1. Get to Know the Olde English District
On my first trip to South Carolina I spent a lot of time driving around to see as much of the Olde English District as I could. It's quite large, made up of seven countries in the north central area where some of America’s earliest events took place.
If you are a history buff like me, you will love this place that got its name because it was settled by English settlers very early on, in the mid-1770s.
The area saw a number of Revolutionary War battles, and it is a history buff’s heaven with historical sites, parks, markers, buildings, and monuments. You'll want to bring your kids along too.
As you get off the interstate and drive down the scenic back roads, you will see old family farms that still flourish, old plantation homes, museums, parks, and outdoor attractions that revive the past and provide hands-on learning for your whole family.
Every time I visit, I find new attractions to explore here! The past is alive all around you. Map
Cost: Free. Some attractions charge admission.
Local tips: Leave plenty of time to explore and enjoy.
Distance: Located in the north-central area of South Carolina. Access it via Interstate 20 and surrounding scenic backroads. If your plane lands in Columbia, SC, the drive is about 1 hour.
How to Get to the Olde English District: From Interstate 20, take exits to the different counties in the district. You’ll find signs for key historical attractions and scenic routes as you drive.
2. Stroll Through Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet, SC
As a garden lover, seeing great South Carolina gardens was next on my things to do list. Built on the site of four former rice plantations, Brookgreen Gardens is a unique sculpture garden and wildlife preserve that encompasses 9,100 acres.
The grounds are divided into three main areas: the gardens, the Lowcountry Center, and the zoo, and a complimentary shuttle runs between all three areas. It's best if you dedicate a morning (or if possible an entire day) to this awesome splace.
A number of paths wind their way through the sculpture garden, and you get to admire approximately 1,450 pieces of American figurative sculpture. Admission tickets will give you unlimited access to a variety of tours and exhibits. For an additional fee, you can enjoy boat rides, trekking tours, and the butterfly house.
Location: Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet, SC
Cost: Tickets are $22 for adults and $12 for kids under 12. You will get access to the gardens, zoo, and exhibits. Boat rides and the butterfly house cost extra.
Best time to visit: The gardens are beautiful year-round.
Local tips: Take advantage of the shuttle that runs between the three main areas.
Distance: Brookgreen Gardens is located just south of Myrtle Beach, approximately 15 miles by car. If you need more day trip ideas from Myrtle Beach, I wrote about them here.
How to Get to Brookgreen Gardens: From Myrtle Beach, head south on US-17 for about 15 miles and follow signs to Brookgreen Gardens.
Address: 1931 Brookgreen Garden Dr, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Phone: 843-235-6000
Recommended Activities for Families
3. See a Show at the Dupont Planetarium in Aiken, SC
Since my son loves astronomy, I'm always on the lookout for planetariums. As part of the University of South Carolina Aiken, the Dupont Planetarium has a 30-foot diameter and only 45 seats so the show felt almost private which I enjoyed.
You can bring your kids when public shows take place every Saturday evening.
Shows typically focus on astronomy, but other topics like weather and biology are sometimes covered if you want more variety. The planetarium's other attractions I saw included sundials, a camera obscura, a walk-in kaleidoscope, and an observatory. Weather permitting, the observatory is open to the public every Saturday night after the show so you get to look up at the sky after.
Location: Dupont Planetarium, Aiken, SC
Cost: Admission is $6.50 for adults and $4.50 for kids. Reservations are recommended for public shows.
Best time to visit: Saturday evenings for public shows, year-round.
Local tips: Be sure to check the schedule ahead of time to reserve your seat, as shows can fill up quickly. After the show, don't miss the chance to explore the observatory!
Distance: Located in Aiken, SC, near the University of South Carolina Aiken campus, with easy access from local highways.
How to Get to Dupont Planetarium: From downtown Aiken, take University Parkway towards the University of South Carolina Aiken campus, where the planetarium is located.
Address: 471 University Pkwy, Aiken, SC 29801
Phone: 803-648-6851
4. Meet Unique Animals at Greenville Zoo
You'll find Greenville Zoo on a 14-acre site inside Cleveland Park in Greenville. You'll have a chance to get to know a variety of domestic and wild animals such as African lions, giraffes, and monkeys. You also tour the farm exhibit, and visit snakes and lizards in the reptile house.
