Since I’ll be in South Carolina for three to four months, I want to explore as much as I can. I have been studying where to go and what to see on the internet and through the people who live there or have been there. Here are a 10 places that I really want to see and I’ll try my hardest to make it happen! If you have any recommendations to add to the list, please leave a comment!
The Beaufort Inn– Beaufort, South Carolina
How gorgeous is this? I can just see myself now sitting on one of those tables with a glass of wine, a good book, and a delicious meal. I really hope I can at least drive by the Beaufort Inn 😉 The inn is pink with white porches and it opened in the 1930s.
Charleston’s City Market– Charleston, South Carolina.
I love any kind of market. This market is open 364 days out of the year! I can’t wait to see the historic landmark. I want to get my hands on one of those sweetgrass baskets!
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
I’m game for any beach! Myrtle Beach looks like so much fun. I hope we can spend the whole weekend here and enjoy all of the restaurants and fun attractions on the beach.
Boone Hall Plantation, South Carolina
I can’t wait to see these gorgeous oak trees at the plantation. They were planted in the 1700’s. They filmed scenes from The Notebook there and it’s where Blake Lively & Ryan Reynolds got married. This is a must-stop on my way to Charleston.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
The beaches look relaxing, too. I’m really into lighthouses and heard they have gorgeous ones.
Folly Beach, South Carolina
I can’t wait to visit Folly Beach. Not only because it’s a beach, but because of the seafood. People keep telling me about all the restaurants to try out and I am going to do that! I’m a huge seafood lover and this is going to be paradise. The sunsets are also gorgeous from what I hear.
Downtown Charleston, South Carolina.
I am most excited about Charleston. I can’t wait to see the beautiful color, architecture, doors, and history! I’m sure I’ll never want to leave.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston South Carolina.
It’s safe to say I’ll be making frequent trips to Charleston. I’m so anxious to go to the Magnolia Plantation. It looks beautiful and I love flowers. It’ll be the peak of Spring when I visit, so I bet it’ll be lovely.
Best Seafood In South Carolina
I love seafood. I can’t get enough of it. I’ll have to keep up with all of my workouts because I plan on digging in on all of South Carolina’s specials. I was looking over the best seafood places to eat in South Carolina and it made me hungry! If you have a favorite place to eat in South Carolina, leave it in the comments!
Whisk Bakery- Charleston, South Carolina
How gorgeous is this? It’s always been a dream of mine to open a bakery and I love visiting new bakeries as inspiration. I’ve also heard their cupcakes are to die for!
Becca Terrill says
I live in north GA so I have gotten to go to a lot of places on your list! Myrtle Beach is a blast – They have a Ripley’s Aquarium which is a lot of fun! Charleston is my favorite…simply gorgeous. It’s one of the most haunted cities in America, so if you are up for it you should check out one of their ghost tours! 🙂
Amber A says
Charleston and Folley Beach are both amazing. Was just there in January because my brother lives there. In downtown Charleston, they close off a main street every 2nd Sunday of the month and have dining and music outside. Tons of dogs there too! Perfect for Grumples. The Charleston city market is in an old slave trade building! Everything is so historical. Y’all are going to love it!
McKenna says
I love Hilton Head! I was there just this past July. It’s truly gorgeous and there is so much to do! You’re going to love it there
Jennifer Wedin says
The Carolinas are my favorite states. We used to visit friends down there every summer for a good 7 years at least of my childhood (I’m only 21). We stayed in a condo next to the SeaTrail Golf Course in Sunset Beach, NC which is only 45 minutes from Myrtle Beach! It’s gorgeous there and there is a great restaurant called Crabby Oddwaters that serves amazing hush puppies. Delicious! So many great attractions. If you wanted to hop across states lines… it’s my favorite place in the world and I highly recommend visiting!
Alexa says
You are going to LOVE all of those places! I have family in SC and we grew up vacationing down there in the summer and it is easily one of the most wonderful places ever! I hope you have a great time. 🙂 While in downtown Charleston, make sure to take a ghost tour. 🙂
Em says
So glad you get to experience the low country! I am a vendor at the market. A word of advice… Don’t try to take pictures of the basket weavers. You might receive a rather unpleasant response 😉 folly is more of a party beach, and is great for what it is, but I prefer Sullivan’s island. At certain times of the day your dog can be off the leash. Poe’s tavern is a good little restaurant with a fun vibe and awesome tuna tacos. A little further down the road is edisto beach, which is hands down my favorite beach. Super laid back and beautiful. Google bulls island, too, and Botany Bay. Hope you enjoy your stay…there are so many amazing things that you’ll only discover by getting out and exploring!
