted in the nickname “Soda City.” 

There are many outstanding restaurants, historic sites, and adventure spots in the city. Blue Marlin, Saluda’s, and Terra Restaurant are famous dining places. Places with historical interest are Historic Columbia, Robert Mills House, and Gardens, and Seibels House. Adventure spots here include Columbia Riverfront Park and Finlay Park.

You can enjoy various free activities in Columbia: browsing the farmers market and reading a book at Richland Library. The Busted Plug, Tunnelvision, and Neverbust Chain are three unique art landmarks. In addition, visitors get to explore Fort Jackson and the University of South Carolina.

Nearby Congaree National Park houses the tallest trees east of Mississippi. The Columbia Marionette Theater shows unusual puppet shows. The first electricity-run textile mill operated in Columbia. Enjoy the synchronous Firefly show in May and June outside Congaree National Park.

Looking for more South Carolina content? Check out:

• South Carolina Lavender Farms
• Is South of the Border worth visiting?
• The Best Things to do in Greenville, SC

What do you think are the best places to visit in South Carolina? Share with us in the comments!

Happy travels!
Annick, The Common Traveler

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