Things to do in South Carolina
Have you ever been to the beautiful state of South Carolina? The Palmetto State, (so named after its official state tree), is an incredible place full of attractions to keep any traveler or resident busy. Do you love to experience all that nature has to offer? Are you a history buff that is fascinated by the story of the United States of America? Do you have children that must be entertained during your trip to a new state? There are attractions in South Carolina that will satisfy all of those desires.
A Guide for SC Travelers
South Carolina is home to over five million residents and the truly historic city of Charleston. It is also a popular vacation destination, specifically along the Grand Strand which includes world-class golf courses and Myrtle Beach. Whether you are planning a weeklong vacation to visit this state for the first time or are a lifelong resident, there are so many things to do in South Carolina.
But how do you know where to start? If there is so much to do, is there a way to pack in as much adventure and learning into a short few days? You might need a guide to help you figure out what attractions should be at the top of your itinerary so you can make the most of your South Carolina visit. Let’s take a tour around the state and break down some of the most interesting places to visit and activities to check out.
For History Buffs
South Carolina has an incredibly important history as one of the thirteen original colonies that would eventually become the United States of America. If your personality is more attracted to monuments, historic landmarks, and learning about the past, then there are plenty of places to enjoy during your trip.
South Carolina State Museum
Founded in 1988 as the primary source of South Carolina history, this museum is a must-visit if you are passing through the state capital of Columbia. Located along the banks of the Congaree River, the South Carolina State Museum is filled with interactive exhibits, educational programs, and state-of-the-art technology, all geared toward educating the public about the past, present, and future of the state. A digital dome planetarium, 4D interactive theater, and observatory are just some of the amazing activities that you will encounter in the South Carolina State Museum.
Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens
Considered to be one of the top plantations in the state to visit, Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant offers many opportunities to learn about the cultural history of the south. Explore the beautiful gardens with trees that form a natural tunnel, visit the living quarters of slaves, and learn about the influence of Major Boone and his family in South Carolina’s history.
Magnolia Plantation
Another gorgeous plantation that you can visit in South Carolina is the Magnolia Plantation. This site on the banks of the Ashley River features a wildlife boat tour, nationally recognized gardens, a wildlife center, walking/biking trails, and a “From Slavery to Freedom” guided tour. 66 acres of gardens at Magnolia Plantation have been growing since the 1840s.
Charleston Tea Plantation
America’s only tea garden resides in the Charleston Tea Plantation. This 127-acre farm was originally used to grow potatoes until it made the switch to tea in 1963. You can enjoy a lovely trolley ride through the property or visit the factory. Charleston Tea Plantation holds the title of being the only tea plantation that is large-scale in the United States.
McLeod Plantation Historic Site
The Mcleod Plantation Historic Site has been preserved and maintained for years to tell the story of the McLeod family, the riches provided by sea-island cotton, and the story of the enslaved peoples that worked the land. You can visit both the large home of the original plantation owners and the living quarters of slaves. The stories of all who played a part in shaping the cultural history of the area are on display at this historic site.
Middleton Place National Historic Landmark House Museum
Along the Ashley River in Charleston, Middleton Place has survived multiple wars, economic upheavals, and natural disasters. Explore one of America’s oldest landscaped gardens, learn about the struggle of enslaved Africans and African Americans, and watch live demonstrations by blacksmiths and potters at Middleton Place.
Fort Sumter National Monument
As far as historic sites go in South Carolina, you won’t find many places more unique than Fort Sumter National Monument. When the Confederacy fired on the garrison at Fort Sumter on April 12th, 1861, the Civil War began. Fort Sumter National Monument sits in the middle of Charleston Harbor, so it is only accessible by ferry. If the history of the Civil War fascinates you, then Fort Sumter is the perfect location to visit. Head to the visitor education center to learn more about this incredible military base.
Fort Moultrie National Monument
Just across the harbor from Fort Sumter sits another fortification that was built on Sullivan’s Island before the Revolutionary War. Fort Moultrie National Monument is the location where patriots of the United States were able to defeat the Royal Navy in 1776. Fort Moultrie was made out of Palmetto logs, which eventually inspired the state of South Carolina to adopt this tree as their official state tree.