Kel says
Taralynn you will have so much fun! My home state is absolutely perfect. Another place you should add is Litchfield Beach/ Pawleys Island area. It’s not super touristy, it’s very calm, there’s gorgeous beaches, and great restaurants. The Pawleys Island Tavern, aka the PIT, and Applewood House of Pancakes are amazing! And in the Charleston/Mount Pleasant area, there’s Shem Creek, Hyman’s Seafood, and Tsunami, a great sushi place! These are just a smaaallll few of my favorites. I hope you enjoy SC 🙂
Mary says
Hey Taralynn!
I live in the upstate part of South Carolina. If you ever make it up you need to definitely go on a hike. There are so many places to hike that are absolutely gorgeous. There is Mt. Sassafras (tallest mtn in SC), Pinnacle Mountain then through the valley to Table Rock (Tough hike, but has outrageous views of SC, NC, and GA), and also Caesars Head. There are many other little hikes, but those are the best and most beautiful. If you ever need a hiking buddy I am here all the time and am always up for a hike! haha
If you do end up in the upstate than you also need to hit up Downtown Greenville! It is the cutest tiny city. If you enjoy wine then you need to go to Sip in downtown and go to Jack n Dianes piano bar! They are both great and fun places!! I run down there all the time and it is so relaxing and pretty. You’ll definitely enjoy it.
Also Folly Beach is my favorite place along the SC coast line. It is the cutest little town,. Oh! and take run (literally) over to the lighthouse and maybe watch it there.
I hope you enjoy SC!!
Erika says
Not much beats the Low Country! As a northern girl I am loving the south and Charleston in particular! You need to bring the pooch to Folly and have dinner at Loggerheads! Rooftop, super dog friendly, amazing!
Chandler says
You have to try and make it to the Upstate at some point, especially Greenville! Downtown Greenville is one of the coolest places in the state! There’s a 20 mile trail that used to be a train track but has been paved and converted into a bike/walking path (called the Swamp Rabbit Trail). AND downtown greenville has some of the best restaurants around!
Jennifer says
We live in Greenville, SC and downtown greenville is very nice! And like someone else said there are a lot of places to eat. I also have heard myrtle beach is nice. We have not been there yet though.
Mary says
I love the Swamp Rabbit Trail! I just bought my first bike and will most likely see you on that path!! haha
Morgan Bane says
I live in Myrtle Beach!! If you’re up this way I would definitely recommend stopping by Brookgreen Gardens as well as the marsh walk in Murrells Inlet–both absolutely gorgeous!! 🙂
Stephanie Hanson says
I’m currently living in Columbia and the first thing I fell in love with is the southern hospitality! Charleston is beautiful, if you don’t like the heat, I recommend going in the spring time rather than late summer…it gets crazy hot!
Alyssa says
If you have a chance, you should take a road trip to Wilmington, NC. It’s where so many movies and tv shows (safe haven, Dawson’s creek, one tree hill to name a few) were filmed. Arlie gardens is literally one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever visit. The beaches are amazing, and they have an awesome standup paddleboard shop (Carolina paddleboard company) to rent and navigate the area (and get a good workout in). Definitely check it out, it’s soooo worth it 🙂 so jealous you’ll be living in one of the Carolina’s..they’re beyond amazing!
Briana wiggins says
Don’t waste your time at Boone hall! Not fun and not worth the money! Myrtle is fun, eat at dicks! So funny there. I’m so glad you said folly!! That’s the locals beach, IOP (isle of palms) is the tourist spot. The real sc experience is at folly! You won’t find locals at IOP. The market downtown is cool, I’ve been up and down it a million times since I was born and raised here so it’s nothing new to me. I was there today actually! You have got to try salt water taffy in myrtle. Also, at the market downtown you’ve got to get candied pecans! Those woven baskets are expensive and do NOT be tricked by the kids that come up to you with sob stories about how they can’t afford their football league expenses, they tell tourists that so they fork over a lot of money for woven baskets and roses. Get them from the old ladies that speak Gullah, they are so sweet and won’t lie to you!
