23 Best Things to Do in South Carolina

Anderson

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South Carolina is a diverse state with a variety of landscapes and attractions. In addition to beautiful beaches and islands, there are also historic cities and sites to explore. While many people are drawn to the Grand Strand coastline, there are also picturesque plantations, state parks, and waterfalls throughout the state.

South Carolina is located in the Deep South, with mountains and forests gradually giving way to beaches, bays, and islands along the Atlantic Ocean. Popular destinations like Myrtle Beach and the Isle of Palms offer not only stunning sandy beaches but also a range of activities and resorts for water sports enthusiasts.

The state is not only known for its scenic beauty, but also for its rich history, culture, and heritage. One of the top things to do in South Carolina is to visit the colonial city of Charleston, which is surrounded by historic plantations, forts, and gardens.

23. Angel Oak Tree

Angel-Oak-Tree

The Angel Oak Tree is a very popular and frequently photographed attraction in Charleston, South Carolina. It is located on the outskirts of the city and its messy branches and twisted limbs make it great for viewing and taking pictures.

Despite only being 66.5 feet tall, some of its largest branches reach an impressive length of 187 feet, covering a large area. It is believed that the tree is over 1,500 years old, although some estimates suggest it could be around 400 or 500 years old.

If it is indeed 1,500 years old, the Angel Oak would be one of the oldest and largest living organisms east of the Mississippi River. Regardless of its age, this unique and magnificent tree is definitely worth visiting due to its remarkable size, scale, and beauty.

22. Chapel of Ease

The ancient oak-lined roads in the above area are very beautiful. The Chapel of Ease, which is now in ruins, is also very atmospheric. It is located near the center of Saint Helena Island and makes for great photos with its surroundings of trees covered in Spanish moss.

The chapel was built during the years 1742 to 1747 and was used by rice and cotton planters who couldn’t attend services in Beaufort regularly. However, it was mostly abandoned during the Civil War when the planters were forced to leave. In 1886, a forest fire destroyed the chapel and it was never rebuilt.

Despite this, the chapel’s tabby walls and cemetery remain quite intact and charming. It is a nice place to take a walk and you can also learn about its history from the informative signs that are scattered around.

21. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

Patriots-Point-Naval-Maritime-Museum

The Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant is a fascinating and educational place to visit. It has many artifacts and exhibits, including a huge aircraft carrier, destroyer, and submarine that you can explore.

These amazing vessels, the USS Yorktown, Laffey, and Clagmore, are permanently docked at the mouth of the Cooper River, facing Charleston Harbor. Visitors can go both above and below the decks to get a sense of how sailors lived and worked at sea for long periods of time.

There are also historic photos, displays, and short videos that provide information about different conflicts like the Cold War and World War II. The most impressive part, though, is the presence of several old airplanes and fighter jets on the USS Yorktown’s decks.

20. Charleston Tea Plantation

Charleston-Tea-Plantation

About a half-hour drive southwest of the port city, you can find the Charleston Tea Plantation. It is a large area with beautiful gardens and grounds located on Wadmalaw Island. The plantation was established in 1987 and is the only one of its kind in the United States.

It is responsible for producing American Classic Tea, Charleston Breakfast, and other delicious teas. Visitors can take tours of the factory and fields to learn about the history of the plantation. On interesting trolley bus tours, you will learn about tea cultivation, harvesting, and production.

You will also have the opportunity to taste some of their best blends. In addition to enjoying the scenery, you can purchase gifts and souvenirs at their small shop.

19. Alligator Adventure

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If you’re interested in exotic animals rather than history and nature, then Alligator Adventure is the perfect place for you. It is located next to Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach and offers more than just huge alligators to observe.

In fact, it is one of the largest reptile facilities globally, housing approximately 800 alligators as well as caiman, crocodiles, snakes, and lizards. Additionally, they have mountain lions, bobcats, and hyenas in large enclosures.

Exploring the wildlife park is already thrilling, but they also have live feeding shows and sessions where you can handle snakes and alligators, making the experience even more memorable. Ever since it opened in 1995, families have loved visiting Alligator Adventure due to its entertaining and educational animal exhibits.

18. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

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The Magnolia Plantation is a popular place to visit and it is located just north of Charleston next to the Ashley River. In addition to exploring the beautiful gardens, you can also go inside the impressive main house and learn about its interesting history.

The plantation was established in 1676 by the Draytons, who also built the famous nearby hall. Unfortunately, the original house was destroyed during the Civil War, so the current one was built in 1850.

During tours of the house, you can see the lovely interior as well as the more basic slaves’ quarters and learn about the people who lived and worked on the plantation. After enjoying the well-maintained Romantic-style gardens, you can go on relaxing cruises through the rice fields and swamps or visit the small petting zoo.

17. Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is the main attraction of South Carolina’s Grand Strand coast. It is a popular holiday destination that offers something for everyone, including families and spring breakers.

The beach is lined with a vibrant boardwalk where you can find various entertainment options, such as arcades, souvenir shops, seafood restaurants, luxury resorts, and trendy nightlife spots. Additionally, there are plenty of amusement parks, miniature golf courses, spas, and theaters that offer live shows.

If you simply want to relax, you can lounge on the beach or engage in thrilling watersports. While the city can be crowded and chaotic at times, the lively atmosphere and numerous attractions make it a favorite vacation spot in the state.

16. Isle of Palms

The Isle of Palms is a popular vacation spot located near Sullivan’s Island and Charleston. It has beautiful beaches with many outdoor activities and watersports for visitors to enjoy. Unlike other barrier islands, it is well-developed and offers comfort to people seeking relaxation.

There is a pier and marina where you can rent kayaks, surfboards, and organize fishing trips, sunset cruises, and jet ski excursions. Additionally, there are playgrounds, parks, and playing fields for leisure activities. The town also has two championship golf courses and hosts various festivals throughout the year.

In the summer, sea turtles nest along the shores of the peaceful town.

15. Caesars Head State Park

Caesars Head State Park is located near the border of North Carolina. It is a rugged and remote park, known for its mountains and natural beauty. It takes about an hour to reach the park from Greenville, driving on US Route 276. The park is part of the Blue Ridge Escarpment and features a tall rocky outcrop that stands at 3,208 feet.

From the summit and mountainsides, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the forest-covered hills and rock formations below. In addition to taking in the scenery and hiking on the scenic trails, outdoor enthusiasts can explore the park’s rivers and waterfalls. The visitor center provides information about the park’s facilities and activities.

There are also picnic areas and campsites spread throughout the park.

14. Issaqueena Falls

In the northwest corner of South Carolina, just outside of Walhalla, lies a breathtaking natural wonder called Issaqueena Falls. This stunning waterfall is located at the end of a short hiking trail, not too far from Stumphouse Tunnel, another popular attraction in the area.

Nestled within Sumter National Forest, the falls gracefully cascade down a cliff that stands 100 feet tall. Surrounding the falls are an abundance of trees, shrubs, and plants, creating a serene and picturesque environment. Visitors can capture beautiful photos of the falls from an observation deck.

At the base of the falls, there is an informative plaque that tells the story behind their name. Legend has it that a Cherokee girl once jumped from the top of the falls to escape capture by her own people, subsequently living a happy life with her white settler husband.

13. Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

The Riverbanks Zoo is located just across the river from downtown Columbia. It has a great collection of animals and also a beautiful botanical garden to explore. The zoo started in 1974 and has since grown a lot, with over 2,000 animals, reptiles, and birds living in its enclosures and aviaries.

You can see gorillas, giraffes, koalas, komodo dragons, and many fish in its aquariums. On the other side of the Saluda River, you will find the botanical gardens. They have lovely flower beds, areas for picnics, and playgrounds. The gardens have around 4,200 species of plants, both native and exotic, along with sculptures and splash pads.

12. South Carolina State Museum

When you visit Columbia, make sure to check out the South Carolina State Museum. It has fascinating exhibits and interesting artifacts that will capture your attention. The museum is located by the Congaree River and it provides insight into the history, culture, and nature of the Palmetto State.

