Summer coming to an end in the Palmetto State means many things. Most importantly, the close of summer means cooler temps are in store for South Carolinians. And we say, “it’s about time!” It’s time to start planning your comeback. Pretty soon we’ll be able to comfortably spend time outside again. Here’s the ultimate bucket list to help you plan your return to the great outdoors.

1. Go camping.
Flickr/Christoffer Blomqvist
And not the kind that involves a room key and a nice mattress. Grab a tent and enjoy the great outdoors. If you time it right and head to the upstate you can enjoy a weekend of fall foliage.
2. Tour a national monument right here in the Palmetto State.
Flickr/Steve Markos
Get ready for some nice wind in your hair as the salty ocean breeze whips through the Ft. Sumter Tour boat while you make your way to this historic national monument.
3. Take in a sunrise.
Flickr/Laura Eakins
Grab your coffee and head outside for a quiet sunrise before the chaos starts.
4. Take a hike and enjoy one of the best mountain views in the state.
Flickr/Scott Oves
From Caesars Head State Park you can see South Carolina's largest landmark, Table Rock.
5. Climb to the top of the state's tallest tourable lighthouse.
Flickr/Jason Taylor
Enjoy a magnificent view from the observation deck of the Hunting Island Lighthouse at Hunting Island State Park.
6. Walk across the only covered bridge from yesteryear that's still standing in the Palmetto State.
Flickr/Doug Anderson
Campbell's Covered Bridge is a cherished reminder of days gone by in South Carolina. Go see her in person and pay homage to her resilence.
7. Buy local and get fresh at the same time.
Facebook/Port Royal Farmers Market
Visit your local farmers market for fresh veggies and a whole lot more. You'll find a list of 13 great farmers markets here.
8. Hit the Palmetto Trail for some walking, hiking or biking.
Flickr/loonyhiker
Hike, bike or just WALK a section of the Palmetto Trail. This 425+ mile planned rails-to-trails cross-state trail is open in sections from short to very long distances. Pick you section and hit the trail. Learn more.
9. Get wild at the nearest zoo!
Flickr/Valerie
The Palmetto State has 5 zoos where you can get wild and discover new things. Zoos are in Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, Murrells Inlet and Inman.
10. Go check out some famous South Carolina landmarks.
Flickr/Trisha Fawver
If you've never seen the giant peach that is often accused of looking like a giant rear end, go gawk and take some pictures.
11. Visit another major South Carolina landmark: the Ravenel bridge in Charleston.
Flickr/Ron Cogswell
Walk, bike or run over this megabridge and enjoy sweeping views of the Charleston Harbor, the Atlantic Ocean and the adjoining cities of Charleston and Mount Pleasant.
12. Discover your new favorite outdoor garden. It's located in Clemson.
Flickr/Randy Nichols
The South Carolina Botanical Garden is free of charge and is acres and acres of garden art.
13. Pay a visit to Congaree National Park.
Flickr/Miguel Vieira
In addition to miles of hiking trails, some with boardwalks, you'll also discover huge trees like this one, a perfect photo opportunity.
14. Beef up your alphabet soup with some much needed R&R and Vitamin D.
Flickr/Let Ideas Compete
Once those Labor Day crowds come and go it's the perfect time to hit the beach when it's less crowded but still warm/sunny enough to catch some rays.
15. Take time out to enjoy the sunset.
Flickr/Hunter Desportes
Grab a cold bev, your significant other and a comfy chair and then go watch the sun go down and enjoy the serenity of the evening.

Summer’s not over yet, but it’s never too early to start planning your “outdoor comeback.” What other things are on your outdoor bucket list?

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Related Articles