Known for its slower-paced, laid-back living, the Palmetto State charms visitors with its Southern hospitality, high-end and down-home food, and a picturesque coastline dotted with popular destinations, including Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island, and Charleston. Stretching from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean, the state encompasses the natural beauty of the southern region of the US, while its complex history permeates everyday life. From its role in the Civil War to the Gullah culture in the Lowcountry to the civil rights movement, the state’s past shapes its identity and development.
The spring (March through May) season is considered the best time to visit South Carolina, especially if you plan to explore on foot. During the summer, the heat and stifling humidity can make getting around cities like Charleston uncomfortable, but June and July are good months to head to the coast to cool off. Remember that hurricane season runs from late August through October, with September presenting the greatest risk. This is an ideal time to see the fall foliage in the Blue Ridge Mountains in the state’s northwestern corner.
South Carolina boasts seven major airports, the busiest being Charleston International Airport. Charlotte/Douglas International Airport, located just across the border in North Carolina, also serves as a gateway to the state. To get around South Carolina, driving is the way to go. If you’re visiting Charleston, you can explore by foot or use the free DASH shuttle when traveling downtown.
During the Spoleto Festival USA, which takes from Memorial Day through mid-June, Charleston’s churches, theaters, and outdoor spaces host a range of performances from renowned and emerging artists. Expect higher hotel rates, airfare prices, and bigger crowds during this time.
If you’re interested in visiting a plantation during your stay in South Carolina, look for guided tours that focus on the lives of the people enslaved there, including showing the interiors of their quarters on the grounds. More and more plantations are revamping their visitor experiences to educate travelers about this significant chapter of the state’s history.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone EDT (UTC -5) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 51 | Tours 505 | Reviews 70,289 |
South Carolina is known for its beaches, golf courses, Lowcountry cuisine, and major cities like Charleston, as well as its pivotal role in the American Civil War. The state attracts visitors year-round because of its mix of historical attractions and recreational things to do—from the sandy coast to the Appalachian mountain trails.
...MoreIt depends on which part of the state you’re traveling to. March to May is the best time to explore cities like Charleston. This is when the temps are pleasant for outdoor tours and activities. During June and July, when it’s typically hot and humid, locals and visitors head to the beaches or the mountains for some relief.
...MoreYes. Charleston's Historic District remains the number one attraction in South Carolina year after year. With its historic homes, restaurants, and welcoming energy, the city attracts visitors looking for some Southern hospitality. Plus, Civil War landmark Fort Sumter, another popular state attraction, is accessible by ferry from Charleston, adding to the city’s allure.
...MoreDescendants of West and Central Africans who were enslaved in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia, the Gullah Geechee people were able to retain many of their indigenous traditions in the US because of their isolated location along the coast, even developing a new language that’s spoken nowhere else in the world.
...MoreThe backbone of South Carolina cuisine is budget-friendly, Lowcountry staples like shrimp and grits and Frogmore stew with meats, veggies, shrimp, crab, sausage, corn, and new potatoes, as well as barbecue, which is served up three ways: vinegar-, tomato-, or mustard-based. Also, Summerville, South Carolina, is known as the birthplace of sweet tea since it’s where tea plants were first grown in the US.
...MoreIf you’re visiting the coast of South Carolina, plan to spend about a week exploring. This allows you time to travel the 60-mile (97-kilometer) string of beaches known as the Grand Strand, which includes Myrtle Beach. From there, you can head to Charleston for 2-3 days, followed by Hilton Head. And plan to spend two days in the capital city of Columbia, located in the state's center.
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