There are a lot of things to do in South Carolina. From historic sites to water parks, you can have a fantastic vacation here. Whether you’re looking for family fun or a getaway with friends, there are plenty of ways to make your visit unforgettable.
South Carolina has a lot of historical sites, museums, and parks to explore. This state is known for its beautiful beaches, marshy sea islands, subtropical climate, and lush gardens.
If you want to see more of the natural beauty of South Carolina, you’ll love the Cherokee National Forest. It’s a free-to-enter park that features hiking trails and birdwatching opportunities. You can also enjoy the 2.4-mile boardwalk loop trail.
One of the most famous attractions in South Carolina is The Alligator Adventure. This place lets you feed alligators, learn about the reptiles, and even ride a roller coaster.
Another interesting place to visit is the Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden. This place is spread over 170 acres of land and features several waterfalls, historic statues, and lush gardens.
Located in Columbia, this place is a fun adventure spot. Visitors can find a variety of things to do, including day trips to Fort Jackson and Fort Johnson. They can also go to the Marionette Theater, which offers unusual puppet shows.
Also, in Columbia, you can go to the University of South Carolina. Several restaurants offer great food and drinks.
For a more family-friendly activity, the South Carolina State Museum is a great place to take the kids. With four floors of exhibits, it has displays on art, technology, science, and history.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular attractions in South Carolina. This family-friendly attraction offers visitors a variety of experiences, from swimming with stingrays to a glass bottom boat tour. The aquarium features thousands of sea creatures and over a hundred interactive exhibits. Visitors can experience exotic marine life through exhibits like Ray Bay, Planet Jellies, Dangerous Reef, and Rio Amazon.
Located in Broadway at the Beach, the aquarium is easily accessible from the Myrtle Beach hotels. There are several restaurants and shops nearby.
The aquarium also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year. For instance, in early 2020, they’ll be able to offer a chance to visit the Penguin Playhouse, which features penguins from around the world. In addition to the exhibits, they have an educational center for children and a luxury gift store.
Another must-see attraction is the Haunted Adventure. This attraction is a 15,000-square-foot space, and it offers visitors a unique experience. Here, you’ll find a shark tunnel and an obstacle course. You’ll also get to play with a Flow Rider that simulates surfing.
You’ll also want to check out the Wheels of Yesteryear, which contains over fifty classic cars from the late 20th century. If you have time, try out the Radical Ropes Adventure Park, which boasts a variety of hanging bridges and wooden platforms.
If you’re looking for a thrill, you might also try the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel. Located at the north end of the boardwalk, the wheel is 200 feet high and provides amazing views of the beach and city. It also has a unique light and sound zone, a 6-D motion ride, and a ropes course.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
If you’re visiting Charleston, you’ll want to take a tour of the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. This beautiful, historic garden is one of the oldest in the United States. It was founded in 1676 by the Drayton family and opened to the public in 1870. Today, it is a family-friendly attraction.
The Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is also home to a petting zoo and a gift shop. Visitors can also opt for guided tours and nature boat trips. Guests can also visit the History Room, where they can learn about the history of the plantation. Located in the History Room is a collection of photographs, paintings and artifacts.
As a Southern planter, Reverend John Grimke-Drayton worked on improving the property. His wife, an abolitionist, found slavery abhorrent.
Before the Civil War, the plantation was used as an encampment for both British and American forces. The site was damaged by a raid during the war. After the war, the plantation was rebuilt. In the 19th century, it was named Flowerdale.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is located on Ashley River in South Carolina. This is the oldest public garden in the United States. There is a tram tour, a petting zoo, a wildlife museum, and a peacock cafe.
The property features a marsh garden pathway that’s accessible by a wooden boardwalk. For an additional fee, visitors can take a guided tour of the marsh garden. Tour guides will point out animals and provide information about the history of the estate.
Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens is one of the most popular attractions in South Carolina. This zoological park features a zoo, nature preserve and sculpture garden. It is a great choice for families with kids.
You can purchase tickets for Brookgreen Gardens online. These tickets are good for seven days from the date of purchase. The entrance ticket also includes admission to the zoo. There are also tours of the zoo, nature trails and a museum. However, there are some additional fees for excursions.