Lindsey says
Definitely right about the little kids!!! Don’t fall for it. Great advice 🙂
Mallory says
I live 3 miles from Folly Beach and you are going to love everything Charleston!! You have to try Cupcake on King Street. Hank’s is the best seafood in town (literally it’s always voted the best in town). Taco Boy on Folly is so awesome and Bill Murray likes hanging out there 🙂 Make sure you go to a River Dogs game too! Walking aimlessly around downtown is awesome too. I’ve been here for 6 years and I always discover new things 🙂
Cameron says
I’m from charleston – myrtle beach and folly are okay but Sullivan’s island and isle of palms are way better and far less tourist-y. Go to poe’s tavern on Sullivan’s. The wreck in mt pleasant is a hole in the wall but gets consistently rated the best seafood in the south. It’s hard to find so look online for directions, it’s in mt pleasant. Don’t go to husk downtown charleston, over rated. Go walk or run along the battery. Good restaurants include slightly north of broad, fleet landing, and Saffron bakery is amazing! Inexpensive and been around for forever. Have fun!
Cameron says
Have to kindly disagree with Mallory! 🙂 do not go to hanks- tourist trap and frozen seafood. I do agree taco boy downtown or folly is amazing ! 🙂
Laura says
I completely agree with Cameron. I am from SC and Taco Boy is one of my favorite restaurants. I highly recommend getting doughnuts from Diggity Doughnuts. Best doughnuts ever!
Kirstie Hewson says
First of all, I’m so excited for you to spend some time in South Carolina! It’s my home state, and I miss it everyday – even living in sunny Southern California. I’ve got quite a few recommendations if you don’t mind reading for a bit. 🙂
Charleston is such a great place to be, and it looks like you’ve already picked some great destinations and events for your time there. Be sure to attend some of the events during the Spoleto Festival in Charleston in May! It’s a 2-3 week celebration of performing arts, and the events include opera, theater, dance, and other types of music. Also, I know from following your blog that you enjoy hiking. If you’re looking to stay in the low country, check out Hunting Island State Park in Beaufort or parts of the Palmetto Trail in the Francis Marion State Forest (around Charleston).
If you prefer trails in the mountains, it’s only a few hours’ drive to the upstate. You can hike to summits in Table Rock State Park, which is part of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There’s also Jones Gap and Caesars Head, which are part of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area in the foothills. It’s absolutely beautiful there this time of year.
As someone who grew up about 30 minutes outside of Columbia and attended the University of South Carolina, I have to say there are a lot of great places to visit in the state capital and the surrounding areas. The campus itself is really beautiful, and you could probably catch a great college baseball game if you enjoy sports. You can go kayaking, canoeing, tubing, fishing in the three rivers surrounding the city, visit the Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens, or go on a boat tour on Lake Murray. There’s also the State Museum, the South Carolina Museum of Art, and a bunch of great shops and restaurants in the city.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy your time in SC! I feel like I’ve already said a lot haha, but please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or want more details. 🙂
Morgan says
You will love Charleston! Definitely check out the Firefly distillery/vineyard, Kiawah island, and a river dogs baseball game!
I write a blog about my boyfriend and I’s lives in Charleston at http://www.charlestoncrafted.com. Check it out and get at me if you need a tour guide 🙂
Kate says
I’m from Charleston and it is such a beautiful city. Definitely take time just to walk down King Street- best shopping and great food for lunch. Charleston has some amazing dining and I really like Fig or Co. Try Basil if you like Thai. For beaches, I prefer Sullivan’s since it’s not as crowded as IOP and there are good lunch spots there as well. I wouldn’t go to Boone Hall…it’s really not that great. Definitely go to waterfront park downtown and stop by Robert Lange’s art gallery/studio. He’s a local artist and he’s crazy talented.
Sammy says
You should definitely check out Greenville, S.C. and Asheville, N.C. Both really cool towns with a lot of great shopping, dining and hiking.
Jennifer says
I’ve always wanted to see the Angel Oak tree. It’s the oldest living organism east of the Mississippi and its HUGE! I’m moving to SC soon and I am SO EXCITED to experience some of these places!!
Cait says
Okay, so from a girl who lived there 5 years, let me give you a few suggestions for places to go…
Charleston area:
Avoid tourist trap restaurants like Hyman’s.
Eat here: Poogan’s Porch (the brunch, girl, the brunch). Blind Tiger(creative bar food). Tatooed Moose (ignore it’s proximity to the strip clubs). Magnolia’s. Blossom’s. High Cotton. Ask the locals, they won’t steer you wrong. They’re all decently priced places- Caviar & Banana’s is a higher end deli, but has so much unique food, you can’t go wrong stopping there.
