You can climb the 167 steps of the steep spiral staircase to reach the viewing platform (132 feet above the beach) where you will be rewarded with sweeping views of the park and the ocean. The gardens were founded by Archer Huntington and his wife, the noted sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington, in 1932 and was the first public sculpture garden in America. Views of Fort Sumter and the harbor can be seen among the park's old oaks and Civil War cannons and monuments. The Civil War began with shots fired on the garrison of Fort Sumter in South Carolina's Charleston Harbor on April 12, 1861. The island is home to an affluent resort community that is known for its bustling business district, offering a variety of shops and gourmet restaurants. Congaree National Park is home to the oldest bottomland hardwood forest in North America, and that means its biodiversity is astonishing, from its endangered indigo snakes and red-cockaded woodpeckers to its massive loblolly pines. Callawassie Island is located along South Carolina southeastern coast within Beaufort County, approximately 30 miles up shore from Savannah, Georgia. A number of homes are open to the public as living history museums, and the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park offers a public performance stage and childrens playground. Morris Island is an uninhabited island located near Charleston Harbor that is incorporated as part of the cities of Charleston and Folly Beach. . Best Places to Visit in the Carolinas Last updated on March 18, 2022 North Carolina and South Carolina are two East Coast states with endless vacation possibilities. New policies may be in place, including capacity restrictions, reservation requirements or mask mandates. Stumphouse Tunnel, Walhalla Cool off at the Stumphouse Tunnel, which is a refreshing 50 degrees year-round. Hunley Museum and then move on to see the Greater Charleston Naval Base Memorial in River Park. A marked canoe trail invites visitors to kayak or canoe their way through the park along Cedar Creek. Of course, there is more to Aiken than beautiful horses, fox hunts, and polo matches it is also home to the largest urban forest in the country. At Patriots Point, on the other side of the harbor from Charleston's Historic District, you can tour the historic Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Yorktown. Outdoor adventures include extensive hiking trails, kayaking and canoeing, and guided interpretive experiences. The tree is one of the oldest living trees in the country, and it would be a shame to miss seeing this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon if you are in the area. Their culture including their Creole language and traditions is still being preserved today. Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site. The zoo includes a botanical garden and ziplines. Exhibits at the Old Exchange Building and Old Slave Mart Museum reveal more about the city and its long history. Drayton Hall takes advance reservations for the main house tour a self-guided audio tour that requires you to bring your own earbuds, or they can be purchased on the grounds for a fee. South Carolina's appeal is vast and varied. Art lovers should not miss MAMM (the modern art museum), while foodies should consider joining a Columbia Food Tour. is a very popular weekend getaway destination for both families and couples, combining great beach activities with some interesting museums, galleries, and other attractions for rainy days. Conde Nast Traveler named the island Americas top island destination for its magnificent coastline and championship golf resort, which hosted the 1991 Ryder Cup and the 2012 PGA Championship. Travel 23 Top Things to Do in Columbia, South Carolina A revitalized yet relaxed historic city offering ample opportunities for culture, adventure, sports and shopping, served with a side. Falls Park on the Reedy is situated in downtown Greenvilles Historic West End, providing locals and visitors with an urban oasis where they can meet, enjoy outdoor and cultural attractions, and admire beautiful gardens. People often associate horror writer Edgar Allan Poe with the New England settings of many of his stories, but you may not know Poe was a college dropout who joined the military and briefly found himself on Sullivan's Island, South Carolina, in 1827. Bird watching, particularly the fall Hawk migration, is a popular activity, and you can also cast a line to catch some trout. From the Grand Strand to Hilton Head Island, the coastal region of the Palmetto State is filled with sandy white beaches, historic cities, fresh-off-the-boat seafood and world-class golf courses. Be sure to check the Greenville County Art Museum website to be sure it's open. First landscaped in 1741, the gardens at Middleton Place are still lovely to walk, but the grounds now provide a framework for the 280 years of history since. It's one of the tallest and longest rides in a massive park that straddles the North and South Carolina state line. