Port Royal Island is Beaufort Countys most populated island and is a noted historic site that has been inhabited since the 1520s, when the Santa Elena fort was established by early Spanish explorers. In some places, particularly along the shores of the Intracoastal Waterway, you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of dolphins playing on the surf not too far from you. 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. Convenient departure points for the southern coastal waters are Beaufort and Hilton Head Island. Carrick Creek Falls can be found at Table Rock, and Rainbow Falls is located in Jones Gap State Park in Marietta. Taking over . Both hold priceless collections of fine and decorative arts. Trip Ideas | South Carolina Tourism Official Site Hunley Museum and then move on to see the Greater Charleston Naval Base Memorial in River Park. Situated along the Lower Saluda River, it opened its doors back in 1974. 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. Mauldin has a rich and vibrant cultural scene with a renowned symphony, theatre, and ballet that offer yearly programs at the Peace Center for the Performing Arts. Marina Inn at Grande Dunes - 2 hours 10 min from Charleston Marina Inn at Grande Dunes Marina Inn at Grande Dunes is one of the premier luxury resorts and hotels in Myrtle Beach, giving guests access to a secluded area that is perfect for families or romantic getaways. If you fancy fishing you can organize a fishing charter or admire the coastline by motorboat. #2 in Best South Carolina Beaches for 2023. Litchfield Beach is perfectly located on the Pawley Island section of Grand Strand and is arguably one of the best beaches in South Carolina. Accommodation: Best Beach Resorts in Hilton Head. 10 Fun Things to Do in South Carolina July 2023 | Expedia The structure, which homed seven generations, has been stabilized rather than restored to its period decor. Over 250 different species of birds have been spotted here! 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. Three miles of beachfront are showcased along its three coastal sides, along with a tidal lagoon region that spans its mainland-facing coast. 14 Best Things to Do in South Carolina, According to a Local - Travel 30 Best Weekend Getaways in the South | U.S. News Travel 10. They are unique as America's last grand Romantic-style garden. If you prefer to explore on horseback, tale advantage of the cleared bridle paths available. As appealing as the beaches themselves are the many traditional seaside pleasures to choose from here. 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. 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. Or you can get good views of the fort from a 90-minute tour on a sightseeing boat that takes you along the Cooper River to Fort Sumter National Monument. Car enthusiasts should not miss touring BMW Zentrum, the German car makers only museum and manufacturing plant in America. From mountain towns to. Built from scrap metal, including discarded equipment, barges, concrete bridges, and military vehicles, the underwater structures create habitat for a variety of marine species. Today, Sullivan's Island remembers the author with his namesake Poe's Tavern. See much more than alligators during one of these exciting trips. Located just 16 miles from the historic town of Beaufort, Hunting Island State Park is a popular beach-front getaway destination. . Deveaux Bank is a 215-acre Charleston County island that is home to a noted seabird sanctuary overseen by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. The town of Beaufort, South Carolina, beckons travelers to travel back in time with its enduring charm. But birds are not the only attraction for tourists who love wildlife. It is so named for being one of the city's earliest established districts - and yet it remains one of its busiest today! Restaurants in Columbia and vacation, travel spot Charleston rank among top US places to eat. The philanthropist and sculptor are also responsible for the neighboring Brookgreen Gardens. Eclectic Lowcountry dishes are served at restaurants such as the Old Daufuskie Crab Company. 23 Top Things to Do in Columbia, South Carolina - U.S. News Travel Little surprise, then, that the park is home to an abundance of ecologically important flora and fauna. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); You are reading "25 Best Places to Visit in South Carolina " Back to Top. You can bring a picnic and relax on the expansive lawns or have a meal at one of two on-site restaurants. 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. Exhibits at the Old Exchange Building and Old Slave Mart Museum reveal more about the city and its long history. Boat tours are also very popular. Stock up and save on travel-size toiletries ahead of your summer vacation. There are plenty of things to do in Hilton Head, but one of the most unique may be visiting the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge. Residential resort amenities include an award-winning golf course, an equestrian center and sports complex, and a network of more than 300 hiking trails. 