It is the largest museum in South Carolina and was established in 1894, housing an impressive collection of over 70,000 objects, artworks, and specimens. Inside, you can see a variety of things, such as a mammoth, the first American-built locomotive, and even a massive 3.6 million-year-old megalodon named Finn.

The museum also offers interactive exhibits covering art, culture, science, technology, and the origins of the state. Additionally, you can enjoy a top-notch planetarium, a 4D theater, and temporary exhibitions. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this amazing museum, it’s definitely worth a stop.

11. Brookgreen Gardens

Located near popular Huntington Beach State Park, Brookgreen Gardens is a beautiful place to explore. It is famous for its stunning sculptures and wildlife preserve. In the past, the area was made up of four plantations but was later transformed into sculpture gardens by the Huntington family in the 1930s.

Today, visitors can enjoy wandering through various sections of the gardens, which are filled with over 2,000 sculptures spread across flowerbeds, woods, lawns, and lakes. In addition to admiring the flora, fountains, and sculptures, visitors can also visit the galleries and zoo, which offer a combination of art, nature, history, and animals. Brookgreen Gardens is a fantastic destination for a family day out.

10. Congaree National Park

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If you love nature and want to be surrounded by it, you should visit Congaree National Park. It’s really close to Columbia and has a lot of outdoor activities and opportunities to see wildlife. The park is known for having the largest remaining old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the country, with really tall trees.

There’s a boardwalk that takes you around the floodplain, where you might see raccoons, deer, and opossums. Even though it’s really beautiful, it’s not very crowded, so you can camp under the star-filled sky and kayak along the twenty-mile canoe trail without many other people around.

9. Huntington Beach State Park

Just a short distance away from Myrtle Beach, you can find the breathtaking scenery and natural beauty of Huntington Beach State Park.

This relatively small coastal preserve offers various activities such as fishing, swimming, hiking, and camping, ensuring visitors can enjoy themselves to the fullest while taking in the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The park is mostly undisturbed, with peaceful creeks, marshes, and miles of beautiful beachfront.

It attracts both birdwatchers and anglers who come here to observe bird species like loons, gannets, and razorbills or to try their luck at catching fish in its abundant waters.

In addition to exploring the park’s nature center and learning about the local plants and wildlife, you can also go hiking, camping, or take a tour of the elegant Atalaya Castle. This castle, completed in the 1930s, showcases impressive Moorish-style architecture and is surrounded by lush lawns and trees.

8. Fort Sumter National Monument

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Fort Sumter National Monument is an interesting place that can only be reached by ferry. It is located at the entrance to Charleston Harbor and is situated on a small, pentagon-shaped island. The fort is famous for being where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.

Construction of the fort and the man-made island began in 1829, but it was still unfinished when the Confederacy attacked on April 12, 1861. After enduring 34 hours of continuous bombardment, the Union forces surrendered, marking the official start of the war.

Today, visitors can explore the deteriorating fortifications and a small yet impressive museum. The museum houses artifacts, weapons, and exhibits related to slavery, plantation culture, and key figures and events from the war.

Additionally, the fort’s ramparts and a half-hour boat ride provide panoramic views of the harbor and the Atlantic Ocean.

7. Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve

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The Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve is a large area on Edisto Island that has a variety of natural and historic attractions. It is only an hour away from Charleston by car. The preserve is mostly untouched and has a diverse landscape including forests, fields, and wetlands.

One of its highlights is the ‘boneyard’ beach, where you can find unique twisted trees, driftwood, and shells. Sometimes, you can even see sea turtles in the water. People often decorate the fallen trees with scallops and shells, creating beautiful photo opportunities.

In addition to the beach, you can also drive along beautiful avenues lined with oak trees. There are also outbuildings and ruins from the Colonial era, some of which are around 200 years old. The area used to be a cotton plantation and farm, but it became a wildlife preserve in 1977.

6. Hilton Head Island

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Hilton Head Island is famous for its stunning beaches and exceptional golf courses. The island, located along the southern coast of the state, was the first developed as an eco-friendly tourist destination in the United States.

Everywhere you go on the island, you will be surrounded by breathtaking nature, scenic views, and a diverse range of wildlife. Until 1956, the island was only accessible by a bridge due to narrow channels separating it from the mainland.

