Top 8 Tourist Attractions In South Carolina (2024)

If you are looking for the best place for an exotic vacation this year, South Carolina has lots to offer. Whether you are a sports freak or a beach lover, the city will serve every purpose with much enthusiasm. It has an array of beautiful destinations to visit. You can either bike along the trails, bask in the glorious sunny beaches, or visit places of historical interest.

Explore the fantastic landscapes and learn about the state’s history by visiting the top tourist attractions in South Carolina.

Top 8 Tourist Attractions In South Carolina

To plan your trip to the Palmetto State in the US, you need to list the best places to visit in South Carolina. There are plensty of thrilling adventures to try as well. If you have a guide throughout your tour, you will be able to learn the amazing cultural and historical significance of South Carolina. Here are some of the top-rated places to visit in and around the state:

1. Myrtle Beach:

It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Carolina, especially during the summers. The sandy beach, splashing waters, and adventurous sports make it a favorite spot for many. You can relax and soak in the summer sun here. Also, try the Myrtle Beach Skywheel to travel around the beach and get an amazing aerial view of the entire landscape. There is a popular shopping center Broadway at the Beach, where you will find exquisitely handcrafted and other marine items of interest.

Nearby hotels to stay: Ocean View Myrtle Beach Hotel, Boardwalk Beach Resort

Things to try: Kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing, and speed boat rides. Try the amazing seafood and watch the sunrise and sunset from favorable locations at the beach.

2. Hilton Head Island:

If you are curious to try out fun activities, including bicycling, shopping, and bird-watching in South Carolina, you need to visit Hilton Head Island. Though it is not as pompous as the popular beaches here, it can be fun to hover around. Your kids will have a splendid time in this place, bicycling all around.

Along the shores of the waterway and white sandy beaches, you can see dolphins splashing through the waters if you are lucky. There are wide tracks on this island where you can bicycle and enjoy the scenery. They are available on a rental basis.

Location: Beaufort County, South Carolina

Fun things to try: Visit the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge located close to the island. The Sea Pines Resort Area is also a treat to the eyes.

3. Charleston’s Historic District:

Have a look at the historical building of the state in one of the best places to visit in South Carolina- Charleston’s Historic District. It has over 1400 historic homes, a magnificent church, and a bustling city market. You can opt for a carriage ride to visit the iconic places of interest here. Examples will include the Aiken-Rett House and Old Slave Mart Museum. Revisit the rich cultural history of the state in all its glory.

Location: King Street, South Carolina

Unknown facts: The state arranges walking tours around this district. You will even be informed about the various haunted places in and around Charleston’s Historic District. Gear up to meet and greet certain unknown faces while you tour the ancient place of wonders!

4. Patriot’s Point:

Learn about the glorious service of the USS Yorktown in Patriot’s Point. It is located just on the opposite side of the Charleston Historic District. The historic aircraft carrier has been harbored here for quite some time now. You can tour the ship and learn about the intricate details of its service during the World Wars. It has received over 12 battle stars for its incredible service. Not only that, but the USS Yorktown has also been featured in the popular film called “The Fighting Lady.” It is a popular tourist spot in South Carolina that you must visit during your trip to the state.

Location: 40 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Things to try: Catch a glimpse of the fantastic natural landscape while you board the USS Yorktown.

5. Hunting Beach State Park:

It is a favorite spot for tourists in South Carolina, especially to spend quality time with their families. With lush greenery all around, with a freshwater lake, the park is one of the best tourist destinations in South Carolina. You can engage in bird-watching as millions of migratory birds flock here every year. There are alligators in the lake, which occasionally come out to bask in the sun. Spend a day full of fun and frolic, and plan a picnic with your close ones in this park.

Location: 16148 Ocean Hwy, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

Unknown facts: It was once declared the best beach state park in the whole of the USA by a popular magazine in the upstate.

6. Riverbanks Zoo and Garden:

This two-acre exhibit at the heart of the state is a treat to the eyes of everyone. The zoo has over 350 species of animals adapting to their essential habitat quite naturally. You will also get amazing views of the African savannah here. The mixture of flora and fauna adds a mystic charm to the whole place. Catch a glimpse of African zebras, baboons, and ostriches and record their candid shots.