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. Accommodation: Best Resorts in Myrtle Beach. It stands nearly 67 feet tall with its longest branch extending about 187 feet and is known as "A Lowcountry Treasure." Of course, there is more to Aiken than beautiful horses, fox hunts, and polo matches it is also home to the largest urban forest in the country. Take some time away from the city Charleston or Columbia to tour an African village or spend a day learning about Gullah culture. Read More South Carolina Golf Courses Like to golf? You will find the historic coastal town of Georgetown nestled on the South Carolina coast between Myrtle Beach and Charleston, offering visitors a big helping of small-town charm, loads of history and plenty of attractions. Read More Hidden Gems Across SC Discover the hidden gems of South Carolina by taking the road less traveled. Spring Island is a 3,000-acre Sea Island that is maintained as a natural refuge and intimate residential community. Download the BBQ Trail Map Share your experiences on social media by using #DiscoverSC and your content could be featured here! Summer fun at Roper Mountain Science Center. South Carolina Hidden Gems | SC Official Tourism Site Riding the Ferris wheel at Myrtle Beach, hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains and dining on honey fried chicken are just some of the things to do in South Carolina. The city of Beaufort also features a historic downtown region, which showcases historic antebellum mansions, majestic moss-draped live oaks, and gourmet restaurants. What's more, the permanent exhibits span prehistoric fossils, the Civil War, the Black experience throughout history and more. You can discover the preserve by walking or hiking along several trails, including the blue arrow trail (one hour) and the orange arrow trail (two hours), or along the wetland boardwalk through Vanishing Swamp, which will bring you into close contact with resident wildlife. Located in an old agricultural and textile region in what is known as upstate South Carolina, Mauldin is a modern town overlooking the Appalachian Mountains with charming, beautifully preserved historic downtown. It is also worth paying a visit to the Charleston City Market to watch "basket ladies" weave sweetgrass baskets, a long-cherished tradition here. The island is only accessible via boat, located less than 20 minutes from Charleston Harbor and Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge. Waties Island is an undeveloped coastal barrier island that is used as an educational facility by Coastal Carolina University. Meanwhile, the Aiken-Rhett House was built in 1820, and remains one of the best-preserved town house complexes in the country. . History buffs can see a recovered 1864 submarine and learn about the pivotal role it played at the fascinating H.L. Be sure to also pay a visit to the Sea Pines Resort area on the island's south end. Citizens Park has several ball fields, hiking trails, a playground, and a splash pad. It is home to the community of Folly Beach, known as one of Americas last remaining authentic beach towns, showcasing local hospitality and one-of-a-kind attractions. Police and fire crews responded to . 23 Free Things To Do In South Carolina For Budget-Friendly Fun Imagine that. There are fishing rivers in the park, and for treasure-hunting enthusiasts, several geocaches are hidden, to be located by GPS. 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. An Expert Tip Before You Go Capers Island is an undeveloped three-mile barrier island that is only accessible via boat from the mainland, located approximately 15 miles north of Charleston. 115 prehistoric and historic archaeological sites are also showcased throughout the island. Set sail on these excursions to explore the beauty of Kauai from the sea. The zoo includes a botanical garden and ziplines. Harbor Island is a private resort island within the Sea Islands region, located approximately 14 miles from the city of Beaufort. Five miles of beachfront and a saltwater lagoon area are offered for visitor access, along with a public fishing pier, a nature center offering environmental programming, and more than 100 campsites with electrical hookups and family playgrounds. You can simply relax on the pristine three-mile beach or explore the abundant wildlife-watching opportunities provided by the lagoon. Families can visit the South Carolina State Museum (which incorporates an observatory, planetarium, and 4D interactive theater) for hours of educational fun or make their way to the EdVenture Childrens Museum or Riverbanks Zoo and Botanic Garden. The best places to visit in South Carolina - Lonely Planet 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. If you're on the hunt for family-friendly places to travel in South Carolina, look no further than Myrtle Beach. If you're looking for the family-oriented idyll of Kiawah Island but with a smaller, communal feel, head to Seabrook Island just 8 . Wildlife spotters can expect to see everything from bobcats to deer, as well as armadillos and plenty of amphibians. Visitors have noted that despite ongoing preservation-related construction, the archaeologists who work excavation sites at Drayton are fascinating to talk to. The South Carolina State Museum has general admission tickets and combination tickets can be purchased to include the planetarium and 4D theater. Phyllis Henderson shares some of the creatures and activities families can check out during Roper Mountain . 17 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in South Carolina The island also offers tennis (and lessons), four spas, and many great dining options. Charleston Historic District Sean Pavone / Shutterstock If you're looking for vacation spots in South Carolina, a great place to start is in Charleston Historic District. Lake Jocassee, Table Rock State Park, and Caesars Head State Park are just some of the notable stops along the way! The island is home to Hunting Island State Park, which was established in 1935 and is South Carolinas most-visited state park today, welcoming more than one million annual visitors. 