If you are visiting during the fall, you can enjoy the scenery at Congaree National Park. It is an excellent place for hikes. In addition, you can take a walk along the scenic Waccamaw River. Also, be sure to stop by the Enchanted Storybook Forest.
One of the biggest attractions at Brookgreen Gardens is the collection of figurative sculptures. This collection is the largest in the United States. Sculptures are displayed throughout the nine hundred and twenty-seven-acre property.
You can also visit the Lowcountry Zoo, the nature reserve, and the cypress swamp. These are all open for tours, but the hours vary depending on the season.
Another attraction you shouldn’t miss is the Alligator Adventure. Here, you can pet and feed alligators, observe a reptile house and watch live feedings.
Some other things to see at Brookgreen Gardens include the Palmetto Garden and the Butterfly House. They also have a children’s discovery room and an aviary.
If you are interested in a nature trail, you can visit the Lowcountry Trail. This trail connects the botanical garden to the zoo.
Fort Sumter National Monument
The Fort Sumter National Monument is located in Charleston, South Carolina. It is the site of the first shots fired in the American Civil War. This is a must-see for anyone with an interest in American history.
A visit to the Fort Sumter National Monument is a great way to learn more about the history of America. You’ll also enjoy gorgeous views of Charleston’s harbor.
The fort is open year-round. Visitors can explore the fort’s grounds and museum for free. However, if you are interested in learning more, you can take a guided tour. Alternatively, you can purchase a ticket for a sightseeing boat tour. Depending on the season, tickets can be purchased at the Fort Sumter visitor’s center or online.
A Fort Sumter tour includes round-trip ferry service and a 30-minute sightseeing cruise along the Charleston Harbor. The tour is run by an authorized concessioner, Fort Sumter Tours. These tours are available for both morning and afternoon. They are recommended for history buffs and families.
On board the ferry, you’ll learn about the fort’s history. There are displays that explain the engineering, strategy, and construction of the fort. During the tour, you’ll also have the chance to hear a ranger talk about the fort’s events in April 1861.
While there are no admission fees, there is a small charge for the ferry. Tickets sell out two to three days in advance. If you plan on taking a ferry, you may want to book a reservation in advance.
Huntington Beach State Park
The Huntington Beach State Park is a 2,500-acre recreation area on the southern tip of the Grand Strand of South Carolina. It features a beach, freshwater lake, marshy areas, and hiking trails. This park is operated by the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism.
Aside from the beach and the lake, there are also paved boardwalks and walking trails to explore. For those who are interested in bird watching, Huntington Beach State Park is one of the best spots on the East Coast to observe 300 species of birds. There are also camping grounds and overnight accommodations.
Another attraction in Huntington Beach State Park is the Atalaya Castle, a historic Depression-era winter home of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington. They designed the home in Moorish style architecture. Today, the home features thirty rooms, a dog kennel, horse stables, and Archer’s study.
The park is open year-round. The park offers a variety of activities, including fishing, surfing, and camping. To make a reservation, you can call 1-866-345-PARK. You can also visit the park’s website.
Visitors can enjoy the saltwater marsh boardwalk, which is on the parking lot. From the boardwalk, visitors can see loggerhead turtles, oysters, and spartina grass.
The park offers guided tours, and guests can take a Segway tour. On the Segway tour, visitors can explore the park by gliding through the trails. If you want to go on a guided tour, be sure to book a reservation before you leave.
Rainbow Row
Rainbow Row is a row of 13 antebellum homes built in the mid-18th century. Today, it is one of Charleston’s most renowned landmarks. The historic homes on the street are painted in pastel colors to reflect the Caribbean influence.
The houses on Rainbow Row were initially built as merchant offices and residences. They faced the Cooper River when they were first constructed. However, after the Civil War, the area was transformed into a slum.
In the 1930s, Legge bought the Othniel Beale House from Susan Pringle Frost, who had acquired it in 1931. She decided to paint the house a pastel blue. It was later used for the staging of Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess.
The houses on Rainbow Row are a series of thirteen private Antebellum homes. They are located between Elliot and Tradd streets. Each of these homes is unique, and they can be seen any time of the year.
