Stop in, have a drink and soak in a tiny slice of little-known literary history. Art lovers traveling to South Carolina should be sure to include the Columbia Museum of Art on their travel itinerary. Set on more than 9,000 acres of former rice plantations south of Myrtle Beach, Brookgreen Gardens combines a sculpture garden, the Lowcountry Zoo, and a wildlife preserve featuring multiple ecosystems. The 21 Best South Carolina Attractions in 2023 | Travellers Exit 170, Florence Fragments of the atom bomb crater can bee seen at the Florence County Museum. One of the very few places it does grow is in South Carolina. Here you can escape the crowds and find an unspoiled wide sandy beach perfect for walking, sunbathing, and swimming. Close to 1,200 feet in length, it's the East Coast's longest wooden pier, and is a popular fishing spot. During the summer months, the resorts Camp Fripp structures nature and history-themed activities for children. With hundreds of years of history and postcard-perfect landscapes, South Carolina has something surprising in store for any traveler. At Patriots Point, on the other side of the harbor from Charleston's Historic District, you can tour the historic Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Yorktown. Head downtown to catch a Greenville Drive game, a High-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. Built from scrap metal, including discarded equipment, barges, concrete bridges, and military vehicles, the underwater structures create habitat for a variety of marine species. One of the best places in South Carolina for bicycling, Hilton Head has miles of flat, well-marked bicycling trails, with great scenery and signage to point out landmarks and interesting facts. 1. Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site. However, in Beaufort, visitors will find one of the largest public collections of the buzzing musical instrument on the grounds of The Kazoobie Kazoo Factory. Live music and beach volleyball are showcased at The Windjammer, which hosts several annual beach volleyball tournaments. South Carolina Roadside Attractions A number of homes are open to the public as living history museums, and the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park offers a public performance stage and childrens playground. Yogi might have been "smarter than the average bear," but his once-thriving fried chicken chain is down to just one location, and it can be found in Hartsville, South Carolina. Greenville County Museum of Art Wikimedia Known as the premier art museum of the South, this museum contains an extensive collection of American art. Unique to the state's waters are the many artificial reefs, more than 40 of which are located off its 3,000 miles of tidal shoreline. It's the first state to open a library (1698), and its state fruit is the peach it produces even more than Georgia. The philanthropist and sculptor are also responsible for the neighboring Brookgreen Gardens. is a very popular weekend getaway destination for both families and couples, combining great beach activities with some interesting museums, galleries, and other attractions for rainy days. The Hunting Island Lighthouse is located in the Hunting Island State Park and offers visitors a chance to combine a little history with a great day on the beach. 16 Best Places to Visit in South Carolina - Trips To Discover Saint Helena Island is one of South Carolinas Sea Islands and is noted as the inspiration for the childrens television series Gullah Gullah Island, which showcased African-American Gullah culture. Attractions Food & Drink Map Leaderboards Stories Lists Unusual Attractions in South Carolina Johns Island, South Carolina The Angel Oak One of the oldest living oak trees in the. Myrtle Beach Take some time away from the city Charleston or Columbia to tour an African village or spend a day learning about Gullah culture. Exhibits at the Old Exchange Building and Old Slave Mart Museum reveal more about the city and its long history. The zoo includes a botanical garden and ziplines. Across its 20,000 acres, there are more than 25 miles of hiking trails, including 2.4 miles of boardwalk that wind over the Congaree floodplain. Address: 8155 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, South Carolina, Official site: www.southcarolinaparks.com/caesarshead/introduction.aspx. For an additional charge, hourlong interpreter-led house tours are available each operating day; online reservations are required. These parks include Lake Hartwell State Park in Fair Play and Table Rock State Park in Pickens. Pleasant is one of the nation's oldest plantations still operating as a working farm, and is best known for its picturesque, three-quarter-mile Avenue of Oaks. It's also notable for having been designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Summerville takes its sweet iced tea seriously, with a trail that passes murals and Mason, the world's largest sweet tea that can hold more than 2,500 gallons. Recent visitors to the factory say it's a great experience for the young and young at heart. Kiawah Island is a resort island located approximately 20 miles off the coast of Charleston, featuring preserved maritime forest and marsh habitats and more than 10 miles of Atlantic coast beachfront. Set sail on these excursions to explore the beauty of Kauai from the sea. It is noted for its role in the American Civil War and is home to the remains of five historic forts, including Fort Wagner, which is home to an iconic red-and-white-striped lighthouse constructed in 1876. Though access to the island is restricted to property owners and their guests due to environmental preservation concerns, a number of vacation rentals and summer home sales are available for visitors wishing to travel to the island. Edisto Island is one of the United States last remaining unspoiled beach communities, located approximately 40 miles from the city of Charleston within the Sea Islands region. Summer fun at Roper Mountain Science Center. 