South Carolina felt like a love letter to both the past and the present. It gave me winding trails through pine forests, grand plantations draped in moss, and art that spoke softly but deeply. Whether I was chasing stars at a tiny observatory or walking through living sculpture gardens, I kept thinking, “There’s something sacred about slowing down here.”
Best Things to Do in South Carolina
Wandering through layers of history in the Olde English District
The Olde English District felt like a quiet map of where the state had been—and where it still draws its strength. I moved through small towns with red-brick buildings, Revolutionary War battlefields, and mossy cemeteries that told stories in silence. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of place that doesn’t need to impress—it just invites you to pay attention.”
What I Loved Most: Driving between tiny towns and stopping wherever caught my eye—quaint museums, hand-painted murals, and roadside peach stands bursting with fragrance.
My highlights? A soul-warming lunch at Groucho’s Deli in Rock Hill. I had the STP Dipper with their signature sauce and a cold sweet tea. Simple, nostalgic, and deliciously Southern.
Travel Tips:
- Region: Northern SC (Chester, Camden, Rock Hill, etc.)
- Vibe: Historic, rural, Americana
- Highlights: Battlefields, antiques, small-town charm
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall for scenic drives
- Cost: Mostly free or low-cost attractions
- Hours: Varies by town/site; plan ahead for specific stops
- Address: Multiple locations; Rock Hill is a central hub
Finding peace and beauty at Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens didn’t just stun me—it quieted me. I wandered through live oak trees, under archways of Spanish moss, and into open lawns filled with sculpture and sunlight. It was one of those places where the air feels different. I remember thinking, “This is where art and nature agree to share the same breath.”
What I Loved Most: The way each sculpture seemed to belong to the landscape—as if it had grown there with the trees and the azaleas.
My highlights? Lunch at the Pavilion Restaurant right on the grounds. I had the shrimp salad sandwich on croissant with a cup of she-crab soup. Light, creamy, and made even better by the garden view through the window.
Travel Tips:
- Location: 1931 Brookgreen Dr, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
- Vibe: Artistic, tranquil, immersive
- Highlights: Sculpture garden, nature trails, butterfly house
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or early fall for blooms and shade
- Cost: $20 for adults (multi-day pass)
- Hours: Daily, 9:30am–5:00pm
Stargazing small and dreaming big at the Dupont Planetarium
The Dupont Planetarium wasn’t flashy or massive—but that’s what made it feel special. Tucked away on a university campus, it felt like a well-kept secret where science meets wonder. As the room went dark and the stars came alive on the dome, I felt like a kid again. I remember thinking, “Sometimes the tiniest places hold the biggest skies.”
What I Loved Most: How intimate the experience felt—like being let in on a cosmic secret. The show was thoughtful, accessible, and surprisingly moving.
My highlights? Dinner before the show at Whiskey Alley in nearby Aiken. I had the pimento cheese burger with sweet potato fries and a local beer. Bold, Southern, and full of character—just like the sky show that followed.
Travel Tips:
- Location: 471 University Pkwy, Aiken, SC 29801
- Vibe: Intimate, curious, family-friendly
- Highlights: Night sky shows, science presentations, interactive learning
- Best Time to Visit: Weekend evenings when shows are scheduled
- Cost: $5 adults, $4 students
- Hours: Varies; public shows on select Fri–Sat nights
Meeting the locals at Greenville Zoo
Greenville Zoo had this relaxed, shaded vibe that made it feel more like a leafy park than a big attraction—and I loved that. Kids squealed at the giraffes, couples strolled past the red pandas, and I just soaked it all in. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of zoo that’s meant to be enjoyed slowly.”
What I Loved Most: The winding paths through the trees, the friendly staff who clearly cared about the animals, and the peaceful pace of it all.
My highlights? Brunch afterward at Bonjour Main in downtown Greenville. I had the lemon ricotta pancakes with a side of crispy bacon and lavender syrup. It was bright, fresh, and felt like an extension of the zoo’s cheerful energy.
Travel Tips:
- Location: 150 Cleveland Park Dr, Greenville, SC 29601
- Vibe: Small-scale, family-friendly, shady and calm
- Highlights: Giraffes, primates, red pandas, walking paths
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon for cooler temps
- Cost: $10–$12 general admission
- Hours: Daily, 9am–5pm
Standing still with history at Fort Sumter National Monument
As the ferry crossed Charleston Harbor, I could already feel the weight of history settling in. At Fort Sumter, wind whipped through open windows in the stone, and cannonballs still rested in the walls. I remember thinking, “This is where it started… and somehow, it still echoes.” It wasn’t just a landmark—it was a memory carved into brick and tide.