Rainbow Row is a wonderful place to visit. Whether you are looking for an idyllic getaway, or simply want to see a piece of history, you can’t go wrong.
If you are visiting Charleston, consider taking a tour. A guide will take you through the historic district, and show you many of the city’s antebellum mansions. You will learn about the city’s history and its most notable churches. These tours last about two hours. Some tours include a bus ride along the streets, so you can easily see some of the city’s most famous attractions.
Broadway at the Beach
Broadway at the Beach is a 350-acre entertainment complex that offers dining, shopping, attractions and hotels. It’s the place to go in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Here you can find a variety of things to do, including live shows, family-friendly rides, and an aquarium.
One of the most popular attractions is the WonderWorks interactive museum. There are hundreds of exhibits to see, and you can take the kids on the Soar + Explore zip line and multilevel ropes course. You can also explore the Space Discovery Zone and learn about space suits.
Another great attraction is the Light and Sound Zone. It features a large piano keyboard and rotating gyroscopes. The show involves music, dance, and lasers.
Other attractions include the T-rex ride, the fossil dig area, and the ball pit. At this attraction, you can ride a T-rex and watch 20 animatronic dinosaurs in action.
This is also a good spot for fireworks. On Tuesdays through August 30, the attraction holds a special fireworks display. In addition to the fireworks, there are other events, such as the Great American Summer Nights Entertainment series.
If you are looking for a fun family vacation, Myrtle Beach is a good choice. For more information on activities, check out the Myrtle Beach website. Visit the area in the summer for great entertainment, shopping, and dining.
Also, don’t miss the Pirates Voyage. Owned by Dolly Parton, it’s a fun-filled experience for the whole family.
Charleston City Market
When you visit Charleston, you can’t go wrong with visiting the Old City Market. This area is a little over a mile from the harbor, and is one of the most important cultural centers in the city. It is filled with an array of interesting vendors.
You’ll find dozens of antique and artisanal shops, as well as 300 pop-up shops. While you’re there, make sure to stop by the Museum of the Confederacy. There, you’ll learn all about the history of the South.
There are a number of great places to eat in the Old City Market. Some of the better restaurants include Noisy Oyster, Burwell’s and Kaminsky’s. If you want something sweet, try Kaminsky’s.
You can also find some of the best coffee in the city at City Lights, located between King and Meeting. And, if you’re looking for a live show, you’ll be happy to know that there is a Dock Street Theater in the neighborhood.
The Charleston City Market may not be a top-notch destination, but it’s got a lot to offer. Not only is it a great place to buy souvenirs, but it’s also a fun way to explore the history of the city.
Although the market is a tourist trap, it’s still worth the visit. Located near East Bay Street, it’s an easy walk from hotels and cruise ship terminals. However, parking can be difficult at busy times, and free street parking is scarce.
The Charleston Farmers Market is a fun and easy way to experience local culture. Located in Marion Square, the market features a number of locally grown foods, crafts, plants and flowers.
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden in Columbia is one of the most popular attractions in the region. This 170-acre zoo and garden draws upwards of one million visitors each year. The grounds feature over 2,000 animals and exotic plants. It’s an ideal family destination.
Aside from the animals, visitors can take in the botanical garden. Over 4,200 species of plants are found here. There are also several special exhibits such as the Australian Animals and the Reptile Complex.
If you’re visiting during fall, the most colorful hues can be seen. In addition, you can enjoy a special holiday lighting display. Some other attractions include the Zip the Zoo zip line canopy tour and the Spots & Stripes children’s train.
Other highlights at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden include the African Savanna, Birdhouse, and Koala Knockabout. These exhibits are all very well laid out. For a small admission price, you can see these popular exhibits.
You can also purchase a wristband that allows you to ride the carousel, pony rides, and rock climbing. Also, you can participate in feedings.
Another attraction that is a favorite amongst locals is the Giraffe Overlook. Here, you can get a close look at giraffes and learn about their habitat. At the same time, you can feed them lettuce and other goodies.
Children under two years of age can attend for free, but discounts are available for older children, families, military members, and senior citizens. Guests can also save money by purchasing tickets online.