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. Citizens Park has several ball fields, hiking trails, a playground, and a splash pad. Address: 14 S. Fifth St., Hartsville, SC 29550. You can visit the pedestrian-friendly downtown to soak up the atmosphere, have a meal, or do some shopping. End you day with a feast of fresh seafood at one of the islands 250 restaurants. Highlights include examples from the Baroque and Renaissance periods, along with works by a number of other European Masters. Hiking trails at most of these parks not only feature lakes and mountain views, but also waterfalls. Siberian tigers and Komodo dragons, among other species, represent Asia, while North American species include grizzly bears and California sea lions. The historic Porgy House, the former home of 20th-century authors Dubose and Dorothy Heyward, is noted as the inspiration for George Gershwins famed Porgy and Bess opera. Duration: 1 hour (approx) Includes: 1-hour horse & carriage sightseeing tour of Charleston with a certified driver/guide. Address: 4300 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414. Three coastal areas are especially prime for fishing. Taking over . Johns Island Presbyterian Church, one of the nations oldest churches, is preserved on the National Register of Historic Places and is open to the public for guided tours. But birds are not the only attraction for tourists who love wildlife. Where to Go in South Carolina: If you're going to be here in summer, spend some time finding the most beautiful beaches in the state, as well as to the best resorts in South Carolina. At least one person is dead Sunday after a single-engine plane crashed at a resort in the coastal city of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, authorities say. As if kangaroo and koala joeys weren't enough, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is home to more than 2,000 other animals, representing more than 350 species. Referred to as Oba Waja, he was initiated into the Orisa-Vodun priesthood in Cuba in the 1950s. More recently, in 1968, the USS Yorktown commanded worldwide attention for recovering the Apollo 8 astronauts. Read More South Carolina Golf Courses Like to golf? In his first early-state rally of 2024, he commandeered a small city. Active archaeological studies at Drayton Hall continue to recover artifacts that provide insight into these undocumented lives. Charleston prides itself on showcasing Southern cuisine, and foodies can discover the vibrant flavors of the South on a Charleston Culinary Tour or a Charleston Brews Cruise to sample local craft beers. Exhibits, along with a show in the planetarium, highlight the Apollo 16 lunar mission. For those just wanting to walk its entirety, grab a fresh fish sandwich from Croakers and soak in the spectacular views back over Myrtle Beach. The Carolina Opry produces musical shows, and the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel takes visitors on 10-minute rides above the beach and boardwalk. Cycling enthusiasts can try the Rock Hill Outdoor Center, while paddlers can explore the Catawba River by canoe or kayak. There's plenty of other fun to be had here, too. Distance from Charlotte: 26.8 miles What to do: Go zip lining through forests, plan a picnic at Glencairn Garden or treat yourself to dinner at Kounter, offering creative dishes like chile-lime crab cakes and bacon-wrapped meatloaf. Field workshops for K-12 students and adult groups are offered periodically at the reserve, led by college faculty educators. Five lakeside villas and more than 100 tent and RV hookup campsites are offered for overnight stay, and a wide variety of opportunities are available for outdoor activities, including boat access ramps, hiking trails, and family picnic shelters and playground facilities. 30 miles of hiking and bike trails are located throughout the island, part of an island-wide emphasis on natural preservation and ecology. Check out our list of the top romantic getaways in South Carolina. Address: 40 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Visitors can usually spot alligators at the park's freshwater lake, and a wide variety of park programming offers chances to observe loggerhead turtles and other endangered species, as well as introducing some of the rare local plants. The structure, which homed seven generations, has been stabilized rather than restored to its period decor. Phyllis Henderson shares some of the creatures and activities families can check out during Roper Mountain . Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of State and local tourism boards before traveling.). The town of Beaufort, South Carolina, beckons travelers to travel back in time with its enduring charm. Campbells Covered Bridge is a very popular detour and the perfect place to snap some fall photos with its bright red exterior surrounded by vibrant fall foliage. Along with showing how the owners and their families lived, these plantations now include exhibits, tours, and programs on the lives of the enslaved people who made the plantation lifestyle possible during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Charleston is the oldest city in South Carolina, is home to many historic buildings and some of the top South Carolina attractions. And best of all - it's free to visit! In order to see Antelope Canyon, you'll need to book a guided tour. You can go hiking and bird watching along various trials (for all fitness levels) to wildlife observation points, enjoy sunbathing and walking along the pristine beach, and learn all about marine life at the Nature Center. The island is most noted as the home of the famed Angel Oak, a Southern live oak tree that dates back at least 1,400 years and is believed to be one of the largest of its kind in the world. Tour: Charleston's Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour. You can play a round of golf at one (or all) of the five golf courses in the area, treat yourself to a pampering spa treatment, or dine at many excellent local restaurants. Read More: Best Places for Deep Sea Fishing in South Carolina. Outdoors enthusiasts can enjoy boating