Things to do & places to visit in South Carolina, United States

South Carolina has some great beaches along its eastern coast. Among the most notable of these is Myrtle Beach, the hub of the grand strand and the largest resort on the east coast of South Carolina. This silky stretch of white sand is great for water-sports such as sailing and surfing. South Carolina is also regarded as one of the top golfing destinations in America. South Carolina has some notable historic towns which are worth visiting such as Charleston.

South Carolina #24 destination in United States 2023. The average rating score is 4.48 based on 176.5k traveler reviews, of 1.410 attractions. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Friday, April 26, 2024, 15:42.

Top things to do (37)

Top destinations in South Carolina 100

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Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum (4.611 reviews)
- Do The Captain's Tour of The Yorktown For Incredible Views Of The Ship Not Available To General Admission
Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Military Museums • Speciality Museums • History Museums

The history of Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum began in June 1975 when the legendary aircraft carrier USS Yorktown entered Charleston Harbor. A few months later, the USS Yorktown was dedicated as the first ship of the Naval & Maritime Museum on the 200th birthday of the United States Navy. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum was officially opened to the public on January 3, 1976. Today the museum consists of the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CV-10) with 29 aircraft on display from WWII to the present; the USS Laffey (DD-724), a Sumner-class destroyer; and the USS Clamagore (SS-343), a GUPPY III submarine. The Congressional Medal of Honor Society is headquartered here and their official Medal of Honor Museum is onboard the USS Yorktown. There is also a Cold War Sub Memorial and Vietnam Support Base Camp on the surrounding grounds. See more..
5.0 Falls Park on the Reedy (4.405 reviews)
- What a surprise!
Friday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM Parks • Waterfalls

1st time in Greenville and what a surprise! City fathers did a great job reclaiming this land and creating a memorable destination park for this city. Great meandering paths to walk, run or ride. Plenty of seating all around. Metered parking on the street is not too difficult to find during a weekday. See more..
5.0 Brookgreen Gardens (4.013 reviews)
- Beautiful gardens with so many sculptures
Friday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Zoos • Gardens • Art Museums

One of America’s premier gardens and one of a few select places in the United States to have earned accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, as well as being designated a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Every day, Brookgreen offers a selection of tours, programs, and exhibits for all ages. You may stroll through the gardens on a guided tour or explore these beautiful spaces on your own. Each season, new exhibitions and special events make Brookgreen Gardens...Ever Changing. Simply Amazing. See more..
5.0 Hilton Head Island Bike Trails (3.185 reviews)
- Biking is at the top of my list in Hilton Head.
Hiking Trails

We come to HHI for biking and to see relatives that live on the island. There is nothing I love more than riding on the beach on a sunny day with the wind at your back at low tide. The wind is important because we are getting up there in age and with a stiff wind behind you it is effortless. See more..
5.0 Escape Plan Columbia (1.999 reviews)
- FLOOR 23 - highly recommend!
Friday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Escape Games • Game & Entertainment Centers

Find Clues. Solve Puzzles. You will have 60 minutes to put your problem solving skills to the test and work together to escape at the escape room recognized as one of the top 10 in the country! Whether it's taking over a pirate ship, exploring a haunted elevator, saving the kingdom, or trying to find missing persons, you're sure to have a blast in our live escape room adventures. See more..
5.0 The Final Door Escape Room Columbia (1.598 reviews)
- First timers who will no doubt return!
Friday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games • Game & Entertainment Centers

At The Final Door Escape Room, sixty minutes will fly by as you attempt to unlock the door to your escape. Few have beat our rooms and those who did have earned bragging rights and a place on our wall of fame. Although our rooms are known to claim many victims, visitors of all ages are sure to have a great time! The Final Door is the most challenging fun you'll ever have in sixty minutes. The Final Door is one of the most Fun Things to Do in Columbia. See more..
5.0 The Center for Birds of Prey (1.269 reviews)
- Fantastic experience
Friday: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Programs are offered Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 10:30am. Admission includes an impressive and awe-inspiring flight demonstration as well as a virtually guided walking tour of our resident bird aviaries. The Avian Conservation Center is a 501(c)3 registered non-profit whose mission is to serve as a unique and permanent resource for educational, avian health, conservation and research initiatives. Annual memberships are available. See more..
5.0 Escapology Columbia (Vista) (1.085 reviews)
- Very well organized and great games for the family
Friday: 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

The Midland's premium escape game experience! Always private bookings (no mixing with strangers). Rooms hold 6-8 people per room. Do you have what it takes to escape? Immersive escape rooms and team building workshops to help you build and grow the ultimate team. Practice team problem solving, communication, and critical thinking as you race against the clock to complete your mission. Our 8,000 square foot facility includes 12 escape rooms, a meeting room, and a comfortable and spacious lobby, all in a corporate friendly environment. Our in-room capacity is 88 people, and we are able to comfortably host groups of over 180. We open early for events! We also partner with Cognizant Leadership for professional development workshops to help build leaders worth following, high performing teams, and organizations where everyone wants to work. See more..
5.0 Hilton Head Distillery (898 reviews)
- Great spirits & service!
Friday: 12:00 PM - 6:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries • Distillery Tours

