30 Best Things to Do in South Carolina: Coast to Mountains

South Carolina packs a lot into a small space. In one state you can walk cobblestone streets in Charleston, ride a bike along the sand at Hilton Head, stand beneath giant cypress trees in a flooded forest, and swim in a mountain lake so clear it looks tropical. Few visitors see all of it, and most of them miss the best part.

The pastel-painted Georgian houses of Rainbow Row on East Bay Street in Charleston — Rainbow Row on East Bay Street. Photo: Something Original (talk) via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

The best things to do in South Carolina are exploring historic Charleston, relaxing on Hilton Head Island, enjoying Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand, walking the boardwalk at Congaree National Park, visiting Falls Park in Greenville, and hiking Table Rock in the Upstate.

This list runs from the coast to the mountains, grouped by region so you can build a trip. If you’ve only ever seen the beaches, skip ahead to the Upstate section.

Charleston and the Lowcountry

1. Walk Historic Charleston

Rainbow Row in historic Charleston. Photo: NealVickers via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Pastel houses, church steeples and hidden alleys make Charleston one of America’s great walking cities. Start with Rainbow Row, The Battery and Waterfront Park, and you’ve got a wonderful free morning.

2. Take the Boat to Fort Sumter

Fort Sumter on its small island in Charleston Harbor — Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor. Photo: Bubba73 (talk), (Jud McCranie) via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

The Civil War began here in 1861. You can only reach Fort Sumter by tour boat, and while the site has no entrance fee, you’ll need a ferry ticket.

3. Face the Past at Charleston’s African American History Sites

The arched facade of the Old Slave Mart Museum on Chalmers Street in Charleston — The Old Slave Mart Museum on Chalmers Street. Photo: Brian Stansberry via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0

The International African American Museum on Gadsden’s Wharf and the Old Slave Mart Museum are essential for understanding how this state became what it is. Give them proper time.

4. Tour a Lowcountry Plantation

The historic rice mill by the water at Middleton Place near Charleston — The rice mill at Middleton Place. Photo: Brian Stansberry via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0

Middleton Place, Drayton Hall, Magnolia and Boone Hall each offer gardens and grand architecture. The best tours also address the enslaved people whose labor built these places, so choose accordingly.

5. Board the USS Yorktown

The view across Charleston Harbor from the deck of the USS Yorktown at Patriots Point — The view from the USS Yorktown. Photo: Catboy69 via Wikimedia Commons, CC0

Across the harbor, Patriots Point lets you explore a World War II aircraft carrier and a destroyer. Kids love it, and it’s open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

6. Stand Under the Angel Oak

The sprawling limbs of the Angel Oak on Johns Island, South Carolina — The Angel Oak on Johns Island. Photo: MadeYourReadThis via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

On Johns Island, this huge live oak has limbs that reach out and dip to the ground. You can visit for free, but look up the hours before you drive out.

7. Surf at Folly Beach

The beach and pier at Folly Beach. Photo: Brian Stansberry via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0

The easygoing beach town near Charleston has a main street full of casual spots and a view of the Morris Island Lighthouse. Read up on current parking rules before you head out.

8. Bike Hilton Head Island

The red and white striped Harbour Town Lighthouse on Hilton Head Island — Harbour Town Lighthouse. Photo: Locust member via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

With over 50 miles of public pathways and firm sand at low tide, Hilton Head is made for cycling. Add a climb up Harbour Town Lighthouse for great views.

9. Learn at Historic Mitchelville

A Juneteenth celebration at Historic Mitchelville on Hilton Head. Photo: Town of Hilton Head Island via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

On Hilton Head, Mitchelville Freedom Park marks one of the first self-governed towns of formerly enslaved people in the country. Entry is free, and few stops in the state matter more.

10. Hike Pinckney Island

Aerial view of the salt marshes and islands of Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge — Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge from the air. Photo: Mx. Granger via Wikimedia Commons, CC0

This national wildlife refuge near Hilton Head has free trails through marsh and maritime forest, and you’ll see plenty of wading birds, especially in spring.

11. Explore Beaufort

Shops and oak trees along Bay Street in downtown Beaufort, South Carolina — Bay Street in Beaufort, South Carolina. Photo: BeaufortTiger of English Wikipedia via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

Antebellum homes, live oaks and a pretty waterfront put Beaufort among the most beautiful small towns in the state. Nearby St. Helena Island’s Penn Center is a key site in Gullah history.

12. Walk the Beach at Hunting Island

Palm trees and an eroding shoreline at Hunting Island, South Carolina — Hunting Island State Park. Photo: The original uploader was Cdamgen via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

This state park has a wild beach, a maritime forest and a historic lighthouse. Storms have repeatedly reshaped it, so ask the park what’s open, including the lighthouse.

13. Go Slow on Edisto Island

Wescott Road under the live oaks on Edisto Island. Photo: Ammodramus via Wikimedia Commons, CC0

South of Charleston, Edisto is a low-key island with no big resorts and a beach known for shelling. Go when you really want nothing to do.

The Grand Strand

14. Ride the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel

The SkyWheel observation wheel on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk — The SkyWheel on the Boardwalk. Photo: DiscoA340 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

The classic South Carolina beach vacation centers on the 1.2-mile Boardwalk and its 187-foot wheel. Expect noise, cheer and great fun for families.

15. Discover Brookgreen Gardens

A bronze sculpture of Diana among the gardens at Brookgreen Gardens — Diana of the Chase at Brookgreen Gardens. Photo: Freeholdman12 via Wikimedia Commons, CC0

South of Myrtle Beach, this beautiful place combines a major collection of American sculpture with huge live oaks and a lowcountry zoo. Come here when you need a break from the neon.

