Things to do in South Carolina

Things to Do in South Carolina: Charleston and the Lowcountry

1. Explore Historic Charleston

Location / Neighborhood: Historic Downtown Charleston

Best for: First-time visitors, couples, history, architecture

Estimated Time Needed: Half day

Cost / Entry: Free to explore; individual attractions may charge

Charleston’s historic center is one of South Carolina’s essential experiences. Wander through streets lined with colorful houses, church steeples, shaded courtyards and beautifully preserved architecture before heading towards Rainbow Row and the French Quarter.

Walking is the best way to explore because many of the smaller details are easily missed from a car. Start earlier in the morning when temperatures are cooler, then leave time for the waterfront or King Street later in the day.

2. Walk Along The Battery

Location / Neighborhood: South of Broad, Charleston

Best for: Couples, families, architecture, waterfront views

Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours

Cost / Entry: Free

The Battery curves around the southern edge of Charleston’s historic peninsula, with grand homes on one side and views across Charleston Harbor on the other.

Walk through White Point Garden beneath mature oak trees before continuing along the waterfront. Rainbow Row is close enough to combine with the same outing, making this one of the easiest ways to experience several of Charleston’s most recognizable sights on foot.

3. Visit Fort Sumter National Monument

Location / Neighborhood: Charleston Harbor

Best for: Families, history, boat trips

Estimated Time Needed: 2–3 hours

Cost / Entry: Ferry ticket required

Reached by boat across Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter is where the opening shots of the American Civil War were fired in 1861.

The ferry journey is part of the experience, giving you views back towards Charleston before you explore the historic fort. Exhibits and ranger interpretation help explain what happened here and why the site became so significant. Reserve your ferry ahead during busier travel periods.

4. Explore the International African American Museum

Location / Neighborhood: Gadsden’s Wharf, Charleston Best for: History, culture, adults, older children Estimated Time Needed: 2–3 hours Cost / Entry: Admission fee applies

The International African American Museum explores African American history and culture from a particularly significant waterfront site in Charleston.

Exhibitions cover stories stretching from Africa and the transatlantic slave trade to South Carolina’s Gullah Geechee communities and the wider African American experience. Give yourself enough time to explore the galleries properly rather than squeezing the museum between several other historic attractions.

5. Browse Charleston City Market and King Street

Location / Neighborhood: Downtown Charleston

Best for: Shopping, couples, food, local crafts

Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours

Cost / Entry: Free to explore

Charleston City Market and nearby King Street add shopping, food and local craftsmanship to a day of sightseeing.

Browse the market stalls before continuing towards King Street for boutiques, galleries and restaurants. Look out for traditional sweetgrass basket makers, whose craft has deep roots in Gullah Geechee culture. Allow time to wander the surrounding side streets rather than treating the area as one quick shopping stop.

6. Relax at Charleston Waterfront Park

Location / Neighborhood: French Quarter, Charleston

Best for: Families, couples, waterfront walks, free activities

Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours

Cost / Entry: Free

Charleston Waterfront Park stretches beside the Cooper River with lawns, shaded paths, pier swings and the famous Pineapple Fountain.

It works particularly well after several hours exploring historic streets because there is no fixed route or timetable. Walk to the pier for harbor views, relax beside the water or let younger children cool off around the fountain before continuing through the French Quarter.

7. Spend the Day on Isle of Palms

Location / Neighborhood: Isle of Palms

Best for: Families, couples, swimming, beach days

Estimated Time Needed: Half to full day

Cost / Entry: Beach access is free; parking may apply

Isle of Palms offers miles of Atlantic shoreline within easy reach of Charleston, making it ideal for combining sightseeing with proper beach time.

Spend the morning swimming, walking the sand or trying watersports before stopping around the island for lunch. Golf and boating add more possibilities if you want something beyond the beach.

Browse our Isle of Palms vacation rentals if you would rather stay beside the coast and visit Charleston on day trips.

8. Explore Sullivan’s Island and Fort Moultrie

Location / Neighborhood: Sullivan’s Island

Best for: Couples, families, beaches, history

Estimated Time Needed: Half day

Cost / Entry: Beach access is free; fort admission requirements apply

Sullivan’s Island combines a relaxed residential beach with an important slice of American history. Spend time beside the Atlantic before exploring Fort Moultrie, whose story stretches from the American Revolution through later periods of coastal defense.