5 dead in North Myrtle Beach plane crash | CNN This small island is home to a community of Gullah people, who are the descendants of enslaved West Africans brought to South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida and Georgia to work on plantations. 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. By VacationIdea Staff on June 21, 2023 - Updated. Gullah Heritage Trail Tours, which begin and end at Hilton Head's Coastal Discovery Museum, provide an authentic look into the modern-day Gullah way of life, as well as exposure to the language and customs of this South Carolinian community. South Carolina's strong economy, affordable housing, pleasant weather, and beautiful nature have transformed it into one of the nation's fastest-growing states. 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. The Raven Cliff Falls Trail leads to South Carolina's tallest waterfall, and the Jones Gap Trail leads to a series of swimming holes. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. Middleton Place Ovidiu Hrubaru/Shutterstock Middleton Place is a National Historic Landmark that was once home to the largest enslaved population in North America. Address: 8155 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, South Carolina, Official site: www.southcarolinaparks.com/caesarshead/introduction.aspx. From beaches to golf and historic sites to natural wonders, explore the Palmetto State's top attractions. This cruise packing list includes all the essentials plus the items you didn't know you needed. 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. If you stay at The Inn at Middleton Place, admission to the grounds is free. 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. Updated: Jun. Summer Road Trip: 10 Best Places To Visit In The Carolinas In 2023 You can bring the family (and even your dog) and pitch a tent or park your RV at a serviced site to spend a few nights getting back to nature. Riding the Ferris wheel at Myrtle Beach, hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains and dining on honey fried chicken are just some of the things to do in South Carolina. Stop in, have a drink and soak in a tiny slice of little-known literary history. 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. 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. 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. 27, 2023 at 8:14 AM PDT. You can pitch a tent or park your RV at the campsite, which offers easy access to the beach. Walkers, runners, cyclists, and skaters can all enjoy some outdoor exercise along the (nearly) 20-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail that links the towns of Greenville and Travelers Rest, South Carolina. From historic Charleston to fun-filled water parks in Myrtle Beach, there is no shortage of incredible places to visit in South Carolina. Goat Island is one of the South Carolina coasts smallest islands, located along the Intracoastal Waterway between the Isle of Palms and Mount Pleasant. Trump takes over small city in South Carolina show of force Recent visitors to the factory say it's a great experience for the young and young at heart. Today, it retains its isolated charm, offering sanctuary from nearby urban areas. Official site: www.nps.gov/fosu/index.htm. 12 Top-Rated Romantic Weekend Getaways in South Carolina The island was originally known as Eagle Island, but following World War I, it became a popular secluded refuge following its development by goat herders Henry and Blanche Holloway. Tour: Charleston's Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour. If you enjoy the great outdoors, you can hike along a trail system connecting Veterans Park and Timrod Park or try the canopy walk in the Lynches River Park. Visitor accommodations are provided at the Fripp Island Golf and Beach Resort, which features the Ocean Point and Ocean Creek championship golf courses, along with tennis courts, kayaking opportunities, and a family water park offering a kiddie pool and animal-themed attractions. Kayak tours, fishing excursions, and history-focused eco tours are available for visitors, along with a variety of bike paths, shops, and restaurants for leisurely day-trip fun. On the island there is a must-see oak tree that predates the Declaration of Independence. 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. 25 Best Places to Visit in South Carolina By VacationIdea Staff on June 21, 2023 - Updated Courtesy of kmm 7553 - Fotolia.com South Carolina enjoys an enviable location on the southeastern coastline of America. Atomic Bomb Crater Just 7 miles off Exit 170 in Florence County is the only place in the U.S. that was accidentally hit by an atom bomb. Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Staib used under CC BY-SA 3.0. Sweet tea cocktail bar crawls are held throughout the year, and the annual Sweet Tea Festival takes place each September. Address: 301 Gervais St., Columbia, SC 29201. Hilton Head Best Places to Stay Hilton Head, located just across the border from Savannah, Georgia, sits on a beautiful 12-mile barrier island and offers a less-touristy coastal South Carolina experience with beautiful oceanfront resorts. For a great overview of the island, you can climb to the top of the historic 1859 Hunting Island Lighthouse. Myrtle Beach Hidden Gems Venture away from the bustle of the Grand Strand to explore Myrtle Beach as the locals do. 