Immerse yourself in the charm and beauty of the South with a trip to South Carolina. Here are five of the top destinations that you simply must put on your Palmetto State bucket list:
Charleston
This coastal hotspot features a historic downtown that is nestled between two rivers. History buffs will appreciate the chance to visit the nearby Civil War landmark Fort Sumter, easily accessible by a ferry from Charleston. The charming French Quarter area is home to the iconic Huguenot Church as well as a myriad of art galleries. This port city is also one of the best places in the state to view the nation’s most authentic antebellum architecture.
Lake Murray Country
As the capital and the state’s largest city, it is no surprise that there are a variety of things to do in Columbia, South Carolina. Built-in 1818, the Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens is a perfect example of pre-Civil War architecture. Other areas to check out in Lake Murray Country include the quaint city of Newberry and its landmark Newberry Opera House and the Old Courthouse, Richland County’s Congaree National Park, and the quintessential Southern town of Saluda. A variety of events and festivals mean that something is always happening in Lake Murray Country.
Myrtle Beach
The fabulous beaches of this area are the big draws in Mrytle Beach, featuring crystal blue waters and soft white sand. An abundance of family-friendly attractions makes Myrtle Beach a great vacation destination for people of all ages. Visitors will find miniature golf courses, the jaw-dropping Ripley’s Aquarium, an oceanside amusement park, and a bevy of dinner theater shows. Offering a wide range of restaurants and bars, Broadway at the Beach is where you will want to be when the sun goes down.
Hilton Head
This barrier island packs a lot of fun and adventure into its 12 miles. Nine miles of public-access coastline makes it easy to find a place to set up camp for the day and enjoy the natural beauty of this spectacular setting. Popular activities include fishing, dolphin watching excursions, tennis, and biking. Hilton Head also features some of the best golf courses in the country.
Greenville
Although many of the top tourist destinations in South Carolina are so popular because of the wealth of historic sites, Greenville has built up a strong reputation for its modern and progressive feel. The city is often described as being the ideal blend of the Old South and the New South. Its vibrant list of cultural activities helps to deliver this contemporary vibe. Visitors will enjoy taking in a performance at the Peace Center Theater or browsing the extensive collection of art and artifacts at the Greenville County Museum of Art.
This diverse state has everything that you could want in a vacation destination, regardless of if you are looking for miles of stunning coastline, lush wooded areas, cosmopolitan cities, or areas rich in history and culture. Satisfy your sense of wanderlust with an adventure through South Carolina.
