1.) Charleston<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Probably one of South Carolina\u2019s most famous cities, Charleston is a place you can\u2019t miss when visiting the state. Trust me,\u00a0 the charm and beauty of Charleston is well worth a few days exploring\u2026 and not just because of its history.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s got mountains of restaurants, bars and seasonal events to experience.\u00a0<\/p>\n
That being said, you have to visit Charleston\u2019s Historic District, which is picture-perfect. Take a stroll through the streets and explore the centuries-old buildings and cobbled streets that make this place so special.<\/p>\n
Of course, you\u2019re not going to forget a stroll around\u00a0 The Battery, Rainbow Row and Broad Street but also make some time to explore other spots in the historic district, too.\u00a0<\/p>\n
For a tasty brunch, hop over to Toast All Day for their delicious French toast and homemade biscuits.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Finally, if you fancy some time on the sea, head to the Isle of Palms and Folly Beach to relax and bond with the sun and water.<\/p>\n
That being said, this luxury dinner cruise from Charleston is just beautiful to experience. Not only will you explore Charleston Harbor but also try some homely southern cuisine that South Carolina is so famous for.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Read more: Best things to do in Charleston<\/strong><\/p>\n2.) Myrtle Beach<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Known for its family-friendly nature, Myrtle Beach is a great spot to visit when visiting South Carolina with the family. That being said, it\u2019s just as good if you\u2019re travelling alone or with friends, too.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Of course, you\u2019ve got the firm favourites like its epic miniature golf course and the Family Kingdom Amusement Park, too. The latter can get a little pricey if you\u2019re there all day \u2013 but it\u2019s certainly worth it (especially for the rollercoaster).\u00a0<\/p>\n
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This all being said, Myrtle Beach isn\u2019t just about sinking some money in all the attractions. The beachfront is also totally gorgeous. It\u2019s the perfect place to go paddle boarding, fishing or kayaking or even just soaking up the sun.\u00a0<\/p>\n
One thing to note, Myrtle Beach can get a little crowded at peak times or holidays, so it\u2019s worth planning your visit for another time if you prefer and more chilled beach. Though, you can easily head to Myrtle Beach State Park where you can find trails, a fishing pier to stroll and relax.<\/p>\n
Plus, it\u2019s a great place for sunrise and sunset, too.\u00a0<\/p>\n
3.) Columbia<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Although Charleston is an epic city to visit, Columbia is South Carolina\u2019s largest city and capital. This makes it a totally vibrant and fun city to visit in South Carolina.<\/p>\n
Once here, make sure to check out Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park which is incredible for bike rides or trails through this historic area. If that doesn\u2019t sound like your thing, check out the iconic South Carolina State Museum that\u2019s spaced over 4 floors. The planetarium is just incredible, too.\u00a0<\/p>\n
For the tastiest cocktails, pop into Bourbon for their incredible cocktails and delicious\u00a0Bourbon Gumbo Bowl. They have also shrimp and grits which are so good with their added chilli oil.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nAfter filling up, check out the Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens, too. It\u2019s well worth exploring to learn more about the history of the building.<\/p>\n
4.) Caesars Head State Park<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Caesars Head State Park is one of the best places in South Carolina if you want to head out into the great outdoors. It is in the state\u2019s northernmost part.<\/p>\n
Caesars Head alone is a gigantic rock formation and it is an interesting and beautiful thing to see in the area.<\/p>\n
Now, most people visiting Caesars Head State Park go hiking -and it\u2019s such a great spot for this. A short one would be the Raven Cliff Falls, and this is also perfect if you want to be introduced to the landscape. Just be sure to take some good shoes, twisted ankles aren\u2019t fun on the hike.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Oh, and don\u2019t forget to check out the nearby Table Rock State Park and Pinnacle Lake, too. It\u2019s just down the road and totally beautiful to visit. Also, you\u2019ve got the Table Rock Summit Trail that\u2019s well worth joining if you\u2019re fancying a ramble.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Finally, pop into Aunt Sue\u2019s Country Corner for their roast pork and their creamy milkshakes.\u00a0<\/p>\n
5.) Hilton Head<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
If you fancy staying away from the crowds, you\u2019ll want to head to Hilton Head. Situated across Savannah (in Georgia) and is famous for its magnificent oceanfront resorts.<\/p>\n
Here, you can sail, snorkel or just enjoy the surf. Just be sure to always listen to the lifeguard\u2019s advice on the changing currents on the day you visit.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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You\u2019ll also be able to check out the heaps of world-class golf courses in the area. Trust me, if you love golfing, you\u2019ll find it one of the best places in South Carolina to visit.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Getting peckish, check out the Salty Dog Cafe; their seafood pot pie is everything. We loved it.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Read more: Best things to do in Charleston<\/strong><\/p>\n6.) Aiken<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
