Your guide to South Carolina
Top destinations in South Carolina
Charleston
Cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages and candy-coloured houses — get ready to discover South Carolina’s most distinguished Southern Belle.
Greenville
The hippest city in South Carolina blends a lively sporting scene with outdoor adventure and loads of Southern charm. Get ready to fall in love with Greenville.
Hilton Head
With sunny beaches, stellar seafood, world-class golf and a healthy dose of Southern hospitality, there’s a lot to draw you to Hilton Head.
Myrtle Beach
From kayak trips and seafood feasts to boardwalk strolls and golden coastline, Myrtle Beach makes a case for South Carolina’s hottest year-round getaway.
Columbia
Welcome to South Carolina’s charming capital city, home to leafy parks, independent theatres, cutting-edge art galleries and some of the trendiest bars and restaurants in the state.
Florence
With its blend of Native American history, authentic local cuisine and colourful public art, this dynamic South Carolina city refuses to be pinned down.
South Carolina: fast facts
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Currency | United States dollar ($) |
| Time zone | Charleston - UTC−5 (EST) and UTC−4 (EDT) |
| High season | March – May; September – November |
| Low season | June – August |
South Carolina highlights
Civil War history
Explore the historic sites around the state commemorating South Carolina’s central role in the American Civil War. See where the first shots were fired at Fort Sumter National Historical Park in Charleston Harbor. Or check out an early combat submarine at the Warren Lasch Conservation Center. In Columbia, visit the South Carolina State House, which is still marked by cannonballs.
Birthplace of barbecue
One of the best things to do in South Carolina is to feast on pulled pork cooked low and slow. The state is, after all, the birthplace of barbecue. You’ll find sauce variations, from tangy and sweet to thick and tomatoey. And no barbecue plate is complete without a mountain of sides like baked beans, cornbread, ‘collard greens’ (spring greens) and macaroni and cheese.
Waterfall hikes
The best way to explore South Carolina’s varied landscapes is on a hike. Families love the Chattooga River Gorge’s beginner-friendly trail to Spoonauger Falls. The massive Lower Whitewater Falls can be found on the trail through the Jocassee Gorges’ forestlands. Up for a challenge? Hike the Table Rock National Recreation Trail with its views over the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Things to do in South Carolina
Top attractions
Head to Myrtle Beach’s Boardwalk and Promenade for street performers, seafood stalls and fireworks during the summer. At Huntington Beach State Park, hike the peaceful nature trails early to spot rare birds like the red-cockaded woodpecker before the crowds arrive. Visiting Charleston? Hit the stalls at the historic 19th-century City Market for local crafts like traditional sweetgrass baskets.
Beaches
Home to over 4,600 kilometres of tidal shoreline, South Carolina has some of the Atlantic coast’s best beaches. Enjoy a day of family fun on Myrtle Beach with its boardwalk, arcades and amusement park. Or pair your beach break with golfing and water sports on Hilton Head Island. Keen to surf? Don’t miss ‘The Washout’ shoreline at Folly Beach.
Nature
Crowds flock to South Carolina’s white-sand beaches, but there’s plenty more natural beauty away from the coast. Visit the Angel Oak on Johns Island near Charleston, a 20-metre-high oak tree said to be as much as 400 years old. Head out onto the Chattooga River for whitewater rafting adventures. And on Waites Island, you can spot bald eagles, dolphins and sea turtles.
Cuisine
Aside from world-class barbecue, expect restaurants in South Carolina to serve Southern favourites and Lowcountry classics packed with fresh produce, seafood and spices. Sample frogmore stew, made with sausage, prawns, corn and potatoes. Or tuck into a bowl of rich she-crab soup, a bisque made with Atlantic crab meat. Craving something sweet? Try crispy sesame cookies called ‘benne wafers’.
Culture and museums
Some of the best museums in South Carolina are located in Charleston. Make time to visit the Old Slave Mart Museum and the International African American Museum. If you’re travelling with family, spend an afternoon at the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry. And for a deep dive into local history, the South Carolina State Museum in Columbia is just the place.
