The places, most named first
From the 6 guides that rank for "best places to visit in south carolina"
Named by 5 of 61. CharlestonCharleston is the oldest city in South Carolina, with preserved plantation homes and a lively arts scene.It works well for couples, food lovers and history travelers who like walkable cities.Best time to visit Charleston
Named by 5 of 62. Myrtle BeachMyrtle Beach is one of the best-known family beach destinations in the Southeast.It is known for wide beaches, golf courses, mini golf and a lively boardwalk.Best time to visit Myrtle Beach
Named by 5 of 63. Hilton Head IslandHilton Head is described as more polished, relaxed and resort-focused than other coastal stops.The island is only 12 miles long but has 24 golf courses and over 250 restaurants.
Named by 3 of 64. Fort SumterFort Sumter in Charleston Harbor is where the first battle of the Civil War took place.It is a short boat ride from Charleston.
Named by 3 of 65. Congaree National ParkThe park protects the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States.Visitors walk the boardwalk trail and can kayak or canoe on Cedar Creek.
Named by 3 of 66. BeaufortFounded in 1711, Beaufort is the second oldest city in South Carolina.Its historic streets under Spanish moss are designated a National Historic Landmark.Named by 2 of 67. GreenvilleGreenville anchors a revived downtown in the Upstate foothills.It is suggested as a city getaway away from the coast.
Named by 2 of 68. Brookgreen GardensThe site has a wildlife preserve, an extensive sculpture garden and oaks draped in Spanish moss.It sits on Pawleys Island, just outside Myrtle Beach.
Named by 2 of 69. Caesars Head State ParkThe park covers 7,467 acres on the northwest border with North Carolina.The Upstate foothills turn color in fall around Table Rock and Caesars Head.
Named by 2 of 610. Magnolia Plantation and GardensIt is one of the oldest plantations in the South, a short drive outside Charleston.It offers a self-guided walking tour of the grounds.
11. Kiawah IslandKiawah Island is listed for couples, beach travelers and golfers.
12. Edisto IslandEdisto Island is named as a quieter Lowcountry escape and a beach option.
13. Folly BeachFolly Beach is listed among the state's different beach styles.
14. Huntington Beach State ParkThe park south of Myrtle Beach mixes wetlands and sandy beaches, with boardwalk trails and Atalaya Castle.
15. Hunting Island State ParkThe park has beaches, marshland and forest, and the only publicly accessible lighthouse in the state.
16. Angel Oak TreeEstimates put the tree at 400 to 1,500 years old, near Charleston.
17. Swan Lake Iris GardensIt is the only public park in the U.S. with all eight species of swan.
18. USS Yorktown at Patriots PointThe WWII ship is a museum on Charleston Harbor.
19. Old Sheldon Church RuinsThe ruins sit just north of Beaufort and were built in 1757.
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When to go
Travel guides most often name March to May and September to November as the best time to visit South Carolina.
Questions people ask
- What is the best month to go to South Carolina?
- Spring, roughly March through May, is the sweet spot on the coast: mild, blooming and less humid. Autumn is nearly as good.
- What are some good ideas for a road trip to South Carolina?
- One suggested route runs about a week down the Atlantic coast from the Grand Strand through Charleston to the Lowcountry near the Georgia line.