The island is compact enough to enjoy both without rushing and sits close to Mount Pleasant and Isle of Palms, making it easy to combine with a wider coastal day.

9. Spend a Day at Folly Beach

Location / Neighborhood: Folly Beach

Best for: Families, couples, surfing, relaxed beach days

Estimated Time Needed: Half to full day

Cost / Entry: Beach access is free; parking may apply

Folly Beach has a more casual, surf-oriented atmosphere than some of Charleston’s other coastal communities. Walk the sandy shoreline, watch surfers or head towards Folly Beach Pier for views across the Atlantic.

The town itself offers restaurants and beach bars within easy reach of the shore. Late afternoon works particularly well when the beach begins to quiet down and you can stay for dinner nearby.

10. See the Angel Oak Tree

Location / Neighborhood: Johns Island

Best for: Families, couples, nature, photography

Estimated Time Needed: 30 minutes–1 hour

Cost / Entry: Free

Angel Oak is one of the Lowcountry’s most recognizable natural landmarks, with enormous branches spreading across a shaded site on Johns Island.

You do not need long here, so it works well as a stop while exploring the islands around Charleston. Stay behind the barriers and avoid climbing or sitting on the branches, even where they sweep down close to the ground.

For more time around the city and coast, browse our Charleston vacation rentals.

Things to Do in South Carolina: Hilton Head and the Southern Lowcountry

11. Spend the Day at Coligny Beach

Location / Neighborhood: Hilton Head Island

Best for: Families, couples, swimming, beach days

Estimated Time Needed: Half to full day

Cost / Entry: Free

Coligny Beach is one of Hilton Head Island’s best-known stretches of coastline, with broad sand and easy access to nearby shops and restaurants.

It works especially well for first-time visitors because you can move between the beach and Coligny Plaza without repeatedly using the car. Arrive earlier during summer for a quieter start, then stay into late afternoon for a long walk beside the Atlantic.

12. Climb Harbour Town Lighthouse

Location / Neighborhood: Harbour Town, Hilton Head Island

Best for: Families, couples, views, photography

Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours

Cost / Entry: Admission fee applies

The red-and-white Harbour Town Lighthouse has become one of Hilton Head’s defining landmarks.

Climb to the top for views across the marina, Calibogue Sound and the surrounding Sea Pines landscape. Historical displays line the interior on the way up, so the climb also provides a quick introduction to local history. Afterwards, stay around Harbour Town for shops, restaurants and the marina.

13. Cycle Around Hilton Head Island

Location / Neighborhood: Hilton Head Island

Best for: Families, couples, cycling, active days

Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours

Cost / Entry: Free with your own bike; rentals cost extra

Hilton Head is particularly easy to explore by bicycle, with an extensive network of paved trails connecting beaches, residential communities and shopping areas.

Choose one section of the island rather than trying to cycle everywhere at once. At suitable tides, some stretches of hard-packed beach sand can also be ridden. Morning is best for cooler temperatures, particularly during summer.

14. Explore Sea Pines Forest Preserve

Location / Neighborhood: Sea Pines, Hilton Head Island

Best for: Nature, families, walking, birdwatching

Estimated Time Needed: 1–3 hours

Cost / Entry: Sea Pines access fee may apply

Swap Hilton Head’s shoreline for forest, wetlands and freshwater lakes at Sea Pines Forest Preserve.

Walking trails and boardwalks cross protected habitat, while archaeological features include an ancient shell ring. Move slowly and keep a respectful distance from all wildlife, particularly around ponds and waterways where alligators may be present.

15. Head to Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina

Location / Neighborhood: Hilton Head Island

Best for: Families, couples, boating, dining

Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours

Cost / Entry: Free to explore; activities cost extra

Shelter Cove is one of Hilton Head’s main starting points for getting onto the water, with fishing trips, cruises and boat rentals departing from the marina.

Even if you are staying on dry land, restaurants, shops and waterfront views make it worth a visit. Come later in the afternoon if you want to combine time around the harbor with dinner beside Broad Creek.

16. Play a Round of Golf on Hilton Head

Location / Neighborhood: Hilton Head Island

Best for: Golfers, couples, groups

Estimated Time Needed: Half day

Cost / Entry: Green fees apply

Golf is a major part of Hilton Head Island, with numerous courses spread around the destination.

