From the mountains to the sea, when you’re ready to visit all the wonderful places in South Carolina, we’ll be ready. Whether it is your first visit or more than you can count, there’s always something new to discover in the land of smiling faces and beautiful places.
Watch these highlights of some of our favorite places in the state.
South Carolina is Divided Into Tourism Regions, Each With Its Unique Flavors and Features
The Upcountry
Let’s start with our favorite, The Upcountry, where history and the present come together. The area was home to the Cherokee Indians, and many of its rivers are named in their honor. Plus, many famous people of both past and present – from former vice president John C. Calhoun to The Marshall Tucker Band – have called the region home. You’ll find a wealth of enjoyable outdoor activities like boating, rafting, and fishing while finding opportunities to explore the many museums and art galleries.
In Lake Hartwell Country, nature beckons the outdoor adventurer the charm of small towns breathe life into the mountains of South Carolina. These ancient hills hold the secrets of Cherokee tribes who once called this land home. Water rushes through these peaks in a wild and scenic way, and the lakes that sparkle in this land are beyond beautiful.
History buffs will find themselves immersed in everything South Carolina’s Olde English District has to offer. These seven counties started as English settlements in the 1770s, but later became the site of numerous battles during the Revolutionary War. This unique history can be explored in the district’s numerous museums and historic destinations, including the South Carolina Railroad Museum.
Experience the beauty and mystique of rural South Carolina when you take a journey into the Old 96 District, found in the western part of the state. Nestled within its waters are large populations of catfish, striped bass, and plenty of other catches for the fishing enthusiast. Plus, there are a number of great golf courses available to practice sinking those putts.
Visitors to Lake Murray Country will have plenty to see and explore.
If you’re into fun on the water, the Congaree River is the perfect place to embrace your inner outdoorsman.
Art enthusiasts will have plenty of excellent museums to choose from, while golfers can take a swing at the area’s many premier courses. Along the way, don’t miss out on the fine dining and top-notch entertainment.
Pee Dee Region
Named for the original Native America Pee Dee Indians who used to call the area home, the Pee Dee region offers history as a big draw for the area. Its history runs the gamut from the Revolutionary to the Civil Wars. Plus, everything from cotton to tobacco – both major cash crops of the Pee Dee – is reflected in the region’s offerings. For golfers, there are several courses to choose from and don’t forget the Darlington Raceway and museum.
Myrtle Beach
Affectionately known as the “Grand Strand,” the Myrtle Beach area encompasses 60 miles of Atlantic coastline and pristine beaches. For beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean, take a stroll on our award-winning oceanfront boardwalk and promenade before boarding the nearly 200-feet tall Myrtle Beach SkyWheel. The Myrtle Beach area is considered a contender for the “golf capital of the US.” That’s because there are more than 80 courses, including 14 that have been ranked among “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses.”
Centered around the Santee Cooper lakes in South Caroline are four counties that offer a wealth of outdoor activities, as well as shopping, dining, and golfing options that will make up the perfect family getaway. So, cast a reel into the lakes and come up with that large catch. Or, take time to explore the area’s beautiful gardens and museums. Skywatchers will be thrilled when they head over to the I.P. Stanback Museum and Planetarium and explore the cosmos.
Thoroughbred Country
When one hears the word “thoroughbred,” horses are the first thing to pop into their heads. And it’s true that South Carolina’s Thoroughbred Country has its fair share beautiful stallions. But also, this wonderful region is steeped in a rich history that tells the American story as well as the South Carolina story. Demonstrations in pottery, frontier trading, and blacksmithing will teach you what life was like in colonial times. Then, a hike through spots like a Carolina Bay will show you that the region has natural beauty as well.
Charleston
Alive with a rich history that can still be found in the very cobblestones lining the streets, historic Charleston is a step back in time, but with all the modern amenities that a 21st-century traveler would expect.
Hear tales about the city’s unique past and see historic homes on a fantastic horse-drawn carriage tour.
Or, explore the country’s naval history before getting to know more about the area’s marine wildlife. Along the way, first-class dining and shopping options await.
The Lowcountry
One of South Carolina’s most celebrated regions is the Lowcountry, an area steeped in tradition inspired by its Gullah Geechee culture. Whether your passion is fishing, golf, viewing historic buildings, taking in a museum, or shopping, you’ll find it in the Lowcountry. And there is never a shortage of festivals, which celebrate everything from the gopher tortoise to watermelons. For all you foodies, dining in the Lowcountry is practically an art unto itself, as techniques and recipes are a combination of southern and Gullah styles.
Learn more about these exciting places or contact us to start planning your next visit.