South Carolina

Travel Guide
Huntington Beach State Park which includes a beach and a sunset
Embrace the good life in South Carolina, where you can feast on perfectly barbecued meat, tee off in world-class golf courses and explore stunning coastal cities.

Roam along the glorious, golden coastline of South Carolina to visit picturesque Southern towns and idyllic beaches. Explore the midlands and mountain regions of the state for hearty Southern cuisine and breathtaking, untouched scenery.

The history of South Carolina is tied up with exploration, revolution and rebellion in America. Visit Native American sites such as Edisto Beach State Park or early colonial destinations such as Charles Towne Landing, where Europeans first settled in the state. The battleground on Kings Mountain marks a turning point in the War of Independence, while Charleston Harbor was where the Civil War started.

Soak up the atmosphere of charming Charleston. Wander around the historic French Quarter or take a campus tour of the picturesque College of Charleston to admire the elegant Southern architecture. The Charleston Museum examines the history of the region while the Gibbes Museum of Art offers American visual art within a stunning Beaux Arts building.

Sample the food scene in Charleston and dine in some of the South’s finest restaurants. Enjoy hearty classics such as shrimp and grits or fried chicken with collard greens.

While in the coastal region, spend some time on one of South Carolina’s beaches. Myrtle Beach is famed for its lively boardwalk with carnival rides. Escape to the scenic shores of Hunting Island and Hilton Head Island.

Golfers flock to South Carolina throughout the year to play 18 holes on hundreds of professional-standard courses. Take your clubs to the charming small city of Greenville for games in the scenic upstate region.

Head inland for hiking and driving through South Carolina’s spectacular scenery. In the midlands, follow the river through Congaree State Park in a canoe. Trek to the observation point in Caesars Head State Park for panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Fly into Charleston or Myrtle Beach to land near the coast or choose Greenville Airport for the mountains. South Carolina is a year-round destination. Visit the mountains and beaches in summer, the historic homes in fall and winter or come in spring for golf.

Where to stay in South Carolina

Cherry Grove Pier featuring a beach and general coastal views

Cherry Grove Beach

4.5/5(172 area reviews)

The beaches and seaside views are top of the list for many visitors to Cherry Grove Beach. A stop by Cherry Grove Oceanfront Park or Cherry Grove Beach might round out your trip.

Cherry Grove Beach
Edmonston-Alston House featuring a house

Downtown Charleston

4/5(643 area reviews)

Explore the National Historic Landmark District, boasting an unparalleled collection of 18th and 19th-century architecture, including Charleston "single houses." Discover fine Greek Revival homes in Ansonborough and historic civic buildings on Broad Street.

Downtown Charleston
Charleston

Charleston Historic District

4.5/5(3,245 area reviews)

Explore this National Historic Landmark District, boasting an unparalleled collection of 18th and 19th-century architecture, including Charleston "single houses." Nearby Ansonborough features fine Greek Revival houses and historic civic buildings.

Charleston Historic District
Default Image

Sea Pines

4.5/5(27 area reviews)

While visiting Sea Pines, you might make a stop by sights like Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III and Harbour Town Golf Links.

Sea Pines
Beautiful sunrise with a dolphin popping up to say hi.

South Forest Beach

If you're spending some time in South Forest Beach, Sea Pines Forest Preserve and Coligny Beach are top sights worth seeing.

South Forest Beach
OD Pavilion Amusement Park featuring rides

Ocean Drive

4.5/5(481 area reviews)

Ocean Drive is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like OD Pavilion Amusement Park and Ocean Drive Beach.

Ocean Drive
Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort
Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort
3 out of 5
803 S Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC
The price is $71 per night from Jun 2 to Jun 3
$71
$113 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 2 - Jun 3
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Myrtle Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 indoor pools. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our ...
7.6/10 Good! (3,157 reviews)
"Pretty much everything"

Reviewed on May 24, 2024

Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort
Coral Beach Resort Hotel & Suites
Coral Beach Resort Hotel & Suites
3.5 out of 5
1105 S Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC
The price is $94 per night from May 29 to May 30
$94
$141 total
includes taxes & fees
May 29 - May 30
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Myrtle Beach. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,590 reviews)
"The stay was awesome, and was just what I needed. The only thing that threw me off was someone inserting a pizza place menu through my door despite having the Do Not Disturb hanger on the door.. sounded like someone was trying to break in or something."

Reviewed on May 24, 2024

Coral Beach Resort Hotel & Suites
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charleston Dwtn - Westedge, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charleston Dwtn - Westedge, an IHG Hotel
2.5 out of 5
250 Spring Street, Charleston, SC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $110 per night from May 29 to May 30
$110
$133 total
includes taxes & fees
May 29 - May 30
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Charleston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (782 reviews)
"Hotel and staff excellent, easy to uber to central(1.8 miles), parking a little tight, and buildings across street are being renovated, revitalized"

Reviewed on May 20, 2024

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charleston Dwtn - Westedge, an IHG Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort
Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort
3 out of 5
803 S Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Myrtle Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 indoor pools. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our ...
7.6/10 Good! (3,157 reviews)
"Pretty much everything"

Reviewed on May 24, 2024

Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort
Coral Beach Resort Hotel & Suites
Coral Beach Resort Hotel & Suites
3.5 out of 5
1105 S Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Myrtle Beach. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,590 reviews)
"The stay was awesome, and was just what I needed. The only thing that threw me off was someone inserting a pizza place menu through my door despite having the Do Not Disturb hanger on the door.. sounded like someone was trying to break in or something."

Reviewed on May 24, 2024

Coral Beach Resort Hotel & Suites
Crown Reef Beach Resort and Waterpark
Crown Reef Beach Resort and Waterpark
3 out of 5
Myrtle Beach
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Myrtle Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,510 reviews)
Mix up
"I had asked for a room higher up fir the view. They put me on the 2nd floor with the pool right outside my patio and the parking lot and pool pumps on the other side. Loud was an understatement. The young lady that checked me in said I see you requested top floors but we put you on the 2nd floor. ..."

Reviewed on May 24, 2024

Crown Reef Beach Resort and Waterpark
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Read travel guides and advice on visiting South Carolina

Cities near South Carolina