Best Places to Visit in South Carolina

South Carolina boasts miles of beaches and pleasant year-round weather, making it a popular vacation destination.

South Carolina always lets me discover something new. I love the wide beaches of Hilton Head during all seasons. I like to take in the history of Charleston. I take the time to explore the mural-covered corners of Spartanburg. And so much more!

I traveled with my husband and son, and we found things we enjoyed doing together. We went on early walks before the sun got strong. We chatted and reminisce during long lunches. Some days were full of movement. Others were made of sitting still. Every town was special in its own way.

Best Places to Visit in South Carolina:

Pawleys Island’s Tides & Hammock Hush

We drove about 1.5 hours north (70 miles) from Charleston to Pawleys Island (population ~100 year-round), one of the oldest resort areas on the East Coast. Wealthy rice planters began building summer homes here in the early 1700s, and many historic cottages still stand along the narrow barrier island.

“This feels like the part of the map where time thins out,” I thought, standing at the edge of the salt marsh while my husband and son wandered ahead, skipping stones and pointing at birds overhead. Pawleys Island moved differently, tides came and went with a sigh, porches swung gently in the breeze, and even our usual chatter softened to match the air. It was quiet, but not empty. It was the kind of quiet that made room for all three of us.

We started on the beach, where the sand was firm under our feet and the sky opened wide above us. My son ran along the edge of the surf, collecting shells and tossing handfuls of water back into the sea. My husband and I walked slowly, hand in hand, letting the wind carry whatever needed carrying. Later, we explored the Hammock Shops Village, where palmettos shaded brick paths and every little store seemed to hold a new treasure. My son found a carved wooden turtle, and I could tell by the way he held it that it was coming home with us.

What I Loved Most: The way time loosened its grip, how no one looked at a clock, how the breeze smoothed over every conversation, how we all found our own kind of stillness without even trying.

My highlights? Lunch at Chive Blossom Café. I had the fried green tomato stack with crab remoulade and microgreens, it was crisp, creamy, just a little tangy, and smelled like lemon and fresh herbs. My husband ordered shrimp and grits, warm and smoky with just enough spice. My son’s grilled cheese came with sliced apples, and he grinned between bites. We ate outside under a canopy of live oaks, the marsh just visible beyond the fence.

Plan your visit:

• Region: South Carolina Lowcountry
• Vibe: Quiet, coastal, gently historic
• Highlights: Pawleys Island Beach, Hammock Shops Village, salt marsh overlooks, surf fishing, nature walks
• Great For: Families, couples, solo travelers looking for calm and space
• Cost: Beach and marsh access are free; Chive Blossom meals ~$14–$24 with kids’ options available
• Good to Know: Most shops close by early evening; beach parking is free but fills up fast

Charleston’s Cobblestone Streets and Great Eats

We flew about 2.5 hours from Austin to Charleston (population 155,000), a city founded in 1670 and one of the South’s best-preserved historic districts. My husband, son andI visited Fort Sumter National Monument, where the Civil War began in 1861. We spent the night at the Francis Marion Hotel, a 1924 landmark overlooking Marion Square.

“It smells like jasmine and butter,” I thought, stepping onto a narrow street framed by wrought iron and window boxes.

History wasn’t behind glass in Charleston. I felt it wrapped into dinner, mapped into alleyways, and folded into conversations on park benches.

I walked through the old neighborhoods slowly, noticing the cobblestones polished smooth by centuries.

What I Loved Most: How the food told the city’s story, layered, rooted, unexpected. One meal felt like memory, the next like discovery.

My highlights? I started with a Charleston Culinary Tour through the French Quarter, an easy walk that turned into a full-on lesson in Lowcountry flavor. We sampled fried green tomatoes dusted in cornmeal, tangy and hot, and sweet tea glazed ribs that fell apart with a whisper.

Later that night, I had dinner at Circa 1886, tucked behind an old carriage house. I ordered the quail with roasted Carolina gold rice, rich, precise, and plated like a painting.

The next morning, I stopped into Bitty & Beau’s Coffee, where the welcome was warmer than the drink in my hand, and that’s saying something. I ordered a caramel latte and a biscuit. The space was bright and open, filled with music and genuine smiles.

For lunch, I went casual at Sesame Burgers & Beer. I built a custom burger with goat cheese, grilled onions, and fig jam.