Nightlife
Charleston’s King Street is home to some of the best nightlife in South Carolina, with jazz lounges, late-night eateries and rooftop bars offering harbour views. Columbia’s Five Points maintains its laid-back, college-town vibe after dark with craft beer joints and live music venues. In Greenville, follow the locals to the Reedy River for brewery patios and cosy bars.
Find the best time to visit South Carolina
Weather in South Carolina through the year
March – May: Look forward to warm days and cooler evenings in spring. It’s a great time to see flowering azaleas and dogwoods.
June – September: Summer is hot and humid, with temperatures often above 32°C. Head to the coast for cool sea breezes and beach days. But be aware that this is also hurricane season — keep an eye on weather alerts.
October – November: Mild temperatures and beautiful autumn foliage make this the perfect season for hiking the Blue Ridge foothills.
December – February: Winters are generally mild, though occasional cold snaps bring snow to the mountains. It’s a prime time to visit for more affordable lodging options.
Events in South Carolina
Lowcountry Oyster Festival (January or February): The world’s largest oyster roast serves up 50,000 pounds of molluscs at Charleston’s Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens, with live music, contests and family-friendly activities.
Gullah Festival (May): Celebrate Gullah culture with drumming, storytelling, crafts and Lowcountry cuisine during this popular waterfront festival in Beaufort.
Spoleto Festival USA (May to June): Charleston’s biggest arts festival brings more than two weeks of opera, jazz, dance and theatre to historic venues and outdoor spaces across the city.
South Carolina State Fair (October): Ferris wheels, fried food, live music and blue-ribbon contests take over Columbia for two weeks each autumn.
Know before you go
Budget
While bigger cities like Charleston are known for being on the pricey side, exploring South Carolina on a budget is still possible with some smart planning and careful budgeting. Expect to pay under 25 US dollars ($) for a meal in a simple restaurant, and get a beer for under $7. Need a ride somewhere? A short taxi ride costs less than $10.
Health and safety
South Carolina’s hot, humid summers can increase the risk of heat exhaustion — drink plenty of water, wear sun cream and take breaks in the shade. Mosquitoes thrive in marshy and wooded areas, so use insect repellent, especially if you plan to visit the Lowcountry. Tick bites are also a concern when hiking. Check your skin after spending time outdoors.
Free things to do
Take in panoramic views of the Carolinas and Georgia from the Sassafras Mountain Observation Tower, South Carolina’s highest point. And in Columbia, free guided tours of the South Carolina State House offer a glimpse into the building’s history and architecture. For a peaceful day out, head to the South Carolina Botanical Gardens in Clemson, home to trails and nature-based sculptures.
Family friendly
Float down the Catawba River near Rock Hill, where gentle currents and tube rentals make a fun day out for all ages. In downtown Greenville, The Children’s Museum of the Upstate is packed with hands-on exhibits. Visiting in late spring? Time your visit to see Congaree National Park’s rare synchronous fireflies put on a glow show like no other.
Getting around South Carolina
Public transport
Buses: Intercity bus services like Greyhound and Southeastern Stages connect major hubs such as Columbia, Charleston and Greenville. Local transit systems, including The COMET in Columbia and CARTA in Charleston, offer affordable service around city centres and suburbs.
Trains: Amtrak runs several routes through South Carolina, including the Silver Meteor and Palmetto lines, with stops in cities like Florence, Charleston and Columbia.
Boats: While there are no major ferry systems, water taxis and harbour cruises operate in coastal areas like Charleston, offering a scenic way to get around and skip traffic.
Domestic flights
South Carolina’s major airports are Charleston, Columbia and Greenville–Spartanburg, each offering frequent connections to major hubs like Atlanta, Charlotte and Dallas. Florence is a small regional airport with very limited service, while Myrtle Beach International offers extensive seasonal and year-round flights.
Driving and car hire
Driving is the easiest way to explore South Carolina, with well-maintained highways linking the coast, cities and mountain towns. Scenic routes like Highway 11 cut through the Blue Ridge foothills, making for especially picturesque drives in autumn. Traffic in Charleston and Myrtle Beach can get heavy on weekends and during the peak summer season, so plan ahead for parking.