Patriots Point Naval Maritime Museum
This national historic landmark tells the incredible history of the United States Navy, with the WWII vessel, the USS Yorktown, serving as the centerpiece. The USS Yorktown served in WWII, playing a crucial role in the Pacific theater offensive that ended with Japan’s defeat. Patriots Point Naval Maritime Museum is one of the top South Carolina attractions with over 300,000 visitors each year. The museum also features national historic landmark ships, the Cold War Memorial, and the Medal of Honor Museum. Check out the visitor center to plan your museum walkthrough.
For Nature Lovers
Not only does South Carolina have a rich history, but it is also a beautiful land to explore. Many locations throughout the state offer sweeping views and incredible encounters with nature, whether you prefer flora or fauna.
Ashley River
This blackwater and tidal river runs from the Wassamassaw Swamps in Berkeley County to Charleston Harbor. Along its length, there are many locations from which you can view the waters and the effect that the river has had on nearby ecosystems. Many of the plantations of South Carolina are located close to this river, and it has had a large impact on the cultural development and natural history of the state.
Congaree National Park
Almost 27,000 acres of old-growth hardwood forest can be found just 18 miles southeast of Columbia. The landscape of Congaree National Park features immense biodiversity within the floodplain of the Congaree and Wateree Rivers. Explore the water-infested lands via the Boardwalk Loop or by kayaking and canoeing through the waters. Congaree National Park is truly a natural wonder in the state of South Carolina and is a must-see for those who want to get in touch with nature.
Caesars Head State Park
If you are on the lookout for incredible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the surrounding landscape, then head to Cleveland, SC to find Caesars Head State Park. A view that extends into North Carolina and Georgia can be found on the Blue Ridge Escarpment in this park. Hike to the 420-foot-tall Raven Cliff Falls, stay overnight in one of the trailside campgrounds, or take part in the Hawk Watch program during your visit to Caesars Head State Park. Check out the visitor center to learn more about the different ways you can enjoy the park.
Falls Park on the Reedy
Right beside downtown Greenville is a beautiful 32-acre park that features incredible rock formations and lovely trails with views of the falls. This oasis within the city of Greenville is adorned with public art, intricate stonework, and vibrant gardens. If your trip takes you into Greenville, then make sure you spend some time at Falls Park on the Reedy.
Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens is a sculpture garden and wildlife preserve in the Myrtle Beach area. TripAdvisor has named it one of the top ten gardens in the entire United States. The 9,000+ acreage includes a sculpture garden designed by famous sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington, botanical gardens, and the Lowcountry Zoo. With plenty of walking trails to take you through various ecosystems, nature lovers are sure to have a memorable experience at Brookgreen Gardens.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
Situated along the banks of the Saluda River in Columbia, the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden houses over 3,000 animals and 5,700 varieties of plants. This 170-acre zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden has multiple interactive experiences, tons of wildlife to admire, and events to engage in throughout the year. Over a million visitors pass through the entrance to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden each year, making it one of the top attractions in the state, especially for wildlife fanatics. The botanical garden alone is worth the visit with multiple varieties available to explore.
Alligator Adventure
An animal park that includes a swamp filled with live alligators in their natural environment, Alligator Adventure is perfect for nature lovers of all ages. Live shows are also available to learn more about these incredible beasts. It is one of the largest reptile facilities in the entire world. While Alligator Adventure is focused on one particular animal, there are other species at this nature center that you can admire, including birds, frogs, and turtles. Plan your visit to Alligator Adventure around some of their live shows so you can get the full experience.
Sea Islands
Thousands of years ago, the sea islands of the South Atlantic region were part of the mainland. Now, these tidal and barrier islands have become separate environments along the coast of South Carolina and other nearby coastal states. This chain of islands is known as the Sea Islands and it includes multiple lovely areas to visit.
Johns Island
The largest island in South Carolina is Johns Island. It is the home of Angel Oak, a Southern live oak tree that is estimated to be at least 400 years old and possibly as old as 1500 years.
Wadmalaw Island
A slightly more quiet and sparsely populated piece of South Carolina’s Sea Islands, Wadmalaw Island is named after the Native American tribe that took advantage of the lush lands nearby for farming and fishing.