That evening, I sat at the marble raw bar at The Darling Oyster Bar and slurped chilled oysters as horse-drawn carriages passed by the window.

Greenville’s River Walks & Burger Brightness

We drove about 2.5 hours northeast (145 miles) from Atlanta to Greenville (population 72,000), a city that grew from 19th-century mills into one of the South’s fastest-growing hubs. We spent the night at the Westin Poinsett, a 1925 Beaux-Arts landmark hotel in the heart of downtown.

“This is a city that knows how to slow you down,” I thought, watching the Reedy River glide beneath Liberty Bridge. I enjoyed Greenville's warm days, cool shade, tulips lining the walkways, and that quiet mix of movement and ease that only certain towns get right.

I wandered through the Falls Park on the Reedy trail system first, where stone paths followed the curve of the water and downtown buildings peeked out from behind branches just turning green.

Runners passed with quiet footfalls, and families stopped to watch the water rush beneath the suspension bridge. Everything felt balanced, urban but soft, lively but never rushed.

What I Loved Most: That stretch of path just after the falls, where city sounds fade and the breeze takes over.

My highlights? We sat down for dinner at Jianna, a modern Italian spot with views overlooking Falls Park. I ordered the ricotta gnocchi with short rib ragu, it arrived steaming, rich and savory, with hints of rosemary and a silky sauce that clung to every bite. I could smell the Parmesan before I even picked up my fork.

Earlier that day, we’d explored the park’s suspension bridge, watched dogs splash in the river, and wandered into Table 301 for a laid-back lunch. Their shrimp and grits came creamy and smoky, with just the right pop of heat. My husband kept stealing bites. We didn’t mind lingering.

Plan your day trip to Greenville:

• Drive Time from Columbia, SC: ~1.5 hours northwest
• Vibe: Urban-river blend, polished but grounded
• Highlights: Falls Park on the Reedy, Liberty Bridge, Main Street shops, Greenville County Museum of Art
• Best Time to Visit: April for flower blooms, mild afternoons, and outdoor dining
• Cost: Park access free; Grill Marks burgers ~$12–$17
• Hours: Parks open all day; Grill Marks 11am–9pm daily

Myrtle Beach’s Shoreline Stretch & Boardwalk Buzz

We drove about 2 hours northeast (95 miles) from Charleston to Myrtle Beach (population 35,000), a coastal town that blossomed in the 20th century as a classic American beach escape. We spent the night at the Dayton House Resort, a family-owned oceanfront hotel dating back to the 1960s.

“This isn’t just a beach, it’s a rhythm,” I thought, walking the boardwalk as waves rolled in beside me and music drifted from open-air cafés. Myrtle Beach had a pulse even in its quiet moments. Families wandered with ice cream in hand, kites flapped above the sand, and the ocean hummed like it knew it was the main attraction.

We started early, walking just beyond the pier where the sand was smooth and damp and the morning was still figuring itself out. My son dug tunnels with a plastic shovel while my husband helped him race the surf, and I stood back, soaking in the moment, the sun climbing, the water cool around my ankles. Later, we explored Broadway at the Beach, where the mix of shops, bridges, and playful chaos made the day feel like a carnival wrapped in sunshine.

What I Loved Most: The mix, how Myrtle Beach offered room for both noise and rest, funnel cakes and fresh air, arcade lights and quiet waves.

My highlights? Lunch at Sea Captain’s House, an old cottage turned restaurant with windows facing the water. I ordered the she-crab soup and blackened mahi sandwich. The soup was thick, buttery, with just a hint of sherry. The mahi was flaky, seasoned with warmth and spice, and paired with a slaw that smelled faintly of citrus. My husband tried the shrimp and grits, creamy, peppery, and rich with smoked sausage, and my son, in true beach-town fashion, stuck to chicken fingers and fries and declared them “the best on this beach.”

Plan your visit:

• Region: Grand Strand, South Carolina coast
• Vibe: Lively, bright, family-friendly with room to breathe
• Highlights: Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, SkyWheel, Broadway at the Beach, Myrtle Beach State Park, family mini-golf and arcades
• Great For: Families, multigenerational trips, anyone who likes their beach with a side of fun
• Cost: Beach access is free; state park entry ~$8; Sea Captain’s meals ~$15–$28
• Good to Know: Parking can be tricky near the boardwalk, arrive early or park at the state park for more space

Spartanburg’s Tracks & Creative Pulse

We drove about 1 hour west (75 miles) from Charlotte to Spartanburg (population 38,000), once a textile hub that earned the nickname “Hub City” for its rail connections. We spent the night at the Spartanburg Marriott, a downtown landmark within walking distance of the square.

