South Carolina is home to some of America’s most beautiful small towns, serving delicious southern foods, music and art galore, stunning resorts, and some of the best beaches. Want to know the top places to visit in South Carolina?
Here are some of the best destinations you should visit for a South Carolina getaway in the New Year:
Bluffton, SC
Bluffton, known as the “heart of the Lowcountry,” is located in southern Beaufort County in South Carolina, nestled on the banks of the May River. Explore slow-moving waterways, unspoiled marshes, stunning sunsets, and plenty of annual events and festivities scheduled to top things off. It is simply one of the best places to visit in South Carolina.
This small coastal town has a fascinating history, a diverse culture and a vibrant lifestyle. It is also considered a foodie’s paradise, offering Southern foods done right. One popular Bluffton tradition you should not miss out on is hosting specialty oyster roasts with fresh oysters from the May River. Most of the events celebrated in the heart of the Lowcountry champion their delicious southern foods and handmade crafts!
Botany Bay
The Botany Bay is a preserved wildlife management area covering around 4000 acres of land on Edisto Island. The bay is known for its historical buildings, maritime forest, freshwater ponds, and beautiful beaches. You can spend hours hiking through trails, strolling across its shores, or taking a driving tour. Some areas of the bay also permit horseback riding for visitors.
People from all over the island come to the tree-lined beachfront to catch a view of the bay. You will also spot several cruises that will take you out into the waters for a dreamy getaway experience!
Mt. Pleasant
Mount Pleasant is a large suburban town in Charleston County. The town offers sandy beaches, plenty of restaurants you can brag about, and beautiful crafts and handiworks for purchase from local artisans.
With golf resorts, beaches, shopping and much more, this is the perfect definition to visit in the New Year. Mt. Pleasant doesn’t have a shortage of beautiful accommodations for guests. You can treat yourself to a two-bedroom cottage on the beach or book a hotel room at any of the luxury hotels in Charleston County. Wander the streets of the historic downtown to further indulge in Mt. Pleasant’s food and entertainment.
Cape Romain
Cape Romain is a national wildlife refuge located along the South Carolina Coast. It extends across 22 miles of magical barrier islands and salt marshes. This is the perfect destination for nature lovers thanks to its extensive waterways, salt marshes, forests and ponds, and a rich variety of natural wildlife. The refuge is a birdwatching hotspot, home to several green trails and also offers abundant wholesome recreational activities.
During your visit, you will spot several boats heading out to enjoy the beauty of the oceanfront views and catch sights of the natural wildlife that inhabit the barrier islands. Coastal expeditions also form a part of the New Year celebrations in this wildlife refuge. It is simply one of the top places to see in South Carolina.
John’s Island
Head to the largest island in the state, John’s Island, located in Charleston County. It is known by its most famous landmark, the Angel Oak Tree, estimated to be around 1550 years old with a 25 ft wide canopy.
The Island offers several outdoor activities for you to enjoy. Several small charter fishing boats and kayak rentals are available for visitors who want to go fishing or bird watching in the low-lying salt marshes. Most popular include their exclusive yacht trips that depart from the harbor and take you on a cruise under the stars as you count down the hours to midnight. It is one of the top things to do in South Carolina.
Hunting Island State Park
The Hunting Island State Park is one of South Carolina’s most popular state parks, spread over a 5000-acre semi-tropical barrier island. Its beaches are regarded as some of the most beautiful beaches in America and attract millions of visitors every year.
The island offers five miles of pristine beaches, a saltwater lagoon, thousands of acres of marshlands and maritime forests, making it a popular destination among nature lovers. This semi-tropical state park offers several opportunities for hiking, fishing, kayaking and a host of other outdoor activities. It is one of the most-visited vacation spots in Carolina.
Edisto Treehouses
Paddle down to the 150-acre Edisto River Refuge and you will come across three rustic tree houses, the Edisto Treehouses. These treehouses are completely off-grid and offer an exciting chance to enjoy the New Year in nature’s quiet bliss.