You should allow for between 60 and 90 minutes for the entire experience. Park in one of two free parking lots that can be found right across from the zoo's entrance. A concession stand and a gift shop are located on site.
Location: Greenville Zoo, Greenville, SC
Cost: Admission is $13 for adults and $11 for kids.
Local tips: Plan to visit the zoo early in the day especially with young children.
How to Get to Greenville Zoo: From downtown Greenville, head west on Main Street and take a left onto Cleveland Park Drive to reach the zoo entrance.
Address: 150 Cleveland Park Dr, Greenville, SC 29601
Phone: 864-467-4300
5. Step Back in Time at Fort Sumter National Monument in Charleston, SC
Fort Sumter National Monument was so fun to explore but it required some effort to get there. Fort Sumter is situated on an island, and you can reach it by a 30-minute boat ride from either Liberty Square or Patriot's Point. It's a good idea to book your tickets a day in advance or earlier.
You can also access the island using your own personal vessel, but it's important that you anchor or beach your boat on the western side of the fort.
You should note that accessibility at Fort Sumter is limited; several areas can be reached only by climbing stairs. Fort Sumter National Monument, Phone: 843-883-3123
Location: Fort Sumter National Monument, Charleston, SC
Cost: Admission is typically for the boat ride to the fort, with prices varying by type of ticket and tour options. Special programs or tours may have additional fees.
Best time to visit: Year-round, but check the website for boat schedules and operating hours. It’s ideal to visit in spring or fall when the weather is more pleasant.
Local tips: Be sure to book your tickets ahead of time, especially during peak tourist seasons. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking and climbing stairs during your visit.
Distance: Located on an island accessible by boat, with departure points from Liberty Square and Patriot's Point in Charleston.
How to Get to Fort Sumter: Take a boat ride from Liberty Square or Patriot's Point. Tickets can be purchased at the departure points or online.
Attractions for Couples
6. Stop for a Visit at the South Carolina State Museum
Your flight will probably land in Columbia, SC, so be sure to check out this museum in the city. The reason I personally didn't want to miss the South Carolina State Museum is that it's the largest museum in the state and has displays on art, history, natural history science, and technology. My son and I argued about whether to see natural science exhibits first (as he wanted) or art (what I wanted). One guess who won?
Of course we went for natural science. Ok, I admit, the large sculpture of a megalodon shark was awesome! We also checked out the planetarium which was fun.
You can also go to the museum's 4-D theater to immerse yourself in a life-like film experience.
Cost: Admission is $13 for adults and $10 for kids. Planetarium and 4-D theater cost extra.
How to Get to the South Carolina State Museum: From I-126, take the Gervais Street exit and follow signs to the museum.
Address: South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29214
Phone: 803-898-4921
7. Learn About the Past at the McLeod Plantation Historic Site
I wish everyone could go see all my favorite Charleston attractions but I understand that time is limited. If you have time for just one more attraction here after your visit to Fort Sumter, I recommend a trip to the McLeod Plantation Historic Site because it's an important piece of American history. You can see the original plantation home, 6 clapboard slave cabins, and a building that houses machinery used for processing cotton. Stop by the welcome center to join a 45-minute guided tour which is included in the price of admission.
Cost: Adult tickets are $20, $6 for kids, Free under 2 years old.
Local tips: Wear comfortable shoes.
Distance: You'll find it 15 minutes from downtown Charleston, SC by car.
How to Get to McLeod Plantation Historic Site: From downtown Charleston, head southeast on Folly Road and turn left onto Country Club Drive to reach the historic site.
Address: McLeod Plantation Historic Site, 325 Country Club Dr, Charleston, SC 29412
Phone: 843-795-4386
8. Taste Local Flavors with Charleston Culinary Tours
If history doesn't excite you as much as it does me, check out Charleston Culinary Tours instead. You'll be able to visit some of the top restaurants and bars, and stop at the city's acclaimed Farmer's Market too. Unfortunately vegan and dairy-free diets cannot be accommodated, but if you talk to them in advance, they can accommodate most other dietary restrictions. I really like the tours themed around farm-to-table restaurants that let you eat meals prepared with local ingredients. Reservations are required.
9. 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
10. 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
Plan Your Trip