“This town feels like it’s rewriting itself,” I thought, standing in the shadow of an old train depot now painted with bold murals and framed by flowering dogwoods. Spartanburg still carries its railroad bones, but April gave it something soft, sunlight warming brick, trails dotted with cyclists, music floating from doorways half-open to the breeze.

I started with a walk through the downtown Cultural District. Galleries, bookstores, and cafés lined Morgan Square, where people lingered over lunch and live music echoed against the old storefronts. Around the corner, I passed by the Chapman Cultural Center and the Artists Collective, where the scent of oil paint and wood mingled in the air like something steady and alive. Kids played in the fountain behind the square, and the streets buzzed just enough to feel local, but not hurried.

What I Loved Most: That blend of movement and history, trains, bikes, voices, all woven through streets that still hold onto their stories.

My highlights? Lunch at The Crepe Factory on West Main Street. I had the savory “Southern Belle” crepe, fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese, bacon, and a drizzle of pepper jelly. It was crisp at the edges, creamy in the middle, and smelled like Sunday supper wrapped in something delicate. My husband tried the smoked salmon crepe with dill crème fraîche, and my son happily polished off a peanut butter-banana dessert crepe with chocolate drizzle. We sat near the window, spring light spilling across our plates.

Plan your visit:

• Region: Upstate South Carolina
• Vibe: Artistic, historic, quietly energized
• Highlights: Downtown Cultural District, Chapman Cultural Center, Rail Trail, Morgan Square, Artists Collective
• Great For: Art lovers, families, weekend explorers, creative travelers
• Cost: Cultural attractions often free or donation-based; Crepe Factory meals ~$10–$16
• Good to Know: The downtown area is walkable; spring brings festivals and outdoor performances

Aiken’s Porch Breezes & Bloom-Lined Streets

We drove about 1 hour west (55 miles) from Columbia to Aiken (population ~32,000), founded in the 1830s as a railroad stop and later a winter colony for wealthy Northerners. We spent the night at the Willcox Hotel, a grand 1898 inn once favored by Gilded Age visitors.

“This town feels like it was built for wandering,” I thought as I strolled beneath a canopy of oaks on Laurens Street. Aiken bloomed wide open, azaleas bright against white fences, horse farms coming back to life, and porches dressed with ferns and rocking chairs. The air carried just a hint of magnolia and pine, and everything moved a little slower in the best way.

I walked through Hopelands Gardens first, where brick paths curved past fountains and the scent of wisteria lingered like a memory. Children fed turtles near the pond, and the trees creaked gently in the breeze. From there, I wandered into the historic downtown, boutiques in pastel buildings, planters overflowing, and conversations drifting out from shaded sidewalks.

What I Loved Most: The softness of it, trees, voices, weather, all folded together into something deeply peaceful.

My highlights? Lunch at New Moon Café, a downtown favorite with handwritten menus and mismatched chairs. I ordered the turkey and brie sandwich with cranberry mayo on toasted multigrain. The cheese was warm and soft, the cranberry tangy and bright, and the bread smelled faintly of grain and butter. I paired it with a side of lemon orzo salad, fresh, zesty, and just chilled enough to wake up my palate. I sat near the window, sun filtering through the awning, feeling like I could’ve stayed there for hours.

Plan your day trip:

• Drive Time from Augusta, GA: ~30 minutes northeast
• Vibe: Garden-strewn, equestrian, porch-slow
• Highlights: Hopelands Gardens, Hitchcock Woods, Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame, downtown shops and cafés
• Best Time to Visit: April for azaleas, mild walks, and equestrian events
• Cost: Gardens and trails free; New Moon Café meals ~$10–$14
• Hours: Gardens open dawn to dusk; New Moon Café 7am–4pm (closed Sundays)

Kiawah Island’s Tides & Tucked-Away Stillness

We drove about 45 minutes southwest (25 miles) from Charleston to Kiawah Island (population 2,000), once home to Native peoples and later rice plantations before becoming a modern resort community. We spent the night at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, a grand oceanfront hotel designed in Lowcountry mansion style.