19. Highlights include examples from the Baroque and Renaissance periods, along with works by a number of other European Masters. Middleton Place Ovidiu Hrubaru/Shutterstock Middleton Place is a National Historic Landmark that was once home to the largest enslaved population in North America. The Aiken County Historical Museum is great place to learn about the citys past, while Richardsons Lake Waterpark is an inviting family spot with a nice sandy beach and waterslides. Here's a list of 23 places to visit in the Carolinas during summer 2023, listed from nearest to furthest away: Rock Hill, South Carolina. The island is connected to mainland Beaufort County by two bridges that offer spectacular views of the surrounding waterways and is also accessible via several community boat ramps. Anyone craving that honey chicken today can still purchase a "Picnic Basket" of chicken or an individual "Boo Boo Basket." You can pitch your tent at one of two campsites, try your hand at fishing, or enroll in a ranger-led program. 10. This cruise packing list includes all the essentials plus the items you didn't know you needed. You get a rare glimpse of original 18th-century craftsmanship in the ornamental details of the interior of Drayton Hall, which is the oldest unrestored plantation house in America that's open for tours. . Boat tours are also very popular. 1. Huntington Beach State Park is a gorgeous place in Myrtle Beach to take a walk or bird-watch it's considered one of the best birding locations in the state. America's only plastic kazoo factory is proud of its product, with the museum, tours, a gift shop and a chance to make your own kazoo. The escarpment attracts hawks on their migratory route to South America, and Caesar's Head Hawk Site is a count site along the Atlantic Flyway. [See more of Charleston: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]. Spectacular views of the Kiawah River are offered from Marsh Island Parks lookout tower, while guided nature walks are presented by the Heron Park Nature Center. Whether you're interested in history, love relaxing at the beach, or are looking for interesting things to do with your kids, you'll find it in South Carolina's many engaging tourist attractions. There are five museums you can visit, or you could just stroll along Front Street to admire the quaint shops and galleries or eat ocean-fresh seafood. And don't overlook the many things to do in South Carolina's lovely small towns. A trip to the on-site 4D interactive theater is one of the many features at the museum that will maintain kids' interest. An easy 30-minute drive south of Columbia, Congaree National Park covers more than 26,000 acres and is a popular destination for those who enjoy the great outdoors in South Carolina. Address: 301 Gervais Street, Columbia, South Carolina. The historic Porgy House, the former home of 20th-century authors Dubose and Dorothy Heyward, is noted as the inspiration for George Gershwins famed Porgy and Bess opera. Duration: 1 hour (approx) Includes: 1-hour horse & carriage sightseeing tour of Charleston with a certified driver/guide. While Hilton Head Island doesn't have the glamorous stage shows of the Grand Strand in Myrtle Beach, this low-country beach town offers laid-back relaxation and smaller crowds. Historians can visit the War Between the States Museum, the Florence Stockade and National Cemetery, and Veterans Park to learn more. Families love the slides, splash rides, and swimming pools at water parks and at major hotels. Address: 1931 Brookgreen Drive, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. 25 Best Things To Do In South Carolina: The Ultimate SC Bucket List The Civil War began with shots fired on the garrison of Fort Sumter in South Carolina's Charleston Harbor on April 12, 1861. 12 Best South Carolina Beaches for 2023 | U.S. News Travel From historic Charleston to fun-filled water parks in Myrtle Beach, there is no shortage of incredible places to visit in South Carolina. The island is a popular kayaking day trip spot for visitors to the Charleston region, offering opportunities to spot wildlife such as Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, bald eagles, bonnethead sharks, and snowy and great egrets. You can come for a peaceful picnic, watch the constant nautical activities, or attend one of the annual events such as the Taste of Beaufort, the Shrimp Festival, or the Water Festival. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Charleston - 2023 (with Photos Distance from Charlotte: 26.8 miles What to do: Go zip lining through forests, plan a picnic at Glencairn Garden or treat yourself to dinner at Kounter, offering creative dishes like chile-lime crab cakes and bacon-wrapped meatloaf. Two South Carolina restaurants made it onto a list of "Top 100 Burgers in America. But beyond what you may not know about this coastal state, South Carolina has plenty of what you would expect, from historic estates and cultural tours to gorgeous shorelines and its ever-present oak trees. Wadmalaw Island is connected to mainland South Carolina via bridge and spans an area of 10 by six miles near Church Creek and the North Edisto River. Foodies should definitely not miss the City Center Farmers Market and the annual Oktoberfest and the Pecan Festival. If you're looking for the family-oriented idyll of Kiawah Island but with a smaller, communal feel, head to Seabrook Island just 8 . At this unique community, which seeks to celebrate and educate visitors on the cultural practices and societal contributions of these African tribes, you'll find monthly festivals, historical documents, original art and more. With the Blue Ridge Mountains to the north of town and Conestee Lake and the park to the west, there is plenty of green space for outdoor enthusiasts, with miles of paved hiking and biking trails. No visit to Litchfield Beach would be complete without exploring beautiful Brookgreen Gardens, where you will find acres of color, a sculpture garden, a zoo, and a childrens garden. Rock Hill is situated in north central South Carolina, where a mild year-round climate attracts many visitors to come and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. Other attractions include the historic 18th-century Chapel of Ease and the art galleries of downtown Frogmores cultural district. Just a short detour off the road will bring you to Angel Oak Tree in Angel Oak Forest on Johns Island, 12 miles outside Charleston. 10 Best Places to Experience Fall in South Carolina Several onsite restaurants also serve classic Lowcountry dishes such as she crab soup and lobster pot pie. Whether you love arts, culture, or outdoor adventure, you will have plenty of choice. Whether youre an avid fishing or water sports fan or a cultural enthusiast looking to sample the regions unique cuisine, these islands offer a variety of family-friendly cultural, historic, and outdoor attractions. That location is present-day Hotel Emeline, which features its own archive on display spanning collections from 1920 through World War II, as well as a coffee shop named Clerks. South Carolina Top 20 Attractions You Just Can't Miss If you would like to venture further afield, you can go backpacking and sleep trailside under the stars at 18 primitive backcountry campsites. Address: 14 S. Fifth St., Hartsville, SC 29550. Many of the sites and landmarks pivotal to South Carolina's story are clustered together in the historic district of Charleston. #2 in Best South Carolina Beaches for 2023. Fort Sumter Tours is the authorized concessioner of the National Park Service and operates ferry rides to the grounds, which include free ranger-led tours and a ride around the harbor on the return. The island is also accessible via boat for independent visitors and kayaking tour groups showcasing local populations of bottlenose dolphins and loggerhead sea turtles. Address: 211 Gervais Street, Columbia, South Carolina. The Best Times to Visit South Carolina - Travel + Leisure Boone Hall features a live presentation of the unique Gullah culture developed by African slaves, where descendants of the Gullah people tell the history of this culture through storytelling and song. First landscaped in 1741, the gardens at Middleton Place are still lovely to walk, but the grounds now provide a framework for the 280 years of history since. They are unique as America's last grand Romantic-style garden. Whether you like fishing or not, you'll also want to add Apache Pier to your list of places to visit in Myrtle Beach. Road trip: 23 places to visit in the Carolinas during summer 2023 All these regions have plenty of charter companies and equipment rentals, as well as launch sites for private boats; if you plan to use charter services, be sure to book early, as South Carolina's potential for deep sea fishing adventures is no secret. 15 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in South Carolina, 17 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Charleston, SC, 17 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Myrtle Beach, SC, South Carolina in Pictures: 25 Beautiful Places to Photograph, 4 Top-Rated Places for Deep Sea Fishing in South Carolina, 13 Top-Rated Beach Resorts in South Carolina, 12 Top-Rated Romantic Weekend Getaways in South Carolina, 15 Top-Rated Small Towns in South Carolina, 15 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Columbia, SC, 20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Charlotte, NC, 15 Top-Rated Things to Do in Beaufort, SC, 16 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do on Hilton Head Island, SC, 14 Top-Rated Beach Resorts in Hilton Head, SC, 19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Savannah, GA, From Christchurch to Queenstown: 4 Best Ways to Get There, The Cultured Biker: Mixing Biking & the Arts in Bentonville, AR, 24 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, Top Tourist Attractions & Places to Visit in Charleston, SC, Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Myrtle Beach, www.southcarolinaparks.com/huntingtonbeach/introduction.aspx, Best Places for Deep Sea Fishing in South Carolina, www.southcarolinaparks.com/caesarshead/introduction.aspx. The islands resort is available for condominium and vacation home rentals, featuring guest amenities such as three outdoor pools, a putting green, and tennis courts. You can go hiking and bird watching along various trials (for all fitness levels) to wildlife observation points, enjoy sunbathing and walking along the pristine beach, and learn all about marine life at the Nature Center. With over 4,000 acres of protected land, it's a great spot for the avid (or the beginner) birding enthusiast. Gardeners can go on a guided tour of the park or simply stroll through Pedricks Garden to admire the landscaping and sunflowers. The state boasts miles of beaches, scenic islands and pleasant year-round weather, making it a popular vacation destination. Pelham Mill Park is a popular riverside park with remains of an old historic textile mill and post office. Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum and Baseball Library Mike Burton/Flickr Its Marsh Walk boardwalk offers views of local wild goat and peacock populations, located along a stretch of natural marshland ecosystem. 1. The Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in Beaufort South Carolina is a striking example of how one mans vision succeeded in turning a dilapidated harbor-side eyesore into an urban oasis for Beaufort locals and visitors. You can go hiking and nature-watching in the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, or take the children to the Sandbox Interactive Childrens Museum. Charleston prides itself on showcasing Southern cuisine, and foodies can discover the vibrant flavors of the South on a Charleston Culinary Tour or a Charleston Brews Cruise to sample local craft beers. Pinckney Island is part of a 4,053-acre National Wildlife Refuge that also spans nearby Big and Little Harry, Buzzard, and Corn Islands, though it is the only part of the refuge that is open to the public for visitor access. At least one person is dead Sunday after a single-engine plane crashed at a resort in the coastal city of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, authorities say. But Hardee's interest in the chain eventually led Broome to sell it, and reports claim that once Hardee's had its honey additive, expansion of Yogi Bear's halted and the other franchises fell into disrepair. You are never far from the water or a golf course on beautiful Kiawah Island, situated just a few miles south of historic Charleston in South Carolina. 27, 2023 at 8:14 AM PDT. It is home to the 4,630-acre historic Botany Bay Plantation, which features a top regional golf course, and to the Edisto Island Serpentarium, which showcases unique exhibits related to the islands wildlife populations. 1. The island is connected to the nearby city of Beaufort by highway and spans an area of 64 square miles, which contains the communities of Frogmore and Lands End. Hiking trails at most of these parks not only feature lakes and mountain views, but also waterfalls. One of the most interesting and scenic spots in South Carolina is Caesars Head State Park. Morris Island Light is also located on the islands southern end. This peaceful barrier island off the South Carolina coast lays claim to over 10 miles of beaches and five championship golf courses as well as excellent wildlife spotting and hiking, walking, and biking trails. This article was published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information. The Angel Oak is believed to be at least 400 to 500 years old and has managed to stand tall and strong, surviving much adverse coastal weather, including several severe hurricanes. Greenville ticks all the boxes for a fun-filled family weekend getaway, combining good outdoor activities and educational and artsy attractions. 9 Remote Places To Visit In South Carolina That Are Worth The Drive Posted in South Carolina Attractions December 13, 2020 by Robin Jarvis 9 Places In South Carolina Way Out In The Boonies But So Worth The Drive Some people actually prefer "the boonies" over city life. Both hold priceless collections of fine and decorative arts. An annual summer camp is held at the island for children and youth, featuring activities such as an annual shark fishing tournament. 9 Remote Places To Visit In South Carolina That Are Worth The Drive The three components of the house at Middleton Place were burned two months before the end of the Civil War, but have been restored and were opened as a house museum in 1975. FREE things to do with kids this summer - FOX Carolina News Read More Hidden Gems Across SC Discover the hidden gems of South Carolina by taking the road less traveled. The gardens were founded by Archer Huntington and his wife, the noted sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington, in 1932 and was the first public sculpture garden in America. The width of the trail varies from 8 to 12 feet, and you can cycle, skate, or walk along the paved part, while runners can use the rubberized running track. A large section of the trail follows the course of the Reedy River, so you can enjoy great scenery en-route. Families can spend hours of educational fun at the Roper Mountain Science Center and the Childrens Museum of the Upstate or get some exercise in the Caesars Head State Park where you can go hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. You can play a round of golf at one (or all) of the five golf courses in the area, treat yourself to a pampering spa treatment, or dine at many excellent local restaurants. Today, it retains its isolated charm, offering sanctuary from nearby urban areas. Wildlife spotters can expect to see everything from bobcats to deer, as well as armadillos and plenty of amphibians. The island is also home