Best attractions in South Carolina
South Carolina has deep roots in the history of the south. A visit to the state is a chance to explore some of the country’s earliest buildings and cities. Tourists explore many of the country’s oldest and most well-preserved homes, plantations, and historic properties.
The city of Charleston is one of the most visited locations in the state. With lively culture and historical districts that are among the oldest in the nation.
For those interested in exploring the great outdoors and enjoying South Carolina’s warm climate. A visit to the state’s national park or popular beaches is a great way to get outside and enjoy the sun.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
The Magnolia Plantation is one of the oldest plantation homes in the South. Dating to 1676, and it is a National Historic Place. Explore 6 miles of walking and biking trails. Stroll the bamboo garden and historic river walk.
Don’t miss the Wildlife Center, home to many native species and rescued animals. Garden admission also gives you access to the Tropical Conservatory and the guided “From Slavery to Freedom” tour. Visit the Petting Zoo and Nature Center. Audubon Swamp Self-Guided Tour. Amazing Nesting Rookery. If you have only one Plantation to see, don’t miss this one.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach is an 87,000 square-foot aquarium experience. Located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Guests surrounded on all sides by giant sharks as they travel through Dangerous Reef, a 750,000-gallon tank, on a 330-foot moving glide path.
Visitors favorite Unique Experiences include the Stingray Experience guided by an experienced Ripley’s Diver, you’ll wade in in the water with the stingrays and even enter Ray Bay to snorkel with them. Glass Bottom Boat Adventure set over Dangerous Reef with only three inches of class separating you. Surrounded by colorful and dangerous marine life that inhabit Atlantic and Caribbean reefs.
Fort Sumter National Monument
Fort Sumter was the site of the first shots fired in the civil war and the location of a momentous battle. Today, visitors can tour Fort Sumter National Monument located in the middle of Charleston Harbor, and is only accessible by ferry rides through Fort Sumter Tours. The visitor center offers informative exhibits. Many choose to go on a boat tour to view the fort from its position at the edge of Charleston Harbor.
Fort Sumter Tours provides access to Fort Sumter. There are two departure locations: Fort Sumter Visitor Center, the official National Park Service visitor center. The Fort Moultrie Visitor Center is located at 1214 Middle Street, Sullivan’s Island, SC.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
The Riverbanks Zoo and Garden are a 170-acre zoo and garden. Zoo houses more than 2,000 animals that represent more than 350 species in natural habitat exhibits. Each area of the Zoo offers a combination of animal exhibits. Enrichment programs and special feedings to make your visit enjoyable.
A visit to the Zoo will play host to an array of wild adventures from a diving expedition on a Pacific coral reef to a safari through the plains of Africa. The Botanical Garden boasts 70-acres of beauty and is considered one of the America’s best public gardens. Themed gardens showcase more than 4,300 species of native and exotic plants.
Skywheel Myrtle Beach
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk has the famous Sky Wheel located at Oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade. Standing nearly 200 feet above the Myrtle Beach shores, this observation wheel is a must in your beach vacation. Enjoy the view or sunset in style in private, fully enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas and enjoy a soothing ride with views for miles.
South Carolina’s warm climate has made Myrtle Beach one of the most popular tourist destinations in the entire country. The city is home to many annual festivals and events. Offering endless entertainment and dining options.
Falls Park on the Reedy
Falls Park on the Reedy best feature is a pedestrian bridge that curves around a waterfall on the Reedy River. Named the Liberty Bridge at Falls Park on the Reedy. The 355-foot-long suspension bridge supported by cables on only one side, giving an unobstructed view of the falls.
The beauty of the waterfalls and gardens is enhanced by the graceful lines of the Liberty Bridge’s architecture and the appealing stonework throughout the park, as well as beautiful pieces of public art that adorn the park.
Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens is a sculpture garden and wildlife preserve located south of Murrells Inlet. It’s 9,100-acre property includes several themed gardens with figurative sculptures. Among the acres you will find the most significant collection of outdoor figurative sculptures by American artists in the world. Visitors come from around the world to see these beautiful gardens.
Brookgreen offers a selection of tours, programs, and exhibits for all ages. You may stroll through the gardens on a guided tour or explore these beautiful spaces on your own. Each season, new exhibitions and special events are ever Changing.
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum displays aircraft starting from WWII to present. One of the top sites in the country for naval aviation enthusiasts. The museum consists of the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown with 29 aircraft on display from WWII to the present; the USS Laffey, a Sumner-class destroyer, the USS Clamagore and a GUPPY III submarine.
To have all the top ten most significant aircraft in U.S. carrier aviation history. The YORKTOWN boasts one of the largest education and overnight camping programs in the nation. Patriots Point is the only aircraft carrier museum in the nation.
Congaree National Park
The United States’ largest tract of old growth bottomland hardwood forests is located in Congaree National Park near the city of Columbia. Visitors to the park can enjoy walking beneath the branches of some of the Eastern U.S.’s tallest trees and viewing the Congaree River.
Whether you are out for a short stroll on the boardwalk or taking a canoe trip down Cedar Creek, Congaree has a variety of ways for you to enjoy your visit to the park. Popular activities in the park include camping, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and more.
Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens includes a large Colonial Revival plantation house. A number of slave cabins or cottages and several flower gardens. The most notable natural feature of the grounds is the grand Avenue of Oaks. That consists of 88 live oak trees and one magnolia, that are evenly spaced, and run 3/4 of a mile from the entrance.
Visitors wishing to tour the entire 738 acres of the plantation can hop on an open-air coach, and separate guided tours of the house and the gardens are also available.
Things to Do in South Carolina
South Carolina is a state that is rich with history, culture, and alluring warm sunny spaces. If you want to experience time travel, walk down any street in some South Carolina cities. You’ll be transported back in time to the days of the antebellum South as you explore some of the nation’s oldest buildings.