17 Most Beautiful Places In South Carolina To Visit and More

17 Most Beautiful Places In South Carolina To Visit and More

Historic Charleston

From beautiful Waterfront Park, with its famous Pineapple Fountain, to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston is like stepping into a time warp from a bygone era. Charleston is one of the most beautiful places in South Carolina. Road Scholar recommends visiting the Charleston City Market, a four-block stretch of open-air shops. Enjoy sweetgrass basket-weaving demos and a tour of the only tea plantation in the U.S.

Historic Charleston has much to offer visitors, and Road Scholar invites you to explore it on the Signature City Charleston six-day tour.

Middleton Place

One of the most beautiful places in South Carolina is Middleton Place. Middleton Place is a National Historic Landmark because it is a rare survivor of the American Revolution and the Civil War. Located along the Ashley River in Charleston, Middleton Place showcases our nation’s complex history with enslaved Africans and African Americans who lived and worked there. The tragic history of this land is in juxtaposition with the beautiful gardens, stables, and garden rooms. 

Road Scholar’s local expert will provide commentary en route to and at Middleton Place, one of the stops along the Signature City Charleston tour.  

Angel Oak Tree

The world’s most famous live Southern Oak is located in Angel Oak Park on Johns Island and is believed to be between 400 and 500 years old. This Angel Oak Tree has survived natural disasters, including hurricanes, standing at 66.5 feet tall and 28 feet in circumference. The Angel Oak lives in Angel Oak Park, rumored to be haunted by ghosts. As for the living, Johns Island is home to hundreds of species of birds, deer, alligators, bobcats and coyotes, which can equally be spooky in their own right.  

Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge

A prominent South Carolina attorney owned this island plantation before it was eventually turned over to the Fish and Wildlife Service for the public to enjoy. Established in 1975, the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge features more than 4,000 acres of salt marshes and tidal creeks.

Bring your binoculars! You can spot wildlife such as waterfowl, shorebirds, bald eagles, wood storks, wading birds, raptors, neotropical migrants, white-tailed deer, American alligators, and more.

Visit the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge on the Road Scholar Birding the Lowcountry tour. 

Festival of Lights 

James Island County Park gets bright every November and December with the Holiday Festival of Lights. This light show in Charleston features an estimated two million dazzling lights. 

Visitors can wander three miles through the park to witness the spectacle of lights. The festival features more than 750 light displays, including the Cooper River Bridge display. There are also many family-friendly attractions, including marshmallow roasting, train rides, an enchanted walking trail, an old-fashioned carousel, and photo opportunities with Santa. 

The Road Scholar Christmastime in Charleston’s six-day tour includes the Festival of Lights and more. 

ACE Basin

This ACE Basin reserve protects the natural beauty and unique cultural heritage of the South Carolina Lowcountry. The ACE Basin, named for the Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto Rivers, is one of the largest undeveloped estuaries on the East Coast. Located near Charleston and Beaufort, the reserve protects cypress swamps, historic plantation homes, old rice fields, oyster reefs, and expansive tidal marshes. 

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is home to 12 miles of the prettiest beached in South Carolina and is a top holiday destination. Many top-class cultural festivals are held in Hilton Head each year, as well as 24 top-notch golf courses. Hilton Head is only 20 miles from Savannah, Georgia, making it a great day trip.

Webb Wildlife Center

The Webb Wildlife Center is a blackwater wonderland that sits along the Savannah River in the heart of Hampton County. Visitors love to spot local wildlife, such as white-tailed deer, fox squirrels, and turkeys. Watch out for the alligators and turtles along the Savannah River. 

Aiken-Rhett House Museum

Charleston merchant John Robinson built the Aiken-Rhett House in 1820 in typical Charleston fashion. But, when he lost five ships at sea in 1825, he was forced to sell the house to William Aiken to reconcile his financial obligations. Subsequently, it became the property of William Aiken Sr. in 1827. Today, many of the objects acquired by the Aikens on their travels remain in the rooms for which they were purchased.

Visit the Aiken-Rhett House on Road Scholar’s Atlanta, Asheville, Charleston, and Savannah tour. 

Joseph Manigault Home

The historic Joseph Manigault House, built in 1803, can be found in the Charleston Museum. It is a great example of the urban lifestyle of a wealthy, rice-planting family and the enslaved people kept there. 

Take an arts and culture tour of Charleston on the Spoleto Festival Tour, a performing arts festival. The festival fills Charleston’s historic theaters, churches, and outdoor spaces with performances by world-renowned artists and emerging performers. This tour includes a stop at the Charleston Museum. 

