10 Best Things to Do in South Carolina (2024)

These best things to do in South Carolina cover the best attractions, historical sights, beaches, and nature spots the state has to offer.

Steeped in charm and surrounded by picturesque scenery, South Carolina is a great destination for tourists who prefer a slower pace. With a rich cultural heritage and fabulous cuisine, the Palmetto State has a multitude of things to see and do.

Rather than attempt to cram your itinerary with activities, it can help to plan.

We’ve put together some suggestions on what to see and do in South Carolina in 2024 so you can get the most out of your trip.

Best Things to Do in North Carolina

1) Explore Charleston’s Historic District

One of the best things to do in South Carolina is to head to Charleston and explore Charleston’s Historic District. The cobblestone streets, lined with antebellum homes and gas lanterns, are a charming, quaint place to explore.

Take a stroll down Rainbow Row, admire the pastel-colored houses, and don’t miss a horse-drawn carriage tour; it’s a charming way to learn about the city’s rich history. This is one of the top things to do in Charleston and a great start to your time in South Carolina.

2) Relax at Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is the perfect spot for both relaxation and adventure. The endless stretch of sandy shore, paired with the gentle waves of the Atlantic, makes it my go-to for unwinding.

For adventure seekers, you can enjoy parasailing high above the ocean but we enjoyed spending a day strolling along the iconic boardwalk.

3) The Lakes

South Carolina is famously laid-back, as are many of their popular sports and leisure activities.

Lake Hartwell is a popular boating and fishing spot, where renting a boat for the day is one of the easiest and fun ways to get around.

When choosing fishing grounds, make sure to include Lake Murray in your list of destinations. Home to hundreds of species of fish, the lake is touted as one of the most productive in the South.

If you’re lucky enough to have a boat of your own, keep in mind summer temperatures can reach a sizzling 90F, so don’t forget to install shades (like Stryker Folding T-Tops) to shield you from the glare.

Summers in South Carolina are also notoriously humid, so be sure to bring some bug spray.

4) Tour Fort Sumter

Standing at Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired, is a humbling experience.

The boat ride to the fort offers scenic views of Charleston Harbor, and this is a fascinating way to learn about American History; particularly interesting for those traveling with teens. If you aren’t sure if Charleston is worth visiting, then this is a great place to explore and research before your trip.

5) Coligny Beach

Coligny Beach is a gorgeous beach to explore; spanning a total of five miles and offering some of the best oceanfront views in the state. The beach park provides visitors with rentable living spaces that are perfect for an overnight stay or a week-long getaway.

Apart from that, the beach gives off a tropical atmosphere similar to the Caribbean. The area also has shopping attractions as well as a theater playing classic films.

6) The Nature Spots

Even South Carolina’s nature spots are historic: some trees in Congaree State Park have been there for over 500 years, while Charleston’s beautiful Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is the oldest in the United States.

If you’re game for a much-needed hiking trip, then the upstate area has exciting trails to excite the adventurer in you! The best of these is Yellow Branch Falls near Walhalla. The trail stretches more than three miles and can be traversed in an hour and 20 minutes depending on weather conditions.

Another awesome trail to keep in mind is the Table Rock Trail system located at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains and near the northern part of Pickens County. Featuring three loops that could stretch a total of five miles, the Table Rock Trail system leads you to beautiful vantage points overlooking grand forescapes under clear blue skies.

If you want to extend your stay with nature, then consider setting up camp at the Table Rock State park camping grounds. Find a good spot near the 36-acre Pinnacle Lake and take a dip in the early morning. 

7) The Avery Research Center

If you want to know more about African-American history, then there are tons of cultural attractions that celebrate hundreds of years of heritage. The Avery Research Center in the College of Charleston is one place you wouldn’t want to overlook.

Apart from welcoming academics and scholars from all over the world, the center is also open to the public eager to learn more about African-American contributions to art, culture, and national history. 

8) Visit Brookgreen Gardens

Brookgreen Gardens is a hidden gem and one of the best things to do in South Carolina, especially for those looking to relax.

Walking through the sprawling gardens, I was captivated by the stunning sculptures nestled among vibrant flowers and ancient oak trees draped in Spanish moss. It’s a serene place where you can lose yourself in the beauty of both man-made art and natural wonders.

9) The food

Charleston also happens to be a major culinary hub where many popular restaurants can be found -but make sure to book early and don’t forget to bring cash: while some places may not accept cards, tips are always a good way to say thank you for that famous Southern hospitality.

While you’re there, don’t forget to try some of the best local dishes SC has offer: Gullah cuisine, grits and barbeque are all essential dishes (to name a few), not to mention a delicious range of seafood, and to drink, what else but a refreshing pitcher of sweet tea.

If you’re not sure what to get from a menu in any South Carolina restaurant, then it would be best to start with a she-crab soup as an appetizer. This delicacy consists of fresh crabmeat, roe, and a dash of sherry to create a tangy yet delectable dish that seafood fans will instantly fall in love with. 

You can’t get the full Palmetto State culinary experience without savoring peach-based dishes and desserts. From cobblers to soups and salads, the state offers a wide variety of options with peach as the main ingredient.

10) Tour Boone Hall Plantation

Boone Hall Plantation offers a deep dive into the South’s history, both beautiful and painful.

As I walked down the famous Avenue of Oaks, I was struck by the plantation’s grandeur, but also by the stories of those who lived and worked there.

The preserved slave cabins and informative exhibits provide a sobering and important perspective on American history.

There are plenty of things to do in South Carolina, to keep all travelers busy. We love spending time fully exploring the state, from the parks to the historic sights. But also, trying the delicious diverse food.

Where is your favorite place to visit in South Carolina?!