Location: 500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia, South Carolina

Timings: 9 AM-5 PM, open daily (except Christmas and Thanksgiving)

Tidbit Facts: The flora and fauna belong to certain extricate species which remain in an extremely modified environment inside the zoo.

7. South Carolina State Museum:

Have a look at the special exhibits in this museum to learn more about the scientific and cultural history of the state. It is one of the most popular and best places to visit in South Carolina. You will find a wide range of artifacts and art exhibits by famous painters. It was built in 1988 and featured amazing historical items which are going to blow your mind. If you are a history and science freak, this is just the right place for you to spend quality time.

Location: 301 Gervais Street, Columbia, South Carolina

Timings: 10 AM-5 PM

Unknown facts: Visit the 4-D interactive theater and watch the science shows to know the details of South Carolina’s development in the recent past.

8. EdVenture:

Take your children for a fun day out in EdVenture. It is located almost at the center of the state, with easy access to most areas around. It is filled with fun sci-fi activities that will make your kid happy and excited. You can spend the entire day with your child here and have a look at the amazing discoveries made by modern man. There are auditorium shows with light and sound programs for an hour or so during the day. It is surely one of the best places to visit in South Carolina, especially during a family holiday.

Location: 211 Gervais Street, Columbia, South Carolina

Timings: 9 AM-5 PM (closed on Tuesdays).

Things to try: Magic-themed indoor activities, tour around the science and invention lab.

Best Places To Try Authentic Lowcountry Food Styles In South Carolina

The Palmetto State has a mixture of both Southern and local food flavors that is going to mesmerize you in every way. To make your trip to South Carolina a major hit, you must try the local food items at least once. The state has deep African roots with modernized South American appetizers to try. Here are some of the favorite food items of the locals of South Carolina:

Chicken Bog: It is a delicious American recipe with chicken, rice, and smoked sausage. This one-pot dish is the creamiest food here, and when you try it with smoked veggies, the flavors become real and natural. It is a must-have for your lunch or dinner in South Carolina as and when you travel.

Where to try: Big Mike’s Soul Food, Palmetto Pig Bar-B-Q Restaurant, Simply Southern Smokehouse.

Frogmore Stew: It is a typical Lowcountry dish mainly composed of shrimp, new potatoes, corn, and smoked sausage. The dish is named after the place where it was first made. The recipe was discovered somewhat around the 1890s, and since then, it has been a regular hit among South Carolinians.

Where to try: Bowen’s Island Restaurant, Chef Bob’s Cafe.

Huguenot Torte: Known as the queen of all desserts in South Carolina, this torte is served by almost all restaurants in the state. It is made of eggs, sugar, and flour, often spiced with cinnamon and other aromatic flavors. It is without any crust, making the desert even more smooth and more heavenly. Try this delicious treat at some of the best restaurants in South Carolina. You will never be able to forget the taste thereafter. Save some time and steal the recipe for this dessert from any of the staff members!

Where to try: Stellini Italian Restaurant, Huguenot Mill and Loft, The Guillebeau House.
Shrimp and Grits: This Charleston-style dish is an old and popular choice among the locals in South Carolina. While you visit the important tourist spots in South Carolina, do not miss out on this heavenly treat. The shrimp and grits are mixed together with cream and sauce, with added onions and bacon to highlight the flavors. Make it a point to stop at one of the famous restaurants in the state and relish this delicacy to your heart’s content.

Where to try: Stella’s Southern Brasserie, The Cottage Cafe, Flipside Cafe, Poogan’s Porch.

Plan Your Tour To Experience A Jolly and Vibing Lifestyle In South Carolina

South Carolina, being one of the most popular states in the USA, has had a host of excellent developments in recent years. You will now be able to witness the amazing coexistence of history and culture throughout the state. Pack your bags to spend quality time with your family and visit the best places to visit in South Carolina. Try various fun and exciting things to do around the state, and relish the fantastic American delicacies.