There's only so much time in a day and only so much time in a summer! And even though we are fortunate to enjoy more warmer days than many other states, there's just something special about the summer season, especially if you're a teacher or have children who are out of school during this time of year. You want to get in as much summer fun as possible before those school routines begin again. With so many options for summer activities in South Carolina to choose from, we've put together a list of five that we think are the absolute musts and that make perfect summer boredom busters!
As the first Seakart experience in the United States, Seakart Adventure SC in Murrells Inlet is one of the most unique summer adventures in the water in South Carolina. Described as like a go-kart on the water, you get to drive the Seakart, following a security boat through the inlet.
Also in Murrells Inlet, Express Watersports is like a one-stop-shop for water fun with activities including scuba diving, cruises and tours, parasailing, banana boat rides, and kayak, jet ski, pontoon boat, and stand up paddleboard rentals.
With 187 miles of coastline, there are many beaches in South Carolina to enjoy. While Myrtle Beach may be the most popular, a benefit of choosing a lesser-known beach is that it will be less crowded! We suggest considering Fripp Island, which is private and accessible only to those staying at a vacation rental. Go off the beaten path for your next beach trip.
Covering more states in the country than any other interstate, spanning from Miami, Florida, to Houlton, Maine, Interstate 95 is considered one of the best interstate travel routes in the United States. The portion that runs through our state is a beautiful drive through South Carolina, with six notable places to enjoy along the way, as time permits. Gas up the car and come with us on this ultimate road trip to explore the cool things to do along I-95 in South Carolina.
The interstate crosses the state’s southernmost border in the Hardeeville area in the middle of the scenic Savannah Wildlife Refuge, which was established in 1927 as a sanctuary for migratory birds. About half of the refuge rests in Georgia and the other portion is in South Carolina.
Live Oak trees with hanging Spanish moss grace parts of the state’s landscape, including this one.
The refuge offers 24 trails of varying lengths. This gorgeous scene was captured from the Kingfisher Pond Loop, which is almost a mile long, “looping” around the pond.
There’s a four-mile road through the refuge that you can drive if you prefer, which is especially nice for those with limited mobility or who would have a difficult time walking for longer distances.
Much can be seen without leaving the car, including grasslands, marsh, and all types of wildlife. You’re likely to see shorebirds but also could see moorhens and coots, ducks, and alligators.
Just a few minutes from I-95, the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary occupies over 600 acres within the ACE Basin, the East Coast's largest estuarine preserve, and home of what is believed to possibly be the world’s only braided creek swamp accessible to the public.
From Walterboro, you will drive for about another 50 miles until you reach beautiful Lake Marion, the largest of 12 major lakes in the state, also known as South Carolina’s inland sea.
I-95 crosses over Lake Marion in Santee, so you don’t need to exit to appreciate it. Unless you need to stop for a break, just continue on your route across the bridge causeway.
If you do need to stretch your legs and grab a snack, you can always take the Eutawville/Santee Exit 98 onto Highway 6. This is also an excellent overnight stopping point if you’re traveling I-95 through South Carolina on a longer trip from other states. There are a good variety of accommodations and places to eat, with options beyond fast food.
During the Spring, you may want to make Florence a stop along the way to pick fresh strawberries at Cottle Strawberry Farm! It’s a small, local family farm and a less-than-an-hour track once you cross Lake Marion.
You will take Exit 157 onto Highway 76. We could all, children and adults, probably use a good reminder at times of the hard work behind foods we so enjoy. If you don’t have the time or energy for picking yourself, there’s always the "We-pick" option as well!
There are only about 30 miles between Florence and our next spot you may wish to experience. Also called America’s favorite highway oasis and the gateway to the southeast, South of the Border in Hamer, SC had humble beginnings as a simple beer stand built in 1949.
By 1954, the business expanded with an addition of 20 motel rooms. Throughout the following years, multiple expansions have added stores, a gas station, and even a barber shop and outdoor recreational facilities. The expansion of I-95 in the ‘60s took it right by South of the Border, putting it next to two exits, 190 and 193.
