Epitomizing the American South, South Carolina is home to the southern belle, James Brown and a long colonial history. Cities in South Carolina are still dotted with Victorian and colonial buildings. With its coastal and inland geography, South Carolina offers a range of attractions to the visitor.
Explore: Charleston • Greenville • Myrtle Beach
South Carolina is bordered by North Carolina, Georgia and the Atlantic Ocean. The largest city and also the capital is Columbia, named after Christopher Columbus. Located pretty much in the center of the state, Columbia is a quaint capital with less than a quarter of a million inhabitants. Visitors will enjoy strolling around Elmwood Park and the historic Hampton neighborhood. Here, visitors will see beautifully restored colonial buildings and get a feel for what life in South Carolina must have been like in the past.
In Columbia, visitors will enjoy visiting the Columbia Museum of Art and the Trustus Theater. Those with children will enjoy the EdVenture, the largest children’s museum in the southern US. South Carolina played an important role in the American Civil War and those interested in US history should visit the Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum, as well as the South Carolina State Museum.
Nature is also an important part of South Carolina’s attractions. The state is home to numerous national parks, with the most popular being the Fort Sumter National Monument and Congaree National Park. It is also possible to visit several of the famous battlefields from the Civil War, such as the Cowpens National Battlefield.
Wildlife is an important part of South Carolina and the state boasts over 20 wildlife refuges. Here visitors can see the natural habitat of many endangered animals and birds. For example, it is possible to spot a bald eagle, hawks and wild turkey, just to mention a few birds. Children will love seeing white-tailed deer, raccoons, squirrels and even alligators.
South Carolina is a great vacation destination for those traveling with children. All kids love the beach and Myrtle Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the state. Here, kids and adults can enjoy a whole plethora of beach activities including, jet skiing, snorkeling, kayaking and much more. If the sun and surf get too much, head out to the many lakes in South Carolina. Favorite spots are Blackwater River, which offers fishing, canoeing and more. There are also plenty of amusement parks, museums, zoos and aquariums.