Here in South Carolina, we’re blessed with an abundance of beautiful places to explore. From the rolling mountains to the sprawling coast, every square mile of the Palmetto State seems to hold some kind of treasure. Living in a state as fascinating and beautiful as South Carolina means we can explore that grandeur with abandonment. Here are the 15 best places to explore in South Carolina, from natural preserves to chapels and just about everything in between. Don’t forget to bring your camera!

1. Poinsett Bridge Heritage Preserve
Lucid Nightmare/Flickr
john roy/Flickr
This amazing preserve is located just north of Greenville. The bridge itself was built in 1820 and is thought to be the oldest surviving bridge of South Carolina. Plus, you can walk across this bridge for fantastic views of South Carolina.
2. Old Sheldon Church
Delk Haigler Photography/FB
Delk Haigler Photography/FB
The Old Sheldon Church ruins are found in Yemassee. First completed in 1753, this church has a positively fascinating history. In fact, if you're looking for a fun day trip in South Carolina, Yemassee makes for a great destination.
3. Sassafras Mountain
Ephraim Ragasa/Flickr
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Sassafras Mountain is the highest mountain that is totally inside the South Carolina borders. And, surprisingly enough, Sassafras doesn't grow on on this mountain at all! But, it could be fun trying to find it anyway just to prove someone wrong. And just wait until you see the observation tower and highest overlook in South Carolina!
4. Stumphouse Tunnel
David Ellis/Flickr
David Ellis/Flickr
Stumphouse Tunnel Park is found near Walhalla. It was supposed to be a railroad tunnel but didn't get completed due to insufficient funding. From the 1950s to the 1970s, Clemson University used the tunnel to grow blue cheese. Now, it's a place to explore. You'll also find the Issaqueena Falls nearby. Would you walk through this fascinating and historic tunnel in South Carolina?
5. Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve
Photos of Lancaster, SC and/Flickr
Photos of Lancaster, SC and surrounding areas/Flickr
Forty Acre Rock is found in Kershaw. This is a spectacular place to go exploring and there is so much ground to cover...literally! Learn more about how you can explore colorful natural pools in South Carolina when you take this 1.7-mile trail. Unfortunately, vandals have defaced a lot of the rock so if you go there, please be sure to only leave footprints.
6. Landsford Canal State Park
Duane Burdick/Flickr
PROGeekly Things/Flickr
Landsford Canal State Park is found in Catawba. This place is fabulous. It has the world's largest population of Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies. They have a Lily Festival in May of each year when they bloom. The park is home to not only the lilies, but a well-preserved canal system that was built in 1820 to make the Catawba River navigable. When it comes to adventures in South Carolina, this abandoned 200-year-old canal certainly qualifies.
7. ACE Basin
Henry de Saussure Copeland/Flickr
Henry de Saussure Copeland/Flickr
The ACE Basin was established to promote conservation of the land. It's a combination of the Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto Rivers. Without a doubt, the ACE basin is one of South Carolina's natural wonders. It covers a huge amount of land so don't think you'll see it all in one day. There's always something new and exciting to see.
8. Kiawah Island
Craig T/Flickr

