About South Carolina
South Carolina, the Palmetto State, offers a captivating blend of Southern charm, historic significance, and stunning natural beauty. From the cobblestone streets and pastel antebellum homes of Charleston—one of America's best-preserved historic cities—to the grand resort beaches and world-class golf of Myrtle Beach, the state presents diverse experiences. History comes alive at Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began, and among the majestic live oaks and gardens of plantations that tell complex stories. The state's coastline, known as the Grand Strand, stretches for 60 miles of sandy beaches, while inland, the Blue Ridge Mountains provide scenic hiking and waterfalls in places like Caesars Head State Park. South Carolina is also a culinary destination, famous for its Lowcountry cuisine featuring shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and authentic barbecue with its distinct mustard-based sauce. The vibrant city of Greenville offers a modern, artsy contrast with its thriving downtown and Falls Park on the Reedy. Whether you're exploring the mysterious moss-draped swamps of the Lowcountry, touring historic battlefields, or relaxing on Hilton Head Island's pristine shores, South Carolina delivers warm hospitality and unforgettable memories.
Things to do in South Carolina
90-Minute Private Dolphin Tour in Hilton Head Island
From $289
5.0 (558)
Charleston Chicora 2 Hours Walking Tour
From $40
5.0 (277)
Semi-private SMALL group Historic Walking Tours w/certified guide
From $35
5.0 (252)
Private Photo Session in Historic Charleston
Vanishing Mile Isle Beachcomber Tour
From $399
5.0 (120)
Private Morning Sail, Dolphin and History Tour on Mystique
From $525
5.0 (85)
Private Sailing Charter with Captain, BYOB
From $500
5.0 (78)
Storied Charleston Walking Tour by Author Liz Butler
From $39
5.0 (75)
Private customized walking tour of Charleston
From $350
5.0 (63)
8pm Holy City Hauntings Tour
From $33
5.0 (60)
Charleston Walking Tours with Ann
From $80
5.0 (59)
Folly Beach Eco Boat Excursion and Morris Island Drop Off
From $69
5.0 (58)
Private Surf Lesson in North Myrtle Beach
From $80
5.0 (57)
Capture Unforgettable Moments: Private Holiday Photography
Private Folly River Dolphin Adventure (to 12 guests)
From $55
5.0 (54)Places to visit in South Carolina
El Añadío
El Añadío, Carretera de La Carolina a Úbeda, 23220 Vilches, Spain
Mirador de los Ocho
Mirador de los Ocho, Sendero Molino Batán, Santa Elena, Spain
Alfonso VIII
Alfonso VIII, Calle Paz, 23213 Santa Elena, Spain
Monumento a los Mineros
Monumento a los Mineros, Plaza de la Constitución, Baños de la Encina, Spain
La Gran Parada
La Gran Parada, Avenida de Vilches, 23200 La Carolina, Spain
La Teja
La Teja, N-4A, Viso del Marqués, Spain
La Dama del Lago
La Dama del Lago, Arrebolares, Baños de la Encina, Spain
Hotel Yuma
Hotel Yuma, Autovía del Sur, 23211 Guarromán, Spain
Mirador Cerro de los Órganos
Mirador Cerro de los Órganos, N-4A, 23213 Santa Elena, Spain
Repisa Maremoto
Repisa Maremoto, N-4A, 23213 Santa Elena, Spain
Casa Marchena
Casa Marchena, Calle Doctor Fleming, 23220 Vilches, Spain
Mirador Pozo Nuevo
Mirador Pozo Nuevo, JA-6100, Baños de la Encina, Spain
Mirador de Despeñaperros
Mirador de Despeñaperros, N-4A, 23213 Santa Elena, Spain
mirador del puente
mirador del puente, senda, 23200 La Carolina, Spain
Mirador Calle Manuel de Falla
Mirador Calle Manuel de Falla, Calle Manuel de Falla, 23200 La Carolina, Spain
Travel Tips for South Carolina
Getting Around
A rental car is highly recommended for exploring beyond major cities, as public transit is limited outside urban centers. Interstate highways (I-26, I-20, I-85, I-95) connect major regions. In Charleston, the CARTA bus system and free downtown DASH trolleys are useful. Greenville has a downtown trolley. Ride-sharing services (Uber, Lyft) are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Taxis are present but less common. For intercity travel, Amtrak serves several cities including Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville. Greyhound buses also operate. Popular navigation apps are Google Maps and Waze. Biking is feasible in flat areas like Hilton Head and Charleston's historic district, which have bike lanes and rentals.
Best Time To Visit
Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) are ideal. Spring offers mild temperatures (60s-70s°F), blooming azaleas and gardens, and festivals like the Charleston Wine + Food Festival. Fall provides pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful foliage in the Upstate mountains. Summer (June-August) is hot, humid, and crowded at beaches, but perfect for water activities; expect afternoon thunderstorms. Winter is mild along the coast but can be chilly in the mountains; it's the low tourist season with lower prices.
Local Customs
Southern hospitality is prominent; expect polite greetings and friendly interactions. Dress is generally casual but neat; upscale restaurants and historic church tours may require smarter attire. Tipping is customary: 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, $2-5 per night for hotel housekeeping, and 15-20% for taxi/ride-share drivers. Respect historical sites and plantations; be mindful of their complex history. Social norms include using 'sir' and 'ma'am' as signs of respect. Barbecue is a serious culinary tradition; South Carolina is known for four sauce styles, with mustard-based ('Carolina Gold') being iconic. Attend local festivals like the Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston or the World Grits Festival in St. George for authentic experiences.
Safety Information
South Carolina is generally safe for tourists, especially in popular destinations like Charleston's historic district, Myrtle Beach's tourist areas, and Hilton Head Island. Exercise normal precautions: secure valuables, lock cars, and avoid leaving items visible in vehicles. In cities, be aware of your surroundings at night and stick to well-lit, populated areas. Some areas of larger cities like Columbia and North Charleston have higher crime rates; research neighborhoods before visiting. Common scams are rare but include street vendors selling counterfeit goods or overly aggressive timeshare presentations in beach resorts. During hurricane season (June-November), monitor weather alerts. When swimming, heed beach warning flags for rip currents. Wildlife safety: alligators are present in freshwater areas; do not approach or feed them.
Health Information
Medical facilities in South Carolina are generally excellent in urban areas like Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville, with major hospital systems such as MUSC Health and Prisma Health. Rural areas may have limited services. No special vaccinations are required for entry. Travelers should ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Common health concerns include seasonal allergies (high pollen in spring), heat exhaustion and sunburn in summer (high temperatures and humidity), and tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease in wooded areas. Mosquito-borne viruses like West Nile are rare but present; use insect repellent. Tap water is safe to drink. Travelers should have comprehensive health insurance as U.S. medical costs are high. Pharmacies are widely available.
Languages Spoken
English
Quick Facts
Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
$
$
Timezone
America/New_York -05:00 (GMT)
Calling Code
+1
Electricity
Driving Side
Right
Population
5.3 million
Area
82933 km²
Government
State government within a federal republic, with an executive governor, bicameral legislature, and judiciary
ISO Code
US-SC