South Carolina is a southeastern U.S. state known for its shoreline of subtropical beaches and marshlike sea islands. Coastal Charleston is a historic city, defined by pastel-colored houses, Old South plantations and Fort Sumter, where the Civil War’s opening shots were fired. To the north is the Grand Strand, a roughly 60-mile stretch of beachfront known for golf courses and the vacation town Myrtle Beach. ― Google
Nicknames: The Palmetto State | Southern charm meets coastal beauty
Spring (March–May): Best weather—warm, breezy, and ideal for gardens and beaches.
Fall (September–November): Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful foliage in the upstate.
Summer (June–August): Great for beach vacations, though hot and humid inland.
Winter (December–February): Mild winters with fewer tourists—ideal for historic city visits.
By Air:
Charleston International Airport (CHS) – gateway to the Lowcountry.
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) – popular for beachgoers.
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) – serves the Upstate region.
Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) – near the capital city.
By Car:
Major interstates: I-26, I-95, I-20, I-85.
Coastal drives via US-17 (Ocean Highway).
By Train:
Amtrak stations in Charleston, Columbia, Florence, and more.
Charleston: Cobblestone streets, pastel homes, horse-drawn carriages, and historic landmarks.
Must-see: The Battery, Rainbow Row, Charleston City Market, Fort Sumter.
Myrtle Beach: Family-friendly beach town with a boardwalk, amusement parks, and golf courses.
Hilton Head Island: Upscale beaches, biking, and world-class golf.
Congaree National Park: Old-growth forest and swamp boardwalks near Columbia.
Greenville: Charming downtown, waterfalls at Falls Park on the Reedy, and art galleries.
Beaufort: Small town with antebellum architecture and Lowcountry culture.
South Carolina Plantations: Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Boone Hall, and Middleton Place.
Beach days: Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, Folly Beach, and Isle of Palms.
Golfing: Dozens of courses in Hilton Head, Kiawah Island, and Myrtle Beach.
Historic tours: Walk or carriage through Charleston and Beaufort’s preserved districts.
Boating & kayaking: Marshes, rivers, and coastal waterways.
Hiking: Table Rock State Park and Caesars Head in the Blue Ridge foothills.
Festivals: Spoleto Festival USA (Charleston), Gullah Festival (Beaufort), and BBQ competitions statewide.
Luxury:
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Montage Palmetto Bluff (Bluffton)
Wentworth Mansion (Charleston)
Mid-range:
Boutique hotels in Charleston and Greenville.
Beach resorts in Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head.
Budget:
Chain hotels and inns across the state.
Vacation rentals and campsites for coastal or upstate trips.
Unique:
Historic B&Bs in Charleston and Beaufort.
Plantation stays or riverfront cabins.
Must-Try South Carolina Foods:
Shrimp and grits
She-crab soup
Frogmore stew (Lowcountry boil)
Pimento cheese
South Carolina mustard-based BBQ
Boiled peanuts (the official state snack)
Notable Restaurants:
Husk (Charleston): Elevated Southern cuisine.
Fleet Landing (Charleston): Waterfront seafood.
Hominy Grill (Charleston, now closed but iconic): Sparked a food revival—many alternatives carry on the style.
Skull Creek Boathouse (Hilton Head): Fresh, local seafood.
Soby’s (Greenville): Modern Southern with local flair.
Southern hospitality: Warm, welcoming people and a slower pace.
Lowcountry traditions: African, Gullah-Geechee, and European influences in food, music, and art.
Historic preservation: Charleston and Beaufort are leading examples of architectural and cultural conservation.
Nature and coast: Deep connection to the sea, rivers, and marshlands.
Music & arts: Bluegrass, jazz, and gospel roots plus world-class events like Spoleto Festival USA.
College sports & traditions: Clemson and USC Gamecocks dominate local spirit.