10 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in South Carolina 2024

Have you ever wanted to visit the so-called Deep South part of the USA? Well, if that’s the case then South Carolina is the perfect place you should visit.

This state is not as big as some other ones. It has only 5 million citizens. The capital city of this state is which has around 133 thousand people. Still, just because this state is small, that doesn’t mean there are no attractive places that tourists can visit. Actually, it is quite the opposite of that.

There are many attractive and entertaining places that you can visit in this small country. We will highlight 10 of the most attractive ones.

1. Hilton Head Island

Source: www.hiltonheadisland.org

You have probably seen a picture of this destination on social media. It is one of the most beautiful locations in this part of the United States. First of all, it has a beautiful view that most of the people experience for the first time. Besides that, it has rich historical importance and a wide range of cultural attractions.

This island got the name by a person who discovered it – William Hilton. He was the captain of the ship that boarded on this island for the first time. Believe it or not, it has 12 miles of beaches that became an attractive destination for holidays.

There are two big festivals organized in this place – the Art Center of Coastal Carolina and Hilton Head Choral Society. Many people confirmed that these festivals are among the top-class cultural options.

Besides, if you are wine-lover, there is a WineFest event that offers more than 1500 types of international wines.

2. Morris Island

Source: Flickr

We will continue the list with the famous islands of South Carolina. This place is one of the most important historical sites. It is true that the island is uninhabited, but it was one of the most crucial defense points in the Civil War.

Interestingly, the size of the Island is constantly changing because of erosion. It was a lot larger many years ago than now.

3. Cypress Gardens

Source: Garden Visit

Cypress Gardens are huge and they are located at Moncks Corner in South Carolina. A massive blackwater bald cypress swamp is the most attractive part of the gardens. You will see a footpath that will lead you through the garden. However, there are also flat-bottom boats that ensure an entertaining trip in the swamp.

Besides everything, you will be able to find a Butterfly House and an Aviary that are important parts of this destination. Finally, there is also a Swamparium where you can find native and exotic fish, venomous snakes and siren salamanders.

4. Lee Falls

Source: Flickr

The height of Lee Falls is 75-feet and it is one of the highest waterfalls in the South parts of the United States. This waterfall is located near Walhalla in Oconee Country. Still, if you plan to hike here, you will have to navigate a natural trail. It will take you not more than 2 hours to come to the final destination.

Still, there is one thing you should know. This destination is not accessible during the entire year. It is recommendable to visit it between March and October. In that period, you will be able to see the true beauty of this place.

5. Rain Falls

Source: South Carolina

Rain Falls is not one of the biggest waterfalls in the South. It is the biggest one. Its’ height is amazing 140 feet. The road to this place from the nearest city is around 4.3 miles. Coming to this place is difficult and you must bring a piece of hiking equipment together with you.

Still, this waterfall is in the property of Camp Greenville. You won’t be able to go without registering at the camp office.

6. Myrtle Beach

Source: Myrtle Beach

Well, if you plan to come to South California during the summer, you mustn’t skip visiting Myrtle Beach. It is a place where entertainment is guaranteed. It is important to know that there are many traditional seaside pleasures such as Carolina Opry musical show and Myrtle Beach Sky Wheel.

Logically, you will need a hotel if you plan to visit this place. If you want to book one, click here.

7. Charleston’s Historic District

Source: Pinterest

The name explains everything. This is a historically important destination that has more than 1400 churches, homes, and other buildings. You can go through the district with a carriage ride. However, you can also choose to go for a walk and analyze things in more details.

8. Hilton Head Island

Source: Marriott Hotels

Compering to Myrtle Beach, this place is peaceful. You won’t be able to find some glamorous entertainment here. Instead, if you plan to relax in a quiet place, this is the location that you have to visit.

On the sand beaches, you will be able to find shopping malls, golf courses, and dining restaurants.

9. Huntington Beach State Park

Source: State Parks

Do you like birds? Well, in Huntington Beach State Park you will be able to find more than 300 bird species. Many people will tell you that this is the best birding location in South Carolina. Besides birds, you will also be able to spot alligators at the park’s freshwater lake.

This place can be entertaining for people that love art. The Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival is organized in September every year. The event is located in the former residence of Anna and Archer Hyatt Huntington. You can conclude how this beach got the name.

10. Spartanburg

Source: ProActive Response Group

Are you a big history fan? Then not visiting Spartanburg would be a big mistake. This town exists since 1753. The place itself is synonymous with cultural wealth and outdoor activities. Each tourist will have the chance to participate in Holistic Downtown Walking Tour. Despite that, music enthusiasts will find their entertainment there as well. There is a so-called Spartanburg Music Trail that you should visit. Despite that, it would be recommendable that artists visit Spartanburg Art Musem and the Chapman Cultural Center. In these two places, you can see some of the most beautiful art pieces in human history. They all come from different eras of human history.

If you thought this is the end, you are wrong. People that are extremely passionate about cars can visit BMW Zentrum tour. Finally, tourists passionate about nature have the opportunity to participate in some entertaining activities. They can explore nature by biking, walking trails, and hiking.

11. North Myrtle Beach

Source: Break Away Vacation Rentals

This place can be perfect for different groups of people. We understand that some people only want to have fun when traveling. They do not want to relax their thoughts from everyday duties they have at home. Well, one of the places that you should visit is North Myrtle Beach.

This place is perfect for those that are big fans of golf. Believe it or not, the entire Grand Strand region has more than 100 golf courses. Still, many tourists were amazed by the Surf Club. This golf course is only a couple of blocks away from the Atlantic ocean. Still, this is not the only thing that will impress you. The surroundings of this golf course are something you will hardly see somewhere else in the world. There is a huge golf terrain that will immediately improve your mood.

Don’t worry; no one expects from you to be a professional golfer. If you want to improve your skills, you can always become a member of a golf club. For instance, if you live in California, you can get more information from www.thesaticoyclub.com. There you will have the chance to become more competitive while playing together against other tourists.

12. South Carolina State Museum

Source: ccorpusa.com

Do you want to find out everything about the history of South Carolina State? Well, this museum is the right place to do that. It is located in Columbia (capital city) and it has four floors of exhibits. These exhibits are covering fields such as science, culture, technology, art, and natural history.

You maybe think that this museum is not an entertaining place for young people. However, that’s not true. Most of the educational exhibits are hands-on, which are making the learning process a lot more interesting.

Finally, the museum also contains a science theatre, changing special exhibits, and planetarium.

Tell us, which of these places sound like the most attractive one?