Best Places to Visit in South Carolina
Searching for the best places to visit in South Carolina? Well, you are in the right place! South Carolina is a state full of history, coastal charm, and natural beauty, making it one of the most rewarding places to explore in the South. From family-friendly attractions to romantic getaways and cultural experiences, South Carolina has no shortage of incredible destinations as I discovered during my recent four week road trip and many weekend trips as a local. Here are the places I recommend, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Pawleys Island
Pawleys Island, South Carolina, is one of those amazing hidden gems that feels like stepping into a dream, a small barrier island has some of the most peaceful vibes I’ve ever experienced.
We drove about 1.5 hours north from Charleston to Pawleys Island (population ~100 year-round), one of the oldest resort areas on the East Coast and checked into Sea View Inn for a fantastic four-night stay that gave me such a cool sense of stepping back in time.
We enjoyed the variety of food here, from burgers at Rustic Table to great seafood at Chive Blossom Cafe, and there's also a great historic district, shopping at the Hammock Shops Village, nearby Brookgreen Gardens and Huntington Beach State Park just 10 minutes away.
- Location: On the coast of South Carolina, in Georgetown County
- Size: Approximately 1.0 square mile (2.6 square km)
- Location Map
What I loved best:
I loved that the beaches here are wide, soft, and uncrowded, which made it my absolute favorite spot for a weekend getaway, a place where I could spend hours just strolling along the sand, watching the waves crash, and soaking in the laid-back atmosphere that feels so different from the busy tourist spots nearby.
2. Charleston, SC
Charleston is one of my favorite places in South Carolina, and I honestly think it’s one of the absolute best cities to visit in the state. Why? First off, the charm of the cobblestone streets, pastel-colored houses, and waterfront views feels like stepping into a dream, and secondly I love how every corner of the city offers something unique and exciting, especially amazing food!
We flew about 2.5 hours from Austin to Charleston where we started our road trip, a city founded in 1670 and one of the South’s best-preserved historic districts. Chris, our son and I visited Fort Sumter National Monument, where the Civil War began in 1861, and then we checked into the Francis Marion Hotel ($259(, a 1924 landmark overlooking Marion Square.
One of the coolest things we did next day was join a Charleston Culinary Tour, and it turned out to be the best idea ever as I got to sample local flavors, meet local chefs, and hear the city’s fascinating food history.
Dinner at Circa 1886 next day was another highlight, an elegant restaurant tucked inside the historic Wentworth Mansion near downtown and one of the best romantic restaurants in the USA.
For a joyful and more casual stop, I grabbed coffee at Bitty & Beau’s where the atmosphere was warm, and the drinks were great.
- Location: On the southeastern coast of South Carolina,
- Size: Approximately 156.6 square miles (405.6 square km)
- Location Map
What I loved best:
Sesame Burgers & Beer gave us the coolest affordable meal of the trip, and The Darling Oyster Bar on King Street completely won me over with fresh seafood and an atmosphere that was both romantic and lively.
3. Spartanburg
Spartanburg was a vibrant Upstate Carolina gem with tree-lined streets, historic red-brick mills, art splashed across downtown murals, and the gentle Blue Ridge foothills on the horizon gave it a soulful, Southern character that immediately drew me in!
Just a short 30-minute drive from Greenville, I settled in for a few days at the sleek AC Hotel by Marriott overlooking Morgan Square where the pace was relaxed yet full of surprises. I explored the charming downtown filled with indie coffee shops and galleries, biked along the leafy Mary Black Rail Trail, admired the outdoor sculptures at Chapman Cultural Center, and drove out into the countryside where peach orchards and rolling hills framed the horizon.
- Location: In northwestern South Carolina
- Size: Approximately 20.4 square miles (52.8 square km)
- Location Map
I recommend dining at The Kennedy where all three of us loved its modern, creative spin on Southern flavors, the artful presentation of small plates like crispy pork belly with sorghum glaze, and the cozy, stylish vibe.
4. Aiken
I thought Aiken was a picture-perfect Southern retreat with shaded streets lined with live oaks, grand historic mansions, lush equestrian fields, and a timeless downtown brimming with charm gave it an air of elegance that instantly transported me back to the golden age of the South!
