There are places in South Carolina that are overlooked more than they should be. Fortunately, we’ve discovered some of the most underrated places in South Carolina so you can add them to trips you will take in the future. From little-known country stores to fascinating outdoor attractions, here are 12 underrated places in South Carolina that you will not regret going out of your way to see!

1. Cooper's Country Store, Salters, SC
Cooper's Country Store/Facebook
Cooper's Country Store/Facebook
Our list of the most underrated places in South Carolina begins at a seemingly modest spot. However, this is the last REAL country store in the state. Here you will be able to pick up lunch, a real Virginia ham for Sunday dinner, plumbing supplies...well, I do believe you get the idea. It's a one stop shop that you should really go visit! And did we mention it has the best gas station BBQ in South Carolina?
2. Beaufort, SC
mouse/Flickr
Ken Hawkins/Flickr
Most people skip right through Beaufort and they are missing out on so much. Beaufort is the second-oldest city in South Carolina. It has beautiful scenery, a bustling downtown, and still manages to keep that southern charm. It did get recognition in Southern Living as "the best small southern town" not too long ago. So, if you are going to Charleston or wandering around the Lowcountry, don't forget Beaufort. See why it's also considered to be the most naturally beautiful town in South Carolina.
3. South Carolina Bottle Museum/Whitmire Museum, SC
Whitmire Museum/Facebook
Whitmire Museum/Facebook
In the small upstate town of Whitmire there is a very unique museum, The Whitmire Museum that holds the South Carolina Bottle Museum. It is a collection of soda bottles that were made here in South Carolina, but don't just stop here. You'll quickly discover it's a great day trip destination in South Carolina.
4. Pendleton, SC
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
This is a charming little town that was founded in 1790 and it has quite the distinction of being the largest historic district in the United States! That's right! The entire town is on the National Historic Registry. So, check it out and take a look around. There are antique shops, boutiques, and fantastic restaurants to choose from. Plus, there's a great burger joint seemingly in the middle of nowhere to be found in Pendleton.

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5. Dupont Planetarium, Aiken, SC
anaa yoo/Flickr
Planetariums are fascinating. While the Dupont Planetarium has a fair showing of people, but not nearly enough realize just how special it is. There are public shows quite frequently, and you'll want to experience one. For more information, you can visit the official Dupont Planetarium website.
6. Daufuskie Island, SC
Daufuskie Island/Facebook
Daufuskie Island/Facebook
Daufuskie Island is an amazing little island that holds loads of history. The ferry is a good way to get there as there is no bridge from the mainland, but is well worth it. At one time, Daufuskie was home to a thriving Gullah oyster community. Today, the island is home to about 400 residents. Learn more about this fascinating island in South Carolina with no cars.
7. Awendaw, SC
Chris/Flickr
At Awendaw, there is the Center for the Bird's of Prey that puts on educational shows. There is also the famous SeeWee Restaurant for you to have a fabulous sit-down meal when you are done at the center, and you can take a tour of the vineyards there. The wine is out of this world! Learn more about the fascinating history of this small town in South Carolina.
8. Upcountry History Museum, Greenville, SC
Mike Burton/Flickr
David Ellis/Flickr
This museum is amazing! It's put together so nicely and there is so much to see. The place holds 3 centuries of history from 15 counties in the upstate. It is definitely a must visit! Learn more by visiting the official Upcountry History Museum website.
9. St. Helena Island, SC
Brenda Ernst/Flickr
ehpien/Flickr
Just 5 miles outside of Beaufort on Hwy 21, you will find yourself on St. Helena Island. It is a really beautiful place showing exactly what Lowcountry rural life is like. Gullah is also a major culture there. It may be small, but there are many sights to see. Plus, there are quite a few ghost stories surrounding this South Carolin destination.
10. Greenville Zoo
Greenville Zoo/Facebook
The zoo may be small, but sometimes great things come in small packages. It is a well-put-together zoo and great for family outings. It kind of gets lost in the shuffle when people think of zoos, Riverbank's is usually first and foremost on their mind. However, it would be a mistake to pass up the Greenville Zoo!

There are so many little-known places in South Carolina for us to discover. Do you agree that the above list features some of the most underrated places in South Carolina? If there are any additional destinations you would add to the list, be sure to let us know in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!

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most underrated places in South Carolina

Beth C. | April 06, 2021

What are the best day trips to take in South Carolina?

Whether you've lived in South Carolina your entire life or you're relatively new to the state, you'll be delighted by the sheer number of day trips you can take. The Palmetto State is positively filled with charming small towns, delightful restaurants, and all kinds of natural attractions that you'll agree are day-trip-worthy. Of all of the options, one of the most popular is a trip to Charleston. It's here that you can take unique walking tours and learn all about this fascinating city's history. Of course, there are plenty of lesser-known day trip destinations in South Carolina, too.

Are there any hidden gems in South Carolina?

Yes! South Carolina is filled with lesser-known destinations to explore. The following is a list of hidden gems in South Carolina that belong at the top of your itinerary: Hunting Island State Park, Ripley's Aquarium, the Summit at Table Rock, Cape Romain Lighthouse, Campbell's Covered Bridge, Pretty Place Chapel, Botany Bay, Botany Bay, Lake Jocassee, Charleston Harbor, Glendale Shoals Heritage Preserve, Falls Park on the Reedy, and the Christmas House.

Where can I go in South Carolina that only the locals know about?

Are you hoping to experience South Carolina as the locals do? If so, there are several places that should be on your radar. For instance, did you know that there's a hidden and free garden you can visit at the Governor's Mansion in Columbia? Also, there's a breathtaking Buddhist Monastery hidden in the woods near Clover. Or, if you're fascinated by architecture, you'll want to make sure to visit the oldest bridge in the state -- which is reportedly haunted, by the way!

 

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Featured Addresses
Cooper's Country Store Inc, 6945 US-521, Salters, SC 29590, USA
Beaufort, SC, USA
148 Main St, Whitmire, SC 29178, USA
Pendleton, SC 29670, USA
427 Scholar Loop, Aiken, SC 29801, USA
Broxton Bridge Plantation, South Carolina 29081, USA
Daufuskie Island, SC 29915, USA
Awendaw, SC 29429, USA
540 Buncombe St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA
St Helena Island, SC 29920, USA
175 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
150 Cleveland Park Dr, Greenville, SC 29601, USA