South Carolina Vacation Ideas
South Carolina beaches and islands have a rich history, amazing natural wonders, inviting culture, beach resorts and family attractions.
In fact, the South Carolina coast is one of the most popular seaside vacation destinations in the US but that is not all that South Carolina has to offer.
South Carolina's State Parks consist of more than 80,000 acres and roam from the edges of the Blue Ridge mountains and the shores of cool Midlands lakes, to tidal creeks and sand dunes of the Atlantic .
Campsites along lakes, trails in deep forests, shaded picnic areas and tours of plantation homes are vacations ideas that will make your trip to south Carolina a happy one.
Beaches: the Grand Strand
South Carolina has many great family beaches, romantic hideaways, world-class resorts, and secluded island shores.
At night Sout Carolina is a great opportunity to teach yourself and the children about the planets and the night sky.
One of my favorite things to do is look for constellations and for just a few dollars you can pick up a star finder. It's not hard to do and it is a lifetime of knowledge and fun for everyone.
It is a nature lover's paradise, or a sportsman's. Miles and miles of warm white sandy beaches give you the freedom to make them what you need to relax.
Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is a popular South Carolina vacation destination.
A 60-mile span of white sand beaches that stretch from Little River to Georgetown, the Grand Strand features two ocean side State Parks, deep sea and inshore fishing, incredible seafood, historic tours, unique shops, cruises, and magnificent Brookgreen Gardens where you'll see the world's largest collection of American sculpture.
The hub of the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach is where the action is. With fun family beaches, over 100 championship golf courses, tennis courts, outlet malls, specialty shops, live musical theatre, nightclubs and a wealth of family attractions,
Litchfield Beach
Litchfield Beach is beloved for its miles of wide sandy beaches, world-class golf courses, village-style shops and fine dining. It's only half an hour away from Myrtle Beach, but it's more quiet and reserved. There is one hotel on the beach, but visitors usually stay in rental houses or condos.
Murrells Inlet
Murrells Inlet offers many recreational activities in a breathtaking inlet setting, including deep sea fishing charters, boat tours, individual boat rentals, scuba diving, kayaking, parasailing and Jet Skiing.
The historic fishing village of Murrells Inlet has earned the title "seafood capital of South Carolina" because of the fresh seafood drawn from its waters and served at the many restaurants lining the waterfront.
Garden City Beach
Garden City has access to both the ocean and the inlet, so it is great for fishing, crabbing and water sports. The majority of vacationers stay in beach houses or condos, and the community offers a marina, amusements, restaurants, a fishing pier that features live music during the summer evenings and a new Creekwalk that spans the salt marsh.
Little River
Little River is a unique town, offering a slightly slower pace of life than the rest of the Grand Strand. The community lies just below the North Carolina border along what is now the Intracoastal Waterway.
Because of its numerous tidal creeks and close proximity to the ocean, Little River was a popular harbor for pirates in the 1700s and Civil War blockade-runners in the 1800s.
The scenic rivers and beautiful lakes of the South Carolina Lakes and Blackwater Rivers area make the Palmetto State a premier water sports and world-class hunting and fishing destination.
Lakes
South Carolina's crystal clear mountain lakes, cascading waterfalls and vast scenic lakes make a popular vacation destination for world-class fishing, sightseeing, family fun and outdoor recreation.
Located in State Parks, forests and rolling hills throughout the state.
Places like Lake Marion, the largest inland body of water in the South and Lake Keowee, "one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the nation" provide championship fishing, houseboat excursions, island camping, lake cruises, boating and scuba diving.
South Carolina's collection of scenic lakes, scenic coves and some of the most celebrated sports and recreational lakes in the region is enough reason to visit this gorgeous area.
Waterfalls
South Carolina has many waterfalls to inspire you. Some falls may be viewed roadside and on short hikes down easy trails, others require moderate to strenuous hiking into forested mountain terrain.
The many beautiful waterfalls of South Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountain Upcountry include the tallest falls in the Southeastern United States can be found here.
The region's many falls include thundering river cascades, gently falling showers and thrilling 400-foot drops from rugged mountain cliffs.
Kayaking
Kayaking is abundunt on the ocean or on the many lakes, rivers and estuaries that the state has to offer. Estuaries are the most bio diversified ecosystem on the planet and South Carolina is blessed with more than any other state in the nation.
