TOP tourist attractions in South Carolina: cool places to visit
What things to do in South Carolina? This is a question travelers and adventurers often ask themselves. South Carolina, or "the dwarf palm state", is rich in history, authentic culture, and offers a wealth of luxury vacation options.
South Carolina is a subtropical paradise known for its gorgeous beaches and vibrant attractions. Here you can enjoy spectacular theatrical productions and golf outings, visit water parks, or relax at well-kept beaches and family-friendly resorts.
We want to introduce you to the best attractions in South Carolina so you can plan a great vacation. Both solo travelers and couples with children will find much to enjoy here.
The best places to explore in South Carolina are scattered all over the state. You can take long walks through the charming streets of Charleston on foot or in a romantic carriage. If you wish, you can also hike to the famous Southern homes near the plantations that are close by.
One of South Carolina's prominent tourist attractions is the fort at Charleston Harbor. It is famous for being where the Civil War began. If you want quiet promenades under the shade of lush trees, go to Caesar Head State Park.
There are many hiking and biking trails in the state, perfect for exploring the scenic area and its flora and fauna.
Charleston Historic District
Charleston is justifiably one of the top tourist attractions in South Carolina. Tourists most often visit the southern part of the city with many historic structures, churches, and other structures that are of keen interest.
If you want to learn in detail about the great places to visit in South Carolina, take a fascinating tour of the city. It is always worthwhile to visit such historic structures:
- Aiken-Rhett House;
- Nathaniel-Russell House, built in the early 19th century.
These buildings showcase gorgeous examples of paintings and arts and crafts.
The best attractions in South Carolina, including the Old Exchange Building and the Old Charleston Slave Market Museum, help you get to know the city better and learn about its history. Don't forget to check out the Charleston Market, where you're sure to encounter women weaving original baskets of herbaceous plants.
Myrtle Beach
Popular places to visit in South Carolina include the amazing beaches of Myrtle Beach. They are amazing for their picturesque landscapes near the Atlantic Ocean. In addition to sunbathing, you can enjoy Carolina Opry musical shows.
Southern California tourist spots have a magical energy. On the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, beachgoers can marvel at the beauty of the surrounding area.
Broadway at the Beach is a large Myrtle Beach shopping and entertainment center with great rides, a golfing area and movie theaters. The highlight of the facility is the Ripley's Aquarium with its unique aquatic inhabitants. There are many stores and restaurants with amazing cuisine. For a busy family vacation, the pools, slides and other activities at water parks and luxury hotels are perfect.
The list of the best places to visit in South Carolina should definitely include Apache Pier. It is over 1,100 feet long. Fans of fishing and pleasant promenades along the picturesque shoreline enjoy their leisure time here.
You can buy flavorful fish delicacy in Croakers and walk along the pier as long as you want. In the warm season, visitors to the beach are entertained by live music, and for the kids is equipped with a comfortable play area.
South Carolina Plantation Gardens
The top 10 places to visit in South Carolina are adorned by the state's magnificent plantation gardens. Charleston Plantation is especially famous for its stunning gardens, which have a unique history.
One of the most visited tourist areas in South Carolina is magnolia plantation. It is located in an old American garden of the early 18th century. The huge plantation in the romantic style for visiting tourists was opened in 1870.
Middleton Place rises above the amazing gardens of the United States. It is an ancient manor house in an attractive architectural style, which is located near Charleston. The house museum carefully preserves all the family heirlooms and noble atmosphere of former times.
The top things to do in South Carolina include visiting the Middleton family plantations. They boast lush exotic plants and a beautiful park of the "dwarf palm state". Here you can see how black people lived and learn more about their occupation.
It is best to come here for the whole day. You can stay overnight in nearby hotels with comfortable rooms and breathtaking views from the windows. In the cozy restaurants you can enjoy delicious food and drinks from experienced culinary experts.
The nearby villagers are happy to tell travelers how their ancestors extracted indigo and cultivated rice. If you wish, you can visit the local stables.
One of the highlights of South Carolina places to visit is Boone Hall Plantation. It is an ancient state field that now operates as a farm. Oak Avenue, just under a mile long, is a must-see here.
