If you ever find yourself traveling southeast, one state that will surely leave your eyes in awe is South Carolina. Whether you’re looking to relax in a fancy resort or to marvel in history while riding a carriage, South Carolina will welcome you with its amazing beaches, historic houses, and museums.
Traveling with a family? A lot of people consider South Carolina as a great travel destination for families. Most tourist attractions here are kids-proof – this means that they’re so interesting that even the young ones get to have their fun too!
1. Swan Lake Iris Gardens
Nestled in the heart of Sumter City, the Swan Lake Iris Gardens is the only public park in the US to house all eight swan species. Aside from its abundant wildlife, your eyes can also feast on the beauty of its wide floral attractions. You can find the prettiest Japanese mongolias, azaleas, and daylilies here. This garden also boasts of annual festivals you can attend such as Earth Day Celebration and the Fantasy of Lights.
2. Myrtle Beach
If you’re visiting South Carolina during the summer, getting your beach fun is definitely a must. The pristine 60-mile coastline of Myrtle Beach makes it one of the most popular places to visit in SC. Not only do you get to enjoy the captivating waters, but the seaside attractions are also just as fun too. There’s an amusement park, arcades, restaurants, souvenir stands, and more. Make sure to get on the SkyWheel, one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the US.
3. The Historic District of Charleston
A carriage ride along the streets of Charleston offers a sight (and a lecture!) of historic homes, churches, and museums of the district. You will get to know more about their rich history and explore different types of art and collections here. You can also watch how a sweetgrass basket – a traditional piece, is woven in the city market. Then you can end your day with a beautiful Charleston sunset by taking a romantic cruise in Charleston Harbor.
4. Caesars Head State Park
Wanna go on a trail adventure? Ceasars Head State Park is popular with tourists who are seeking some hiking fun in South Carolina. There are various trails that you can follow, ranging from beginner to expert level. The park offers magnificent views of rock formations, cliffs, and waterfalls. You can also time your visit during the fall so you can join the Hawk Watch program that allows for a breathtaking view of hundreds of migrating hawks, falcons, eagles, etc.
5. South Carolina State Museum
Located in downtown Columbia, the South Carolina State Museum is the state’s largest museum. With four floors of permanent and exchanging exhibits, the museum covers natural history, arts and culture, technology, and science. There are a lot of interactive exhibits all year round so this museum is great for kids. They can also enjoy the digital dome planetarium, the observatory, and the 4D theater.