There comes a time when you have visited every museum, checked out every zoo and all of the beaches your state has to offer. At a certain point, you just want to see something that you may not have come across before. You have that deep hankering for the unique, the odd, the ‘never done before’. I call this the “Something New Syndrome” (watch out for that phrase in the new medical dictionaries…I’m sure it will become a ‘thing’).  If this sounds like you, then I have some good news! Whether you’re a weekend tourist or a lifelong resident, these are the 21 best attractions in South Carolina and they are nothing short of amazing!

1. Atalaya
Randy/Flickr
Built by Archer Huntington for his wife, Anna, a sculptor in 1931-1933. It is in Huntington Beach State Park. So, when you are finished touring the castle and making loads of memories, you have a beautiful state park for you to roam as well.

Learn more about Atalaya Castle.
2. Neverbust Chain
Rusty Tanton/Flickr
Dreamed up by the artist, Blue Sky, and installed is the Neverbust Chain in downtown Columbia. And, while you are there you can visit...

Learn more about the Neverbust Chain.
3. Tunnel Vision
geraldbrazell/Flickr
Another great work done by Blue Sky. It is something to see to believe. A barrier has been installed in front of this so that there would be no accidents. It truly looks like you could drive right to the other side. While still in Columbia, where there are so many things to do and see, you can visit another piece...

Learn more about Tunnel Vision.
4. Busted Plug
Ahren/Flickr
Busted Plug is another of Blue Sky's art pieces. This particular piece stands 40 feet tall and weighs in at a spectacular 575,000 pounds. Definitely something to take a trip for!

Learn more about the Busted Plug.
5. The Angel Oak
Chris Tank/Flickr
A unique attraction to be sure. This beautiful tree has been saved from death by thousands of signatures and a couple who bought the land. It stands on John's Island and has been there for many centuries. It is a spectacular sight to behold.

Learn more about the Angel Oak.
6. King Neptune
gobucks2/Flickr
In Hilton Head at Shelter Cove Gardens, stands a 12 foot tall bronze statue of Neptune. It is hailed as the world's largest figurative sundial and keeps precise time.

Learn more about the King Neptune sundial.
7. Union Cotton Mills mural
Scott LePage/Flickr
Blue Sky strikes again! In the little town of Union, SC, you will find this beautiful and robust mural on the back of a building actually facing Sharpe Ave.

Learn more about the Union Mural.
8. Healing Springs
Ben/Flickr
Also known as God's Acres, but most locals just call it Healing Springs. Nestled in Blackville, SC, this place has quite the story. And, when you are done gathering some of that lusciously cool water, you can take in a meal at the Miller's Bread Basket on Main St. Believe me, you will not be disappointed in that choice!

Learn more about the Healing Springs.
9. Palmetto Moonshine Distillery
Rocky Sun/Flickr
South Carolina's first legal moonshine distillery can be found in historic Anderson, SC. Probably not a place to take the kids, but great for a couple's day out! You can take a tour and a taste test of the different kinds of moonshine available.

Learn more about the Palmetto Moonshine Distillery.
10. Pearl Fryar's Topiary Gardens
Laurel LaFlamme/Flickr
Abbey Hambright/Flickr
Three acres of whimsical, almost Seussian trees and shrubs. A true delight to the eyes. Found in Bishopville, SC.

Learn more about Pearl Fryar's Topiary Garden.

Related Stories

The Whole Family Could Spend An Entire Day Having A Blast At The Tree House Cafe & Studio In South Carolina

The Whole Family Could Spend An Entire Day Having A Blast At The Tree House Cafe & Studio In South Carolina

 South Carolina Is Home To The Best Shrimp & Grits And Here Are The 11 Places To Find Them

South Carolina Is Home To The Best Shrimp & Grits And Here Are The 11 Places To Find Them

 History Comes Alive At This Former Revolutionary Prison-Turned-Museum In South Carolina

History Comes Alive At This Former Revolutionary Prison-Turned-Museum In South Carolina
11. Castle Pinckney
Henry de Saussure Copelan/Flickr
Constructed in 1810 by the US Government in the harbor of Charleston on Shutes' Folly Island. And, while you are in the area you can also visit...

Learn more about Castle Pinckney.
12. Fort Sumter
M Fletcher/Flickr
A day of history and relaxation awaits with these two combined. You can take a tour of the fort and on the way there, the tour guide will give you all the details of the past.

Learn more about Fort Sumter.
13. Mars Bluff Bomb Site
Kelly Michals/Flickr
Speaking of unique attractions. Did you know that Mars Bluff had been accidentally bombed by a nuclear weapon? Yes, it is a fact. Over the years, the site is slowly being taken back by nature, but you can still see the place where it landed.

Learn more about the Mars Bluff Bomb Site.
14. Center for Birds of Prey
Jordan Confino/Flickr
Jordan Confino/Flickr
This one is special to my heart. This center takes in birds of prey and shorebirds for rehabilitation purposes. They give tours, flight demonstrations, and have exhibits. You can find them in Awendaw, SC.