In lots of ways, I think of Aiken as one of South Carolina\u2019s Aiken hidden gems. Once the go-to place for people wanting to be seen in the 19th<\/sup> century, it quickly became a spot for the rich to enjoy. This all helped the equestrian industry to be a huge part of the town\u2019s character; which can still be seen today.\u00a0<\/p>\nJust be sure to check out the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame & Museum. It\u2019s one of the best places in South Carolina to visit if you want to find out about winning horses and the history of the area.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Oh yeah, and in February, you can also catch the famous Battle of Aiken <\/em>which is held yearly to recreate the 1865 world.<\/p>\n7.) Spartanburg<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Dating all the way back to 1753, Spartanburg is one of the more historic cities in South Carolina.<\/p>\n
To know about its history and culture, take a stroll around the Historic Downtown area and learn about Spartanburg\u2019s role in the First and Second World Wars. To make things easier, you can also take the Spartanburg Music Trail if you\u2019re into music or head to the Chapman Cultural Center and the Spartanburg Art Museum if you\u2019re into arts.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, if you love cars, you surely need to tour BMW Zentrum, and for nature lovers, you can hike, bike, walk or stroll around the arboretums in Spartanburg.<\/p>\n
For a tasty bite to eat, pop into The Kennedy for its crawfish and dumplings. It\u2019s such a gem.\u00a0<\/p>\n
8.) Mauldin and Greenville<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Perched upstate is Mauldin, one of the best places in South Carolina to visit if you\u2019re already in nearby Greenville.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Overlooking the Appalachian Mountains, it\u2019s a relatively small city that\u2019s got lots going for it. This is especially true when partnering an afternoon trip to Mauldin with a longer trip to Greenville, too. Between them, they\u2019ve got everything from symphony, ballet and theatre events that make Mauldin such a creative city.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
When planning your itinerary, don\u2019t forget to add the Peace Center Theater, Liberty Bridge, Falls Park, and Greenville County Museum of Art.<\/p>\n
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Not only that, Mauldin and Greenville have a lot of green space which is perfect for outdoor activities. You can hike, bike, visit parks, go to arcades or just explore the town. Pelham Mill Park is one famous riverside park in the area, so you might want to check it out.<\/p>\n
Plus, nearby, you have Saluda Lake where you can rent kayaks from Saluda River Adventures and explore the water. It\u2019s so much fun.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Afterwards, head to the pretty informal eatery of Mutt\u2019s BBQ. It has a relaxed vibe and is well worth going for their ribs alone.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Read more: Best things to do in Charleston<\/strong><\/p>\n9.) Huntington Beach State Park<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
If you love getting out and about in the great outdoors, then Huntington Beach State Park is the perfect place for you. It\u2019s one of the best places in South Carolin for its trails, campsites, birdwatching, and fishing. Plus, it\u2019s totally beautiful too.<\/p>\n
Trust me, if you want to chill, this is a great place to go \u2013 especially on its unspoiled coast.\u00a0However, If you want to still stay active, you can join the trails around Atalaya Castle.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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You\u2019ll have a great time and it\u2019s really easy to visit from, nearby, Myrtle Beach (which we mentioned earlier).\u00a0<\/p>\n
10.) Middleton Place<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
The United States\u2019 oldest landscaped gardens can be found in Middleton Place. If that\u2019s not enough reason to visit, then I don\u2019t know what is!<\/p>\n
Middleton place was formerly a plantation which began all the way back in 1755. Although only one of the buildings of the original mansion is standing today, Middleton Place is still considered a National Historic Landmark and well worth taking a gander around.\u00a0<\/p>\n
However, for me, the gardens may be the best part of the mansion. It is in a traditional French style with azaleas, camellias, magnolias and more. It\u2019s just stunning to see.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Plus, it\u2019s so easy to visit after exploring Charleston as it\u2019s on the fringes of the city itself.\u00a0<\/p>\n
11.) Lake Hartwell\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
It might be manmade, but regardless, Lake Hartwell is still a gem and one of the best places in South Carolina to visit.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Crossing the state boundaries of South Carolina and Georgia, you\u2019ll be able to check out Sadlers Creek State Park and visit River Forks Recreation Area. The latter has some gorgeous swimming areas that is perfect in the hotter months.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Oh, and stop by El Manzanillo for some of the best Mexican food in all of South Carolina. It\u2019s totally unfussy and very relaxed with yummy dishes.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Read more: Best things to do in Charleston<\/strong><\/p>\n\n9 Best Things To Do In Charleston, South Carolina<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n