What I Loved Most: Standing in silence on the upper level, looking out over the harbor and imagining the first shots of the Civil War echoing across the water.
My highlights? After returning to shore, I had a hearty Southern plate at Fleet Landing: shrimp and grits with a spicy Creole cream sauce. The sea breeze and the view of where I’d just come from made it unforgettable.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Accessible by ferry from Liberty Square, Charleston, SC
- Vibe: Historic, solemn, coastal
- Highlights: Civil War history, harbor views, guided tours
- Best Time to Visit: Morning ferry for cooler temps and lighter crowds
- Cost: Ferry ticket ~$30; monument entry is free
- Hours: Ferry operates 9am–4pm; check schedule
Exploring everything under one roof at South Carolina State Museum
The South Carolina State Museum was like stepping into a mash-up of everything I love—science, history, art, even a planetarium. One minute I was looking at an old steam locomotive, the next I was inside a digital dome watching galaxies swirl. I remember thinking, “This place could easily fill a whole day—and I kind of wish I had more time.”
What I Loved Most: The planetarium show and the immersive natural history exhibits, which somehow made learning feel like an adventure.
My highlights? A light lunch at the museum café—quiche and a cold peach tea, enjoyed by the window looking out toward the Congaree River. It was peaceful, and honestly, I needed the reset after so much exploring.
Travel Tips:
- Location: 301 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201
- Vibe: Educational, family-friendly, hands-on
- Highlights: Planetarium, science + art + history exhibits, seasonal shows
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds
- Cost: ~$9 for museum entry; additional cost for planetarium shows
- Hours: Tue–Sat 10am–5pm, Sun 12–5pm
Conclusion
South Carolina offered more than just beautiful views—it gave me space to reflect, reconnect, and rediscover wonder in both grand and quiet places. Whether I was walking through a historic battlefield, sipping tea under a live oak, or stargazing in a tucked-away planetarium, I remember thinking, “This state isn’t just about where you go—it’s about how you feel when you’re there.” And what I felt was grounded, inspired, and very much welcomed.
More to Explore...
Admire Historic Ships at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in Mt Pleasant, SC
Next head to Mt Pleasant, SC just minutes from Charleston to check out Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum which actually houses three museum ships: the USS Yorktown, the USS Laffey, and the USS Clamagore.
I found the USS Yorktown quite fascinating. It's been the centerpiece of the museum since 1975, and it houses 25 aircraft as well as a Medal of Honor museum.
I also admired several other exhibits on-shore, including two helicopters and a cannon dating back to the Civil War. You can enjoy free park, a cafe, snack shack, and gift shop.
Location: Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, Mt Pleasant, SC
Cost: Admission varies based on ship access and exhibits. Check the website for current pricing and any available discounts.
Best time to visit: The museum is open year-round, though weekdays tend to be less crowded. Check the website for special holiday hours.
Local tips: Be sure to check out the USS Yorktown's Medal of Honor museum and take time to explore the various aircraft on display aboard the ship.
Distance: Located in Mt Pleasant, SC, just across the Cooper River from downtown Charleston, accessible by car or boat.
How to Get to Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum: From downtown Charleston, take the Ravenel Bridge toward Mt Pleasant, then follow signs to Patriots Point Road to the museum entrance.
Address: 40 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
Phone: 843-884-2727
Shop and Dine at Broadway at the Beach, Myrtle Beach
After Charleston, head to Myrtle Beach which should definitely be on your South Carolina radar. After a morning on the beach, spend an afternoon at Broadway at the Beach. You can explore New England Fishing Village, the Boardwalk, and Celebrity Square. If it's hot outside, cool off in one of the movie theaters. You can spend the night there too since there are three hotels in this area. I took my son to the aquarium and next time we will check out the dinosaur exhibit and the wax museum.
You may catch the fireworks twice a week during the summer and a special Kids Club with monthly events.
Cost: Free to enter. There are fees for various attractions. I paid $27 for Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach and my ticket gave me access to two additional attractions.
Address: 1325 Celebrity Cir, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Phone: 843-444-3200