Places to see in South Carolina vacation sights in South Carolina Explore things to do in South Carolina

Sometimes you just want to get out and explore. We try to strike a good balance of places that you will really enjoy. Finding ideas for family friendly outings, or interesting places to go in South Carolina with your friends, both are at your fingertips here with America Top 10. We aim to give you plenty of ideas without you having to do all the research. That way you can easily decide if you want to explore South Carolina sites or check out the sites in another state.

You have also heard how it is becoming a lot more popular to have staycations (where you stay home instead of going to far off places) and discover new and interesting places in the near vicinity. We try to make that easier for you. Check out the sites in South Carolina that have become local favorites easily with our site.

We hope that we have provided you plenty of choices in South Carolina whether this is a new area for you or your own back yard. Something a little different from the typical amusement park. If you really loved somewhere but don’t see them on our list let us know, we are always looking to improve our lists and we can only do that with your help.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Charleston, SC

Magnolia has been selected as one of “America’s Most Beautiful Gardens” (Travel + Leisure Magazine), and is the only garden honored with this distinction in the State of South Carolina. Founded in 1676 by the Drayton family, Magnolia Plantation has survived the centuries and witnessed the history of the nation unfold before it from the American Revolution through the Civil War and beyond. It is the oldest public tourist site in the Lowcountry, and the oldest public gardens in America, opening its doors to visitors in 1870 to view the thousands of beautiful flowers and plants in its famous gardens.

Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark

North Charleston, SC

Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site

Summerville, SC

From 1697 until the beginning of the Revolutionary War, the trading town of Dorchester flourished along the Ashley River, inland from colonial Charleston. Today, Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site’s remarkably preserved archaeological remains give visitors a peek into the early history of colonial South Carolina. Today, visitors to Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site can watch as archaeologists unearth the settlement’s history. Together with abundant historical records from colonial Charleston, the site is helping to paint a clearer picture of life in colonial South Carolina and the rest of the American South.

North Charleston Fire Museum

North Charleston, SC

Built in the heart of a booming shopping Mecca close to the Charleston International Airport, the North Charleston and American LaFrance Fire Museum and Educational Center houses the largest collection of fully restored American LaFrance fire appartus in the county. Doors to this fire truck wonderland opened in April, 2007. Enthusiasts and casual observers alike can learn about the history of fire fighting and marvel at the evolution of a most useful invention. This is a place where families can come to learn. The collection of nineteen antique fire trucks includes a hand operated fire pump and two horse-drawn steam engines. Other exhibits range from a cinema with a talking robot and a film depicting the history of fire fighting to the home hazards interactive exhibit and the Great Escape exhibit.

Charleston Stage

Charleston, SC

Charleston Stage, founded by Playwright Julian Wiles in 1978, is South Carolina’s largest professional theatre company. Bringing great drama, literature and history to over 20,000 young people in the Lowcountry each year, arts education has always been a cornerstone of Charleston Stage’s mission. Charleston Stage has premiered more than 30 new plays and musicals. Since 1978, Charleston Stage has always had a commitment to new works, especially shows that celebrate the rich culture and history of Charleston and South Carolina.

Waterfront Park

Charleston, SC

One of the peninsula’s most visited parks, Waterfront Park opened in 1990 and offers fantastic views of the Charleston Harbor. Gardens, fountains, walking paths and plenty of park benches are available on the property.

Myrtle Beach State Park

Myrtle Beach, SC

As far as Myrtle Beach campgrounds go, the parks’ is among the most popular, providing guests with Myrtle Beach pier and shoreline access as well as cozy sites tucked away under the towering trees. If the Myrtle Beach campgrounds aren’t for you, overnight guests may also stay in one of six rental cabins, built by the CCC in the 1930s.

Boone Hall Plantation

Mt. Pleasant, SC

Boone Hall Plantation has been open to the public since 1956. The McRae Family purchased the plantation in 1955 and it was Mrs. McRae who furnished the house with antiques and began giving tours. Today, the McRae Family still owns the property, and they continue to make improvements to the plantation so that their visitors can experience what plantation life was like.

Charleston Museum

Charleston, SC

Founded in 1773, The Charleston Museum, America’s First Museum, has been discovering, preserving, interpreting, celebrating, and sharing ever since. Their collections, exhibitions, educational programs, and events are designed to inspire curiosity and conversation, about the South Carolina Lowcountry, and the stories that make them who they are.

EdVenture

Columbia, SC

EdVenture’s mission is to inspire children, youth, and the adults who care about them to experience the joy of learning. Their vision is to create new generations of lifelong learners.Behind EdVenture’s doors, they are proud to have eight world-class exhibit galleries, a library, learning laboratories, resource centers and other visitor amenities. Two additional outdoor gallery spaces are located just outside the museum’s front doors. Within the total 92,000 square feet that is EdVenture Children’s Museum, there are more than 350 individual hands-on exhibits.