Eat your lunch on my old college campus on George St. The Cistern is awfully romantic.
I know you love coffee, and while I worked for a coporate chain coffee shop by the Charleston Place for years, I have to say the local shops have some great brews. Kudu Coffee – near Francis Marion Square- is a adorable coffee shop with a sweet South African theme (think the owner’s South African). Kaminsky’s is a great calorie splurge for dessert and decent coffee. (Tollhouse Pie, you’ll thank me.) Kaminsky’s is right off the market.
Oh, for bakeries, try Sugar on Cannon St.
For seafood, when you head to Folly Beach stop at Bowen’s Island. It’s a run down, click-clack, (for lack of a better word) redneck establishment. Ignore the salty old man slinging the oysters, he’s part of the kitsch. There’s a reason why it’s in the book 10,000 places to see before you die.
When you get to Folly Beach and finally drive through town, turn right to Lost Dog cafe. Get some sweet, southern grub in your belly before hitting the beach. Biscuits & Gravy. Yolo. Facing the pier & hotel, turn left and drive, drive, drive, past the Washout ’til the island ends. It’s a little piece of heaven.
You’ll love running the Cooper River bridge, the view is breathtaking. Sunrise & sunset. I recommend doing both. I second the girl who recommends Sullivan’s Island. The vibe is laid back and quite. Poe’s has killer burgers with crazy names. (and stellar beer selection)
Anyway, I could wax poetic for days about the old Holy City. Enjoy your time in the Palmetto State! Explore the nooks & crannies of the south, they’re the best parts 🙂 (you won’t want to leave, I promise)
Kacie says
You are going to LOVE South Carolina. I grew up in Summerville, SC (right outside of Charleston), lived in Charleston for a short time, and then in Savannah, GA ( right on the border). My favorite is Hilton Head Island. There are bike trails all over the island and it is so beautiful and relaxing! I hope you enjoy staying in SC and take full advantage of your list and more!
Katherine says
Taralynn,
I lived in Charleston for 6 years and miss it everyday! I worked at this amazing bakery called WildFlour and I would have to say, having been to both Whisk and WildFlour, the better of the 2 is WildFlour. Granted I am biased but show up on Sundays for their sticky buns and you won’t be disappointed. Also, best seafood place in all of Charleston, and sight of Dear John movie- Bowen’s Island! Right before you get to Folly Beach! Check it out! SO excited you are going to get to experience the Lowcountry, most amazing place I’ve been.
Keara says
If you do visit Hilton Head, head to The Frozen Moo. They have 92 flavors of ice cream! It’s the kind of place where you end up going back daily to try more flavors. Enjoy!
Laurel says
SC looks like so much fun to visit! I love the architecture in the states near there! This is a really cool post, I love traveling so it’s interesting to find out about new places!
You should do similiar posts for all of the places you’ve lived/ traveled to! It would be really cool to get some insight on any cool places you’ve found across the states!!
Caroline says
You will absolutely love South Carolina! I grew up in Greenville and lived in Charleston for several years. I recommend seeing as much of Charleston as you can. But instead of Folly I would go to Sullivan’s Island (10 minutes from downtown). The beach is prettier there and seafood is better. My favorites are SALT, Boathouse, and Poe’s Tavern. I would also recommend Greenville. It is an adorable town with an amazing downtown area. So much to see and do! Personally I would not waste my money/time on a trip to Myrtle Beach. Over the years it has gotten really run down/trashy and your time would be much better spent seeing other parts of SC. Enjoy!
Hannah says
You will LOVE downtown Charlston amazing shopping and amazing food, sooo much to see! I live in Beaufort, super cute small historic town. The Beaufort inn is wonderful, best food in town is Old bull tavern and lowcounty produce (best breakfast ever). best coffee is at City Java. across the street from Old bull is my moms art gallery would love if you came in! Hilton head is alright very pretty beaches and good restaurants but not much history. I would pass on myrtle beach.. Super cheesy.. Folly beach is good for surfing. I hope y’all enjoy the SC!!
Hannah says
My family has a condo in North Myrtle Beach and it’s perfect. Much
Hannah says
My family has a condo in Cherry Grove Beach, which is near North Myrtle. It’s a lot quieter than Myrtle and there are still great restaurants and beautiful, less crowded beaches. Snooky’s in Little River and Flying Fish at Barefoot Landing are our family favorites for seafood!
