As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.

One of the top reasons people travel is to find better weather, and South Carolina’s pleasant year-round weather, along with its pristine beaches, makes it a popular vacation destination. So whether you live in the state or are traveling from another state, there are plenty of options for wonderful getaways in South Carolina when you’re ready for an escape, no matter the reason. It’s one of the best types of self-care you can practice!

1. January – Kiawah Island on the Lagoon

Getaways in South Carolina
Kiawah Island, SC, USA
Sam Hunt/VRBO
Home to one of our 23 hidden gems in the United States to explore, Kiawah Island is the perfect winter weather escape. January is the coldest month in South Carolina, but Kiawah Island temperatures average reaching the upper 50s. And you really can't beat the beautiful scenery. Visit the VRBO listing for this three-bedroom home you can stay in with a lagoon view! This has to be one of the best vacation rentals in South Carolina!

Take a look at this gorgeous drone video of Kiawah Island by @bpj52282:

2.February – Lake Murray Island Cottage (Columbia)

Lake Murray, South Carolina, USA
John Brooks/VRBO
How about a Valentine's Day weekend getaway to a Lake Murray Cottage on an island with only ten other homes? Make reservations for dinner at this restaurant with the most magical, romantic setting.

3. March – Upstate Cabin in the Woods (Cleveland)

Cleveland, SC 29661, USA
Karen Martinez/VRBO
Close to Table Rock State Park, named by Condé Nast Traveler as the best state park in South Carolina, this charming mountain cabin in the woods is close to hiking, waterfalls, fishing, and two other state parks as well, Jones Gap State Park and Caesars Head State Park. It's also close to Greenville where there are tons of fun things to do and great places to eat.

4. April – Charleston Gothic Carriage House in a Garden

Charleston, SC, USA
Betsy and Gene Johnson/VRBO
Charleston is consistently deemed a best city in the United States by Travel + Leisure readers. It's certainly one of the best vacation destinations in South Carolina. Take a getaway trip there to discover for yourself just why this is! Stay in the Wortham House, a circa 1823 gothic revival carriage house (the oldest in this style in Charleston and the USA) that's on the National Register of Historic Places. Be sure to try the "best dessert cake in the South" while you're there!

5. May – Georgetown Townhouse with Winyah Bay Views

Winyah Bay, South Carolina, USA
Scott & Kristen Groseclose/VRBO
One of USA Today's Best Coastal Small Towns, Georgetown is a wonderful place for a Spring getaway. Stay in a townhome located in a gated community set on 165 acres with views of the gorgeous Winyah Bay, which most people don't realize was actually the site of the very first settlement in South Carolina (most think it was Charleston)! You may be surprised by all there is to see and do in Georgetown.

Take a look at this aerial video of Winyah Bay by @lonschultz-coastalscaerial7467 that will make you want to book a getaway here ASAP:

6. June – Edisto Island Beachfront Home

Edisto Island, SC 29438, USA
Vacasa of South Carolina/VRBO
For June, we are back to the Islands of South Carolina, this time at Edisto Island, where you can watch baby sea turtles hatch and go on a dolphin or beachcombing tour at Edisto Beach State Park! Stay at a beautiful beachfront home on Edisto Island for quick and easy beach access and fun in the South Carolina summer sun.

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7. July – Fountain Inn Casa Del Limoncello

Fountain Inn, SC, USA
Kara Dowers/VRBO
Every year, the quaint town of Fountain Inn hosts several fun Main Street events, including the Fireworks Spectacular for the 4th of July, the Sounds of Summer on select dates in June, July, and August, and a Juneteenth event if you'd rather switch this getaway with the one on Edisto Island in June! You're also going to want to stop by Sweet Catherine's to see what all the fuss by the locals is about with the pies there. Stay at the fresh, new, well-appointed Casa Del Limoncello which is convenient to downtown Fountain Inn and other nearby attractions.

8. August – Nature Retreat on the Enoree River (Laurens County)

Enoree River, South Carolina, USA
House Greenville/VRBO
If escaping the summer heat in August is your jam, you'll love a getaway to Laurens County at this nature retreat on the Enoree River, where guests are blown away by the view and sounds of the river. There's a beautiful walking trail and two kayaks available for use, as well as a gorgeous waterfall only 600 yards upriver, by kayak. You'll also enjoy seeing deer, bald eagles, turtles, herons, river otters, and more. It's located 21 miles from downtown Greenville and Spartanburg, where you'll find fun things to do and great places to eat, such as the BBQ restaurant with a cult following.

9. September – Tiger Lover's Dream Cottage

Clemson, SC, USA
Jimmy & Betty Dean/VRBO
If your life practically stops when college football season begins and you're a Tiger fan, you are definitely going to love a getaway to the Tiger Lover's Dream Cottage in, of course, Clemson! Of course, until the big game comes on, there are fun things to do in the area, such as a visit to the South Carolina Botanical Garden.

Take a look at this captivating video of Clemson, SC by @clemsontigers:

10. October – Landrum Bungalow

Landrum, SC 29356, USA
Page Tredennick/VRBO
In October, stay in a pet-friendly bungalow in the tiny town of Landrum. If you've never been there before, here's your chance to see how much such a small town like Landrum actually can offer.

11. November – The Cypress House on Lake Marion

Lake Marion, South Carolina, USA
Rhonda Raper/VRBO
For November, we're back again at the lake, but this time Lake Marion, which is the largest lake in the state, known as South Carolina's "inland sea." This is where the state's record large-mouth bass weighing 16 pounds, 2 ounces was caught in 1949. So stay at The Cypress House and relax by the lake or get out on the water and see what you can catch!

12. December – Urban Log Cabin Near Greenville Downtown

Greenville, SC, USA
Vrbo
Wrap up the year with one of the best places to stay in South Carolina. This charming urban cabin is just minutes away from all that downtown Greenville has to offer. Spend an afternoon strolling through the downtown area where you can shop for holiday gifts, pop into a cafe for a hot chocolate, and dine at one of the city's many restaurants. I think it's such a wonderful way to end the year!

Ready for an escape to one of these getaways in South Carolina? Which of these getaways in South Carolina is most appealing to you and why? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!

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More to Explore

Getaways In South Carolina

Melissa M. | January 18, 2024

What are some of the best hotels and resorts in South Carolina?

We all have our reasons for either staying in a one-of-a-kind vacation rental or a hotel. If you’re more inclined to spend a few nights at a hotel or resort, here are some of the best places to stay in South Carolina:

  • The Emiline in Charleston: A luxury boutique hotel that’s within walking distance of everything the city has to offer.
  • Hotel Trundle in Columbia: This highly-rated boutique hotel offers well-appointed accommodations in a historic building.
  • Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort on Hilton Head Island: This resort is family-friendly and offers on-site amenities such as restaurants, a spa, a fitness center, and a beach.

Check out more of the best resorts and hotels in South Carolina.

What are some of the best day trip destinations in South Carolina?

I lived in South Carolina while working on a TV show several years ago. I loved exploring the state on my days off. There are so many wonderful places for a day trip in South Carolina. Here are just a few:

  • Botany Bay Beach, Edisto Island: Also known as Driftwood Beach, this remote location is awe-inspiring, to say the least. Spend some time checking out all of the massive driftwood and trees on the sand and in the water.
  • Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet: This is one of my favorite day trip destinations in the state. Not only is it beautiful but peaceful, too!

Here are more day trip destinations in South Carolina.

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