16. See Atalaya at Huntington Beach

The Spanish-style walls of Atalaya at Huntington Beach State Park — Atalaya at Huntington Beach State Park. Photo: User:Doug Coldwell via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

This state park has a lovely beach and a marsh boardwalk that birders love, along with the unusual Spanish-style winter home of the Huntingtons. Watch for alligators.

17. Eat on the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk

Sunset over the docks at Murrells Inlet. Photo: Cprintz20 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

This boardwalk along a working fishing inlet is lined with seafood restaurants and live music. You’ll find it far more relaxed than the main strip, and sunset is the time to go. Our full guide covers the best things to do in Murrells Inlet.

18. Dance the Shag in North Myrtle Beach

Cherry Grove Pier reaching out over the ocean at North Myrtle Beach — Cherry Grove Pier. Photo: Melikamp via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

The state’s official dance is closely tied to Ocean Drive and Main Street. Take a lesson, then walk Cherry Grove Pier in the morning. Our full guide covers the best things to do in North Myrtle Beach.

19. Visit Historic Georgetown

Boats in the harbor at Georgetown, South Carolina — The harbor at Georgetown. Photo: Thomson200 via Wikimedia Commons, CC0

One of the oldest towns in the state, Georgetown has a waterfront, a real working harbor and a long history in rice, indigo and shipping. Stop on your way down the coast for a quiet few hours.

20. Browse Pawleys Island

An old Pawleys Island home that has outlasted its hurricanes. Photo: Pollinator via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

This old-fashioned beach town is known for its rope hammocks, its laid-back pace and its “arrogantly shabby” reputation, and it’s nothing like what’s up the road. Our full guide covers the best things to do in Pawleys Island.

Columbia and the Midlands

21. Walk the Boardwalk at Congaree National Park

Giant bald cypress trees along the low boardwalk at Congaree National Park — Bald cypress on the boardwalk at Congaree National Park. Photo: Miguel.v via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Free to enter, this park protects an old-growth bottomland forest, with a 2.4-mile boardwalk loop among giant trees. Bring bug spray, because you’ll need it for most of the year.

22. Tour the State House in Columbia

The domed South Carolina State House in Columbia — The South Carolina State House. Photo: HaloMasterMind via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

The capital’s State House offers free tours, and bronze stars on its walls mark where Union shells struck in 1865. Start your day downtown here, and on Saturdays, walk over to Soda City Market.

23. Visit Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

A Galápagos tortoise at Riverbanks Zoo. Photo: Thomson200 via Wikimedia Commons, CC0

Riverbanks ranks among the finest attractions in the state, with gorillas, koalas and sharks, plus a large botanical garden. Plan on an easy half-day, especially with kids.

24. Spend a Day on Lake Murray

Open water and tree-lined shore at Lake Murray near Columbia, South Carolina — Lake Murray. Photo: Isis4563 via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

Just west of Columbia, this huge lake is where the Midlands goes in summer for boating, fishing and swimming. Start at Dreher Island State Park.

25. See the Horses in Aiken

A vintage postcard from the Aiken Horse Show. Photo: Quattlebaum via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

Aiken is known for its Thoroughbred racing history and its grand old winter homes. Hopelands Gardens and the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame will fill an unusual and pleasant day.

The Upstate

26. See the Falls in Downtown Greenville

The waterfall on the Reedy River at Falls Park in downtown Greenville, South Carolina — Falls Park on the Reedy in Greenville. Photo: CantoV via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Greenville may have the most impressive downtown in the state. Falls Park on the Reedy has a real waterfall right in the city, with a curved pedestrian bridge above it. Walk Main Street afterward for dinner.

27. Bike the Swamp Rabbit Trail

The Swamp Rabbit Trail in Travelers Rest. Photo: Thomson200 via Wikimedia Commons, CC0

Starting from Greenville, this popular paved trail follows an old rail line toward Travelers Rest, a small town full of good food. Rent a bike and make a day of it.

28. Hike Table Rock

The sheer granite face of Table Rock mountain above a lake in upstate South Carolina — Table Rock. Photo: Clemson3564 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0

The granite dome of Table Rock is one of the great sights in the Upstate. The summit hike at the state park is strenuous, but you’ll be glad you did it, and the park also has easier trails and waterfalls.

29. Take in the View at Caesars Head

The view over forested mountains from the Caesars Head State Park overlook — The overlook at Caesars Head State Park. Photo: Thomson200 via Wikimedia Commons, CC0

From the top of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, Caesars Head State Park has big views toward North Carolina and Georgia. People come in fall to watch migrating hawks, and nearby Raven Cliff Falls is one of the tallest in the state.

30. Swim in Lake Jocassee

The deep blue water of Lake Jocassee surrounded by mountains — Lake Jocassee. Photo: Clemson3564 via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

Fed by mountain streams, this strikingly clear lake at Devils Fork State Park is the most beautiful in the state. Rent a kayak and paddle to its waterfalls, which you can reach only by boat. Park access can be limited on busy days, so go early.

Planning a South Carolina Trip

The drive from the mountains to the coast takes about four hours, so the state is manageable. A good first trip could include three nights in Charleston and three more on Hilton Head or the Grand Strand, plus Congaree on the way. Add the Upstate if you’ve got a few more days.

Spring and fall are the best times to go almost anywhere here. In summer, stick to the beaches and mountains, because the Midlands get very hot. Hurricane season runs from June to November, so keep an eye on the forecast on the coast.

Where to next? See the best places to visit in South Carolina for the bigger picture. You can also browse all our travel guides on Decidel.

How we checked this guide: details were checked against official and published sources in November 2026. They can change, so confirm with the venue or park before you go.