to the Mullet Hall Equestrian Center, which offers 20 miles of riding trails, and an annual Battle of Charleston historic reenactment that showcases the culture of 19th-century America. Taking over . If you're on the hunt for family-friendly places to travel in South Carolina, look no further than Myrtle Beach. Trip Ideas | South Carolina Tourism Official Site Immerse yourself in the gracious atmosphere of the antebellum south in Charleston, where more than 1400 historic homes, churches, and other buildings line the streets. Top 20 tourist attractions in South Carolina. Highlights include an area dedicated to pets, a science and invention lab, plenty of Lego blocks to play with, as well as fun exhibits, including a fire engine and grocery store. The park is situated in the northernmost part of the state, right on the border with North Carolina. You can take a gentle stroll in Glencairn Garden or Fountain Park or get more energetic along the Piedmont Medical Center Trail and the Carolina Thread Trail. 25 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in SC - VacationIdea.com Tea lovers visiting the Charleston area might also enjoy Summerville, which is located about 25 miles north of Charleston and is the self-proclaimed birthplace of the South's famous sweet tea. For everything you plan to do in South Carolina, whether it's golf, a stroll through manicured gardens or a day at the beach, seek out something new; maybe it'll be a trolley ride through a tea plantation or a kazoo factory tour. While you're touring local homes, be on the lookout for "haint blue," a color painted on the ceiling of porches and believed by the Gullah to ward off evil spirits it's particularly abundant throughout Beaufort. Daredevils can have fun at Camp Canaan, which offers zip-lines, climbing, and other fun activities. Off the beach, the town is packed with wacky family attractions such as the Backstage Mirror Maze, Ripleys Wax Museum, and the Family Kingdom Amusement Park. See what happened next. Fishing and camping are common pursuits year-round at the parks along the Blue Ridge Mountains. The 20+ Best Places To Visit in South Carolina - TravelSC Whatever your interests, you'll find plenty of things to do in this list of the top tourist attractions and places to visit in South Carolina. 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Three miles of pristine waterfront are available for visitor exploration, offering ample opportunities for seabird, horseshoe crab, and dolphin watching. More adventurous and experienced paddlers can take on the Congaree River Blue Trail, a designated 50-mile recreational paddling trail that stretches from Columbia to Congaree Park. Visitors should note that tourist access is restricted to certain island areas during seabird nesting season, with seasonal beach closures designated during the summer months. This minor league baseball team takes its affiliation seriously, and even the ballpark, known as Fluor Field, is designed to resemble Boston's historic Fenway Park. The museum also features a 4-D interactive science theater, a planetarium, and an ever-changing roster of special exhibits. Next read: South Carolina beaches and South Carolina resorts. The island is noted for its historic attractions, including the Charleston Tea Plantation, the United States only operating team plantation, which produces over 320 types of Camellia sinensis tea and offers free daily visitor tours. Dunes Golf and Beach Club has stunning ocean views and is consistently rated one of the top golf courses in the country. The South Carolina State Museum has general admission tickets and combination tickets can be purchased to include the planetarium and 4D theater. It's also known for its golf and is often considered a contender for the title of "Golf Capital of the World." Today, 127 acres of the island are dedicated to growing 320 varieties of black and green tea. If you enjoy cycling, surfing, or paddling, you can get equipment at several Pawley Island outfitters, including Surf the Earth. 12 Top-Rated Romantic Weekend Getaways in South Carolina Its downtown is a delight, with elegant streets shaded by ancient oaks and lined by a number of art galleries that showcase the citys rich art scene. The island is only accessible via boat, located less than 20 minutes from Charleston Harbor and Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge. More than 600 species of native plants are showcased throughout the islands coastal topography, including majestic live oaks. At low tide, you can even ride along the beaches, as most bike rental companies now offer bikes with extra wide tires that handle nicely on the firm, packed sand. Boone Hall Plantation in nearby Mt. For peak fall colors, consider visiting in October. Visitors are encouraged to engage in quiet reflective activities such as writing, reading, and photography and are asked to respect the islands ownership and property codes. Dewees Island is a 1,200-acre barrier island refuge located approximately 11 miles off the coast of Charleston. 2. More day trips from Myrtle Beach. PICKENS, S.C. Donald Trump built his 2016 campaign on the ability to pack supporters into arenas and fields. There's also an extensive collection of artworks by American artists, as well as decorative and furniture pieces. The refuge is located near Hilton Head Island and is home to large populations of seabirds within its salt marsh, tidal creek, fallow field, and brushland ecosystems.