Learn more about the Center for Birds of Prey.
15. Peachoid
ken fager/Flickr
What could be more unique than a water tower in the shape of a gigantic peach? Located in Gaffney, SC, this water tower stands 135 feet tall and holds 1 million gallons of water.
16. Medieval Times
Via Tsuji/Flickr
Definitely not the ordinary and fun for the entire family plus you get a meal! You will see jousting, falconry, and horsemanship all while eating a four course meal fit for a..ummm...King? And, while you are in the area you can also see....

Learn more about Medieval Times.
17. Alligator Adventure
Via Tsuji/Flickr
Not only will you see South Carolina's famed alligators, but you will also see tropical birds and bears! They also have live shows.

Learn more about Alligator Adventure.
18. Dizzy Gillespie
Gwen Tennille/Fey Illusions Photography
In Cheraw, SC, home of Dizzy Gillespie, you can see the beautiful bronze statue as well as tour this beautiful town.

Learn more about Dizzy Gillespie.
19. Reedy River Falls
Doug Anderson/Flickr
How amazing is it that this gorgeous scenery is located in downtown Greenville, SC? Talk about unique. How many places do you know that have this kind of attraction in the middle of town? Plus, there is so much to do in the area besides take amazing pictures.

Learn more about Reedy River Falls.
20. Raven Cliff Falls
Jason A G/Flickr
Located in Caesar's Head State Park, this stunning nature trail will leave you with plenty of pictures and loads of memories. P.S. It may just be me, but I do have a fascination with suspended bridges and find them unique in the fact that there are not many in South Carolina.

Learn more about Raven Cliff Falls.
21. Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel
David Ellis/Flickr
What started out as a shortcut to the Ohio River Valley ended up a unique and odd attraction for us. It is operated by the city of Walhalla as a state park and open daily to the public. While there you can also skip over and see the ever amazing Isaqueena Falls.

Learn more about the Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel.

I hope that a few of these or at least one has piqued your interest. South Carolina has a lot of amazing places and most of them are just around the corner from you. These are just a few of the unique things you can do here. If I have missed anything that you find particularly interesting, please feel free to share it on our nominations page.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Best Attractions In South Carolina

Leah | July 16, 2020

What are the best day trips in South Carolina?

Spend the day exploring the Palmetto State by experiencing any one of the many day trip spots there. We've even put together a 12-month South Carolina Day Trip List so you can have a destination to visit throughout the whole year. The trips include things like a hike to the top of Table Rock in March, an introspective visit to Pretty Place Chapel in June, a scenic drive to Glendale Shoals Heritage Preserve in October, and a festive visit to the Christmas House in December. There is a place for every month of the year, so be sure to check out the article for some great inspiration.

What are the most unique things to do in South Carolina?

When it comes to thinking about things to do in South Carolina, many people already know about Mrytle Beach or Charleston, but those aren't the only places you can go. This state is full of many surprises and unique spots you won't find anywhere else. For example, did you know that you can visit a winery in the mountains? Victoria Valley Winery in Cleveland, South Carolina. It's right at the base of Table Rock and has stellar views that you can enjoy while sipping delicious SC wines. For a unique shopping experience (and the ultimate dream for any purple-loving person), visit PURPLEologist in North Myrtle Beach. The store is entirely dedicated to everything purple, from clothing to house decor and just about anything else.

What are the best free things to do in South Carolina?

There are many places to visit in South Carolina where you can have lots of fun without having to open up your wallet. The stunning Swan Lake and Iris Gardens in Sumter, South Carolina are part of a free public park. The lake has all 8 species of swan found in the US and it's full of stunning sights. You can take a trail through the biggest area of old-growth bottomland hardwood trees in the country for free when you visit Congaree National Park. The park, located near Hopkins, has miles worth of trails and boardwalks to explore this mystical forest.

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Atalaya Castle, Atalaya Rd, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, USA
1502-1508 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201, USA
Columbia, SC, USA
Taylor St, Columbia, SC 29201, USA
Angel Oak Tree, 3688 Angel Oak Rd, Johns Island, SC 29455, USA
13 Harbourside Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA
Union, SC 29379, USA
Healing Springs, SC 29817, USA
200 W Benson St, Anderson, SC 29624, USA
The Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden, 145 Broad Acres Rd, Bishopville, SC 29010, USA
Castle Pinckney, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, USA
Fort Sumter National Monument, South Carolina 29412, USA
Mars Bluff Atomic Bomb Impact Crater, South Carolina 29506, USA
The Avian Conservation Center & Center for Birds of Prey, 4719 N Hwy 17, Awendaw, SC 29429, USA
Peachoid, Peachoid Rd, Gaffney, SC 29341, USA
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, 2904 Fantasy Way, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579, USA
Alligator Adventure, 4604 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582, USA
Dizzy Gillespie Dr, Cheraw, SC 29520, USA
Greenville Health System Swamp Rabbit Trail, Greenville, SC 29601, USA
Raven Cliff Falls Trailhead, Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC 29635, USA
Stumphouse Tunnel, Stumphouse Tunnel Rd, Walhalla, SC 29691, USA