Daufuskie Island
The southernmost barrier island in the state of South Carolina is Daufuskie Island. As one of the most isolated of the Sea Islands, it is only accessible by ferry. Vacation rentals are available for those who want to experience a more out-of-the-way piece of land.
Devils Fork State Park
Head to the very northwestern corner of the state to find Devils Fork State Park, a beautiful spot on the eastern edge of Sumter National Forest and the 7,500-acre Lake Jocassee. The fishing opportunities are numerous, with brown and rainbow trout populating the waters in high numbers. There are also opportunities for hiking, camping, and biking near the lake, and many small waterfalls feed into the larger body of water.
South Carolina Aquarium
Located right on the Charleston Harbor, the South Carolina Aquarium opened in 2000. Perfect for families and nature lovers alike, this facility offers a perspective on the rich diversity of marine biology.
For Families
Do you live in SC with your family and are looking for activities that everyone can enjoy? Are you traveling with young children that need to be entertained during your trip through the Palmetto State? There are many things to do in South Carolina to keep families entertained and busy.
Myrtle Beach
Perhaps the top destination for vacationers in South Carolina is the Myrtle Beach area. This city and resort town on the East Coast sees millions of visitors every year and it is the hub of the Grand Strand. From North Myrtle Beach to the arcades to the Myrtle Beach Skywheel, one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the country, there is plenty to do for travelers of every generation.
You can take the famous boardwalk along the entire stretch from North Myrtle Beach to Woodland Park. Tons of restaurants, miles of sandy beaches, world-class golf courses, and so much more make Myrtle Beach a top destination on the East Coast for vacationers. Want to avoid crowds? There are plenty of coastal towns with a quiet charm that you can explore in the Myrtle Beach area. If you are in town during the Summer, keep an eye out for the Carolina Country Music Festival in June.
Family Kingdom Amusement Park
One of the best spots to visit with your young family is the Family Kingdom Amusement Park in Myrtle Beach. There are 37 rides for adults and kids, which include thrill rides, go-karts, and kiddie-friendly attractions. Take a spin on the unique figure-eight Swamp Fox wooden roller coaster to create an unforgettable memory with your children, or take the “Giant Wheel” ride to get a 100-foot view of Myrtle Beach.
Charleston
This port city was founded in 1670, making it one of the oldest municipalities in the United States. As such, it is full of rich history and adventure for young families to explore. There is the historic Charleston City Market which stretches for four city blocks and was established in the 1790s. Charleston’s historic district features beautiful homes, a children’s museum, hotels, bed and breakfasts, and buildings that exemplify southern charm. This quaint seaside town is a great location for families to explore, particularly Charleston’s historic district.
There are plenty of other locations throughout the city that are also notable. The Charleston County Courthouse is worth a drive-by with its neoclassical architecture. Views of the Charleston Harbor can make for the perfect backdrop for a family photo.
Bon Secours Wellness Arena
Live entertainment venues exist throughout the state of South Carolina, but one stadium that hosts its fair share of family-friendly events is Bon Secours Wellness Arena. You could watch a national collegiate basketball tournament game, a concert, the Harlem Globetrotters, and even well-known groups like Dude Perfect perform a live event in the heart of Greenville. If you are looking for exciting things to do in South Carolina, then look for some live performances or sporting events at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
Huntington Beach State Park
Looking for an alternative to North Myrtle Beach that is a little less touristy? Then Huntington Beach State Park might be perfect for your family. This gorgeous park has a sandy beach to relax on, plenty of trails for walking or biking, and lots of wildlife like flamingos. Relax for the day at the beach and walk around the calming landscapes for a slower-paced afternoon with the family.
Hilton Head Island
Another island on the Atlantic with plenty to keep the kids entertained is Hilton Head Island. This piece of land has everything from golf courses to pristine beaches to the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge. You can taste the flavors of the lowcountry in one of the many restaurants or see the protected species of turtles on Hilton Head Island. Looking for a luxury vacation in a quiet setting? The Sea Pines Resort offers a peaceful experience of Hilton Head Island.