and hiking at Lake Hartwell or High Falls Country Park or hike to the Big Bend Falls and Bee Cove Falls. You are never far from the water or a golf course on beautiful Kiawah Island, situated just a few miles south of historic Charleston in South Carolina. Congaree National Park is the best place for outdoor adventures Tucked in the middle of South Carolina and approximately 20 miles southeast of Columbia, Congaree National Park is where people come to quietly unwind. Boat tours are also very popular. The majority of the world's tea comes from the delicate plants of China and India; North American tea is rare. 27, 2023 at 8:14 AM PDT. Address: 500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia, South Carolina. You can visit the island and the well-preserved ruins of the fort by boat from the Visitor Education Center at Liberty Square, or from Patriots Point. You can simply relax on the pristine three-mile beach or explore the abundant wildlife-watching opportunities provided by the lagoon. Other island attractions include the Wild Dunes oceanfront resort, which is home to two championship golf courses designed by pro architect Tom Fazio and an award-winning childrens recreation program. That location is present-day Hotel Emeline, which features its own archive on display spanning collections from 1920 through World War II, as well as a coffee shop named Clerks. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. Daredevils can have fun at Camp Canaan, which offers zip-lines, climbing, and other fun activities. Next read: South Carolina beaches and South Carolina resorts. Two South Carolina restaurants made it onto a list of "Top 100 Burgers in America. History buffs can see a recovered 1864 submarine and learn about the pivotal role it played at the fascinating H.L. Or you can get good views of the fort from a 90-minute tour on a sightseeing boat that takes you along the Cooper River to Fort Sumter National Monument. Take your pick from high-quality stage shows, golf, and water parks in Myrtle Beach, or relax at the beach and at the family-friendly holiday resorts on Hilton Head Island. Wildlife watchers can also spot rare and common marine and birdlife up close at the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge. You are reading "25 Best Places to Visit in South Carolina" Back to Top. Summer fun at Roper Mountain Science Center. Today, it retains its isolated charm, offering sanctuary from nearby urban areas. The three components of the house at Middleton Place were burned two months before the end of the Civil War, but have been restored and were opened as a house museum in 1975. As appealing as the beaches themselves are the many traditional seaside pleasures to choose from here. You can bring a picnic and relax on the expansive lawns or have a meal at one of two on-site restaurants. Address: 8155 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, South Carolina, Official site: www.southcarolinaparks.com/caesarshead/introduction.aspx. If you prefer to explore on horseback, tale advantage of the cleared bridle paths available. Most fun & popular experiences in South Carolina Cruises & boat tours You can pitch your tent at one of two campsites, try your hand at fishing, or enroll in a ranger-led program. Caesars Head itself is a gigantic rock formation that overlooks the entire Piedmont region below. If you enjoy the great outdoors, you can hike along a trail system connecting Veterans Park and Timrod Park or try the canopy walk in the Lynches River Park. However, in Beaufort, visitors will find one of the largest public collections of the buzzing musical instrument on the grounds of The Kazoobie Kazoo Factory. You can explore the many waterways on the island by joining a kayak or stand-up paddle boat tour or hire a bike and explore on two wheels. With over 4,000 acres of protected land, it's a great spot for the avid (or the beginner) birding enthusiast. The historic town of Spartanburg has been around since 1753 and is packed with historic attractions and a wealth of cultural and outdoor activities. If you love music, you can follow the Spartanburg Music Trail while art enthusiasts can head to the Spartanburg Art Museum and the Chapman Cultural Center. Cost: From $50.00 USD. U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering pricing data, expert recommendations and consumer reviews. An Expert Tip Before You Go Best Times to Visit South Carolina for Smaller Crowds . Whether you like fishing or not, you'll also want to add Apache Pier to your list of places to visit in Myrtle Beach. The island is accessible via passenger ferry from nearby Hilton Head Island and offers three miles of beachfront along the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway, and Calibogue Sound waterfronts. "The North Carolina Department of Labor Whatever your interests, you'll find plenty of things to do in this list of the top tourist attractions and places to visit in South Carolina. It showcases the Hunting Island Lighthouse, the states only publicly-accessible historic lighthouse, which stands 130 feet over the Atlantic coastline. Address: 1515 Main Street, Columbia, South Carolina. It's also known for its golf and is often considered a contender for the title of "Golf Capital of the World." The Hunting Island Lighthouse is located in the Hunting Island State Park and offers visitors a chance to combine a little history with a great day on the beach. It is one of the cutest covered bridges in the south! Explore sightseeing, travel destinations & fun things to do in South Carolina at famous