This limited access contributed to preserving its natural beauty, with restaurants, resorts, shops, and marinas blending harmoniously with the tropical surroundings. Apart from enjoying a game of golf and exploring the island through sightseeing tours, you can also relax and soak up the sun at Coligny Beach.

By engaging in water sports and spotting alligators, dolphins, and manatees, you will have a memorable experience. If you are up for it, you can then visit the enchanting colonial city of Savannah in Georgia.

5. Charleston’s Historic District

Charleston’s Historic District is a delightful place to explore, with its charming antebellum-era buildings, old landmarks, and beautiful cobblestone lanes. Covering most of the city’s heart, the district’s streets are picturesque and evoke a romantic image of the Old South.

Established in 1670 where the Ashley and Cooper Rivers meet, Charleston quickly became a significant trading hub for the southeastern coast. This prosperity led to the construction of the historic houses, colonial churches, and lovely gardens that we can still appreciate today.

The rich history, heritage, and culture make strolling through Charleston’s center a fascinating experience. One can also enjoy leisurely horse-drawn carriage rides. Moreover, the friendly and welcoming nature of the locals is evident in the shops, restaurants, museums, and markets found throughout the district.

4. Table Rock State Park

If you’re looking for a beautiful natural spot to visit, Table Rock State Park is a great choice. It’s located about forty minutes away from Greenville, and it offers a variety of landscapes to explore. The park is situated near the Blue Ridge Mountains, so there are stunning views no matter where you go.

The park has a mountain called Pinnacle Mountain, which is the highest peak in the state. Interestingly, it’s named after a flat-topped mountain that sits in the middle of the park. These mountains, reaching heights of 3,415 and 3,124 feet, are perfect for hiking and climbing. You’ll come across lovely waterfalls and streams along the way.

The park is also great for camping, with plenty of forests to choose from. Additionally, you can go swimming or fishing at one of the park’s quiet lakes. Keep an eye out for wildlife too, as you might spot black bears, bobcats, deer, and raccoons among the trees and plants.

3. Lake Murray

Lake Murray, located just west of Columbia, offers various fun watersports and outdoor activities. Apart from swimming, sailing, and enjoying the water, visitors can also explore the many parks and nature spots along the lake.

The lake was created in 1928 by damming the Saluda River and now has over 650 miles of shoreline for hiking, biking, and camping. There are also beautiful beaches, a bird sanctuary, and numerous marinas and recreational areas nearby. In addition to fishing and leisure activities, it’s worth checking out the impressive Saluda Dam.

Standing at 220 feet high, it was once the largest earthen dam in the world and offers stunning views and great photo opportunities.

2. Falls Park on the Reedy

In the heart of Greenville, there is a beautiful natural attraction called Falls Park on the Reedy. It is known for its stunning waterfalls, a deep ravine, and abundant green spaces. One of the highlights of the park is the Liberty Bridge, which provides fantastic views from its curved walkway.

In the past, this area was used by textile mills because of its fast-flowing waters and rapids, but it was transformed into a park in 1967. Since then, both locals and tourists have enjoyed its scenic beauty, picnic spots, and various art installations.

From the bridge, you can see the entire park and capture pictures of the waterfalls and rock formations below. Being the birthplace of Greenville, the park is conveniently close to downtown’s shops, restaurants, and attractions.

1. Middleton Place

Middleton-Place

Just a short distance away from the Magnolia Plantation, you’ll find another important historic estate in Charleston called Middleton Place. Visitors can enjoy informative tours of the grand mansion and explore the oldest landscaped gardens in the United States. This former rice plantation, dating back to the 1730s, is spread across a vast area.

It features well-maintained flower beds, pools, and lawns, juxtaposed with untouched forests and swamps. Numerous outbuildings, such as a stableyard and springhouse, that once housed the Middleton family’s enslaved individuals can also be seen on the property. The focal point of the plantation is undoubtedly the Antebellum-era mansion and museum.

These provide insights into the lives and hardships of both the Middleton family and the enslaved people who worked on the estate for their entire lives.

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