Harbour Town Golf Links is the best known and hosts the annual RBC Heritage, while plenty of other courses cater to different abilities and budgets. Book ahead during popular spring and fall periods, especially if playing a particular course is important to your trip.

17. Explore Historic Beaufort

Location / Neighborhood: Beaufort

Best for: Couples, history, architecture, waterfront walks

Estimated Time Needed: Half day

Cost / Entry: Free to explore

Beaufort offers a quieter Lowcountry city experience, with oak-shaded streets, historic homes and a waterfront overlooking the Beaufort River.

Explore the historic district on foot before spending time around Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. The slower pace makes Beaufort a good contrast to Charleston and it pairs particularly well with a trip to nearby Hunting Island.

18. Visit Hunting Island State Park

Location / Neighborhood: Near Beaufort

Best for: Families, couples, beaches, hiking, nature

Estimated Time Needed: Half to full day

Cost / Entry: State park entry fee applies

Hunting Island combines Atlantic beaches, maritime forest, salt marsh and a historic lighthouse across one of South Carolina’s most scenic coastal state parks.

Walk the shoreline, explore forest trails or stop around the lighthouse area before heading deeper into the island. Check current lighthouse access before traveling because operating arrangements can change.

For a longer stay in the southern Lowcountry, browse our Hilton Head Island vacation rentals or Sea Islands vacation rentals.

Things to Do in South Carolina: Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand

19. Walk the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk

Location / Neighborhood: Central Myrtle Beach

Best for: Families, couples, beaches, entertainment

Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours

Cost / Entry: Free

Myrtle Beach’s boardwalk gives you one of the most recognizable Grand Strand experiences, running beside the Atlantic with easy access to the beach, restaurants, stores and entertainment.

Spend some time on the sand first before exploring the busier boardwalk area later in the day. Evening brings a livelier atmosphere and cooler temperatures, particularly during the summer months.

20. Ride the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel

Location / Neighborhood: Myrtle Beach Boardwalk

Best for: Families, couples, views, evenings

Estimated Time Needed: 1 hour

Cost / Entry: Admission fee applies

The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel rises high above the shoreline and provides sweeping views along the Grand Strand.

Ride during daylight for clearer coastal scenery or wait until after dark when the wheel and surrounding boardwalk are illuminated. Because it sits directly beside the beach, it is easy to combine with a wider afternoon or evening rather than planning a separate trip around it.

21. Spend the Day at Myrtle Beach State Park

Location / Neighborhood: South Myrtle Beach

Best for: Families, beaches, fishing, nature

Estimated Time Needed: Half to full day

Cost / Entry: State park entry fee applies

Myrtle Beach State Park offers a quieter alternative to the busy central beachfront. Maritime forest, sandy shoreline and a fishing pier give you several ways to spend the day without leaving the Grand Strand.

Follow one of the short nature trails before heading onto the beach or bring fishing gear for the pier. It is particularly useful for families wanting more natural surroundings without traveling far from Myrtle Beach.

22. Explore Huntington Beach State Park

Location / Neighborhood: Murrells Inlet

Best for: Nature, couples, families, birdwatching

Estimated Time Needed: Half to full day

Cost / Entry: State park entry fee applies

Huntington Beach State Park combines undeveloped coastline with salt marshes, wetlands and excellent birdwatching.

Walk the beach, explore nature trails and visit historic Atalaya Castle while you are there. Early morning and late afternoon are particularly rewarding for spotting birds and also offer more comfortable temperatures during warmer months.

23. Walk the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk

Location / Neighborhood: Murrells Inlet

Best for: Couples, groups, seafood, waterfront evenings

Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours

Cost / Entry: Free to walk

The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk follows a natural salt marsh and is lined with seafood restaurants, bars and live music venues.

Arrive in late afternoon so you can see the marsh in daylight before staying for dinner. It offers a noticeably more Lowcountry-focused atmosphere than central Myrtle Beach and makes a good evening stop after a day spent at Huntington Beach State Park.

Things to Do in South Carolina: Columbia and the Midlands

24. Tour the South Carolina State House

Location / Neighborhood: Downtown Columbia

Best for: History, architecture, families

Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours

Cost / Entry: Free

South Carolina’s State House sits at the center of Columbia, surrounded by landscaped grounds, monuments and historic markers.