attractions like Historic Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island. The "Washington" part of the name comes into play because none other than President George Washington used the home for a weeklong stay in Charleston in 1791. Riding the Ferris wheel at Myrtle Beach, hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains and dining on honey fried chicken are just some of the things to do in South Carolina. There are two ways to explore this amazing habitat, which supports a large variety of wildlife you can take to the waters along the marked 15-mile Cedar Creek Canoe Trail in a canoe or kayak (you need to bring your own craft), or you can hike an assortment of hiking trails. Experience more than 300 years of history on a guided carriage tour of Charleston. You can bring the family (and even your dog) and pitch a tent or park your RV at a serviced site to spend a few nights getting back to nature. The Ndoki Forest area is a sanctuary for gorillas, elephants, and meerkats. Visitors should note that tourist access is restricted to certain island areas during seabird nesting season, with seasonal beach closures designated during the summer months. Though access to the island is restricted to property owners and their guests due to environmental preservation concerns, a number of vacation rentals and summer home sales are available for visitors wishing to travel to the island. You can join the Historic Downtown Walking Tour to learn about the towns role in World Wars I and II. The islands resort is available for condominium and vacation home rentals, featuring guest amenities such as three outdoor pools, a putting green, and tennis courts. For an additional charge, hourlong interpreter-led house tours are available each operating day; online reservations are required. Explore the atmospheric streets of Charleston on a romantic carriage ride, or tour some of the South's most beautiful plantation homes nearby. Over 250 different species of birds have been spotted here! This popular attraction features four floors of exhibits covering South Carolina's natural history, art, culture, science and technology. A 10-year research project commissioned by the Middleton Foundation recovered the names and stories of more than 2,800 enslaved people owned by the family over the course of 127 years. Aiken is a city in the western part of South Carolina in the Central Savannah River Valley, best known for its equestrian culture and the large number of thoroughbred champions it has produced. Pleasant is one of the nation's oldest plantations still operating as a working farm, and is best known for its picturesque, three-quarter-mile Avenue of Oaks. Middleton Place Ovidiu Hrubaru/Shutterstock Middleton Place is a National Historic Landmark that was once home to the largest enslaved population in North America. Download the BBQ Trail Map Share your experiences on social media by using #DiscoverSC and your content could be featured here! With hundreds of years of history and postcard-perfect landscapes, South Carolina has something surprising in store for any traveler. Book This Tour. From beaches to golf and historic sites to natural wonders, explore the Palmetto State's top attractions. This cruise packing list includes all the essentials plus the items you didn't know you needed. Come with U.S. News on a tour of Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection in Napa Valley. Capers Island is an undeveloped three-mile barrier island that is only accessible via boat from the mainland, located approximately 15 miles north of Charleston. Riding the Ferris wheel at Myrtle Beach, hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains and dining on honey fried chicken are just some of the things to do in South Carolina. 27 Best Things To Do in Charleston, SC By Lauren Mowery | Reviewed by Marisa Mndez | Last updated on June 14, 2023 This attractions guide was updated by Lauren Mowery, a Charleston resident. The island is considered to be one of the regions leading resort beach areas, featuring 3 miles of unspoiled waterfront terrain. Spring Island is a 3,000-acre Sea Island that is maintained as a natural refuge and intimate residential community. The Lowcountry island takes its name from the name of a nearby 1562 French settlement led by Jean Ribault, which is used today to refer to the island and its main incorporated city. Adventurous diners can order fried liver and gizzards, as well. John's Island is the largest island in South Carolina, and most of it lies within the jurisdiction of Charleston County. Downtown Charleston. South Carolina Attractions Learn what makes South Carolina tick with the most popular tours & day trips. Find your happy plate at one of more than 220 barbecue restaurants across the state. Goat Island is one of the South Carolina coasts smallest islands, located along the Intracoastal Waterway between the Isle of Palms and Mount Pleasant. Address: 56 Bryant Lane, Seabrook, SC 29940. Fort Sumter Tours is the authorized concessioner of the National Park Service and operates ferry rides to the grounds, which include free ranger-led tours and a ride around the harbor on the return. The city of Beaufort also features a historic downtown region, which showcases historic antebellum mansions, majestic moss-draped live oaks, and gourmet restaurants. One of the best places in South Carolina for bicycling, Hilton Head has miles of flat, well-marked bicycling trails, with great scenery and signage to point out landmarks and interesting facts. ], When you think of things associated with South Carolina, kazoos