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10 Most Popular Tourist Attractions In South Carolina | The Palmetto State 

South Carolina

Whether you are a history geek, fond of beaches, or want to spend a vacation with family and kids, then you are at the right place as you will find numerous engaging and exciting tourist attractions in South Carolina.

South Carolina is a US State that is popular for its stunning beaches, sea islands, and amazing shoreline

Start your tour to South Carolina by attending some of the best live shows, try your hands on golf, or relax at the famous Myrtle beach.

The most notable highlight in South Carolina is Charleston street which is mostly preferred by couples while they are planning for a destination wedding and is even considered an ideal honeymoon destination for newlyweds.

Apart from this, there are various historical sites, exotic beaches, national parks, and other remarkable tourist attractions in South Carolina that are worth visiting.     

Top 10 Tourist Attractions In South Carolina

1. Charleston’s Historic District

Charleston’s Historic District

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Situated in the largest town in South Carolina, Charleston’s Historic District is one of the top-rated tourist attractions in South Carolina surrounded by ever-welcoming streets and beautiful historical landmarks. The must-visit sited in Charleston’s Historic District include the St, Michael” Episcopal Church, Charleston County Courthouse, and St. Luke Cathedral.

Here you will find several old residences which are now used for commercial purposes. If you are looking best place for shopping and a place to eat in the historic district then head towards any of the three major streets i.e Broad Street, Meeting Street, and King Street.   

Best Time To Visit: September to November

Best Places To Visit:

  • Waterfront Park 
  • Charleston City Market 
  • Magnolia Plantation
  • Fort Sumter 
  • The Battery
  • Ravenel Bridge 
  • Old Slave Mart Museum  
  • Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

Location: Charleston, South Carolina

Also Read:10 Most Popular Tourist Attractions In San Diego | The Finest City of America

2. Congaree National Park

Congaree National Park

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The Congaree National Park was designated as National Park in 2003 and listed in UNESCO’s list of Biosphere Reserve. Home to some of the tallest woods near the Mississippi River, The national park welcomes over 100,000 tourists every year including both locals and foreigners.

The tourists coming here are allowed to witness the untouched nature of this beautiful forest including a variety of plant and animal species. Among the top things to do in Congaree National Park include boating, hiking, and birdwatching. 

Visiting Hours: 24 hours

Location: National Park Rd, Hopkins, Columbia, South Carolina

3. Brookgreen Gardens

Brookgreen Gardens

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The Brookgreen Garden is a famous award-winning Garden in the United States that was opened to the public in 1932 with the intention to display some of the artworks of American Artists. The garden has a collection of 1,400 sculptures that adds to the landscape beauty of the garden. 

There are walking paths created throughout the garden so that the visitors can explore the garden while enjoying its scenic beauty. Furthermore, the garden also has a Lowcountry Zoo which inhabits several wildlife and plant species including the native animals of South Carolina. 

Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Location: Brookgreen Drive, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

4. DuPont Planetarium

DuPont Planetarium

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Situated on the campus of the University of South Carolina, the DuPont Planetarium is a place that is worth a visit in Aiken city of South Carolina. The experience you will witness in this planetarium is something that you may have dreamt of. The DuPont Planetarium is open to all regardless of their age. 

There is a theatre room on the ground floor and an observatory on the top floor of this planetarium. Various space-related shows and presentations are shown at the theatre meanwhile the top floor offers an observatory that allows visitors to see planets, heavenly bodies, and other space objects through a telescope.  

Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Location: Scholar Loop, Aiken, South Carolina

Also Read: 5 Most Unique Tourist Attractions In Arizona | The Grand Canyon State

5. Caesars Head State Park

Caesars Head State Park

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Caesars Head State Park is a popular sightseeing destination in South Carolina that lies at the border of North Carolina. Surrounded by lush greenery, the park offers the most beautiful landscape view in South Carolina. Sitting at the height of 3,200 feet, Caesars is home to several wild animals such as hawks, black bears, and falcons.

Caesar Head State Park is quite popular among those looking for hiking, camping, and other recreational activities. Also, it is an ideal site for a wedding photoshoot and even for pre-wedding photoshoots. The place is a favorite destination for couples planning to propose to their partners for engagement.

Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Entry Fee: 

  • Adults – 3 USD
  • Senior Citizen – 1.50 USD
  • Children(6 to 15 years) – 1 USD

Location: Greenville County, South Carolina  

6. Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach

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Myrtle Beach is listed among the most iconic tourist attractions in South Carolina especially when you are planning your tour in the warm season. More than 13 million travelers come here every year. The good thing about this beach is that you take your family there without any hesitation and spend hours building sandcastles and sunbathing. 

Surrounding the beach are various entertainment hubs, shopping centers, and places for eateries. While on Myrtle Beach, don’t forget to get yourself involved in one of the watersports such as fishing, surfing, and many more. 

Visiting Hours: 5:30 AM to 8:00 PM

Location: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

7. South Carolina State Museum

South Carolina State Museum

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South Carolina State Museum was 1988 and it has been recently renovated with major expansions. Situated in heart of the Downtown Columbia, the museum is something for everyone with the most unique and exciting experience. The site where the museum resides was once used for the building of Columbia Mill which was the first electric mill in the world. 

The state museum displays a collection that represents the art, culture, science, history, technology, and the modern lifestyle of Columbia. Other than the art collection, there is a 4D theatre that features vibrating seats, air blasts, and leg ticklers.   

Visiting Hours:

  • Tuesday to Saturday – 10:00 PM to 5:00 PM 
  • Sunday – 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Location: Gervais St, Columbia, South Carolina

Also Read: 5 Most Amazing Things To Do In The City Of Angels, Los Angeles

8. The Peace Center

The Peace Center

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Yet another remarkable tourist site in Greenville that is worth exploring. The Peace Center is a multipurpose venue having a concert hall with a capacity of over 2,000 people, an amphitheater with 1,400 people, and a theatre with a seating capacity of 400 people. Around 300 events take place a the Peace Center every year. 

Several notable celebrities, musical bands, comedians, and politicians arrive here to either take the stage or attend the events that take place. There is also a theatre for children Greenville Symphony Orchestra within the building of Peace Center. 

Location: S Main St, Greenville, South Carolina

9. Middleton Place 

Middleton Place - Charleston

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Middleton Place is a place that houses the oldest landscaped gardens in the United States and it has become the most popular historic landmark in South Carolina. The site covers an area of 65 acres and offers breathtaking views which are enough to gain your attention. 

With lush green gardens, do explore the House Museum equipped with antiques, artworks, furniture, and porcelain. The garden here is filled with magnolias, camellias, azaleas, and other gorgeous flowers. 

Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Location: Ashley River Rd, Charleston, South Carolina

10. Wampee Stables 

Wampee Stables

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Stables are owned by a family with over 35 horses, the Wampee Stables is a place that you include in your bucket list if you are looking for some adventure such as horse riding or horse riding lessons. The horse lessons are offered for both individuals and families on a scenic trail that leads to the countryside. 

While riding a horse, you will be accompanied by an experienced horse rider or instructor. The horse riding tour usually lasts up to 90 minutes. before planning a tour to Wampee Stables, make sure you have taken an appointment in advance along with an advanced deposit while reserving your ride.  

Location: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Also Read: 10 Must-Visit Beaches In The United States In Summer

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