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Emil/Flickr
Kiawah Island is a barrier island found off the coast of South Carolina. There are resorts here and golf courses, but they haven't tamed the entire island. Just outside the borders of those places you'll find that adventure awaits you. Plus, there's a little-known public beach on Kiawah Island with the bluest water you've ever seen.
9. Congaree National Park
Miguel Vieira/Flickr
Bret Frk/Flickr
Found in Hopkins, the Congaree National Park has the most astonishing biodiversity. It also has the largest tract of old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. Curious to learn more about this underrated national park?
10. Caesar's Head State Park
Brenda Wiley/Flickr
Hiro/Flickr
Caesar's Head State Park encompasses a lot of land like much of the state parks in the Upstate. When you're including mountains, the area tends to get pretty big, pretty quick. There are gorgeous falls such as Raven Cliffs and others as well as views that will stun you. Hiking this easy loop trail in South Carolina, you'll feel like you're on top of the world.
11. Jones Gap State Park
Jeff Walters/Flickr
Jeff Walters/Flickr
Jones Gap is not far from Caesar's Head, but they are all different sites including different mountains and different falls. The mountains are so beautiful and relaxing that exploring would be a treat. Learn more about why Jones Gap State Park is one of the best parks in South Carolina.
12. Jocassee Gorges
digidreamgrafix / Getty Images
loonyhiker/Flickr
The Jocassee Gorges are found in Devils Fork State Park. They are a wonder all to themselves.
13. Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
Ken Lund/Flickr
Jeff Gunn/Flickr
Located in Bluffton, the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge covers over 4,000 acres! Exploring here is a real treat for bird watchers. Bring a camera because you're definitely going to miss out on some amazing pictures if you don't. It's truly one of the most breathtaking destinations in South Carolina.
14. Chau Ram County Park
Joe Plocki/Flickr
Keelan Jones/Flickr
This is Oconee County's best kept secret! There's so much beauty to see here that you will go back again and again. Plus, there's even a waterfall campground to enjoy here.
15. Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters/Flickr
PROKenneth Cole Schneider/Flickr
Last but not least on our list of the best places to explore in South Carolina is the Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge. Carolina Sandhills covers approximately 46,000 acres. Talk about having a wide open space to explore! This place is known for its large population of birds. Learn more about this incredible South Carolina sand dune.

If these don’t bring out your inner explorer then nothing will! South Carolina is such a beautiful place, and we’re grateful for all the places that can be explored in our very own backyard. Another great thing about all of these places is that you can bring your children and make it a family affair. There is magic out there to be discovered! Do you agree that these are the best places to explore in South Carolina? Which destinations would you add to the list? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!

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More to Explore

best places to explore in South Carolina

Beth C. | April 08, 2021

What are some of the most incredible adventures in South Carolina?

South Carolina is positively filled with possibilities for adventure. Whether you define "adventure" as a rugged hike in the mountains or perhaps a tour of a completely new town, you're in for a real treat when you visit the Palmetto State. Many people who are touring South Carolina like to start with a trip to Charleston. Not only is Charleston the oldest town in South Carolina, but it's also one of the most beautiful. It's here that visitors can enjoy legendary architecture while also enjoying some of the best food in the state. Or, if you prefer something in the great outdoors, you can spend some time in the mountains of upstate. No matter what your preference for activity is, you're bound to find some incredible adventures in South Carolina.

What are the best day trips in South Carolina?

If you're someone who loves beaches, then heading to Coligny Beach Park is one of the best day trips in South Carolina. Some believe it's the beach in South Carolina with the most pristine sand. It's located in Hilton Head Island and has long been a favorite of visitors and residents alike. Plus, the facilities are some of the best in the state. Learn more about one of the most pristine beaches in South Carolina.

What are the best parks in South Carolina?

If you love parks then South Carolina will not disappoint. Whether you're looking for coastal scenery or places to explore in the mountains, you'll find a park suited to your preferences. Some of the most popular parks in South Carolina include Hunting Island State Park, Myrtle Beach State Park, Huntington Beach State Park, Table Rock State Park, Edisto Beach State Park, Santee State Park, Devils Fork State Park, and Oconee State Park. Learn more about the most popular state parks in South Carolina.

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Featured Addresses
Poinsett Bridge Heritage Preserve, County Rd 42, Landrum, SC 29356, USA
Old Sheldon Church Road, Old Sheldon Church Rd, Yemassee, SC, USA
Sassafras Mountain, South Carolina 29635, USA
Stumphouse Tunnel Rd, South Carolina 29691, USA
40 Acre Rock Heritage Preserve, 2207 Conservancy Rd, Kershaw, SC 29067, USA
Landsford Canal State Park, 2051 Park Dr, Catawba, SC 29704, USA
Ace Basin Pkwy, South Carolina, USA
Kiawah Island, SC, USA
Congaree National Park, South Carolina 29061, USA
Caesars Head State Park Visitor Center, 8155 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC 29635, USA
Jones Gap State Park, 303 Jones Gap Rd, Marietta, SC 29661, USA
Jocassee Gorges Wilderness Area, 1344 Cleo Chapman Hwy, Sunset, SC 29685, USA
Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, USA
Chau Ram County Park, 1220 Chau Ram Park Rd, Westminster, SC 29693, USA
Jefferson, SC 29718, USA