We planned to stop by the Hilton Head Distillery for an hour or so to try some delicious cocktails, however, after going on a tour with Derek (who was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the spirits and the process) and chatting with the bartenders, we found it hard to leave. The customer service is top notch and the employees were all very passionate about their spirits and sharing their favorite cocktail recipes. I would highly recommend adding Hilton Head Distillery to your itinerary for your next visit! See more..
5.0 Wildwater Rafting (785 reviews)
- Best white water rafting experience
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM River Rafting & Tubing

Highly recommend Wildwater-our first white water rafting experience and this company was amazing. Our guides were wonderful. Everything was so well organized and we felt very safe even tho some in our group were in their 50’s and not exactly outdoorsman. Even the lunch provided was great. We also stayed in the cabin nearby which was very nice and so convenient. Loved it! See more..
5.0 The Peace Center (745 reviews)
- Peace Center
Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Theaters

The not-for-profit Peace Center is the premier venue for live entertainment in South Carolina. See more..
5.0 Litchfield Beach (505 reviews)
- Fantastic
Beaches

Latasia is a wonderful first impression to this great hotel with spectacular ocean views. Everything was fantastic from our very clean room, to the good food and nice waitress. Latasia even called our room to make sure it was to our liking. This was our first time but not our last. we will be back. See more..
5.0 NarroWay Productions (453 reviews)
- Praise the Lord!
Friday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Dinner Theaters

Great food! Great shows! A great time! NarroWay features fun, family-friendly dinner shows in a schedule that runs year-round. Find southern hospitality at its best at the only continuous-running dinner theater in the greater Charlotte area. Be greeted, seated and served by the performing cast. Laugh, cry and be entertained with an original, Broadway-style show. Live animals, talented actors, original scripts, inspiring music and a delicious meal themed with the show are all part of the NarroWay experience. With captivating dinner shows, hilarious mystery theaters, virtue-based children's shows, field trips, camel rides and more, NarroWay has a host of activities you'll talk about for years to come! See why NarroWay is "The Broadway of Christian Entertainment!" See more..
4.5 Broadway at the Beach (9.036 reviews)
- Mr. Nigel's Dance Party - Free, family friendly dance party! Don't miss it!
Friday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Shopping Malls

Broadway at the Beach, South Carolina's favorite Travel Destination and the largest entertainment venue of its kind in the state features unique specialty shops, exceptional dining, award-winning attractions, fabulous nightlife and relaxing accommodations, all surrounding the magnificent Lake Broadway. See more..
4.5 Myrtle Beach SkyWheel (7.585 reviews)
- Richard Sparks
Friday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Rides & Activities • Observation Decks & Towers

Elevate Your Perspective! High above the beach and far from the stresses of everyday life awaits an unforgettable experience that soars over 20 stories above the Atlantic Ocean. The SkyWheel features 42 climate-controlled gondolas that offer an uplifting experience for children and adults of all ages. Open day and night, 363 days a year! See more..
4.5 Fort Sumter National Monument (5.848 reviews)
- Interesting and educational throughout
Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Military Bases & Facilities • History Museums

Learn all about this storied spot of the first clash between the Union and Confederate armies in the Civil War, in which the Union forces finally surrendered after a 34-hour bombardment by the Rebels. See more..
4.5 Joe Riley Waterfront Park (5.633 reviews)
- Mesmerizing!
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks

Overlooking Charleston Harbor and Cooper Park on the eastern coast of the peninsula, this expansive waterfront green space is perfect for laidback strolls and picnics. See more..
4.5 Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge (4.920 reviews)
- So glad I did this
Bridges

With its twin diamond peaks, this cable-stay bridge spans the Cooper River and connects downtown Charleston to Mount Pleasant. It's become an icon. See more..
4.5 Myrtle Beach (4.919 reviews)
- Highly recommend dunes village resort in North Myrtle Beach.
Spent More than 3 hours Beaches

Create unforgettable memories while enjoying 60-miles of wide, soft sandy beach. Be sure to bring your beach towels, a sheet and/or beach chairs before you get here so you don't have to rent them. Wake up early in the morning, run along the ocean shore and take in the fresh air. It's good for your body, mind and soul! Want to sleep in? Grab a chair, sit down, let your toes sink into the soft sand and just relax in the afternoon while listening to waves rolling in. See more..
4.5 Boone Hall Plantation (4.432 reviews) from $28.00
- Fantastic Plantation and Presentations
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites

One of America's most photographed historical venues with true southern charm. Features world famous Avenue of Oaks, tractor tours across the entire property. Only live Gullah presentations in the area, Black History In America Exhibit, gardens that are a showcase of color, and a colonial revival style 1936 mansion. Special presentations now being offered daily include history talks, beehive demonstrations, horticulture, and more. Used in the filming of North and South, The Notebook, American Idol, and other Hollywood productions. See more..
4.5 Middleton Place (4.339 reviews)
- Don’t Miss - Even if it rains.
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Gardens