Explore the exterior before joining an interior tour when available. Its downtown location means you can easily combine it with nearby museums, restaurants and other central attractions rather than setting aside an entire morning.

25. Explore Congaree National Park

Location / Neighborhood: South of Columbia

Best for: Families, hiking, paddling, nature

Estimated Time Needed: Half to full day

Cost / Entry: Free

Congaree National Park protects a remarkable expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest, where towering trees rise above a landscape shaped by seasonal flooding.

The Boardwalk Loop provides the easiest introduction, while longer hiking trails and paddling routes take you farther into the wilderness. Check trail and flood conditions beforehand and bring insect repellent during the warmer months.

26. Paddle or Float the Saluda River

Location / Neighborhood: Columbia

Best for: Couples, families, paddling, outdoor adventure

Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours

Cost / Entry: Rental or guided-trip fees may apply

Columbia’s location around several rivers gives the state capital a surprisingly adventurous side.

Depending on your experience and current water conditions, you can kayak, paddle or float sections of the Saluda River within easy reach of downtown. Some stretches contain stronger currents and whitewater, so choose an appropriate section rather than assuming the entire river is a gentle float.

27. Visit the Columbia Museum of Art

Location / Neighborhood: Downtown Columbia

Best for: Couples, art, culture, rainy days

Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours

Cost / Entry: Admission arrangements vary

The Columbia Museum of Art provides an easy indoor addition to a Midlands itinerary, with permanent collections and temporary exhibitions covering a wide range of artistic periods and styles.

Check what is showing before your trip, as changing exhibitions can make each visit quite different. Its downtown location means you can continue to the State House or nearby restaurants afterwards.

Things to Do in South Carolina: Greenville and the Upstate

28. Walk Through Falls Park on the Reedy

Location / Neighborhood: Downtown Greenville

Best for: Couples, families, walking, photography

Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours

Cost / Entry: Free

Falls Park puts a natural waterfall right in the center of Greenville, surrounded by landscaped gardens and riverside walking paths.

The curved Liberty Bridge provides the most recognizable viewpoint across the falls. Continue walking into the West End afterwards rather than treating the park as an isolated attraction, with restaurants, shops and downtown streets just beyond the river.

29. Cycle the Swamp Rabbit Trail

Location / Neighborhood: Greenville and Travelers Rest

Best for: Cycling, families, couples, active days

Estimated Time Needed: 2 hours to full day

Cost / Entry: Free with your own bike; rentals cost extra

The Swamp Rabbit Trail connects Greenville with surrounding communities including Travelers Rest along a largely paved route.

Rent bikes and choose a section that suits your ability rather than feeling you need to cover the whole trail. Stops for restaurants, cafés and parks make it easy to turn the ride into a relaxed half-day experience rather than simply an exercise route.

30. Hike at Table Rock State Park

Location / Neighborhood: Pickens County

Best for: Hiking, couples, families, mountain scenery

Estimated Time Needed: Half to full day

Cost / Entry: State park entry fee applies

Table Rock State Park introduces a completely different South Carolina landscape, with forested mountains, lakes and hiking trails in the northwestern corner of the state.

Experienced walkers can tackle steeper routes towards Table Rock Mountain, while easier lakeside and woodland walks suit families and less experienced hikers. Fall is particularly scenic, but spring and cooler summer mornings can also be excellent.

Things to Do in South Carolina With Kids

31. Explore EdVenture Children’s Museum

Location / Neighborhood: Columbia

Best for: Younger children, families, interactive learning

Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours

Cost / Entry: Admission fee applies

EdVenture centers on hands-on exhibits that encourage children to explore science, creativity, careers and the human body through play.

The enormous EDDIE exhibit is particularly memorable, allowing children to climb through an oversized representation of the human body. It also makes a strong indoor option during hot summer afternoons or wet-weather days in Columbia.

32. Board the USS Yorktown at Patriots Point

Location / Neighborhood: Mount Pleasant

Best for: Families, older children, naval history

Estimated Time Needed: 3–4 hours

Cost / Entry: Admission fee applies

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is centered around the USS Yorktown, an enormous historic aircraft carrier filled with naval exhibits and restored aircraft.

Expect lots of walking, stairways and narrow areas as you move through the ship, so comfortable shoes are important. Its Mount Pleasant location makes it easy to combine with Sullivan’s Island or Isle of Palms on the same side of Charleston Harbor.