Just a 25-minute drive from Augusta, I checked into the historic 3-star Hilton Garden Inn Aiken for three amazing days and life here moved at an unhurried pace. We strolled through Hitchcock Woods, admired the horse-drawn carriages, wandered through downtown’s Laurens Street, and explored beautiful Hopelands Gardens.
- Location: In western South Carolina, in Aiken County
- Size: Approximately 21.8 square miles (56.5 square km)
- Location Map
5. Beaufort
If you have time for just one Lowcountry destination, I say go for Beaufort! Why? It has antebellum mansions shaded by moss-draped oaks, a breezy waterfront lined, tidal rivers, and a charming historic district that felt like stepping straight into a Southern novel!
We drove about 1.5 hours southwest from Charleston to Beaufort (population ~13,500), founded in 1711 and one of the South’s best-preserved historic towns where we spent two nights at the romantic Anchorage 1770 Inn ($366/night), a waterfront tabby concrete mansion turned boutique inn.
- Location: On the southeastern coast of South Carolina
- Size: Approximately 33.6 square miles (87.0 square km)
- Location Map
Life here was beautifully unhurried as we strolled along the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, wandered past pastel-colored homes and ironwork balconies on Bay Street, explored the Gullah heritage at Penn Center on nearby St. Helena Island, and spent golden afternoons watching sunsets.
6. Hilton Head
Hilton Head was the epitome of a refined coastal escape with miles of wide, sandy beaches perfect for biking, shaded pathways weaving through maritime forest, tidal creeks alive with egrets and dolphins, and an understated elegance that balanced natural beauty with laid-back luxury.
We drove about 1 hour northeast from Savannah to Hilton Head Island (population 40,000) and spent the night at the Inn & Club at Harbour Town ($353), a refined boutique hotel inside Sea Pines Resort.
- Location: On the southeastern coast of South Carolina, in Beaufort County
- Size: Approximately 69.2 square miles (179.2 square km)
- Location Map
I enjoyed exploring the charming Harbour Town, and lingered over evenings at Shelter Cove Marina where live music drifted across the water.
7. Columbia
Columbia, the capital of South Carolina, is one of those underrated gems that always surprises me with its mix of history, culture, and vibrant energy and I loved how it felt both exciting and laid-back at the same time, making it the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.
Just a 20-minute drive from the airport, I checked into the boutique 3-star Hotel Trundle, a stylish art-deco gem in the heart of Main Street.
One of my favorite experiences was joining Columbia Food Tours, which turned out to be the absolute best way to discover the city’s culinary side because it felt like a joyful mix of flavors and history, and I thought it was such a brilliant idea for first-time visitors.
- Location: In central South Carolina
- Size: Approximately 140.7 square miles (364.4 square km)
- Location Map
Columbia, SC is an incredible destination for foodies where restaurants include a diverse range of options, from Southern staples like Tupelo Honey and Mr. Friendly's to iconic spots like Maurice's Piggie Park, as well as international cuisine like MOA Korean BBQ, Motor Supply Co. Bistro for its farm-to-table approach and Blue Marlin for its seafood.
I also had a great time exploring The Vista, wandered on the riverfront trails at the Three Rivers Greenway, and visiting the South Carolina State House and its beautiful grounds right in the heart of downtown.
8. Congaree National Park
I thought this hidden South Carolina gem was a spellbinding, dreamlike world — a vast cathedral of towering trees mirrored in still, tea-colored waters. The way sunlight filtered through the ancient cypress and loblolly pines in Congaree National Park felt almost otherworldly, transforming the flooded forest into a tranquil, golden labyrinth that begged to be explored.
From our home base in Columbia, I drove just about 30 minutes southeast where I wandered down the famous Boardwalk Loop Trail at dawn, and spotted great blue herons, and even a few elusive river otters, a perfect way to reset surrounded by nature.
9. Myrtle Beach
I thought Myrtle Beach was the ultimate Atlantic playground with mile-after-mile of soft, sandy shoreline, lively boardwalk lights shimmering at night, rolling dunes framing the ocean, and a laid-back beach-town energy that made it feel both fun and welcoming!