Middleton Place National Historic Landmark is home to America’s oldest and most important landscaped gardens. Began in 1741, the historic site today encompasses 110 acres including the Gardens, House Museum, Stableyards, and Eliza’s House. Together they tell the inclusive history of all who lived, worked, and died here. The stories of the Middleton family including two Founding Fathers and generations of enslaved people are interwoven throughout the property. Visitors have opportunities to experience those stories with both guided or self-guided tours. See more..
4.5 Coligny Beach (4.265 reviews)
- Less Crowded Beach
Beaches

We really liked this beach. Most of the sand is flattened by the high tide, so it is very easy to walk or job on it. There is a vendor that will rent you two chairs with an umbrella for 40/day. They open as early as 9 am if you choose to take advantage of this. See more..
4.5 Barefoot Landing (3.993 reviews)
- Make This a Priority!
Friday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

A warm southern welcome awaits. Set along the Intracoastal Waterway in North Myrtle Beach, SC, Barefoot Landing is one of the most unique & popular shopping, dining & entertainment destinations you will ever experience. Barefoot Landing is committed to providing a healthy and welcoming environment. We want everyone to feel safe when visiting and have property and guest guidelines to ensure your well-being. Together we can maintain a healthy and responsible Barefoot Landing for all to enjoy. To view guidelines please visit: https://www.bflanding.com/page/our-commitment-to-a-healthy-welcoming-environment See more..
4.5 Riverbanks Zoo and Garden (2.940 reviews)
- We go multiple times every month!
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Zoos • Gardens

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is home to nearly 2,000 animals that represent more than 350 species from around the world. A visit to the Zoo will play host to an array of wild adventures from a diving expedition on a Pacific coral reef to a safari through the plains of Africa to an interactive Outback encounter with a flock of sociable lorikeets. The Botanical Garden boasts 70-acres of unparalleled beauty and is considered one of the America's best public gardens. Dramatic and themed gardens showcase more than 4,300 species of native and exotic plants, providing a living classroom for gardeners and non-gardeners alike. The Garden also is the gateway to natural river views and spectacular valley overlooks. In addition, guests can view structural remains dating back to the early 1800s with South Carolina's textile industry and the Civil War. See more..
4.5 Battery & White Point Gardens (2.451 reviews)
- A glimpse of history
Gardens

Discover historical Civil War monuments nestled among the greenery in these lush gardens on Charleston's south coast. Bonus: There's spectacular views of Fort Sumter and Charleston Harbor. See more..
4.5 Angel Oak Tree (2.392 reviews)
- 400-500 Year Old Live Oak Tree
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Geologic Formations

While visiting the McLeod Plantation and seeing their 300 year old live oak, we were told we should visit the nearby Angle Oak Tree to see one even older. We saw claims online that it was 600 years old, but the placards on the property indicated it is more likely to be 400-500 years old. The parking is relatively limited - just a dozen or so spots off the road. We were simply lucky that one spot was available when we arrived. Placards state that this is the oldest live oak tree east of the Mississippi River. It was, indeed, huge and majestic, so it is worth 15 minutes of someone's time to drop by when in the area. See more..
4.5 Hunting Island State Park (2.329 reviews)
- Great discovery
Friday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours State Parks

Park that is a large secluded barrier island with a historic 1859 lighthouse as its centerpiece. See more..
4.5 Huntington Beach State Park (2.095 reviews)
- Lovely state park
Friday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM State Parks

Beautiful scenery, long unspoiled beach with clear water. You can't go wrong with a visit here - in the summer on the weekend plan to go either early or late because they close the parking lots once they fill up. Locals with a library card can borrow a state park pass from the library that gets you in for free (sometimes there's a wait list for the pass so go online first). See more..
4.5 Nathaniel Russell House (2.042 reviews)
- A great, inexpensive tour, with or without a guide, benefits the Historical Foundation.
Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums

A National Historic Landmark, the Nathaniel Russell House Museum was completed in 1808 by merchant Nathaniel Russell. The home’s graceful, free-flying, three-story staircase is an architectural marvel and the elegant interiors with elaborate plasterwork, geometrically shaped rooms, formal gardens and collection of 18th-century decorative and fine art speak to the wealth of Charleston’s elite in the early days of the American Republic. Restored to its original splendor using forensic analysis and cutting-edge conservation technology by our curatorial staff, we ensure the highest standards of old-world expertise to replicate the finishes, fixtures and textiles appropriate for this 200-year old townhouse. The 18 enslaved Africans that lived on and maintained this property are an integral part of its history. Archaeological artifacts, educational panels and ongoing restoration of the enslaved quarters are vital to learning more about the enslaved and telling their important stories. See more..
4.5 Drayton Hall (1.979 reviews) from $26.00
- Wonderful glimpse into the past
Friday: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

Circa 1738, Drayton Hall is the oldest unrestored plantation house in America still open to the public. See more..