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South Carolina
Moss-draped oaks. Stately mansions. Wide beaches. Rolling mountains. And an ornery streak as old as the state itself. Ah yes, South Carolina, where the accents are thicker and the traditions more dear. From its Revolutionary War patriots to its 1860s secessionist government to its outspoken legislators, the Palmetto State has never shied away from a fight.
Attractions
Must-see attractions
Charleston
The only surviving urban town-house complex, this 1820 abode gives a fascinating glimpse into antebellum life on a 45-minute self-guided audio tour. The…
Guardians of Charleston Harbor
Charleston
The first shots of the Civil War rang out at Fort Sumter, on a pentagon-shaped island in the harbor. A Confederate stronghold, this fort was shelled to…
Charleston
This 500-acre plantation, which has been owned by the Drayton family since 1676, is a veritable theme park. Enjoy a tram tour, a petting zoo and a guided…
Charleston
Formerly called Ryan's Mart, this building once housed an open-air market that auctioned African American men, women and children in the mid-1800s, the…
South Carolina
These magical gardens, 16 miles south of Myrtle Beach on Hwy 17S, are home to the largest collection of American sculpture in the country, set amid more…
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Charleston
As the name hints, this 1772 Georgian-style town house is kind of a big deal because George Washington rented it for a week, and visitors can stand in…
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South Carolina
The Upcountry's marquee natural attraction is Table Rock Mountain, a 3124ft-high mountain with a striking granite face. The 7.2-mile round-trip hike to…
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South Carolina
One of South Carolina's most impressive collections of European and American art, the CMA was undergoing a $5- million permanent gallery expansion at the…
Planning Tools
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Free Things to Do
You don’t need to dole out much cash to experience the best of South Carolina.
Read articleBest Road Trips
You could zigzag through South Carolina – and back again – taking in totally different landscapes and cultural facets with each track taken.
Read articleArticles
Latest stories from South Carolina
Filter by interest:
Destination Practicalities
A first-time guide to Kiawah Island and Charleston's barrier islandsFeb 7, 2025 • 6 min read
- Destination PracticalitiesEverything you need to know before visiting South Carolina
Jan 30, 2025 • 10 min read
- National ParksFind American history and really big trees at South Carolina’s top national parks
Oct 28, 2022 • 6 min read
- Road TripsSouth Carolina’s best road trips: Upcountry, Lowcountry and everything in between
Aug 31, 2022 • 5 min read
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