Top 10 Places to Visit in South Carolina

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#1 Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular beach city of South Carolina. It is a famous tourist destination known for its warm subtropical climate and extensive beaches. The 60-mile stretch of beach is known as "The Grand Strand". Popular activities of the area include Broadwalk, SkyWheel, Family Kingdom Amusement Park, Golf Courses, and Ripley's Aquarium.

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#2 Congaree National Park

Located south-west of Columbia, Congaree National Park is home of the tallest champion trees. The Congaree River flowing through the park support the growth of about 15 species of champion trees. The park is a designated wilderness area and it features hiking, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and bird watching. The 2.4 mile Boardwalk Loop is a popular walkway through the swampy environment.

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#3 Charleston

Charleston is the largest and most popular tourist destination city of South Carolina. The city is located on Charleston Harbor, an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean. The downtown area is home of number of art, music, and fashion venues. Charleston has many historic buildings, historical museums, and other family attractions. Places to visit include Joe Riley Waterfront Park, Fort Sumter National Monument, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, and South Carolina Aquarium.

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#4 Caesars Head State Park

Caesars Head State Park and Gap State Park are jointly administered and known as 13,000 acre Mountain Bridge Wilderness area. The park is known for granitic gneiss outcropping atop Blue Ridge Escarpment at 3,208 ft. It is one of the popular state park for its spectacular view of the mountains that extends into North Carolina and Georgia. There are five waterfalls in the park including popular 420 ft Raven Cliff Falls. Park activities include hiking, scenic overlook, camping, and picnicking.

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#5 Hilton Head Island

Located 20 miles northeast of Savannah, Hilton Head Island is a popular resort town and vacation destination. The island features 12 miles of beachfront on the Atlantic Ocean. Hilton Head Island resort offers oceanfront guestrooms, live music, 60 miles of public use trails, and top 10 family beaches in the country.

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#6 Huntington Beach State Park

Huntington Beach State Park is one of the most popular South Carolina's small coastal state park. It is known for large sandy beach and bird watching. The park also includes historic landmark Atalaya Castle, winter home of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington. Many of her significant sculptures are in adjacent Brookgreen Gardens. Things to do at the park include hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, and bird watching.

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#7 Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park

Fort Sumter is known as the site where the first battle of the American Civil War was waged between Union and Confederate forces. Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park protects Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie, and Liberty Square. Fort Sumter is a historic site and recreational activities are limited to scenic viewing and birding. The Fort Moultrie Visitor Center has museum and offers self guiding brochure. Picnicking and casual recreational activities are permitted at Liberty Square.

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#8 Columbia

Columbia is the state capital and 2nd largest city of the South Carolina. Known as "Famously Hot", the city has many great things to do. Columbia is home to the University of South Carolina and Fort Jackson. Places to visit in Columbia include Columbia Museum of Art, South Carolina State House, Riverbanks Zoo, Riverbanks Botanical Garden, and EdVenture Children's Museum.

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#9 Greenville

Located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville is known as the Upstate of South Carolina. The city is a cultural and entertainment center known for its arts center and nationally recognized museums. Greenville offers many attractions and family fun activities to do. Greenville's downtown area is home to many popular attractions: Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Falls Park, Greenville County Museum of Art, Greenville Zoo, The Children's Museum of the Upstate, and Roper Mountain Science Center.

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#10 Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant is connected to downtown Charleston by famous Arthur Ravenel Jr. cable-stayed bridge over the Cooper River. It is the largest town in South Carolina and home to the World War II aircraft carrier USS Yorktown. Mount Pleasant is a popular tourist destination for waterfront views of the Charleston harbor and surrounding marshes. Top attractions to visit in Mount Pleasant area include Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, Joe Riley Waterfront Park, Shem Creek Park , Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens, Charleston Harbor, and South Carolina Aquarium.