Interstate 95 first appeared on South Carolina maps between 1962 and 1964, with the first stretch constructed from Highway 17 north of Hardeeville to Ridgeville. From 1967 through 1972, the remaining sections were completed to the North Carolina state line. If you don’t have the time to break for the gorgeous scenery along the way, there are three welcome centers at mile markers 4, 99, and 195, and rest areas at mile markers 47, 99, and 139, with restrooms and vending machines for a much quicker stop while traveling through.
But when time permits, take a moment to stop and smell the roses, as they say. These rare pictures of South Carolina will forever change the way you see our beautiful state. You'll see even more of the state’s breathtaking beauty in areas beyond the I-95 passage.
The Unassuming Town Of Irmo, South Carolina, Is One Of America’s Best Hidden Gems For A Weekend Getaway
Irmo, South Carolina, offers a perfect weekend getaway with activities like the Purple Martin Phenomenon, Okra Strut, and lakeside adventures at Lake Murray.
Did you know weekend getaways can be good for your physical health? The benefits for mental health seem more obvious, but since getting away helps relieve your stress levels there can be a positive impact on physical health, too. Add in a destination where you can be near water, also found to be stress-relieving, and you’ve got a win-win situation. And we’ve got just the place for you to consider for your next quick trip. Lake Murray, the Purple Martin Phenomenon, and the Okra Strut are just a few of the reasons the town of Irmo, South Carolina is one of the best weekend getaways in America.
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On Christmas Eve in 1890, the town of Irmo was incorporated by the South Carolina General Assembly following the opening of the Columbia, Newberry, and Laurens Railroad.
It was named after two officials of the railroad, Mr. Iredell and Mr. Moseley, and has grown steadily through the years, from the tiny town of 500 people it had become in the early 1970s to a population of over 11,000 people, according to the most recent census. The town of Irmo marker is located at the intersection of Woodrow Street and Columbia Avenue, erected in 1989 by the town.
Irmo is about 12 miles from Columbia and borders Lake Murray’s eastern shore, offering many things to do, including water activities and lakeside places to stay overnight.
... and a firepit for maximum enjoyment of your time by the lake.
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If you visit during the summer from the end of June to the beginning of August, you may be able to experience the Purple Martin Phenomenon, when the birds return each year to Bomb Island in the middle of Lake Murray to roost before migrating to South America. Throughout the time you’re anchored near the island, the birds will cycle through periods of flying around and settling into the trees on the island.
This Lake Murray Purple Martin roost is believed to be the largest in North America, and possibly even the world. The peak time for viewing them is middle to late July, and the best time is between 7 p.m. to about 9:15 p.m. If you don’t have a boat, you can either rent one from a place like Better Boating Rentals or find a company that provides a Purple Martin Tour, such as Lake Murray Cruises. It’s quite an experience, especially for nature lovers.
Another seasonal event, the Okra Strut, takes place annually at Irmo Community Park on Church Street in the fall, which is a two-day celebration featuring live bands on both Friday and Saturday evenings, a Saturday morning parade (the largest in the entire state of South Carolina!), along with arts, crafts, rides and amusements, and lots of festival food throughout the day Saturday.
The Okra Strut started as a way to raise money to open what is now the Irmo branch of the Lexington County Library system but has become an annual tradition. It is free to the public thanks to sponsors, but individual fees apply for rides, amusements, food, and drinks.
Irmo has a town park on Carlisle Street, the perfect place for a picnic or just a few moments of peace and quiet by the running brook.
It’s a 480-acre park located along the banks of the Saluda River offering a multitude of opportunities and amenities, including tennis courts, boat ramps, trails, and a splash playground during summer months.
If you enjoy the arts, you don’t want to miss Harbison Theater at Midlands Technical College.
Loveland Coffee offers the convenience of a drive-through kiosk on Saint Andrews Road if you want to grab a cup on your way somewhere or head to the cafe on Carlisle Street if you’d like to sit down and perhaps have a bite to eat with it.
For tasty Southern cooking, go to Lizard’s Thicket, also on Saint Andrews Road.
If The Getaway VRBO is not available, there are plenty of other homes in Irmo to consider. Find your perfect weekend getaway home at VRBO.com.
Have you ever visited the town of Irmo? What did you most enjoy about it? Where do you like to go for vacation in South Carolina? What about weekend getaways in South Carolina? Share with us in the comments below!