The treehouses are only accessible by canoe, so enjoy a lazy trip to the treehouses over this stretch of the Blackwater River. They also include a small kitchen area with tables and chairs, cooking utensils, a dining deck, a screened sleeping loft with futon mattresses, rechargeable lanterns, and even a few board games to keep guests entertained! The treehouses are the best places to stay in South Carolina.
Cypress Gardens
The Cypress Gardens is the name given to the 175-acre swamp garden close to downtown Charleston in Moncks Corner. These gardens have become the backdrop for many popular motion pictures, including The Notebook and The Patriot. While the Gardens are typically closed off during New Year’s Eve, they tend to host some exciting events.
You can explore the 3 miles of winding walking paths and nature trails that go around the gardens. General admissions to the park will cost you $10 with access to a flat-bottom wooden boat to paddle around the swamp. It is one of the best places to visit in the south.
Kiawah Island
Kiawah Island is a barrier island southwest of Charleston in South Carolina. It is home to 10 miles of pristine beaches, a luxury beach resort, windswept dunes, and 5 world-renowned golf courses, all of which make it a hotspot year-round.
You can stroll along the sunny beaches or explore the many waterfront activities available, including surfing, kayaking and fishing along Kiawah’s coast. Bicycling is also a popular activity, with over 30 miles of paved biking paths available on the island! It is one of the top South Carolina vacation spots.
Lake Marion
Lake Marion is a man-made lake, the largest in South Carolina, housed within the unincorporated Polk County. Most people head to Lake Marion to fish for its record-breaking catfish, largemouth bass, and other varieties of fish. It ranks among the leading ideal winter lakes to visit in the country, perfect for fishing even during the cooler seasons.
The lake also has several walking trails, a small waterfall a few meters away, and several nearby shops where you can find gifts to take home as souvenirs.
Greenville SC
Greenville is a bustling metropolis in upstate South Carolina. This vibrant and dynamic city has seen considerable development over the past decade and is one of the hotspots to visit in South Carolina. While it carries a small-town feel, it is home to world-renowned entertainment, cuisine and cultural experiences, making it one of the best places to visit in South Carolina.
Walk the Main Street to explore its collection of shops, restaurants and public art, or head out to any of the region’s picturesque waterfalls, explore its oldest breweries, enjoy the thriving arts scene, or hike through its natural greenways and well-maintained trails. There are so many things to do in Greenville SC. No wonder it ranks among the major cities and one of the top places to visit in South Carolina.
Chattooga River
Chattooga River is one of South Carolina’s most spectacular, free-flowing mountain rivers. It is famous for the thrill of rafting across a 50-mile stretch of the rapids, hiking along the Chattooga River Trail, and exploring the nearby Opossum Creek Falls, alongside several other outdoor activities. Downstream of the Chattooga River is Lake Tugaloo, a tranquil lake that forms the center for several local paddleboard tours. For those who enjoy the great outdoors, the Chattooga River is the perfect hotspot to visit in the New Year!
Caesars Head State Park
Caesars Head State Park is located just 25 miles north of Greenville along the border that meets North Carolina. It is named after the stone outcrop at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains at an elevation of 2,000 ft. Hikers can visit Caesars Head to enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding pristine woodlands.
It is best known for its stunning views of the mountainsides, extensive outdoor activities and trailside camping facilities. The waters of the Saluda River flowing at its center are also popular among fishing enthusiasts.
Pretty Place
The Pretty Place Chapel, or the Symmes Chapel, is housed within the YMCA Camp in Greenville. The chapel sits on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Piedmont region in South Carolina. It is open for visitations from sunrise to sunset and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape (hence the name!).
Admissions to the Pretty Place Chapel are free! The campsite is usually closed off during the holidays, but with the start of the New Year, it quickly becomes a hotspot for new explorers!