Sara says
I love visiting Charleston! There’s always something new to see or do each time I go. I would recommend Firefly Distillery/Irvin House Vineyard. They do wine and spirit tastings- you’ve mentioned that you don’t drink often, but it’s still a beautiful, one-of-a-kind little place! Definitely worth a visit! I also enjoyed a carriage tour around the city. You learn a lot about the history of Charleston on those. We went with Palmetto Carriage (located in a big, red barn- you can’t miss it!). We asked some locals, who recommended them, and you can read about how they take care of their horses (which helped me as a huge animal lover!). You’ve already put the market on your list, which is a must! They’re are so many eclectic, beautiful things to see there, so you’ll enjoy that! Poe’s Tavern is amazing and very unique. At some point, try shrimp and grits-sounds crazy, but just go with it! 🙂 You’ll be crazy busy fitting all of this stuff in in such a short amount of time, but it’s completely worth it! I’m from the Carolinas, and there really is nothing quite like it!
Gaby says
You must walk down the pier at the pineapple fountain and watch the dolphins play. Maybe, try an italian ice. Fleet’s Landing and Sea Biscuit Cafe are good places to eat. For a super serene walk on the beach, go to Pawley’s point. You’ll want to take lots of pictures of the architecture downtown, especially the French area. You’ll probably be disappointed in the Market, but you have to go anyway bc it’s there! When you’re sick of that area, you must travel to Greenville and visit Falls Park. Great hiking at Paris Mountain, Caesar’s Head – all close to Greenville. Enjoy your trip!
Kat says
Hey Tara, it seems from your post that you’ll be in Charleston. I live here, so if you need any tips or some company, feel free to email me! I’ve lived here almost 5 years and have some great suggestions. 🙂
Kat
Madison says
I live within 5-15 min to most of those! Boone Hall is right down the street from me and it is so beautiful! I also prefer Sullivans Island over other beaches. Its so much more secluded and its never full of people.Definitely go see Rainbow Row when you go to Downtown Charleston its definitely picture worthy. You will never want to leave here! My husband and I lived here for a few months when he was in the navy and we came back the second he got out 🙂
Becca says
Hey! I live on James Island and Folly Beach is where it’s at! Don’t miss going to Black Magic Cafe while you’re there (lot’s of fun all natural smoothies that taste delicious!) and go stand up paddle boarding too! Downtown Charleston has so many good restaurants to check out, but here are some of my favorites: Cypress, Rue de Jean & Tabuli. Have fun! 🙂
Laura says
I’m also in Greenville and highly recommend you stop by to visit this part of the state. There’s FANTASTIC hiking in the upstate, you can rent bikes and enjoy the Swamp Rabbit Trail (stop by the grocery of the same name for delicious coffee and breakfast), enjoy one of dozens of fantastic restaurants downtown, and check out falls park. There are lots of weekend festivals that you can visit too!
Big fan of the blog, and hope you enjoy your time in sunny SC!
Tuba says
I just got back from savannah, ga and Hilton head, sc this week and honestly you must visit savannah because it’s only a 30 min drive from hilton head and has so much history- it is absolutely gorgeous and there is so much to do and so much inspiration in the city! It’s truly an artsy city with SCAD there. Vinny van gogo’s is a must in the market square for the best and healthy pizza you’ve ever had!
Also you sjould check out Tybee island with the lighthouse also very beautiful.
Hilton head had made it’s way to one of my favorite vacation destinations, it’s absolutely gorgeous, the shopping is divine and the seafood restaurants there are amazing! I would recommend ele fine fusion, on Wilmington island it is sooo good and their ambience is great! Ask them for their specialties!
JEnn says
We lived in Fort Mill for almost 5 years (right outside of Charlotte), and never got sick of the weather! Except mid-summer…it’s like a smack in the face when you walk out the door. ha! Anyway, if you’re in that area at all, Ballantyne is pretty, and there’s also the Abby up in Charlotte. There’s a few Botanical gardens too. If you like amusement parks, there is a fun one called Carowinds just south of Charlotte, which is located directly next to a latin shopping mall called Plaza Fiesta, if it’s still there! Some fun places to see! Also, in case you are ever feeling in the mood for horribly fatty fried chicken, you must give Bojangles a try, at least once, just to say you did it! 🙂 Hope you like it down there!