At Drayton Hall, you can view exclusive details of 18th century interiors. It ranks among the old homesteads in the United States that are now open to tourists. The house has the ambiance of yesteryear for travelers to experience the unique atmosphere of a bygone time.
What are the places to go in South Carolina? The plantations regularly organize exhibitions and tours with detailed accounts of the slave life of the people of earlier years. Here you can see the huts of the African American slaves who played a crucial role in keeping the plantations lush.
What things to see in South Carolina? If you want something non-trivial, go for a spectacular presentation of the outlandish Gullah culture. It was created by African slaves. The culture is celebrated in an original and memorable way with meaningful stories and fun songs.
Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island is a picturesque Southern California island of only 179 square kilometers. It is visited by a record number of tourists each year - more than 1 million people.
This cozy corner is famous for its attractive coastline, beautiful parks and wildlife refuges. It lacks significant historical monuments and architectural structures, but that doesn't prevent it from being listed as one of the best sightseeing places in South Carolina.
Hilton Head Island is the perfect place for a relaxing getaway away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. You can choose from a variety of sandy beaches with gorgeous ocean views to relax here.
On the cozy beach, you can relax and breathe in the scent of fresh breezes with your favorite book or loved ones. Nearby is Chaplin Community Park, with winding hiking trails, playgrounds for the little ones, and comfortable areas to play tennis or basketball.
The places of interest in South Carolina that you can visit in Hilton Head Island are:
- Coligny Beach Park is a beautiful location with the possibility of renting sun loungers and umbrellas. There are toilets and showers, changing rooms and comfortable seating areas. You can satisfy your hunger in chic restaurants and snack bars with an excellent range of food and drinks. For shopping lovers, the doors of stores with a wide range of clothing and food are always open.
- Drissen Beach Park, deservedly ranked as one of the best places to go in South Carolina. It's great for picnics. There are comfortable tables and grills for cooking delicious delicacies over an open fire. There are cozy play areas with fun activities for young travelers. Driessen Beach Park has toilets and showers, as well as clean drinking water areas. There are special decks that stay cool in any weather.
- Fish Haul Beach Park is another must-see in South Carolina. It is equipped with practical restrooms and showers, vending machines, and places with drinking water. This area is great for a quiet and peaceful vacation near the ocean.
Hilton Head is crisscrossed by many hiking and biking trails. The routes are complete with signs indicating the best places to see in South Carolina nearby. At low tide, you can ride along the state's shoreline here. There are bicycle rentals with wide tires for this purpose.
So the question on many people's minds is, what are the best places to see in South Carolina to make it memorable? Some tourists manage to catch a moment of peaceful dolphins playing in the surf. Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is so much fun to watch unique species of birds and inhabitants of the ocean depths.
Fort Sumter and Charleston Harbor
A visit to Fort Sumter and Charleston Harbor is among the cool things to do in South Carolina. The old fort holds all the secrets of the historic events of 1861, when the Civil War began in the United States of America.
Travelers enjoy visiting the ruins of the fort by boat or boat on fascinating tours. These outings help you learn a great deal about the iconic historical events of the mid-19th century and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding area of the fort and Charleston Harbor. You can also see other forts, the legendary aircraft carrier, Pinckney Castle Prison, and Ravenel Bridge.
Considered one of South Carolina's popular points of interest, the national historic park often hosts improvised productions by talented young people. They help to vividly depict the events of earlier times and the course of the American Civil War.
Yorktown Aircraft Carrier, Mount Pleasant
A visit to the famous aircraft carrier Yorktown completes the list of top places to visit in South Carolina. It was built in 1943 and managed to earn 11 stars during World War II. During the Vietnam War, the number of stars of the powerful ship increased to 16.
The famous warship also later left a bright mark in history thanks to the rescue of the Apollo 8 crew. The legendary ship became an honorary exhibit of the Naval Museum along with submarines and other exclusive exhibits.
Congaree National Park, Hopkins
The cool places to visit in South Carolina are a long list. One of them is Congaree National Park, a picturesque natural area of more than 25,000 acres. Congaree National Park is an area of 25,000 acres of scenic beauty that will appeal to those who enjoy a vacation in the lap of untouched nature.
It is home to lush forests of centuries-old trees and unique wildlife, including lynx and armadillo. The national park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with a rich variety of plants and animals.
