There’s no denying that planning a fun day trip to somewhere within the state of South Carolina can be quite the challenge. After all, there’s so much to see and do here that it can seem pretty impossible to narrow down the possibilities to just a single choice. That’s where user reviews like those found on Google and TripAdvisor are very helpful. South Carolina boasts many types of destinations for all ages and each one is worth visiting. Listed below are 10 of the best places to visit in South Carolina. You’ll want to check them all out.
1. Middleton Place - Charleston
Middleton Place, Middleton Pl, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
Middleton Place is currently one of the top attractions in South Carolina. While here, you'll be able to explore 65 lush acres of gardens, a working stable yard, and a museum house, and take some exciting history tours. Middleton Place is one of the most beautiful must-see places in South Carolina.
Broadway at the Beach happens to be the most popular tourist attraction in the Myrtle Beach area. The one thing for sure about Broadway at the Beach is that you'll never run out of things to do while there. The sky is seriously the limit at this shopping center and entertainment complex.
Are you planning a family vacation anytime soon? If so, why not load up the kids and the bikes and head to Hilton Head Island? The bike trails in this family-oriented locale consistently earn a high rating from TripAdvisor users. And if you don't want to cart the bikes there, you can always reach out to the Hilton Head Chamber of Commerce for locations where you can rent bikes for the day or even longer.
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4. Joe Riley Waterfront Park - Charleston
Joe Riley Waterfront Park, Vendue Range, Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Ever since Joe Riley Waterfront Park opened in May 1990, it's been a huge focal point of historic Charleston for some South Carolina sightseeing. While here, you can stroll along the waterfront and feel the ocean breeze on your face, let the kids play in the splash fountain, have a picnic, and just simply relax. What a joy to have this wonderful outdoor location in South Carolina. Joe Riley Waterfront Park is open from sunrise to sunset and admission is free. Learn more about Joe Riley Waterfront Park by visiting the Charleston Parks Conservancy website.
5. Coligny Beach Park - Hilton Head Island
Coligny Beach Park, 1 Coligny Circle, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA
You won't find another beach in South Carolina that's quite like Coligny. With its convenience options like changing rooms, showers, a snack stand, chair rentals, and even a dog wash, Coligny Beach Park has a lot going for it if you're spending a day in the surf and sun. Learn all about Coligny Beach Park in this previous article.
Designed to enhance the landscape, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, which is also known as the Cooper River Bridge, is also one of Charleston's top attractions, while one of the top attractions in Mount Pleasant is the waterfront park and pier that's tucked underneath the bridge. Both locals and visitors alike flock to the bridge to either walk or bike across while enjoying unforgettable views of the water. It's one of the most incredible must-see places in South Carolina.
Falls Park on the Reedy in downtown Greenville has to be one of the prettiest city parks in the entire country. Whenever you decide to visit this beautiful park, be sure to set aside enough time to explore it fully and admire the enormous waterfall from above while crossing the uniquely curved Liberty Bridge.
Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens is home to more than 2,000 animals from 350 species from all over the globe. It's the perfect day trip destination for animal lovers of all ages. Plus, during your visit, you'll be able to combine your interest in the animals with your love of history because you'll be able to hike to ancient ruins along the river on a trail that's accessible from inside the zoo. It's one of the most fascinating South Carolina attractions.
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9. Cherry Grove Beach - North Myrtle Beach
Cherry Grove Beach, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582, USA
Located on the north end of North Myrtle Beach, Cherry Grove Beach seems to be only a stone's throw from the North Carolina state line. It's also a popular spot for vacationing families from all over the country, including here in South Carolina. One of the most popular attractions is the Cherry Grove Pier, which happens to be where fishing and gazing out at the big blue ocean are fun ways to pass the time. Interestingly, in 2016, we ranked Cherry Grove Pier as the number one pier in South Carolina. But you can certainly check out plenty of other gorgeous piers in South Carolina.
Whether you have your own vessel, or you simply enjoy Lake Murray from the shore at the Lake Murray Dam, Lake Murray Public Park, or over at Dreher Island State Park, a day on or in the water is great medicine for whatever ails you. Don't believe us? Then try it and see for yourself. You can learn more about beautiful Lake Murray by reading this previous article.
There you have it. A day at the zoo, a day on the water, a day at the beach, a day at the pier, a day spent exploring a couple of great city parks, an afternoon of biking, a weekend of shopping, and so much more. What’s not to love about South Carolina’s top attractions? What other points of interest do you plan to check out the next time you visit South Carolina? Let us know in the comments.
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More to Explore
Best Places To Visit In South Carolina + Related Info
Jennifer Young|November 17, 2022
1. What are some fun things to do in South Carolina?
There are many fun things to do in South Carolina. Listed below are five of the most fun things to do in South Carolina, and you'll want to add each one of these activities to your bucket list.
Spend a weekend shopping at Anderson Jockey Lot, the largest flea market in South Carolina.
Dine at South Carolina's oldest restaurant, Villa Tronco.
Spend the day exploring Cheraw State Park, one of South Carolina's most underrated state parks.
2. Are there any beautiful places to visit in South Carolina?
There are many beautiful places to visit in South Carolina. Listed below are five of the most beautiful places in South Carolina that everyone should visit at least once, especially nature lovers.