South Carolina also has 11,000 miles of rivers, numerous lakes and the longest stretch of contiguously protected coastline on the Eastern seaboard.
This rich environment is where fresh and saltwater intermingle and is host to an abundant and diverse array of flora and fauna.
Paddling the black water creeks of a Cypress Swamp in Francis Marion National Forest, old canals of abandoned rice fields in the ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge or the coastal waters of our barrier islands in and around Cape Romain National Wildlife refuge will be one of the most memerable kayaking experiences of your life.
Paddlers can choose from rushing whitewater rivers, tranquil, moss draped swamps, tea-stained black rivers, or salt marshes. Here is a list of rivers that will satisfy any apatite.
Little Pee Dee State Park: is 14 miles of blackwater swamps, white sandy beaches, cypress trees, and wilderness.
Chattooga River: Designated a national wild and scenic river, it moves from gentle water to progressively more challenging rapids.
Chauga River: Sometimes described as a mini version of the Chattooga River, this tributary of the Savannah River flows through the Sumter National Forest.
Great scenery combined with gradients averaging 60-80 feet per mile and Class I-V rapids make this river a great whitewater destination for experienced paddlers.
Edisto River: The longest undammed blackwater river. Its dark waters flow unobstructed for its 300-plus mile length. The river meanders through forests of cypress and tupelo at two to four miles an hour.
Landsford Canal State Park: Known for one of the largest colonies of Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies in the Southeast, provides access to the Catawba River.
Enoree River: Thirty miles of narrow and shallow water, steep hardwood bluffs, forest, and small wetland areas surround it.
Thompson River: A mountain stream in Oconee County, it drops in a series of dramatic waterfalls into Lake Jocassee.
Turkey & Stevens River: Narrow and shallow water, surrounded by steep hardwood bluffs, forest, and small wetland areas.
Tyger River: is a narrow and shallow river bed surrounded by flood plain forest and wetland areas.
Fishing
If you prefer fishing from the land, take your rod down to the surf, fish from a pier on the Grand Strand or go crabbing in the Lowcountry salt water rivers.
Massive man-made lakes and smaller clear mountain lakes of South Carolina offer premier fishing for professionals and recreational fishing enthusiasts alike.
Lake Marion is famous for record-breaking catfish. Lake Marion is the largest lake in South Carolina, covering 110,000 acres. It is known for its big fish and abundant wildlife. Public access is provided through several public boat ramps, Santee State Park, and the Santee National Wildlife Refuge.
Lake Jocassee is a cool water lake and features trophy small mouth bass, trout, and bluegill.
South Carolina State and National Parks
South Carolina's National and State Forests boast a rich variety of wildlife habitat and offer excellent opportunities for bird-watching, nature study, photography, and fishing. Otters, beavers, coyotes, bobcats, black bears, and possibly even panthers make their home in some of the forests of South Carolina.
There is a South Carolina trail from the mountains to the sea. South Carolina offers hundreds of miles of scenic hiking trails from mountain trails that lead to its spectacular waterfalls and rugged forested backcountry.
Some of the best hiking trails in the state are just minutes away from major population centers such as Charleston and Greenville.
The developing Palmetto Trail will give hikers and backpackers the opportunity to hike all the way across the state from the mountains to the sea.
South Carolina is prepared for you to hike, bike, paddle on ancient water routes, riding an ATV or motorcycle through deep forests, horseback riding into wilderness and more.
Congaree National Park
Preserving the largest remnant of old-growth floodplain forest remaining on the continent, trees towering to record size amidst an astonishing display of plants and animals are truly a national treasure.
Congaree National Park is a designated Wilderness Area, an International Biosphere Reserve, a Globally Important Bird Area and a National Natural Landmark.
Congaree N.P. has a 2.4-mile boardwalk loop trail and over 20 miles of backcountry hiking trails. The park also hosts a wide variety of guided walks, canoe tours, talks and presentations offered throughout the year.
Other popular activities within the park include backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, birding, nature study and more.
Before you embark on your adventures, stop by the Harry Hampton Visitor Center to pick up a map and brochure, watch the introductory film and get the latest information about conditions in the park.
There are so many great adventures waiting in South Carolina. I can't wait to see you there.