are probably not the first thing to come to mind. It's also notable for having been designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve. One of the most popular things to do in South Carolina in the summer is to retreat to the miles of pristine sands that line the coast at Myrtle Beach. In the years since, the curators have worked to incorporate the history of those who lived and worked on the grounds, in addition to the Middleton family. [See more of Myrtle Beach: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]. Visit the Charleston Tea Garden, one of the only tea plantations on the continent, located on Wadmalaw Island just a few miles south of Charleston. What's more, the permanent exhibits span prehistoric fossils, the Civil War, the Black experience throughout history and more. Just a short detour off the road will bring you to Angel Oak Tree in Angel Oak Forest on Johns Island, 12 miles outside Charleston. The island also offers tennis (and lessons), four spas, and many great dining options. Top 20 tourist attractions in South Carolina. Carrick Creek Falls can be found at Table Rock, and Rainbow Falls is located in Jones Gap State Park in Marietta. 2,500 feet of beachfront provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife watching, while Folly Beach County Park offers a lifeguard-staffed swimming beach and pelican rookery. And don't overlook the many things to do in South Carolina's lovely small towns. The 605-acre Sea Pines Forest Preserve on Hilton Head Island is a great place to escape the glitzy island resorts and spend some time communing with nature. Today, Sullivan's Island remembers the author with his namesake Poe's Tavern. Other attractions include the Ambrose Family Farm, which harvest vegetables year-round and offers a seasonal picking orchard. Historians can visit the War Between the States Museum, the Florence Stockade and National Cemetery, and Veterans Park to learn more. Anyone craving that honey chicken today can still purchase a "Picnic Basket" of chicken or an individual "Boo Boo Basket." Recent visitors to the factory say it's a great experience for the young and young at heart. 1. Address: 6617 Maybank Highway, Wadmalaw Island, SC 29487. The Firefly Distillery is the states largest distillery, noted for its production of sweet tea vodka, and is home to a tasting room and an outdoor indie music recording venue. The Friends of Huntington Beach State Park host tours of the estate March through May. The island is connected to mainland South Carolina by causeway and bridge, located approximately 30 miles from the city of Columbia. The island is also home to the Mullet Hall Equestrian Center, which offers 20 miles of riding trails, and an annual Battle of Charleston historic reenactment that showcases the culture of 19th-century America. Aerial sunset view of Beaufort, South Carolina. Families love the slides, splash rides, and swimming pools at water parks and at major hotels. From historic Charleston to fun-filled water parks in Myrtle Beach, there is no shortage of incredible places to visit in South Carolina. State. 15 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in South Carolina, 17 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Charleston, SC, 17 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Myrtle Beach, SC, South Carolina in Pictures: 25 Beautiful Places to Photograph, 4 Top-Rated Places for Deep Sea Fishing in South Carolina, 13 Top-Rated Beach Resorts in South Carolina, 12 Top-Rated Romantic Weekend Getaways in South Carolina, 15 Top-Rated Small Towns in South Carolina, 15 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Columbia, SC, 20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Charlotte, NC, 15 Top-Rated Things to Do in Beaufort, SC, 16 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do on Hilton Head Island, SC, 14 Top-Rated Beach Resorts in Hilton Head, SC, 19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Savannah, GA, From Christchurch to Queenstown: 4 Best Ways to Get There, The Cultured Biker: Mixing Biking & the Arts in Bentonville, AR, 24 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, Top Tourist Attractions & Places to Visit in Charleston, SC, Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Myrtle Beach, www.southcarolinaparks.com/huntingtonbeach/introduction.aspx, Best Places for Deep Sea Fishing in South Carolina, www.southcarolinaparks.com/caesarshead/introduction.aspx. The island was originally known as Eagle Island, but following World War I, it became a popular secluded refuge following its development by goat herders Henry and Blanche Holloway. The South Carolina State Museum is just one of many things to do in Columbia, South Carolina. Edisto Island is one of the United States last remaining unspoiled beach communities, located approximately 40 miles from the city of Charleston within the Sea Islands region. You can take the kids to the North Charleston and American LaFrance Fire Museum and Education Center where they can see both vintage and new fire engines. The area between Pender County, North Carolina, and St. Johns County, Florida, is referred to as the "Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor" and it encompasses a variety of places significant to the Gullah Geechee people. During the summer months, the resorts Camp Fripp structures nature and history-themed activities for children. Meanwhile, the Aiken-Rhett House was built in 1820, and remains one of the best-preserved town house complexes in the country.
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