From sandy beaches to cosmopolitan cities, there’s something for everyone in South Carolina. This pocket of the United States is a bastion for history, culture and fun in the sun. Tour the site where the first Civil War shots were fired and visit a string of world-class museums and galleries in cities like Columbia and Charleston.
Things to do in South Carolina
Step back in time in Charleston, a picturesque city brimming with old-world charm. The city is an architectural jewel box, with grand Antebellum mansions on every corner. Relax in tree-lined squares anchored by bubbling fountains and stroll along cobblestone streets dotted with wrought iron lamp posts.
Gear up for outdoor adventures in Congaree National Park. Set in the heart of the Palmetto State, the 10,000-hectare park protects a wonderland of old-growth forests. An elevated boardwalk winds through the park and takes you past enormous trees draped in emerald-green Spanish moss.
Get a fix of sun and sand in Myrtle Beach. It’s the most popular resort on the Grand Strand, a 100-kilometre stretch of the Atlantic coast fringed by honey-coloured sand. Stretch your legs on the boardwalk, take a spin on the Ferris wheel and soak in the holiday atmosphere. Golf courses stud the coast and offer emerald-green fairways and sparkling ocean views.
Visit Fort Sumter, the pentagon-shaped stronghold where the Civil War started. Ferries take you out to the island, which is marooned in Charleston Harbour. Explore the fortifications, check out the original Confederate guns and learn about the Battle of Fort Sumter in 1861 sparked the American Civil War.
Bite into more than 30 different types of peaches in South Carolina. You can even snap a photo in front of the famous giant peach on the Cherokee Hills Scenic Highway. Other local specialties include Frogmore stew “chicken bog” rice and Frogmore stew cooked with corn, potatoes and smoked sausage.
Getting around South Carolina
Cities like Charleston and Columbia are pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. Bikes are a fun and eco-friendly way to explore cities in South Carolina or you can use public transport. Rental cars offer the freedom to visit South Carolina at your own pace. Find major airports in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville and Myrtle Beach.