South Carolina Travel Guide

A comprehensive tour guide for South Carolina, including lists of places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and local culture and customs.


Introduction to South Carolina

South Carolina is a state in the Southern region of the United States, bordered by North Carolina to the north, Georgia to the south and west, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and Southern charm, South Carolina is a popular tourist destination for travelers from all over the world.

List of Places to Visit in South Carolina

There are many places to explore and things to do in South Carolina. Here are some of the most popular tourist attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Charleston Historic District
  • Fort Sumter National Monument
  • Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
  • South Carolina State Museum
  • Middleton Place
  • The Charleston Museum
  • The South Carolina State House
  • Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
  • The Heyward-Washington House
  • Gibbes Museum of Art

Natural Attractions of South Carolina: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Myrtle Beach State Park
  • Congaree National Park
  • Hunting Island State Park
  • Table Rock State Park
  • Caesars Head State Park
  • Lake Jocassee
  • Hilton Head Island
  • The Swamp Rabbit Trail
  • Falls Park on the Reedy
  • Devil’s Fork State Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of South Carolina

South Carolina is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes:

  • Swamp Fox Passage in Francis Marion National Forest
  • Table Rock Mountain Trail
  • Congaree National Park Boardwalk Trail
  • Palmetto Trail
  • Foothills Trail
  • Midlands Mountain Trail
  • Swamp Rabbit Trail
  • Upstate South Carolina Waterfall Tour

Best Things to Do in South Carolina: Activities and Tours

South Carolina has plenty of activities and tours to suit every taste. Here are some of the best:

  • Charleston Ghost & Dungeon Walking Tour
  • Historic Charleston Harbor Tour
  • Carolina Safari Jeep Tours
  • Kayak Tours of the Lowcountry
  • Charleston Harbor Kayak Tour
  • Charleston Carriage Tour
  • Hilton Head Island Dolphin Watching Nature Cruise
  • The Alligator Adventure
  • Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
  • South Carolina Aquarium

Week-Long Itinerary for South Carolina

If you’re planning a week-long trip to South Carolina, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Explore Charleston Historic District
2 Visit Fort Sumter National Monument and Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
3 Hike the Palmetto Trail
4 Enjoy a beach day at Myrtle Beach
5 Take a tour of Congaree National Park
6 Go on a kayaking tour of the Lowcountry
7 Visit Hilton Head Island and enjoy a dolphin watching nature cruise

Food and Drink Scene of South Carolina

South Carolina is known for its delicious Southern cuisine and local beverages. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Shrimp and grits
  • She-crab soup
  • Arnold Palmer sweet tea
  • Barbecue pulled pork
  • Lowcountry boil
  • Frogmore stew
  • Boiled peanuts
  • Sweet potato pie
  • Hush puppies
  • Catfish stew

Local Beverages

  • Sweet tea
  • Carolina moonshine
  • Hard cider
  • Palmetto Pale Ale
  • Firefly sweet tea vodka
  • Thomas Creek River Falls Red Ale
  • Coast HopArt IPA
  • Holy City Pluff Mud Porter
  • Westbrook White Thai

Where to Stay in South Carolina: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

South Carolina has accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Here are some great places to stay:

  • The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel, Charleston
  • Andell Inn, Kiawah Island
  • Inn at Middleton Place, Charleston
  • The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa
  • Kiawah Island Golf Resort
  • Francis Marion Hotel, Charleston
  • The Vendue, Charleston
  • The Restoration, Charleston
  • Belmond Charleston Place, Charleston
  • HarbourView Inn, Charleston

What to Buy in South Carolina: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

South Carolina has plenty of unique souvenirs and products to take home. Here are some great ideas:

  • Sweetgrass baskets
  • Silver and gold jewelry from Charleston’s Historic District
  • Moonshine and other local spirits
  • Gullah art and crafts
  • South Carolina hot sauce
  • Handmade pottery from Columbia’s Vista Arts District
  • Local artisanal soap and skincare products
  • Palmetto Tree jewelry and accessories
  • Charleston candy and confections
  • South Carolina cookbooks

Local Culture and Customs of South Carolina

South Carolina is known for its friendly residents, relaxed pace of life, and Southern hospitality. Here are some local culture and customs to be aware of:

  • The “Yes Ma’am” and “Yes Sir” rule: It’s considered respectful to use these phrases when addressing an older person or someone in a position of authority.
  • A slower pace of life: South Carolinians value taking things slow and enjoying life’s simple pleasures.
  • Southern hospitality: Expect friendly, welcoming behavior from locals.
  • Dress code: Dressing up is often expected when going out in public.

Best Time to Visit South Carolina

The best time to visit South Carolina depends on your interests and preferences. Summers can be hot and humid, but are great for beach vacations. Spring and fall offer temperate weather and are perfect for outdoor activities. Winter can be chilly, but is a great time to explore Charleston’s historic district and enjoy seasonal events.

Do’s and Don’ts of South Carolina

Do:

  • Embrace Southern hospitality
  • Try the local cuisine
  • Explore the state’s rich history and natural beauty
  • Take a historic walking tour in Charleston
  • Visit during the annual fall foliage season

Don’t:

  • Be rude or disrespectful
  • Wear inappropriate clothing in public
  • Forget to tip service staff
  • Ignore social norms and customs
  • Visit during hurricane season (June-November)

Safety and Health

Safety in South Carolina

South Carolina is generally a safe state for travelers, with low rates of violent crime. However, as with any travel destination, it’s important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Health in South Carolina

South Carolina has many excellent hospitals and healthcare facilities, particularly in urban areas. However, it’s important to ensure that you have adequate health insurance and carry any necessary medications with you while you travel.

Getting to South Carolina: Transportation Options and Logistics

Getting to South Carolina is easy, with multiple transportation options available.

Airports Near South Carolina

  • Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)
  • Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)
  • Charleston International Airport (CHS)
  • Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)

Bus Stations Near South Carolina

  • Greyhound
  • Megabus

Other Options

  • Amtrak train service
  • Car rentals
  • Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft

How to Get Around in South Carolina

While renting a car is the easiest way to get around South Carolina, there are also other transportation options available, including public transportation and ride-sharing services.

Where to Go Next from South Carolina: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to extend your South Carolina trip or want to explore nearby destinations, here are some great options:

  • Savannah, Georgia
  • Asheville, North Carolina
  • Charlotte, North Carolina
  • Atlanta, Georgia
  • Greenville, South Carolina
  • The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Conclusion

South Carolina is a beautiful and culturally rich state that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor adventures, or Southern cuisine, South Carolina’s friendly locals and laid-back atmosphere make it a great destination for travelers from all over the world.



    Golden Corner
    Grand Strand
    Greater Charleston
    Greater Columbia
    Old 96 District
    Olde English District
    Santee Cooper Country
    Thoroughbred Country
    Upcountry South Carolina