15 Things You Must Do Underneath The Summer Sun In South Carolina
Summer in South Carolina is a lot of things and the biggest one is: it’s full of opportunities. Longer days mean there’s actually some time when you get home from work to do some fun stuff before nightfall. We’ve compiled a list of amazing activities that are perfect for enjoying that extra sunshine after work, or for filling your weekends with a bevy of fun things to do.
In reality, there’s likely a never-ending list of these things, but here are 15 to start:
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Take a drive or a walk through one of South Carolina's magical tree tunnels. You'll score extra points if you have a convertible for this one. If not, then just roll down the windows and feel the wind whip through your hair while you sweep through one of these enchanting roads.
Discover a new hidden beach you didn't even know about. South Carolina has more than a handful of these "secret" spots and they're a perfect escape from the usual beaches where everyone goes. Grab you sunscreen and hit the beach.
Climb to new heights and then buckle that harness safely into place before zipping at top speeds toward this gorgeous body of water before landing safely on the other side. Head to Go Ape in Myrtle Beach for this amazing adventure.
Stop at one of the most iconic roadside attractions in the upstate for lunch, dinner, ice cream, shopping and some good old-fashioned fun. Located along the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway, Aunt Sue's is a destination all on its own.
Head to the South Carolina Governor's Mansion in Columbia and roam freely (literally, it's free) around the gardens - which are more like outdoor rooms with ivy covered walls and tree canopies for ceilings.
Not just ANY hike...explore some of South Carolina's most renowned trails and find yourself in amazing places, like on top of the world with an incredible view, or walking along a rails-to-trails hike where trains use to run. These hikes are perfect for an early morning summertime excursion.
Take a weekend road trip to some of South Carolina's most haunted places including places to eat and sleep along the way. You'll visit the state's most notoriously haunted grave, the grave of Alice Flagg. Bring an old ring to offer her as a gift. Legend has it, if you bring her a ring then her apparition will appear.
Take the day trip of a lifetime when you board this sightseeing tour boat and head to a barrier island to find treasures from the sea. Forget the shark's teeth...some people have found shark jawbones.
Because, who can resist a fabulous seafood dinner - or two? We put together the ultimate South Carolina bucket list of seafood restaurants and you'll want to try them. Go ahead...stuff your face...we won't judge.
South Carolina's Upstate is home base for a lot of waterfalls. Last summer we took you on a very popular waterfalls road trip featuring some pretty spectacular falls. This year, we put together a totally different road trip that features waterfalls in the Sumter National Forest, including this one, the beautiful 70-foot Kings Creek Falls.
Who says nothing in life is free? There are plenty of perfectly fun activities in the Palmetto State that won't cost you a dime, starting with visiting the Angel Oak tree on Johns Island. This and 15 more suggestions for free things to do are in the link below.
As far as we know, South Carolina's only "natural bridge" is located along this trail, aptly named "Natural Bridge Trail" in the upstate. Take a short hike to see this geologic wonder for yourself.
We've put together 10 spots you can head to that are perfect for exploring the back roads of South Carolina. Head to Botany Bay Plantation and enjoy the swag of the Spanish moss as you pass under a tunnel of Oak trees; or to Old Sheldon Church where again, you'll pass under a tunnel of trees. The back roads of South Carolina are full of adventure. Buckle up -
and enjoy!
Head to the Upstate to spend the day in some of the clearest, most pristine water in South Carolina. Double your pleasure by cooling off in the pristine man-made Lake Jocassee. Camping is available right along the shores.
Summer in South Carolina is definitely the perfect time to get outside to explore our great state. Remember to schedule your activities early in the day by the time July and August roll around – and to always bring plenty of water and sunscreen! What’s your favorite thing to do outdoors in the summer? Beach? Hike? Other? We’d love to hear from you in our comments!
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Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com.
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