“Even the air feels respectful here,” I thought, standing on a boardwalk that wound through the marsh, my son holding onto my hand while my husband pointed out a snowy egret in the reeds. Kiawah Island doesn’t speak loudly. It moves gently, through whispering palmettos, tall sea oats, and the hush of waves brushing the edge of the world.

We started the day with a bike ride along the shaded trails, where live oaks arched over the path and everything smelled green, fresh, clean, and just brushed by salt. My son’s laughter bounced down the trail as he tried to race ahead, and we let him win. Later, we walked the beach, toes in the cool sand, watching dolphins arc offshore like punctuation marks in the quiet.

What I Loved Most: The way the island gave us space, real, physical space, but also mental space. Time slowed, but didn’t stop. It just softened.

My highlights? Lunch at The Nest Market Café, a peaceful spot tucked into the Sanctuary grounds. I ordered the roasted turkey sandwich with fig jam and brie on ciabatta. It was warm, sweet-savory, and smelled of rosemary and toasted bread. My husband had the shrimp salad wrap, cool, creamy, with just the right bite of celery and dill. My son’s grilled cheese was gooey and golden, paired with fresh-cut fruit. We ate on the patio, the marsh just beyond, birds calling gently in the distance.

Plan your visit:

• Region: Barrier island southwest of Charleston
• Vibe: Quiet luxury, nature-woven, family-friendly
• Highlights: Kiawah Beachwalker Park, Marsh Island Tower, bike trails, kayaking in the Kiawah River, The Sanctuary Hotel
• Great For: Families, couples, nature lovers, anyone needing rest and open air
• Cost: Beachwalker Park ~$5–$15 parking; meals at The Nest ~$12–$20; biking is free if you bring your own or ~$15/day to rent
• Good to Know: Non-residents access the public beach park; wildlife is abundant, bring binoculars

Beaufort’s Porches & Tidal Grace

We drove about 1.5 hours southwest (70 miles) from Charleston to Beaufort (population ~13,500), founded in 1711 and one of the South’s best-preserved historic towns. I strolled the Beaufort Historic District, a National Historic Landmark with antebellum mansions shaded by live oaks, toured the Verdier House Museum, and visited St. Helena’s Episcopal Church, dating to 1712. We spent the night at the Anchorage 1770 Inn, a waterfront tabby concrete mansion turned boutique inn.

“This town doesn’t rush, and it doesn’t expect you to either,” I thought, walking along Bay Street beneath moss-draped oaks while my son counted horse-drawn carriages. Beaufort felt held together by time and tide, wooden shutters, salt air, long porches where conversation still happens face-to-face. April had warmed everything just enough to loosen the breeze, but not so much that we needed shade. It was perfect walking weather, and we walked everywhere.

We wandered through the Old Point neighborhood, where antebellum homes sat behind iron gates and wisteria vines curled around porch rails. Down at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, my son ran ahead toward the water while my husband and I took in the marsh, glassy and green, as still as breath held just a moment longer. A shrimp boat drifted by. A heron landed without a sound.

What I Loved Most: The balance of grace and gravity, how the town carried its history without leaning on it, and how even my son seemed to slow down to match its pace.

My highlights? Lunch at Lowcountry Produce Market & Café, set inside a converted old post office with high ceilings and shelves of Southern staples. I had the tomato pie, savory, warm, topped with cheese and herbs that gave off the scent of home cooking with just a whisper of spice. My husband ordered the crab cake BLT, layered with crisp bacon and pepper jelly. My son, already full of energy from the park, dug into a grilled cheese with house-cut fries and declared it “crunchy but gooey”, his highest praise. We lingered with sweet tea, not in a hurry to move on.

Plan your visit:

• Region: South Carolina Lowcountry
• Vibe: Historic, breezy, porch-slow
• Highlights: Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Old Point walking district, Beaufort History Museum, local galleries and bookstores
• Great For: Couples, families, history and architecture lovers, relaxed getaways
• Cost: Free to explore the town and parks; Lowcountry Produce meals ~$12–$22
• Good to Know: Free parking downtown; early spring and fall offer the best weather for walking and front-porch sitting

Hilton Head’s Sand Paths & Tide-Washed Calm

We drove about 1 hour northeast (40 miles) from Savannah to Hilton Head Island (population 40,000). We spent the night at the Inn & Club at Harbour Town, a refined boutique hotel inside Sea Pines Resort.