Just a quick 15-minute drive from the airport, we checked into the stylish Marina Inn at Grande Dunes ($119/night, AAA Four Diamond award winner) for two days which is also one of my favorite romantic weekend getaways in South Carolina because the atmosphere was breezy and playful and dining at the renowned Sea Captain’s House was amazing too!
- Location: On the northeastern coast of South Carolina
- Size: Approximately 23.6 square miles (61.1 square km)
- Location Map
During the day, we wandered down the bustling Myrtle Beach Boardwalk where the smell of saltwater taffy and funnel cakes drifted through the air, took in sweeping ocean views from atop the SkyWheel, strolled through the botanical wonderland of Brookgreen Gardens. You can kayak on the peaceful Waccamaw River under the shade of cypress trees, and browse the boutiques and waterfront dining spots at Broadway at the Beach.
10. Huntington Beach State Park
The mix of untamed nature and quiet beauty gave Huntington Beach State Park a serene, timeless feel, like it had been waiting there all along for travelers to rediscover its calm magic. I loved that from Myrtle Beach it's just 30 minutes south to reach the park’s wide, empty beaches where I wandered along the boardwalk trails, watched pelicans, and explored the hauntingly beautiful Atalaya Castle.
11. Greenville
Greenville makes for the perfect weekend getaway because of its lively downtown felt, with its tree-lined streets, public art, and spectacular Falls Park on the Reedy right at the heart of everything.
We drove about 3 hours 20 minutes from Charleston to Greenville (population 72,000), a city that grew from 19th-century mills into one of the South’s fastest-growing hubs, and we spent two nights at the Westin Poinsett ($239/night), a 1925 Beaux-Arts landmark hotel in the heart of downtown.
I loved our visit to the the Museum & Gallery (M&G), a collection of remarkable depth and significance in the realm of sacred and “Old Master” European art on the campus of Bob Jones University (BJU).
I always feel a special sense of peace when I walk through Furman University’s campus in Greenville because the manicured lawns, Georgian-style buildings, and that shimmering lake make me pause and soak in the beauty around me.
- Location: In northwestern South Carolina
- Size: Approximately 30.5 square miles (79.0 square km)
- Location Map
Another spectacular dining stop was Jianna, a modern Italian gem perched above Falls Park where we savored the handmade pastas, the fresh oysters, and the romantic views from the rooftop patio.
Other highlights for me personally are Paris Mountain State Park, Greenville Zoo (we first visited when our son was little), Greenville County Museum of Art, Runway Park at GMU, Pitt County Arboretum and Greenville Greenway.
What I loved best:
We had an amazing meal at Grill Marks, right near Main Street later, and it was one of the absolute best burger experiences I’ve had in the South.
12. Kiawah Island
I thought Kiawah Island was an absolute Lowcountry sanctuary with wide stretches of pristine beach, twisting live oaks draped in Spanish moss, tidal creeks alive with herons, and an atmosphere of quiet luxury that made it feel worlds away from the everyday!
We drove about 45 minutes southwest 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 ($178/night) for blissful five days, a grand oceanfront hotel designed in Lowcountry mansion style.
While there, I biked along shaded trails that wound through maritime forest and salt marsh, walked barefoot on the seemingly endless 10-mile beach at sunrise, kayaked through glassy tidal waterways, and browsed the charming shops and galleries at nearby Freshfields Village that completely won me over.
- Location: On the southeastern coast of South Carolina
- Size: Approximately 13.4 square miles (34.7 square km)
- Location Map
I loved all the dining options on the island, including upscale options like Jasmine Porch and The Ocean Room, casual spots such as Cantina 76 and Cherrywood BBQ & Ale House, and diverse choices like Fuji Sushi Bar & Grill and Tomasso at Turtle Point.
Conclusion
What I love most about South Carolina is the variety, each city and town has its own magic, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences.
For me, traveling through South Carolina has always been about the joy of discovering something new, the flavors I still think about long after the trip, and the moments I captured in my photos that remind me how special each stop really was.
Whether you’re looking for an affordable family getaway, a romantic escape, or an exciting foodie adventure, South Carolina has it all.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
