Here Are The 12 Absolute Best Places To Stay In South Carolina
Megan Todaro
Author
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.
Choosing the right place to stay can make or break your vacation. This is why we’ve come up with some of the best places to stay in South Carolina the next time you want to get away to The Palmetto State. Whether you’re on the hunt for the most affordable accommodation in South Carolina or want to find the most family-friendly vacation rentals in South Carolina, you’ve come to the right place. While you might be more prone to stick to Hilton Head Island and Myrtle Beach, we have a few other overnight suggestions to have you stepping outside the box. From Columbia to Charleston and beyond, ditch the Marriott beach resort and enjoy these Vrbo getaways.
Best Places to Stay in South Carolina for Families
Oftentimes the best places to stay in South Carolina are perfect for families. Whether the rental includes a pool, some family-friendly attraction, or otherwise, South Carolina has some pretty incredible places to stay with the whole brood.
- Location: Laurens County, SC
- Size: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (Sleeps 6)
- Price: $406/night
- Amenities: Hot tub, two decks, king beds, Watersport equipment, pellet grill.
- Ratings: 4.9 stars
Nothing says family more than a giant lakefront home filled with kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, ping pong, corn hole, and much more. This house comfortably fits up to six people, with three bedrooms and eight beds. With direct lakefront access, you’ll have your pick of casting a line or just floating the days away in the sunshine.
- Location: Fairfield County, SC
- Size: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (Sleeps 7)
- Price: $257/night
- Amenities: Screened-in porch, canoes, kayaks, life vests, sandy beach area, private lake, gas grill, dock access.
- Ratings: 5 stars
Bring the entire family to this overnight accommodation in South Carolina because everyone is guaranteed some fun. With up to seven people comfortably, guests can relax inside the screen-in porch and catch all the sunsets. All ages of your family will find fun here, from the sandy beach area to the watersports or the weather-protected recreation area under the home. Fire-pit, anyone?
- Location: Isle of Palms, SC
- Size: 7 bedrooms (sleeps 16), 6 baths
- Price: $1,259/night
- Amenities: Wi-Fi, fully stocked kitchen, game room, swimming pool, hot tub, game room, jacuzzi tub, private chef
- Rating: 5.0 stars
If you are going to take the family on a trip to South Carolina you may as well enjoy your stay to the fullest. The Lucky Penny is a beautiful home with all the amenities you could ask for. There is plenty of room for a multi-family getaway if you want to bring all your friends and family members too. Lounge around the salt-water swimming pool or walk to the beach, either way the warm South Carolina sun is ready to make your beach vacation a memorable one. With a number of golf courses, beaches, fishing piers, and restaurants in the area there is something for everyone.
Best Affordable Places to Stay in South Carolina
If you’re the type of traveler who would prefer to prioritize activities over accommodations, like taking to the golf course over posh linens, you don’t need to settle. Some of the most affordable vacation rentals in South Carolina also offer character and fun, too. Sometimes the best hotels can be a bit costly. Like that boutique hotel, you’ve been eyeing in historic Charleston. But just because you find a rental within a budget doesn’t mean it’s boring! Don’t sacrifice comfort or excitement when choosing where to stay in South Carolina because these rentals are low cost but big fun.
- Location: Lake Lanier, SC
- Size: Studio, 1 bathroom (Sleeps 2)
- Price: $111/night
- Amenities: Deck, patio, lakefront, kayak, full kitchen
- Ratings: 4.4 stars
While it might seem small, this lakefront cottage is not only an affordable place to stay in South Carolina but also boasts a remote ambiance that anyone looking to get away will love. Guests can check in easily with self-check-in and relax at this lakefront cottage all weekend. Sleeping two people comfortably, this cottage is the perfect getaway if you want to disappear into nature for the weekend.
- Location: Florence County, SC
- Size: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (Sleeps 6)
- Price: $140/night
- Amenities: Single-family home, full kitchen, internet, games, smart TV, washer and dryer
- Ratings: 5 stars
You won’t break the bank when renting this affordable place to stay in Florence County, South Carolina. With a perfect rating of 5/5, it’s easy to see why so many visitors found comfort here. Settle in for an evening on the couch to catch up on your favorite shows. Or gather everyone in the kitchen for a family-friendly meal!
Best Romantic Places to Stay in South Carolina for Couples
Ahh, a romantic southern getaway. What better place to create the ultimate anniversary weekend than a state bursting with charm, culture, and history? Finding the right romantic accommodation in South Carolina doesn’t need to be difficult. All you need is a little privacy and a weekend open for possibility. But what could be more romantic than some oceanfront accommodations with views of the Atlantic and a Lowcountry hideaway on Lake Murray?
- Location: Leesville, SC
- Size: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (Sleeps 6)
- Price: $384/night
- Amenities: Lake access, deck, fire pit, full kitchen, boat ramp, private dock, beach
- Ratings: 4.9 stars
Just because this one sleeps six people doesn’t mean all of them need to come! Imagine having this Lake Murray vrbo rental all to yourself, no kids, no family members included. As one of the most romantic rentals on the lake, you’ll be able to have fires at night waterside, sit in the sand during the day, and relax in your very own slice of paradise.
- Location: Surfside Beach, SC
- Size: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (Sleeps 6)
- Price: $144/night
- Amenities: Oceanfront, first-floor, sunset views, free wireless internet, Smart TV, private balcony
- Ratings: 4.8 stars
Nothing says romance quite like an oceanfront condo. Oftentimes the best places to stay in South Carolina offer sunrise views like no other. Here at Surfside Beach, you and your partner can relax on your private balcony, listening to the soothing sounds of the waves. Imagine immediately walking out of your first-floor oceanfront resort condo and hitting the beach. It doesn’t get much better than oceanfront accommodations within walking distance of the Atlantic Ocean.