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. 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. Road trip: 23 places to visit in the Carolinas during summer 2023 The free Greenville Trolley is a great way for weekenders to get around town. Dreher Island is one of three islands that encompass the 348-acre Dreher Island State Park, which offers access to nearly 12 miles of Lake Murrays popular shoreline. Address: 211 Gervais Street, Columbia, South Carolina. With hundreds of years of history and postcard-perfect landscapes, South Carolina has something surprising in store for any traveler. 1. For an additional charge, hourlong interpreter-led house tours are available each operating day; online reservations are required. Tours are offered for a fee and last up to an hour; visits to the museum and gift shop are free. More than 600 species of native plants are showcased throughout the islands coastal topography, including majestic live oaks. Beyond Hilton Head, Charleston's McLeod Plantation Historic Site, once a cotton plantation, is one of many estates strongly associated with the emergence of Gullah culture in the low country. The vessel was retired to Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum in 1975, joining submarines and other maritime exhibits that you can tour. From the Grand Strand to Hilton Head Island, the coastal region of the Palmetto State is filled with sandy white beaches, historic cities, fresh-off-the-boat seafood and world-class golf courses. Myrtle Beach Coast Myrtle Beach, the busy hub of fun-in-the-sun in the middle of the Grand Strand's 60 miles of gorgeous wide beaches, offers a dazzling varierty of entertainment, natu. Address: 40 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. While major islands such as Hilton Head Island are internationally-known tourist destinations, lesser-known spots feature lush natural reserves, quaint local communities, and elite resort areas, providing a wide range of opportunities for day trips and overnight getaways. Dunes Golf and Beach Club has stunning ocean views and is consistently rated one of the top golf courses in the country. Address: 945 S. Main St., Greenville, SC 29601, Tags: Travel, South Carolina Vacations, US Vacations. Recent visitors said they found the tea-making process surprisingly interesting and insist on not skipping the trolley tour. It's the first state to open a library (1698), and its state fruit is the peach it produces even more than Georgia. Exit 170, Florence Fragments of the atom bomb crater can bee seen at the Florence County Museum. 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. 00:51 . 9 Remote Places To Visit In South Carolina That Are Worth The Drive The island is home to the Colleton and Chechessee Nature Preserves, which protect more than 1,100 acres of unique coastal habitats under the supervision of Spring Island Trust. The park lies between downtown Beaufort and the Beaufort River/Intracoastal waterway and is made up of several different areas, including scenic riverfront walkways, a childrens playground, swings, picnic areas, and a small pavilion, all with easy access to the National Historic Landmark District. 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. 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. Fripp Island is a top family and golfing tourist destination near the city of Beaufort, spanning approximately 6.5 square miles off South Carolinas barrier island coastal region. For peak fall colors, consider visiting in October. This one's strictly for the kids. Live music is provided every night in summer, and there's a fun arcade for the kids to enjoy. More South Carolina beaches, You are reading "25 Best Places to Visit in South Carolina Today" Back to Top. Places to Visit near South Carolina: South of Charleston, traveling through the Low Country leads into Georgia, where you will not want to miss romantic Savannah, with its lovely parks and streets of antebellum homes. The 2-mile Raven Falls Trail takes you to the suspension bridge overlooking the 420-foot Raven Falls and is one of the most popular. "The North Carolina Department of Labor Popular things to do Historical Tours City Tours Historic Sites Walking Tours Cultural Tours History Museums Ghost Tours Plantation Tours Points of Interest & Landmarks Likely to Sell Out Top Picks Parks Luxury & Special Occasions Day Trips & Excursions Theaters Transfers & Ground Transport Ports of Call Tours Specialty Museums And if you're visiting Hilton Head in February, consider attending the annual Gullah Celebration festival. You can also take a guided tour of several historic homes, including the Aiken-Rhett House and the 1808 Nathaniel Russell House. 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. 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. Daufuskie Island was the setting of author Pat Conroys 1972 novel The Water Is Wide and feels like a place lost in time, retaining its pre-20th-century character due to its declaration as an island-wide Historic District. Two South Carolina restaurants made it onto a list of "Top 100 Burgers in America. 1. The town has a thriving arts scene that you can explore by visiting the historic Charleston Music Hall and the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art, to name but a few. Today, visitors can learn about what led to the war with a tour of the National Historical Park; the site is a must-visit for history buffs, according to recent travelers.

Gymnastics Alexandria, Va, Ritz Carlton Vienna Voucher, Articles P