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South Carolina

 United States 

South Carolina offers a rich blend of history, natural beauty, and Southern charm. Visitors can explore historic sites like Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired, or enjoy the picturesque beaches and golf courses of Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island. The state's diverse landscapes, from the Blue Ridge Mountains to its marshy lowlands, provide a perfect backdrop for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Visit South Carolina

South Carolina, a state rich in history and natural beauty, offers an array of experiences that cater to every type of traveler. From the sandy shores of its famous beaches to the lush, rolling hills of its upcountry, visitors can find both relaxation and adventure. The state's coastline is dotted with inviting beach towns like Myrtle Beach, known for its family-friendly attractions and vibrant nightlife, and the historic city of Charleston, where pastel-colored homes, cobblestone streets, and the aroma of Southern cooking fill the air. Charleston's well-preserved architecture and pivotal historical sites, such as Fort Sumter where the first shots of the Civil War were fired, offer a deep dive into America's past.

Inland, the capital city Columbia provides a more contemporary contrast, with its bustling college campuses, including the University of South Carolina, and a growing arts scene. The city's museums, like the Columbia Museum of Art, and annual events, such as the South Carolina State Fair, draw visitors from across the region. For those seeking a quieter retreat, the Blue Ridge Mountains in the state's northwest corner offer breathtaking vistas, hiking trails, and waterfalls that are particularly spectacular in the fall when the foliage turns into a tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows.

South Carolina is also a haven for golf enthusiasts, boasting world-class courses in Hilton Head Island and Kiawah Island, which have hosted major PGA tournaments. The state's culinary scene is another highlight, featuring comfort foods like shrimp and grits and barbecue, which vary in style and flavor from region to region. Whether exploring the historic sites of Charleston, enjoying the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, or soaking up the sun on its wide beaches, South Carolina provides a memorable and diverse experience for all who visit.

Places to Visit in South Carolina

Find your Next Adventure in South Carolina

Explore South Carolina

Iconic Landmarks
Fort Sumter National Monument
- This historic sea fort in Charleston Harbor is famously known as the site where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired in 186
1.
Charleston Historic District
- This well-preserved area features cobblestone streets, antebellum houses, and landmarks from the colonial era, embodying the rich history and charm of old Charleston.
USS Yorktown at Patriots Point
- Located in Mount Pleasant, this historic aircraft carrier turned museum offers visitors a glimpse into naval history with exhibits and a collection of aircraft from different eras.
Angel Oak
- Estimated to be over 400 years old, this majestic Southern live oak located on Johns Island near Charleston spans over 28 feet in circumference and reaches out its massive limbs over a wide area.
Huntington Beach State Park
- Known for its beautiful beaches, freshwater lagoons, and rich wildlife, this state park also features Atalaya Castle, the picturesque, Moorish-style winter home of industrialist Archer Huntington and his wife, sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington.
Caesars Head State Park
- Offering some of the most spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this state park is a favorite for hikers, bird watchers, and nature enthusiasts.
Cultural Experiences
Gullah Tours in Charleston
Explore the rich culture and history of the Gullah people, descendants of enslaved Africans who have preserved much of their heritage and language in the Lowcountry.
Spoleto Festival USA
Held annually in Charleston, this internationally acclaimed arts festival showcases a variety of performances including opera, theater, dance, and jazz.
Sweetgrass Basket Weaving Demonstrations
Witness the intricate art of sweetgrass basket weaving, a centuries-old African craft preserved by the Gullah community, particularly in the Mount Pleasant area.
Historic Charleston Foundation's Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens
Tour private homes and gardens in one of America’s oldest cities, experiencing Southern hospitality and architecture.
South Carolina State Museum in Columbia
Dive into South Carolina's art, cultural history, science, and technology, with exhibits that include a planetarium and a 4D interactive theater.
Beaufort Shrimp Festival
Celebrate South Carolina’s seafood heritage in the charming town of Beaufort with food, live music, and cooking competitions centered around locally sourced shrimp.
Outdoor Adventures
Congaree National Park
Explore this unique ecosystem featuring some of the tallest trees in the eastern U.S. and a series of elevated boardwalks.
Charleston Waterfront Park
Enjoy picturesque views, water fountains, and spacious lawns perfect for picnicking along the historic Charleston harbor.
Table Rock State Park
Hike to the summit of Table Rock Mountain for breathtaking views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.
Huntington Beach State Park
Offers a pristine sandy beach, excellent bird watching opportunities, and historic landmarks like Atalaya Castle.
Caesars Head State Park
Known for its dramatic overlook that provides expansive views of the mountain country and excellent hiking trails.
Folly Beach
Ideal for surfing, fishing, and boating, this beach also hosts a variety of sea turtles and is a popular spot for beach volleyball.
Off the Beaten Path
Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve
- This secluded beach and wildlife preserve on Edisto Island offers a pristine natural landscape with a hauntingly beautiful "boneyard beach" full of sun-bleached trees.
Congaree National Park
- Home to some of the tallest trees in the eastern U.S., this lesser-known national park features elevated boardwalks that meander through massive floodplain forests.
Jocassee Gorges
- Located in the upstate, this area offers rugged terrain, stunning waterfalls, and some of the best trout fishing in South Carolina.
Landsford Canal State Park
- This park features the remains of a canal system once used for South Carolina’s cotton trade and is also home to the largest known stand of Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies.
Pearl Fryar's Topiary Garden
- In Bishopville, this self-taught artist’s garden features whimsical topiary sculptures and has been developed into a living outdoor gallery.
Beidler Forest
- Situated in the Four Holes Swamp, this ancient forest offers a serene boardwalk tour through one of the world’s oldest cypress-tupelo swamps.
South Carolina Fun Facts

  1. South Carolina was the first state to secede from the Union in 1860.
  2. The state is the leading peach producer and shipper east of the Mississippi River.
  3. South Carolina hosts the world’s largest collection of outdoor sculptures at Brookgreen Gardens.
  4. The first battle of the Civil War took place at Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor.
  5. The state dance of South Carolina is the Shag, which originated in the 1940s.
  6. Summerville, SC, is known as the "Birthplace of Sweet Tea."
  7. The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge in Charleston is one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in the Western Hemisphere.
  8. South Carolina is home to the only commercial tea plantation in the United States, the Charleston Tea Plantation.
  9. The state tree, the Palmetto, is featured on the South Carolina flag and played a significant role in the state’s history.
  10. Myrtle Beach is part of the Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of beach known as one of the top tourist destinations in the United States.

Featured Picture Gallery

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Watch the Sunrise Along the Myrtle Beach

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