Best Places to Stay in Charleston
If you’re a vacationer who prefers history and character over a cabin in the woods, head on to the quaint city of Charleston. Situated right on the coast, Charleston is a gem worth spending a weekend exploring. Families can enjoy the walkable streets and proximity to the beach. Meanwhile, couples can enjoy romantic dinners and waterfront accommodations.
- Location: Charleston, SC
- Size: 1 bedroom, 2 bathrooms (Sleeps 4)
- Price: $405/night
- Amenities: Saltwater pool, koi ponds, French doors, off-street parking
- Ratings: 4.7 stars
Let’s say it might not get much better than a serene cottage in Charleston with an incredible garden AND heated pool. Push all your worries to the wayside when you spend the night in this delightful home with enough space to comfortably sleep four people. This one might not feel like it’s an accommodation in South Carolina, especially when you see the koi pond, water lilies, salt water pool, or beautiful garden. Located in the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood, this is the perfect rental to get away from it all.
- Location: Charleston, SC
- Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom (Sleeps 5)
- Price: $192/night
- Amenities: Lofted ceilings, full kitchen, hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, a sleeper sofa
- Ratings: 4.7 stars
Have you ever wanted to stay in your very own Downtown Charleston loft? You’re in luck because this gem in the heart of the French Quarter has it all. Perhaps the most charming aspect of this loft is the spiral staircase to the lofted bedroom, but that’s only scratching the surface in terms of amenities. With the ability to sleep six people comfortably, you’ll enjoy the southern beauty of this historic hideaway every day of your stay.
- Location: Charleston, SC
- Size: 5 bedrooms (sleeps 16), 5 full baths
- Price: $1,522/night
- Amenities: Wi-Fi, full kitchen, fireplace, washer & dryer, heat & air conditioning
- Rating: 4.9 stars
Elegantly appointed, The Monroe on Spring is a historic Charleston Manor that was built in 1885. This iconic home has been lovingly restored and is only missing one thing - your family. Charleston is a delightful city and you will be swept off your feet both with this charming manor and with the welcoming town. Visit the iconic King Street in the heart of downtown Charleston for cute shops, fine dining, and that beautiful southern charm you came to South Carolina for.
Best Places to Stay in Columbia
There’s no better way to see the beauty of South Carolina than with a visit to the capital city itself. Columbia offers so much in the way of beauty – whether it’s the historic district brick buildings or the quaint mom-and-pop shops. Some of the best places to stay in South Carolina can be found in this charming city, and they don’t include luxury hotels.
- Location: Columbia, SC
- Size: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom (Sleeps 4)
- Price: $163/night
- Amenities: Outdoor amenities, heated patio, fire pits, full kitchen, screened-in porch, wheelchair-accessible ramp, ADA-compliant bathroom
- Ratings: 5 stars
This hidden gem in Columbia, South Carolina, is perfect for families in town checking out the local football games. Not only do you have close proximity to everything in town, but you also have amenities in this Vrbo that will make you feel right at home. Enjoy the screened-in porch for late-night lounging or the backyard fire pit for marshmallows and more. Plus, this home boasts a wheelchair-accessible ramp as well as ADA compliant bathroom!
- Location: Columbia, SC
- Size: 5 bedrooms (sleeps 16), 8 baths
- Price: $1,500/night
- Amenities: Wi-Fi, full kitchen, fireplace, washer & dryer, soaking tub, swimming pool, sauna, hot tub
- Rating: 5 stars
Experience the best that Columbia has to offer with this stunning home on Lake Murray. Enjoy absolutely beautiful light-filled views from the spacious interior. High-end amenities and spot-on architectural and design finishes soothe you into feeling relaxed and at peace throughout your entire stay - exactly what a vacation is supposed to feel like. With more than enough room to share with a couple of families or a group of friends, this delightful home is waiting to whisk you away on a spa-like getaway to South Carolina. The Four Seasons At Lake Murray is definitely one of the best vacation homes in Columbia.
Have you already visited or stayed at any of these vacation rentals in South Carolina? Share with us your favorites in the comments section! Or, if you already know the best places to stay in South Carolina according to your travels, make sure to shout those out, too!
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More to Explore
Best Places to Stay in South Carolina
What are the best unique hotels in South Carolina?
The best unique hotels in South Carolina have one thing in common - they are each eccentric in their very own way. Some of the most unique South Carolina hotels include:
- The Wilcox in Aiken
- Cuthbert House Inn in Beaufort
- King Charles Inn in Charleston
- The Grand Bohemian Lodge in Greenville
- Red Horse Inn in Landrum
- Battery Carriage House in Charleston
- Three Pines View in Salem
A few of these South Carolina hotels are incredibly historic, and many are located in small towns. Take The Wilcox as the perfect example. Award-winning, The Wilcox dates back to the late 19th century and offers the most in terms of southern hospitality.
Where are the most unique getaways in South Carolina?
We’ve compiled the ultimate list of the most unique getaways in South Carolina in one list. These incredible day-trip adventures include:
- Hunting Island State Park
- Ripley's Aquarium
- The Summit At Table Rock
- Cape Romain Lighthouse Tour
- Campbell's Covered Bridge
- Pretty Place Chapel
- Botany Bay
- Lake Jocassee
- Charleston Harbor
- Glendale Shoals Heritage Preserve
- Falls Park On The Reedy
With so many options for fun and unique getaways across South Carolina, there is a little bit of something for everyone on this list. Hunting Island State Park offers miles of beaches, creating an endless summer atmosphere. Meanwhile, Botany Bay has one of the most beautiful tree tunnels in the entire state!