“This is what peaceful feels like,” I thought, walking on a boardwalk over the dunes with my husband and son just ahead, barefoot, sun-dusted, and already spotting sand crabs. Hilton Head didn’t ask us to do much. It just offered: paths beneath mossy oaks, beaches with space to stretch, bike rides with the wind at our backs and no schedule to beat.

We started our morning at Coligny Beach, where the water came in smooth and cool, the sand packed firm enough for bare feet and bicycles alike. My son ran through the fountains near the entrance while we watched from a shaded swing. Later, we followed one of the island’s many bike trails, winding past golf courses, lagoons, and patches of palmetto so quiet we slowed down just to listen.

What I Loved Most: The freedom to move at our own pace, to pedal, pause, breathe, and just be together without needing to fill the day.

My highlights? Lunch at Skillets Café & Grill in Coligny Plaza. I had the shrimp po’ boy, lightly fried, fresh, served on a soft hoagie with lettuce, tomato, and a remoulade that smelled of lemon and pepper. My husband ordered the fish tacos, warm and flaky with mango salsa and a cilantro cream that was as bright as the breeze. My son had pancakes for lunch, because vacation rules applied, and his plate smelled like vanilla and butter in the sun.

Plan your visit:

• Region: South Carolina Lowcountry, Atlantic coast
• Vibe: Laid-back, nature-woven, family-ready
• Highlights: Coligny Beach Park, bike trails, Harbour Town Lighthouse, Sea Pines Forest Preserve, Shelter Cove
• Great For: Families, couples, outdoor lovers, slow-it-down travelers
• Cost: Beaches and trails are free; Skillets Café meals ~$10–$18
• Good to Know: Many areas are within gated communities, Sea Pines requires a $9 vehicle pass for access; biking is one of the best ways to explore

Columbia’s Capital Calm & Culinary Underfoot

We drove about 1.5 hours south (90 miles) from Charlotte to Columbia (population 137,000), South Carolina’s capital since 1786.

“This city has its own rhythm,” I thought, walking past the State House on Gervais Street toward the soft hum of downtown. Columbia felt alive but gentle, tree-lined avenues, historic brick, and the Congaree River curling nearby like a quiet invitation. I traveled with my husband and son, and together we found our pace here, balancing steps, stories, and snacks in a way that felt slow and full.

We signed up for a downtown food tour along Main Street with Columbia Food Tours. Over the course of a few hours, I sampled dishes from locally owned restaurants while personal anecdotes made the streets feel familiar.

What I Loved Most: That blend of flavor and story, eating shrimp croquettes one moment, hearing about early settlers and city change the next, feeling the pulse of a capital city in the pauses between bites.

My highlights? I tried pimento cheese fritters, homemade barbecue, and a warm coffee blend that smelled like chocolate and toasted pecans. My son surprised me by loving the fried green tomatoes, and my husband kept going back for bites of sweet potato biscuits. Between stops, we walked beneath flowering trees and stopped to take photos on the State House steps. The day wasn’t fast, but it was full.

Plan your visit:

• Region: South Carolina Midlands
• Vibe: Urban, walkable, historically layered
• Highlights: Vista art district, Riverwalk paths, local cafés and galleries
• Great For: Families, food lovers, weekend explorers, anyone who enjoys stories told through place
• Cost: Food tours ~$45 per adult; many downtown attractions free or low-cost
• Good to Know: Food tours last about 2.5 hours and cover 1.5 miles at a relaxed pace; wear comfortable shoes

Where the Map Turned Into Memory

By the end of the trip, I wasn’t thinking about what we’d checked off, I was thinking about what had stayed with me. A quiet breakfast on a porch in Beaufort. My son’s laughter chasing gulls on Kiawah. The scent of tomato pie in a downtown café in Aiken. I hadn’t planned those moments. I just found them by being there.

Each town left something with me, a smell, a rhythm, a stretch of sky I can still picture when I close my eyes. I didn’t rush. I didn’t try to squeeze it all in. I just followed the feeling of enough: enough space, enough quiet, enough time to hear myself think.

South Carolina gave me all of that, and more. And if you go, I hope you let yourself slow down too. That’s where the real beauty lives, in the pause, the porch swing, and the soft hush between tides.

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