Posted in South Carolina Nature August 22, 2017 by

17 Hidden Places In South Carolina Only Locals Know About

Shhh. Keep these secret attractions in South Carolina as much under the radar as you can. The following are some fantastically hidden spots to see and explore in the Palmetto State. From hidden gardens to fields of sunflowers and a lost national park, this list is sure to keep you busy for quite a while. Take a look below.

1. A hidden, free garden at the Governor's Mansion.
Facebook/South Carolina Lace House
Head to the capital city to see the lush gardens located right on the grounds of the Governor's Mansion. Free and open to the public, this hidden oasis in the heart of Columbia is a real discovery!

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2. Fields of sunflowers.
Flickr/Mike Bitzenhofer
The Palmetto State has a few hidden sunflower fields perfect for avid amateur and professional photography buffs. You'll find them in the summer and fall in quite a few spots in South Carolina.

Read about one of them in this full article
3. This Buddhist Monastery hidden in the woods.
Facebook/Vien Quang Buddhist Monastery of Clover, SC
Founded in Clover in 2012, Vien Quang Monastery (Tu Viện Viên Quang) is a Vietnamese Mahayana Buddhist monastery with a large temple, and 22 acres of grounds to explore. Relax and enjoy the serenity of this hidden treasure. Admission is free and the grounds are open to the public on certain days of the week.

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4. The Lowcountry's protected oasis: the Ace Basin.
Flickr/Sara Dean
Located between Charleston and Beaufort, this water and marsh wonderland is a national wildlife refuge with several fantastic preserves set aside so you can experience the basin up close.

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5. The oldest bridge in the state.
TripAdvisor/Lea A
No longer open to vehicular traffic, this old stone bridge is believed to be the oldest in the state. It's also reportedly haunted, if you believe in ghosts. Either way, discovering this beauty will change your life.

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6. An eclectic island village only reachable by ferry.
Facebook/Daufuskie Island Ferry
Who knew South Carolina has so many places you can only get to by way of a boat? You'll love this artsy and eclectic town and island to the south of Hilton Head. Spend the day, or several days enjoying all it has to offer.

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7. The small airport with a cafe and a children's park.
Facebook/Runway Cafe
Runway Park in Greenville is a whimsical airport-themed playground where you can watch planes come and go. Across the runway, a cafe dishes up great plates with their wide open views of the runway.

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8. This secluded beach reachable only by way of a ferry.
TripAdvisor/Michael5451
Explore the seven pristine miles of this coastal island and marvel at the breathtaking beauty found along Boneyard Beach. Discover piles of shells that end up on this island due to its positioning along the coast. But you can only get here by way of a boat.

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9. A topiary garden like you've never seen before.
PearlFryar.com
The fantastic roadside garden of Pearl Fryar began as a hobby - and still is! You'll be amazed by the special topiary creations here.

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10. A secret beach hike.
Flickr/Ted Kerwin
Hike to this secret beach outside of Charleston for views of an abandoned lighthouse stranded in the waters off the coast. This short destination hike takes minutes and delivers big views.

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11. The most beautiful campground in all of South Carolina.
South Carolina Parks
Head to this state park tucked alongside a coldwater mountain lake in the Upstate. Billed as the clearest, most pristine lake in South Carolina, Lake Jocassee is the perfect camping destination.

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12. A castle near downtown Greenville.
Gassaway Mansion
This former private residence was once the largest home in the Upstate. It has 40 rooms and is surrounded by elegant gardens. Gassaway Mansion is only open for private events but you can gawk at the outside all you want.

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13. This charming market and cafe.
TripAdvisor/DrSkippy
The Stono Market and Tomato Shed Cafe is a combo restaurant and market everyone should try at least once. They dish up fresh seafood paired with veggies from their farm located right up the road. Yum!

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14. Spend the night in the oldest former rice plantation in America.
Facebook/Mansfield Plantation Bed & Breakfast
Circa 1718, Mansfield Plantation near Georgetown is now a bed and breakfast. It's believed to be the oldest former rice plantation in the country that's been saved from development. Stay in the main house, or one of the small cottages like the former kitchen house.

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15. A hidden beachfront cafe tucked inside a charming inn.
TripAdvisor/management
Not many people even know about this secluded cafe located along the quiet shores of Litchfield Beach. Order a side of lunch with your amazing ocean views from this beachside eatery.

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16. South Carolina's own Fountain of Youth.
TripAdvisor/Lea A
Head to this unassuming South Carolina spring to partake in the healing waters of this Fountain of Youth. For centuries people have sworn by the healing properties of the waters from this spring. Find out for yourself if it works.

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17. South Carolina has a lost national park and it's amazing.
Google Maps
Located right in the Charleston Harbor, this little known former park is overlooked by millions of visitors each year. Find out the story behind this lost monument that's rotting away into the sea.

Read more in this full article

Do you love exploring hidden places in South Carolina? Then you’ll want to take this road trip to the state’s hidden beaches. Enjoy!

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