4 Spots in South Carolina We’re Especially Thankful for This Year

With its unique sites, history, and food, there's nowhere else like South Carolina. The Palmetto State has many claims to fame, including the world's largest ginkgo biloba farm and the first museum in America. It's also the birthplace of sweet tea and barbeque—yum! With all of the state's one-of-a-kind sites and attractions, it can be hard to pick a favorite. There are four in particular that we are especially thankful for this year. Check out this list of some of the best places to visit in South Carolina.

1. Rainbow Row, Charleston

Rainbow Row in Charleston is one of the most photographed rows of houses. These colorful and historic homes along East Bay Street were constructed in the 1700s. They weren't painted bright colors until the early 20th century, when the owner of several of the homes, Dorothy Porcher Legge, decided to paint them striking shades in an effort to revitalize the area. Today, despite fires, storms, and the Civil War, the homes still stand. They are privately owned, but ordinances ensure they will keep their vibrant palette. We appreciate Rainbow Row for its history and charm, and it's the perfect spot to take a souvenir photo.

2. Harbour Town, Hilton Head

Harbour Town is a waterside jewel within the vacation town of Hilton Head. The area is within The Sea Pines Resort, but is open to the public. Once inside, visitors can climb up a lighthouse to enjoy views of the Calibogue Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. There’s also a golf course, marina, shops, and restaurants, so you can grab souvenirs, enjoy a bite to eat, and more all in the same spot.

3. Congaree National Park, Richland County

It’s easy to be thankful for Congaree National Park, which, surprisingly, is among the least visited national parks. The park is a 20,000-acre wilderness southeast of Columbia that protects the United States' largest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest. It also hosts opportunities for fishing, camping, canoeing, and kayaking. The park’s astonishing biodiversity makes it a one-of-a-kind asset to the Palmetto State.

4. Old Sheldon Church Ruins, Beaufort

The Old Sheldon Church Ruins are beloved for their beauty and their history. The church has an eventful past, as it was built in the mid-1700s, burned decades later by the British during the Revolutionary War, rebuilt in the early 1800s, and burned again in 1865 during the Civil War. The abandoned and vacant place remains a spot for photographers, history buffs, and ghost hunters to gather, and there’s no entry fee for visitors. The Home2Suites by Hilton in Beaufort is a fantastic place to stay in the area.

That rounds out our list of the best places to visit in South Carolina. There are so many more unique places in the state that could have easily made the list.

If you're in the mood to plan your next adventure, check out Only In Your State's AI-travel planner. It makes planning escapades near and far quick and easy.