Colonial Life Arena
Would your family love some exciting live entertainment events during your stay in Columbia, SC? There are multiple events to choose from throughout the year at Colonial Life Arena. Monster Jam, country musicians, and even the Harlem Globetrotter will present a memorable live experience for you and your kids, so check out what events are happening during your trip through South Carolina.
South Carolina Children’s Theater
The largest kid’s theater in the state, South Carolina’s Children’s Theater is a year-round venue for kid-oriented plays, interactive productions, and acting classes. Maybe there is a live performance happening while you are in Greenville that the kids would love to take in.
South Carolina Gamecocks
Live sports can be a super fun experience for families that are looking for a way to kill a couple of hours in the afternoon or evening. The University of South Carolina is a public four-year university located in downtown Columbia and is the largest school in the state. Multiple successful sports teams represent the South Carolina Gamecocks, including the women’s basketball team powerhouse. With so many teams to support, you could find any number of events to attend during the fall and spring semesters if you find yourself in Columbia with your family.
Another school associated with this state network is the University of South Carolina Aiken, which has many sports teams of its own that you could watch live.
EdVenture Children’s Museum
As the largest children’s museum in the southeastern United States, EdVenture is a great spot to bring your kids to during your South Carolina vacation. Located in Columbia, this facility features 92,000 square feet of discovery and learning opportunities for young minds. Hands-on exhibits, two resource centers, and a 200-seat theater provide plenty of ways to help your child engage their mind. A three-story tall statue of Eddie can be explored internally by your kids as they learn about human physiology. It is right next to the South Carolina State Museum, so you can knock out two birds with one stone during your Columbia visit.
What Are You Waiting For? Plan a Trip to SC Soon
Hopefully, this guide has given you a glimpse at the long list of things to do in South Carolina. Travelers and residents of every personality type can find something to love about the Palmetto State, all it takes is a little bit of curiosity and the willingness to explore to find the right attractions to check out.
A Rich History
The state of South Carolina plays a critical role in the growth of the United States as a nation. A visit to Fort Sumter will teach you about the opening salvos of the Civil War that shaped the nation and freed millions of slaves, while Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island played a big role in the War for Independence. Plantations throughout the region tell the story of southern culture and the struggles of enslaved peoples. Charleston’s historic district paints the picture of a small seaside town from the 17th century that turned into a thriving city. Patriots Point Naval Maritime Museum details some of the accomplishments of historical ships in the US Navy that served in World War II and beyond. If you crave knowledge about the past, South Carolina offers plenty of learning opportunities.
Beautiful Landscapes and Biodiversity
Among the many attractions in the state are places where you can experience the wonder of the natural world. A walking tour of the Brookgreen Gardens will allow you to admire plants and animals in their natural habitats in the wildlife preserve area. Amazing views of multiple states at Caesars Head State Park are sure to make for some great photos that you will look back on with fondness for years to come. Congaree National Park is a water-filled adventure through hardwood forests that feels like an unreal experience, especially if you choose to kayak or canoe through the waters of the floodplain. The Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia exhibits hundreds of unique species that make up ecosystems around the world. One of the oldest landscaped gardens in the country at Middleton Place features diverse flora that is sure to inspire your green thumb. The natural world is full of incredible experiences and sights, and South Carolina is home to many locations that are worth visiting to get in touch with nature.
Unforgettable Memories for Children
Traveling with young kids can be difficult, especially since they have a shorter attention span than adults. This means that you have to find ways to entertain those young minds during your travels. Fortunately, there are many things to do in South Carolina state museum that can keep the little ones engaged. The Myrtle Beach Skywheel might blow their mind with its views of the resort town and the Atlantic Ocean. Hilton Head Island offers beautiful beaches, various species of wildlife, and even a luxury resort where the whole family can relax.
An Experience You Are Unlikely to Forget
Whether you want to satisfy your inner history buff, experience the wonders of South Carolina’s natural elements, or create exciting adventures with the whole family, this state can meet all of your deepest desires for the trip. Places like Charleston, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, and even Oconee National Park can provide you with memories that will last a lifetime. Start planning your vacation to South Carolina soon to take advantage of the many attractions offered by this state. Or, if you are a lifelong resident, get out there and explore the state that you call home.