Things to Do in South Carolina

• What is the Olde English District in South Carolina?
  • South Carolina's Olde English District is made up of seven counties in the north-central area where some of America’s earliest events took place.
• Why is it called the Olde English District?
  • The district got its name because it was settled by English settlers very early on, in the mid-1770s.
• What historical events took place in the Olde English District?
  • 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.
• What can you see when you drive through the Olde English District?
  • 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 fun for everyone.
• What notable spots can you visit in the Olde English District?
  • As you drive through the old woodlands, along riverbanks and through parks, visit some of the most notable spots such as Historic Brattonsville, Historic Camden, the Catawba Cultural Center, Landsford Canal State Park, and the South Carolina Railroad Museum.
• Is there more to see in the Olde English District?
  • If you have more time, there is much more to see and visit. The past is alive all around you.

• What is Brookgreen Gardens?
  • 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.
• What can you see at Brookgreen Gardens?
  • A number of paths wind their way through the sculpture garden, which is home to approximately 1,450 pieces of American figurative sculpture.
• What is included in the admission ticket?
  • Admission tickets include unlimited access to a variety of tours and exhibits. For an additional fee, visitors can enjoy boat rides, trekking tours, and the butterfly house.

Address: 1931 Brookgreen Garden Dr, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, Phone: 843-235-6000

Recommended Activities for Families

• What is the Dupont Planetarium's mission?
  • As part of the University of South Carolina Aiken, the Dupont Planetarium's mission is to inspire people to explore the splendor of the sky. This intimate theater has a 30-foot diameter and only 45 seats and is a popular venue for private shows and events.
• When are public shows held at the Dupont Planetarium?
  • Public shows are held every Saturday evening, and reservations are recommended.
• What topics do the shows at the Dupont Planetarium cover?
  • Shows typically focus on astronomy, but other topics like weather and biology are sometimes covered.
• What other attractions are at the Dupont Planetarium?
  • The planetarium's other attractions include two 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.

Address: 471 University Pkwy, Aiken, SC 29801, Phone: 803-648-6851

• Where is the Greenville Zoo located?
  • Located on a 14-acre site inside Cleveland Park in Greenville, Greenville Zoo is home to a variety of domestic and wild animals.
• What animals can you see at the Greenville Zoo?
  • Visitors can observe African lions, giraffes, and monkeys, tour the farm exhibit, or visit snakes and lizards in the reptile house.
• When is the Greenville Zoo open?
  • The zoo is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day, but hours vary depending on the season.
• How much time should visitors allow for a trip to the Greenville Zoo?
  • Visitors should allow for between 60 and 90 minutes for the entire experience.
• What facilities are available at the Greenville Zoo?
  • A concession stand and a gift shop are located on site, and two free parking lots can be found right across from the zoo's entrance.

Address: 150 Cleveland Park Dr, Greenville, SC 29601, Phone: 864-467-4300

• What is Fort Sumter National Monument?
  • Fort Sumter National Monument consists of two sites: Fort Sumter and a Visitor Education Center.
• How can visitors access Fort Sumter?
  • Fort Sumter is situated on an island, but it can be reached by a 30-minute boat ride from either Liberty Square or Patriot's Point. Visitors are advised to book their tickets a day in advance.
• Can visitors use their own personal vessel to access Fort Sumter?
  • It's also possible to 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.
• What accessibility considerations should visitors be aware of at Fort Sumter?
  • Visitors should note that accessibility at Fort Sumter is limited; several areas can be reached only by climbing stairs.

Attractions for Couples

• Where is the South Carolina State Museum located?
  • Located inside the former Columbia Mills Building in Columbia, the South Carolina State Museum is the largest museum in the state and has displays on art, history, natural history science, and technology.
• What exhibits can be found at the South Carolina State Museum?
  • The museum boasts four floors of permanent and temporary exhibits; highlights include a large sculpture of a megalodon shark and a life-sized replica of the first locomotive built entirely in America, known as the Best Friend of Charleston.
• What additional experiences are available at the South Carolina State Museum?
  • Visitors can also go to the museum's 4-D theater to immerse themselves in a life-like film experience, while anyone interested in space can explore the large planetarium and the outdoor telescope viewing terrace.

Address: South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29214, Phone: 803-898-4921

• What is the McLeod Plantation Historic Site?
  • First established in 1851, the McLeod Plantation Historic Site in Charleston is an important piece of American and Gullah history that is listed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
• What can you see at the McLeod Plantation Historic Site?
  • The 37-acre site has been carefully preserved over the years, and the grounds are home to quite a few buildings, including an outdoor riverside pavilion, the original plantation home, 6 clapboard slave cabins, and a building that houses machinery used for processing cotton.
• What is included in the admission to the McLeod Plantation Historic Site?
  • Informational exhibits can be found at the welcome center and throughout the grounds, and a 45-minute guided tour is included in the price of admission.

Address: McLeod Plantation Historic Site, 325 Country Club Dr, Charleston, SC 29412, Phone: 843-795-4386

• What is the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum?
  • Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum houses three museum ships: the USS Yorktown, the USS Laffey, and the USS Clamagore.
• What is featured on the USS Yorktown at the museum?
  • The USS Yorktown has been the centerpiece of the museum since 1975, and it houses 25 aircraft as well as a Medal of Honor museum.
• What other exhibits are available at the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum?
  • There are also several exhibits on-shore, including two helicopters and a cannon dating back to the Civil War.
• When is the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum open?
  • The museum is open every day except Christmas, but hours are shortened on certain holidays.
• What amenities are available at the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum?
  • A cafe, snack shack, and gift shop are all available on site, and all-day parking is available for a fee.

Address: Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, 40 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, Phone: 843-884-2727

• What is Broadway at the Beach?
  • Built around Lake Broadway, Broadway at the Beach is a large shopping and entertainment center in the heart of Myrtle Beach.
• What themed areas are there at Broadway at the Beach?
  • The complex is divided into several themed areas, including the New England Fishing Village, the Boardwalk, and Celebrity Square.
• What facilities and attractions are available at Broadway at the Beach?
  • The complex is home to three movie theaters and three hotels as well as a wide range of restaurants, shops, and nightclubs. Family-friendly attractions include an aquarium, a dinosaur exhibit, a zip-line, and a wax museum.
• What events are hosted at Broadway at the Beach?
  • Broadway at the Beach also has a lively event calendar, featuring fireworks twice a week during the summer and a special Kids Club with monthly events.

Address: Broadway at the Beach, 1325 Celebrity Cir, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, Phone: 843-444-3200