Unique and Off-the-Beaten-Path Things to Do in South Carolina

33. Explore the ACE Basin

Location / Neighborhood: South Carolina Lowcountry

Best for: Kayaking, nature, birdwatching, quiet escapes

Estimated Time Needed: Half to full day

Cost / Entry: Many public areas are free; individual sites vary

The ACE Basin takes its name from the Ashepoo, Combahee and Edisto rivers and protects an enormous landscape of salt marsh, tidal creeks, wetlands and forests.

It is best explored slowly, whether you paddle through waterways, walk wildlife-management areas or follow quiet Lowcountry roads. Keep a safe distance from all wild animals, particularly around marshes and waterways where alligators may be present.

34. Walk Boneyard Beach at Botany Bay

Location / Neighborhood: Edisto Island

Best for: Couples, photography, nature, quiet beaches

Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours

Cost / Entry: Free; closures may apply

Botany Bay Heritage Preserve protects one of the Lowcountry’s most unusual beaches. Weathered tree trunks and branches lie across the sand at Boneyard Beach, creating a striking shoreline shaped continually by erosion.

Follow the preserve’s scenic route before walking out towards the coast. Shell collecting is prohibited, helping keep the beach particularly natural. Check current opening information before traveling, as closures can occur.

For a quieter coastal stay, browse our Edisto Island vacation rentals.

35. Take a Boat to Daufuskie Island

Location / Neighborhood: Between Hilton Head Island and Savannah

Best for: Couples, history, island exploration, unusual day trips

Estimated Time Needed: Half to full day

Cost / Entry: Ferry or water taxi fee applies

Daufuskie Island has no bridge linking it to the mainland, so the journey begins by ferry or water taxi.

Once there, quiet beaches, wooded roads and significant Gullah history create an atmosphere very different from neighboring Hilton Head. Golf carts are the main way visitors explore the island, so arrange transportation beforehand rather than expecting normal car hire when you arrive.

Seasonal Events

Spoleto Festival USA

Charleston hosts Spoleto Festival USA each late spring, with opera, theater, dance, jazz, chamber music and other performances taking place across venues around the city.

There is no single festival site, so look through the annual program and choose individual performances that suit your trip. Popular events can sell well ahead, making this worth planning earlier than most Charleston attractions.

RBC Heritage

Hilton Head Island hosts the RBC Heritage each spring at Harbour Town Golf Links, bringing PGA Tour golf to one of South Carolina’s best-known courses.

The island becomes noticeably busier during tournament week, so golf fans should arrange accommodation and tickets well ahead. Even if you are not attending, factor the event into travel plans if your Hilton Head stay falls at the same time.

Charleston Wine + Food Festival

Usually held during the first full weekend in March, the Charleston Wine + Food Festival celebrates the city’s acclaimed culinary scene with chef-led dinners, tastings, cooking classes, beverage workshops and large-scale food events across Charleston and the surrounding Lowcountry. The popular Culinary Village brings together regional chefs, drinks producers, artisans, demonstrations and live music in one lively setting. Book priority events early and use rideshare where possible between venues.

South Carolina State Fair

Each fall, Columbia hosts the South Carolina State Fair, combining rides, live entertainment, food and agricultural traditions.

The event normally runs for several days, making it easy to fit around a wider Midlands trip. Families visiting during October can combine it with Downtown Columbia and Congaree National Park for a varied short break.

Fall for Greenville

Fall for Greenville brings food, music and entertainment into Downtown Greenville each autumn.

Local restaurants serve dishes throughout the event while multiple stages host live performances. Falls Park sits right beside much of the downtown action, so combine the festival with a wider day exploring Greenville rather than driving elsewhere between activities.

Plan your South Carolina trip

Our South Carolina vacation rentals work best when you choose a multi-center trop rather than trying to cross the whole state in a short stay. Charleston combines naturally with Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island and Folly Beach, while Hilton Head can be paired with Beaufort, Hunting Island and the wider Sea Islands.

For a longer trip, continue inland towards Columbia and Congaree National Park, then head north to Greenville and the Blue Ridge foothills. Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand work particularly well as a separate coastal stay.

• Charleston vacation rentals
• Hilton Head Island vacation rentals
• Isle of Palms vacation rentals
• North Carolina vs South Carolina Vacation
• Things to do in Charleston