There are many hiking trails in the park, where you can walk until nightfall surrounded by beautiful nature. If you wish, you can go kayaking and canoeing or go on a rich guided walk.
Huntington Beach State Park, Murrells Bay
Travelers must see places in South Carolina where you can spend a long time observing the local birds. This includes Huntington Beach State Park, which is home to over 300 species of birds.
Huntington Beach is considered the best place for bird watching in the "midget palm state. Not only can you see the amusing feathered birds here, but also the rugged alligators and cephalopod turtles that live in this natural area's freshwater lake.
Every fall, the National Park hosts the Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival. It is held at the famous Huntington family home.
South Carolina State Museum, Columbia
The State Museum is a major institution in the United States and is listed as one of the famous places in South Carolina. It is a large four-story building with unique exhibits from various fields of science and art. There are interesting historical pieces, original cultural heritage and technology items.
With many of the exhibits visitors have the opportunity to interact. This is very attractive to young tourists. For visitors to the museum is organized 4D interactive science theater, a planetarium, and specimens that have the property to change.
Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Bay
When checking out the top attractions in South Carolina, don't forget to visit Brookgreen Gardens, which is adorned with gorgeous plants of all kinds.
They are located just south of Myrtle Beach and are a harmonious composition of lush greenery, gorgeous flowers, and sculptural structures. There's also a zoo with all kinds of animals.
South Carolina sights include Live Oak Alley with its majestic trees that were planted in the early 18th century. There are galleries of marvelous works by skilled artists and a large collection of American sculpture.
The gardens were carefully created by the Huntington family. It's not just during the warm season that it's fantastically beautiful here. In chilly December, the gardens host an original event - the Night of a Thousand Candles. During this time, they turn into a mysterious world, woven of many lights of different shades.
Deep Sea Fishing
Numerous artificial reefs are one of the popular tourist spots in South Carolina. It traditionally attracts deep-sea fishing enthusiasts. Its coastal areas are home to many species of fish, including blue marlin, sailfish, barracuda, and amberjack.
Sea creatures readily settle inside sunken barges, military vehicles, and concrete bridges. Such areas of South Carolina are great for fishing:
- Myrtle Beach with 18 artificial reefs;
- Beaufort and Hilton Head Islands;
- Charleston with 13 artificial reefs, where blue marlin are the trophy for fishermen.
Here you can rent a boat and special equipment for water activities.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, Colombia
If you're thinking of the best things to see in South Carolina, head to the zoo in Columbia. There are more than 2,000 animals of all kinds, from kangaroos to baboons. The African Plains exhibit features a variety of subtropical fauna, including giraffes and zebras, African lions, and ostriches.
The Ndoki Forest area is home to massive elephants, funny gorillas, and meerkats. In addition, there are stunning botanical gardens and cable cars for the adventurous.
Caesar Head State Park
Nice places to visit in south carolina include Caesar Head State Park. It is located in a scenic mountainous area with mesmerizing views of Table Rock.
The Raven Cliff Falls Trail takes you to a beautiful waterfall, which tops the list of South Carolina main attractions. You can have wonderful Instagram photo shoots here with the stunning scenery as a backdrop. The Blue Ridge Escarpment is a temporary refuge for hawks on their migration routes to South America.
There are rivers in the park where vacationers enjoy catching fish of different species. Extreme and thrill-seekers can venture off in search of treasures hidden in the park using GPS.
Columbia Art Museum
One of South Carolina's prominent points of interest is the Columbia Museum of Art. The institution's many galleries feature national and international works of art in a variety of styles.
The museum features paintings by talented American artists, as well as interior attributes and original décor elements from different times. Visiting the museum with a guide helps you learn many nuances about the paintings in the galleries and their authors.
EdVenture, Colombia
Cool places to go in South Carolina with kids include the EdVenture Museum. There are plenty of activities and exciting exhibits for young campers, including an airplane and a fire truck. You can have an appetizing snack and relax in the welcoming café, which is located on the museum grounds.
We're pleased to have put together a guide for you on the best places to travel in South Carolina. Now it will be easier for you to navigate the things to visit in South Carolina first. Have a great trip and great photo shoots!
