Steeped in history, South Carolina is only just beginning to show up on many tourists’ radars. This undiscovered gem on the Eastern seaboard is awash with fun-filled family days out. With plenty for culture heads, history buffs, thrill-seekers, and beach lovers to sink their teeth into, South Carolina should be a prominent fixture on any family’s vacation Wishlist.
Charleston
Founded in 1670 as a port city, Charleston is a history paradise. Taking in the city’s cobbled streets and the French quarter’s antebellum architecture, visitors are whisked away to the era of a fledgeling nation finding its feet.
Visitors can explore the sights around Charleston Harbor, including Fort Sumter which saw the first action of the American Civil War. The Battery, a row of typical southern-style mansions overlooking the harbor is also a must-see for any visitor to the state.
Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is an emerging vacation resort on South Carolina’s Atlantic Coast and is also the focal point of what is known as the Grand Strand, a sixty-mile scattering of beaches. The city is home to beach-side arcades, rolling golf courses and upscale restaurants, making it a sought-after destination among sun-seekers.
Families descend on Myrtle Beach for its wealth of activities for children. The Family Kingdom theme park and the city’s SkyWheel are the resort’s major draws. Click the link for more information and to find out which activities you can enjoy in this city.
Hilton Head Island
Those in search of relaxation and slower pace of life often head to Hilton Head Island. The Island offers picturesque views over the Atlantic Ocean and an array of beaches to enjoy. Among the island’s favorite spots is the Harbor Town Lighthouse and Museum and the Coastal Discovery Museum.
Nature lovers will also relish the opportunity to spy alligators, deer, and birds in their natural habitat on a walk through Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge. For those wishing to stretch their sea legs, there are also dolphin watching tours departing daily.
Columbia
Holidaymakers looking for a little more bustle might want to pay the South Carolina state capital, Columbia, a visit. Marvel at the state legislature, an ornate building inspired by ancient Greek architecture, and take in the building’s lavish gardens and historic monuments.
Congaree National Park, just a short drive outside the city, offers plenty of hiking trails for those looking to get a taste of the backcountry. If that seems like too far to go, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden has a collection of wild animals for visitors to take in without leaving the city limits.
Mount Pleasant
Between 1990 and 2000, the suburban town of Mount Pleasant, situated in the heart of Charleston County, doubled its population. The town is often overlooked by tourists to the region but offers some hidden jewels for the curious visitor.
Boone Hall plantation and gardens offer visitors a glimpse into the life of plantation owners of the antebellum period. Having continuously grown crops for more than 320 years, Boone Hall stands among the oldest working plantations. The architecture and horticulture alone make the plantation worth a stop on any South Carolina vacation itinerary.
