After you've done your research about vacationing in South Carolina, you can begin personalizing your trip into your ideal vacation. One of the big decisions you'll have to make when planning your trip is deciding where you want to stay, particularly which region and city of the state. A few other things to keep in mind are how you'll get to the Palmetto State and how you'll get around once you arrive.
Which Region
South Carolina is made up of three distinct regions: the Atlantic coastal plain, the Piedmont, and the Blue Ridge. These regions can be divided into several different tourism regions: Capital City/Lake Murray Country, Historic Charleston and Resort Beaches, Lowcountry and Resort Islands, Myrtle Beach Area/The Grand Strand, Old 96 District, Olde English District, Pee De Country, Santee Cooper Country, Thoroughbred Country, and the Upcountry. These tourism areas of South Carolina are made up of various landscaping and terrain including ponds and lakes, mountains, woodlands, and seaside property.
Historic Charleston and the Resort Beaches region is home to Kiawah Island where you can find some of the U.S.'s best resorts. Here travelers can enjoy pastimes like golf, shell collecting along the shores, and other entertaining ventures for the whole family. Other places to see in the Resort Beaches area are Folly Beach, a six-mile barrier island; and the Isle of Palms, which has seaside rental cottages, condos, and over two miles of pristine beaches. Since the founding of Charles Towne over 300 years ago, this region has been at the front of South Carolina's history. Travelers can tour the city of Charleston by horse-drawn carriages, or by simply walking through its historic streets. Historic Charleston is made up of historic churches, house museums, antebellum relics like plantations, and military sites like Fort Moultrie.
South Carolina's capital city of Columbia is located in the Capital City/Lake Murray Country region, which is in the center of the state. Vacationers can find a little bit of everything here including history, culture, arts, and plenty of activities, tourist sites, and attractions. For watersports, head to Lake Murray or the Congaree, Saluda, or Edisto Rivers for canoing and kayaking.
Located at the southern most part of South Carolina, the Lowcountry and Resorts Islands region is one of the top vacation destinations in the nation. On the east, the area is brimmed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, and on the west by the Savannah River. Must-see attractions in this region include the 19th century Hunting Island Lighthouse, which has over 180 steps. Also, tourists should check out Sea Islands like St. Helena and Daufuskie, which can only be reached by boat; they feature customs and culture that were passed along from African slaves.
The Myrtle Beach Area/The Grand Strand region contains 60 miles of gorgeous beaches, and so many golf courses it will make your head spin. Here you're guaranteed to find all kinds of entertainment, like theater shows in North Myrtle Beach, along with great shopping opportunities, and delicious regional cuisine. A major family attraction in the area is the Myrtle Beach Pavilion Amusement Park, which has over 40 rides on 11 acres.
Moving to the western area of South Carolina, the Old 96 District is especially known for its outdoor sporting opportunities. State parks, lakes, and golf courses comprise the terrain in this region, perfect for hunters, fishermen, and golfers. Museums also abound in this scenic area for vacationers who want to experience regional culture.
The Olde English District stands true to its name with local customs founded in both Colonial English traditions and ties to the Revolutionary War. Many historic locations can be found here, including battle sites like Brattonsville, which served as a filming location for the movie The Patriot, starring Mel Gibson. The landscaping here is adorned with picture-perfect towns that take you back to the good old days, but are still close to local entertainment and nightlife.
Pee Dee Country, in the eastern part of South Carolina, features attractions like museums, glorious gardens, and a beautiful state park. Further south you'll find Santee Cooper Country, the home of Lakes Marion and Moultrie, popular spots for fishing aficionados. Sports fisherman can catch game like striped bass, crappie, beam, catfish, and largemouth bass in these lakes, which together make up 171,000 acres of water. Art, golf, and tranquil locales are other reasons to visit the area.
Thoroughbred Country is rich in both culture and history. The buildings in this region are unique in their architecture, and include a Gothic-inspired church and the historic AT&T building. Recreational activities that vacationers can enjoy here include hunting in the Hitchcock Woods, plus historic and cultural sites.
The picturesque Upcountry region is located in the very western corner of the state. Cool clear mountain streams, powerful waterfalls, glistening lakes, and trails in the foothills make up this region's scenery. Art lovers can enjoy anything from performing arts to galleries, with various art festivals and showings throughout the year. Things to do in this region include a visit to the animal park, tours of a goat dairy farm, and much more.
No matter which region of South Carolina you choose to visit, you'll find plenty to do. The Palmetto State is rich in diverse regions that offer you an assortment of activities and attractions to enjoy during your South Carolina vacation.
