South Carolina, the Palmetto State, offers a blend of coastal beauty, historic charm, and Southern hospitality. From sun-kissed beaches and Lowcountry marshes to the rolling hills of the Upstate, every region reveals a distinct culture and history.
The state’s story is shaped by Indigenous heritage, English colonial settlements, the American Revolution, and the Civil War. Today, travelers can step back in time in Charleston’s cobblestone streets, hike the Blue Ridge Mountains, or relax on the golden sands of Myrtle Beach.
Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, golf, history, or world-class cuisine, South Carolina invites you to explore its diverse regions.
Lowcountry
Lowcountry South Carolina is known for tidal marshes, live-oak–lined streets, and rich Gullah Geechee culture. Historic plantations, barrier islands, and fresh seafood create a romantic coastal atmosphere.
- Major Cities: Charleston, Beaufort, Hilton Head Island
- See: Charleston Historic District, Hunting Island State Park
- Eat: Shrimp & grits, she-crab soup, Lowcountry boil
- Drink: Sweet tea (the “house wine of the South”), local craft beers
- Stay: Waterfront inns in Charleston, beach resorts on Hilton Head
Charleston, SC
Known for its historic charm and vibrant culture, Charleston blends cobblestone streets, antebellum architecture, and southern hospitality.
- Major Towns/Neighborhoods: Charleston, Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, Folly Beach, Isle of Palms (IOP,) Sullivan’s Island, James Island, Kiawah Island
- See: Historic Downtown, Fort Sumter, Rainbow Row, Waterfront Park, Angel Oak
- Eat: Lowcountry cuisine, shrimp & grits, she-crab soup
- Drink: Rooftop bars, craft breweries, cocktail lounges in historic settings
- Sports: Charleston RiverDogs (MiLB), Golf courses
- Stay: Boutique hotels in historic district, luxury waterfront resorts, charming inns
Dive into our blog for the complete story behind both of our experiences.
Beaufort, SC
This quaint Lowcountry town is famous for its scenic waterfront, moss-draped oaks, and southern charm.
- Major Towns: Beaufort, Port Royal
- See: Historic downtown, Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Spanish Moss Trail
- Eat: Fresh seafood, southern comfort classics, local Lowcountry flavors
Hilton Head Island, SC
Hilton Head Island is a premier coastal destination with pristine beaches, world-class golf, and abundant natural beauty.
- Major Towns/Areas: Hilton Head Island, Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes, Coligny
- See: Harbour Town Lighthouse, Sea Pines Forest Preserve, Coligny Beach Park
- Eat: Shrimp Burger from Sea Shack, Low Country Boil, Fresh Oysters and fried seafood
- Drink: Frozen Daiquiri’s from Frosty Frogs
- Sports: Sea Pines Golf Course
- Stay: Holiday Inn Express Hilton Head Island (Usually the most affordable that we find.)
Greater Myrtle Beach Area
Stretching 60 miles along the Atlantic, this is South Carolina’s ultimate beach playground. Family-friendly attractions meet a lively boardwalk and renowned golf courses. Inland, charming towns like Conway and Socastee offer a slower pace with rich history and scenic riverfronts.
Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach
the Grand Strand delivers the ultimate beach getaway. Here, classic family attractions meet a lively nightlife scene, while championship golf courses and oceanfront resorts create endless opportunities for play and relaxation. Whether you’re strolling the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, savoring fresh coastal cuisine, or teeing off on world-famous fairways, the Grand Strand offers something for every style of traveler.
- Major City: Myrtle Beach
- See: Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, Visit Broadway at the Beach amusement park, shops, restaurants and more including Crocodile Rocks a Piano Bar
- Eat: Calabash-style seafood, hush puppies
- Drink: Dublin Winery is way too sweet for us, so we stick to craft beer such as Voodoo Brewing
- Sports: Myrtle Beach Pelicans (MiLB), dozens of championship golf courses (We will break them down in our full blog)
- Stay: Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort
Head to the blog to see how we each explored Myrtle beach in our own way.
North Strand – Myrtle Beach Area
Stretching from Little River to the northern edges of Myrtle Beach, the North Strand offers a peaceful blend of coastal charm and scenic beauty.
- Major Towns: Little River, North Myrtle Beach, Cherry Grove
- See: Barefoot Landing for a show at the House of Blues or for dinner at one o their restaurants. Quiet beaches, fishing villages, salt-marsh creeks for kayaking
- Eat: Hamburger Joe’s (North Myrtle Beach,) Platt’s Seafood Market (Cherry Grove,) Blueberry Grill (North Myrtle Beach)
- Drink: Crooked Hamock Brewery (North Myrtle Beach)
- Sports: Top-rated golf courses
- Stay: Boutique inns, oceanfront rentals, family-friendly resorts
South Strand – Myrtle beach Area
Running from Surfside Beach through Murrells Inlet to Pawleys Island, the South Strand delivers a relaxed Lowcountry vibe rich in history and nature.
South Strand Highlights 
Murrells Inlet 
Murrells Inlet – Tuna Shak 
Garden City beach 
Garden City beach 
Surfside Beach 
Surfside Beach 
Surfside Beach 
Hula & Fire Show @ Surfside Beach 
Hula & Fire Show @ Surfside Beach 
Conche Cafe – Surfside beach 
Crabby Mike’s – Surfside Beach 
Golden Egg – Surfside Beach 
River City
- Major Towns: Surfside Beach, Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island, Garden City, Georgetown, Litchfield Beach
- See: Brookgreen Gardens, Huntington Beach State Park, MarshWalk, Hula & Fire Show at Surfside Beach
- Eat: World-class seafood along the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, Breakfast at the Golden Egg (Surfside,)
- Sports: Legendary golf courses, kayaking, paddleboarding, nature excursions
- Stay: Camping at Ocean lakes, Lakewood or one of the two state parks.
