The Beautiful American state of South Carolina is one of those destinations that you can visit at any time of the year and be assured of a good time. The fine weather makes it an ideal location for outdoor activities such as tennis and golf. In addition, the fact that it lies next to the Atlantic Ocean means it’s filled with beautiful sandy beaches and seaside vacation resorts and properties.
The interior of the state features excellent camping and hiking opportunities and the charming towns and cities have long and storied histories with many stories to tell. South Carolina attracts tourists of all ages due to the wide variety of choices it offers.
Here are some of the top sight seeing places of South Carolina.
1. Hilton Head
This is arguably the most popular tourist attraction in South Carolina. Hilton Head is a small island which has a lot to offer such as world-class golf courses, excellent shopping, beautiful accommodations, diverse restaurants, warm weather, and soft, sandy beaches. When you add all of these things together it’s easy to see why this island is one of the state’s most-visited sites. It allows people of all ages to enjoy their own interests and hobbies.
2. Historic City of Charleston
The charming and romantic city of Charleston offers visitors exceptional natural beauty and a rich history. You’ll find that it’s filled with a wide variety of shops, restaurants, hotels, galleries and architecture tours.
Some of the most popular sites are the Charleston Museum, Historic District, the Magnolia Plantation, and the Fort Sumter National Monument. It’s not far from the beach either if you decide to take a quick side trip to soak up the sun or dive into the Atlantic Ocean for a refreshing dip.
3. Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is another of South Carolina’s biggest draws, especially with beach lovers, tennis players and golf enthusiasts. The long stretch of beach is excellent for swimming, sunbathing and enjoying water sports. The local golf courses are among the best in the world and the city’s restaurants are second to none.
The seafood here is fantastic and there are plenty of accommodation choices in all price ranges. There are plenty of activities and amusement parks for families and young adults with love the vibrant Myrtle Beach nightlife.
4. The Isle of Palms
The Isle of Palms is an ideal place for families to enjoy the local adventure activities, peaceful beaches, golf courses, and restaurants. It’s just about a 10-mile drive from Charleston and is an excellent spot for scuba diving and snorkeling. You’ll also be treated to some colorful marine life including seat turtles, sting rays and playful dolphins.
5. Lake Marion
There’s more to South Carolina than excellent beaches and golf courses. Some people prefer to head inland rather than the coast. The state’s interior is also beautiful and there’s no better spot to realize this than Lake Marion. You’ll be able to choose from some exceptional waterfront properties for your accommodations and the lake is ideal for fishing, boating, hiking, water skiing, and star gazing once the sun goes down.
6. Kiawah Island
South Carolina’s coastal area in the south is filled with dozens of spectacular beaches and small islands. Kiawah Island is one of the most popular as it offers something for visitors of all ages. You’ll be able to enjoy biking, sunbathing, golfing, and exciting beach activities. In addition, there are some fantastic educational wildlife tours on the island.
7. Fripp Island
Fripp Island is one of the most popular destinations for those who just want to relax and soak in the atmosphere while on vacation. The sea and sand is still beautiful here, but it’s a lot quieter and more serene than some other popular spots, making it the ideal location for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the state’s busier attractions.
8. The Charleston Museum
This educational museum, which was founded back in 1773, is one of America’s oldest and most interesting. The museum devotes itself to the history of South Carolina’s popular coastal region. The museum’s yard features a replica of the Hunley. This was a Confederate submarine and it was involved in the world’s very first underwater attack. The museum also manages two nearby mansions. These are the Aiken-Rhett House and Joseph Manigault House, which are also popular with visitors.
9. The Magnolia Plantation
This popular and colorful location features a gorgeous house and lovely gardens that were established in the late 1600s in Charleston. They’re recognized as North America’s oldest man-made gardens. There are picturesque bridges and ponds as well as a river and an area known as the Swamp Gardens, which used to be inhabited many years ago by alligators.
10. Table Rock State Park
This state park in the town of Pickens is listed as a South Carolina Heritage Trust Site and is also on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s just over 3,000 acres in size and is a wonderful place to enjoy the outdoors. There’s a campground in the park as well as numerous hiking trails, a restaurant, and 14 rustic mountain cabins for rent if you’d like to stay over for a few days.
