South Carolina
Explore
Charleston, South Carolina
Cobblestones lead to pastel antebellum houses and moss-draped oaks in Charleston; visitors walk Rainbow Row, eat shrimp and grits or oysters in old taverns and tour nearby plantations by carriage.
Explore
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
A long boardwalk, family arcades and hundreds of golf courses define Myrtle Beach tourism; the promenade, seafood shacks and live theaters keep summers loud.
Explore
Columbia, South Carolina
Painted in red brick and magnolias, Columbia centers on the State House, the South Carolina Historical Museum, and Riverbanks Zoo & Garden.
Explore
North Charleston, South Carolina
Gateway to Charleston’s historic district and a transit hub at Charleston International Airport.
Explore
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Hilton Head Island tempts with miles of beach, world-class golf courses and a network of bike paths threading live-oak canopies.
Explore
Greenville
The Reedy River drops through downtown Greenville, folding parkland around the Liberty Bridge.
South Carolina at a Glance
South Carolina is a Southern coastal state of historic Charleston, Lowcountry cuisine and the Grand Strand beaches around Myrtle Beach.
Known for: historic Charleston, Lowcountry cuisine, and Atlantic beaches
Don’t miss: antebellum Charleston, the beaches of Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head, and the Lowcountry
When to go: spring and fall are loveliest
About South Carolina
Stretching from the salt marshes and barrier islands of the Atlantic coast to the rolling foothills of the Upstate, South Carolina is a study in Southern landscapes and hospitality. Piney inland plateaus, tidal creeks, wide sandy beaches and palmetto-lined shores give the state a warm, mellow character that still displays its colonial and antebellum heritage.
The state’s signature cities showcase that history and energy: Charleston is a picture of cobblestone streets, antebellum houses and thriving food culture; Columbia sits near the center with museums and leafy public parks; and Greenville has a revived downtown anchored by Falls Park on the Reedy. For shoreline fun, Myrtle Beach and nearby barrier islands offer boardwalks, arcades and family-friendly beaches, while wild places like Congaree National Park and Fort Sumter National Monument show off South Carolina’s natural and historic side.
Outdoor activities run the gamut from Lowcountry paddling and birding in the marshes to hiking and waterfalls in the Upstate; anglers target flounder, redfish and trout, and golfers find world-class courses from Hilton Head to the Grand Strand. Winters are mild on the coast and cooler inland, making nearly year-round access to trails, boat ramps and seaside relaxation.
Food in South Carolina is rooted in the Lowcountry and coastal bounty: expect shrimp and grits, she-crab soup and farm-to-table Southern fare alongside Carolina-style barbecue and sweet tea; the state also has growing craft-brew and winery scenes for those who want to pair local drinks with fresh seafood and comfort cooking.
Why Visit South Carolina
Charleston’s history and architecture, the wild floodplain of Congaree National Park, and the beaches and boardwalk fun of Myrtle Beach make South Carolina a compact, irresistible mix of culture, coast and countryside - perfect for food lovers, history buffs and outdoor adventurers alike.
Best Things to Do in South Carolina
Park
Kings Mountain National Military Park
Revolutionary War battlefield commemorating Patriot victory
Park
Congaree National Park
Old-growth bottomland forest with towering hardwoods and biodiversity
Park
Ninety Six National Historic Site
American Revolutionary War battlefield and preserved historic townsite
Amusement Park
Fort Sumter
Sea fort where the American Civil War began
Island
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Barrier island near Charleston with beaches and golf
Museum
USS Yorktown
Museum aircraft carrier at Patriots Point naval museum
Mountain
Sassafras Mountain
State highpoint offering scenic ridge and observation tower
Island
Johns Island, South Carolina
Large Sea Island near Charleston with marshes
South Carolina Bucket List
Don't Miss
Charleston Historic District - Wander cobblestone streets, see Rainbow Row and The Battery, and take a carriage or walking tour to feel the city’s layered history.
Fort Sumter National Monument - Reachable by ferry from Charleston, this sea fort is where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired and offers harbor views and history exhibits.
Brookgreen Gardens - A celebrated sculpture garden and botanical collection near the coast that pairs art with Lowcountry gardens and wildlife.
Great Outdoors
Congaree National Park - Walk the boardwalk among towering hardwoods, paddle the river and spot migratory birds in this unique floodplain forest.
Caesars Head State Park - Enjoy dramatic overlooks, challenging trails and seasonal waterfalls in the Upstate’s Blue Ridge foothills.
Hunting Island State Park - A beloved barrier island with a historic lighthouse, wide beaches and salt marsh ecosystems for shelling and birdwatching.
Local Flavor
Shrimp and Grits in Charleston - Try the classic Lowcountry dish at a waterfront restaurant for a taste of coastal South Carolina cuisine.
Carolina Barbecue - Sample the regional styles - vinegar- and mustard-influenced sauces are staples - at pit-cooked joints across the state.
Falls Park on the Reedy (Greenville) - Pair a stroll through the park and over the pedestrian suspension bridge with a meal at one of Greenville’s lively restaurants or breweries.
National Parks in South Carolina
Best Time to Visit South Carolina
Coastal South Carolina has hot, humid summers and mild winters, while the Upstate (near the Blue Ridge foothills) is cooler year-round and can see occasional winter chill or light snow. Spring and autumn are widely regarded as the most pleasant for travel statewide.
Spring
Warming, often humid weather with flowering azaleas - ideal for historic walking tours, wildflower hikes and early-season beach outings.
Summer
Hot, humid and storm-prone afternoons make this prime time for swimming, boating, fishing and beachfront amusement at places like Myrtle Beach.
Autumn
Cooling temperatures and lower humidity are perfect for hiking in the Upstate, exploring downtowns and attending fall festivals.
Winter
Generally mild on the coast and cooler inland - good for museum visits, quiet beach walks and off-season golf with fewer crowds.
Getting Around South Carolina
Most visitors get around South Carolina by car, with regional flights into Charleston, Greenville-Spartanburg, Columbia and Myrtle Beach for longer-distance arrivals.
Major Highways
Major routes include I-95 running along the coastal corridor north - south, I-26 connecting Charleston with Columbia and the Upstate toward Asheville, I-85 serving Greenville/Spartanburg toward Charlotte, I-20 linking Columbia with Augusta and points west, and US-17 tracing the scenic coastal route.