Get the full scoop on both adventures over on the blog.
Conway, SC (Inland)
Where the Waccamaw River winds through historic streets, Conway combines small-town charm with a lively college atmosphere. Live oak–lined avenues, riverfront views, and a growing arts scene make this coastal town a year-round escape. The small town comes alive with its holiday decor, especially during Halloween and Christmas.
Hop N Which 
Hop N Which 
Hop N Which 
Hop N Which 
Riverwalk 
Conway at Christmas 
Conway at Christmas 
Conway at Christmas 
Conway at Christmas 
Conway at Christmas 
Conway at Christmas 
Conway at Christmas 
Conway at Christmas 
Conway at Christmas 
Conway Christmas Regatta 
Conway Christmas Regatta 
Conway Christmas Regatta 
Conway Christmas Regatta 
Conway Christmas Regatta 
- See: Conway Riverwalk, Horry County Museum, Theatre of the Republic
- Eat: Lowcountry seafood, classic Southern comfort food
- Drink: Local craft beer at Hop n Which
- Sports: Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (college football, baseball)
- Stay: Boutique inns in historic downtown, cozy riverfront bed-and-breakfasts
Midlands
The Midlands sit at the state’s heart, combining Revolutionary War history with a modern capital city vibe. Lake Murray and Congaree National Park offer outdoor escapes minutes from downtown Columbia.
- Major City: Columbia, Rock Hill
- Eat: Carolina Gold barbecue (mustard-based), pimento cheese
- Drink: Local craft beer trail in Columbia, muscadine wines
Columbia, SC
South Carolina’s capital blends college-town energy with deep Revolutionary War roots. The Congaree and Saluda rivers frame a lively downtown filled with history, art, and outdoor adventure.
- See – Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, Congaree National Park, State House grounds, the Vista entertainment district
- Eat – Crab Cake Sandwich with a fried green tomato, arugula, goat cheese and sweet onion remoulade at Blue Marlin
- Sports: University of South Carolina Gamecocks
York County, SC
A gateway between Charlotte and the South Carolina Upstate, York County offers a mix of lakefront recreation, historic small towns, and family-friendly attractions.
- Major Cities – Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Lake Wylie
- See – Carowinds amusement park, Lansford Canal State Park
- Eat – Amélie’s French Bakery (Rock Hill)
- Drink – Amor Artis (Fort Mill,) Legal Remedy Brewing (Rock Hill)
- Stay – Courtyard by Marriott Rock Hill, Campgrounds around Lake Wylie or even across the boarder in Uptown, Charlotte, NC
Upstate
Where the Blue Ridge Mountains meet rolling foothills, the Upstate blends scenic beauty with a booming arts and food scene. Waterfalls, hiking trails, and vibrant downtowns create year-round appeal.
- Major Cities: Greenville, Spartanburg
- See: Falls Park on the Reedy (Greenville), Table Rock State Park, BMW Zentrum Museum
- Eat: Farm-to-table Southern fare, fried green tomatoes
- Drink: Greenville craft breweries, mountain wineries
- Sports: Greenville Drive (MiLB), hiking and cycling events
- Stay: Chic downtown Greenville hotels, mountain lodges near Caesars Head
Greenville, SC
Set against the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville has transformed into a vibrant hub for arts, food, and outdoor activities.
- Major Highlights – Falls Park on the Reedy, downtown Main Street, Swamp Rabbit Trail
- See – Liberty Bridge, Greenville County Museum of Art, Paris Mountain State Park
- Eat & Drink – Soby’s New South Cuisine, Jianna (Italian), Birds Fly South Ale Project (craft beer)
- Stay – Aloft Greenville Downtown
Spartanburg, SC
Known as the “Hub City,” Spartanburg combines a thriving arts scene with a proud railroad and textile heritage.
- See – Rail Yard District, Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve, Hub City Railroad Museum, BMW Zentrum Museum (nearby in Greer)
- Stay – AC Hotel by Marriott, Spartanburg Marriott
Pee Dee
Named for the Pee Dee River, this region is steeped in agricultural heritage and NASCAR excitement. It offers a quieter pace with historic towns and outdoor adventures.
- Major Cities: Florence, Darlington
- Eat: Carolina vinegar-based barbecue, boiled peanuts
- Drink: Sweet tea, local microbrews
- Stay: Historic inns in Florence, riverside cabins
Florence, SC
Known as the “Heart of the Pee Dee,” Florence blends a lively arts community with deep Civil War history and classic Southern charm.
- See – Florence County Museum, Florence Rail Trail, Timrod Park, War Between the States Museum, Florence Veterans Park
- Stay – Hotel Florence, Tapestry Collection by Hilton; Hyatt Place Florence; Courtyard by Marriott Florence
Darlington, SC
Famous for its NASCAR legacy, Darlington offers small-town warmth alongside racing excitement and centuries-old history.
- See – Darlington Raceway & Stock Car Museum, Darlington Historic District, Williamson Park Nature Trail, Pearl Street Historic District
- Stay – Not a ton of choices. Camping, Hampton Inn & Suites Florence-Darlington, Darlington Bed & Breakfast