Beaufort, SC
Beaufort is a lovely harbor town in South Carolina known for its antebellum architecture, centuries-old oak trees, and historic streets. This town has been the filming site for several popular films, including Forrest Gump and The Big Chill.
During your visit, you should explore the town’s downtown historic district filled with Neoclassical, Victorian Greek Revival style homes. For those more inclined towards outdoor exploration, the 10-mile Spanish Moss Trail will take you through Beaufort’s marshes and Spanish-moss-covered tree lines.
Lake Jocassee
Lake Jocassee is a beautiful 9,000-acre lake in the mountains of the Pickens and Oconee Counties. At the south end of the lake is the Devils Fork State Park, which, along with the lake, is a hotspot for visitors.
It is also famous for fishing; in fact, Lake Jocassee holds the state record for some species of fish, including the Redeye Bass and Smallmouth Bass. Its glorious green forests and refreshing outdoor pursuits make it a popular site to visit all year, especially for those wishing to enjoy their New Year holidays in the great outdoors. Lake Jocassee camping is also pretty popular among visitors.
Congaree National Park
Spread over 20,000 acres of wilderness, the Congaree National Park is located 18 miles southeast of the state capital, Columbia. It is known for its giant hardwoods, towering pine trees that form some of the highest canopies in the world, diverse plant and animal life, and wild forest landscape.
The winters are pretty mild in South Carolina, so the park tends to remain open year-round. You can also get a camping permit to enjoy a holiday getaway. Several trails wind through the park, including the Boardwalk Loop trail, which offers some of the best scenery in the region.
Brookgreen Gardens
The Brookgreen Gardens is a beautiful wildlife preserve located at the Murrells Inlet in South Carolina. The gardens cover over 9000 acres of land and feature hand-crafted sculptures, meticulously maintained gardens, a Lowcountry zoo, and several themed exhibits. Brookgreen is also the site for annual holiday celebrations, especially around the new year.
Here, Brookgreen Gardens hosts various tours, programs and exhibits throughout the year. But you can always explore these beautiful spaces on your own. The gardens also house the Courtyard Cafe and the Harvest Restaurant, both of which serve lovely southern foods and refreshments to enjoy during your visit.
Charleston’s Historic Homes
South Carolina’s best preserved historic homes, located just a short distance from downtown Charleston. Some of the most popular include the Magnolia, Boone Hall, Drayton Hall, and Middleton Place. You can explore these plantations to get a first-hand look at plantation life as it was centuries ago. It is one of the best places to visit in North Carolina for nature lovers.
Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island is nestled within South Carolina’s Lowcountry and is known for its white sandy beaches, towering oaks, winding pathways, and charming resorts. The island offers some of the most stunning sunsets and sunrise ocean views across the Carolinas. The 12 miles of beaches have attracted travelers for decades. No wonder it is one of the top places to visit in South Carolina.
You can go paddleboarding along the waterline or take a bike rental to enjoy the island’s 60 miles of biking pathways. The island also houses several luxury resorts where you can unwind and relax during your vacation. Don’t miss out on their world-class golf courses!
Folly Beach
Folly Beach is a beautiful public beach near downtown Charleston. A popular hotspot for surfers, fishermen, and lovers of its sandy beaches. During your visit, you can watch the glorious sunrise and sunsets, walk down the fishing pier, and explore the charming downtown.
The six miles of beaches offer a rich mix of waterfront activities. This includes surfing, fishing, kayaking, boating and even eco-tours of the wildlife that inhabit them. After a day of water fun, head downtown to explore their eclectic restaurants serving mouthwatering seafood and fruity cocktails.
Final Thoughts on Places To Visit in South Carolina
Your getaway to the southern state will be much more relaxing than expected. With amazing weather and so many activities, you will have the time of your life exploring the area’s beautiful cities, outdoors, Upstate, and beaches!