Old Sheldon Church 

Old Sheldon Church was initially known as Prince William's Parish Church and was built in the Greek Revival style between 1745 and 1753. It burned down in 1779 during the Revolutionary War. In 1826, it was rebuilt, only to be burned again by General Sherman in February 1865. Today, you can glimpse the remnants of the ruins of Old Sheldon Church among ancient graves and large oaks. 

On Road Scholar’s Kayak the Lowcountry tour, guests will stop by Old Sheldon Church, surrounded by dogwoods, live oaks, and an old cemetery. 

Kayak Combahee River 

This magnificent river is part of the ACE Basin, one of the largest undeveloped estuaries along the Atlantic Coast. The Combahee River is rich in historical significance, as it was the site where Revolutionary War hero Colonel John Laurens died, and Civil War hero Harriet Tubman led more than 750 enslaved people to freedom. The best way to see this blackwater river is by kayak. 

Kayak in Boyd Millpond

Boyd Millpond is a 184-acre lake in Laurens County where only smaller boats such as canoes, kayaks, and small fishing boats are allowed. The lake is filled with bass, catfish, and bream for the motivated fisherman.   

Beaufort

Beaufort, South Carolina, is approximately one and a half hours from Charleston and is considered a Lowcountry gem with its massive moss-draped oak trees and Victorian homes. Beaufort is a must-see attraction in South Carolina and the second-oldest city after Charleston, established in 1711. The entire downtown area is a designated National Historic Landmark.

Spend the day visiting the sites of Beauford during the Road Scholar’s The Best of Charleston and Savannah tour, or see the historic town by carriage on the Charleston to St. Augustine tour. 

Kayak Walnut Pond

Explore the Lowcountry of South Carolina by kayak at Walnut Pond, a beautiful cypress and tupelo swamp. On Walnut Pond, kayakers will weave through the blackwater forest, maneuvering over fallen logs, and listening to the barred owl’s call. 

Road Scholar offers a six-day Kayaking through the Lowlands program that can’t be missed. 

Congaree National Park

For some of the best views in South Carolina, visit Congaree National Park. This park is one of South Carolina’s most unspoiled parks that offers visitors hiking expeditions through the swamps, canoe trips down Cedar Creek, and sightseeing through the largest expanse of bottomless hardwood forest. 

Magnolia Plantation

Magnolia Plantation is Charleston’s most visited plantation and has been named one of  “America's Most Beautiful Gardens” by Travel + Leisure Magazine. Magnolia Plantation opened its doors to visitors in 1870 to view thousands of beautiful flowers and plants in its famous gardens. 

As part of the Magnolia Plantation field trip on the Signature City Charleston Road Scholar tour, guests will see the home and surrounding gardens as well as visit the Magnolia Cabin Project called “From Slavery to Freedom”. 

Top Vacation Spots in South Carolina for Nature and Wildlife Lovers

While we’ve detailed some of the most beautiful places in South Carolina, there’s still so much more to explore. South Carolina is known for its lush landscapes and vibrant wildlife, so if you’re wondering where to go in South Carolina as a nature lover, we’re here to help. From quiet coastal retreats to inland preserves brimming with native species and scenic trails, here are some of our recommendations for the top places in South Carolina to visit:

Huntington Beach State Park

Are you an avid bird watcher or nature photographer? If so, Huntington Beach State Park, located in Murrells Inlet, is a must-see destination. These protected lands comprise a mix of salt marsh, freshwater lagoon and coastal forest, attracting hundreds of bird species throughout the year that can be spotted in areas, such as the viewing deck along the Sandpiper Pond Nature Trail. Popular avian species include egrets, herons and even the occasional bald eagle, along with other animal species such as alligators and loggerhead sea turtles.

Francis Marion National Forest

Located in Huger, just north of Charleston, this National Forest is another top vacation spot in South Carolina for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Francis Marion National Forest, named after the revolutionary war hero, covers over 250,000 acres of pine savannas, swamps and blackwater rivers. This national forest is great for outdoor activities like camping, kayaking, hiking and spotting wildlife such as foxes or songbirds.

Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve

On Edisto Island, you’ll find Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve. Botany Bay Plantation was established in the 1930s following the merger of Sea Cloud Plantation and Bleak Hall Plantation, and is now a state preserve that offers a rare blend of history and untouched natural beauty. The beach is renowned for its boneyard of weathered trees rising from the sand, while the rest of the preserve and its surrounding waters are known for dolphin sightings, countless seabirds and sea turtles nesting in season.

Brookgreen Gardens

A beautiful botanical garden in Georgetown County, Brookgreen Gardens is a sculpture garden and wildlife preserve that’s one of the most beautiful places in South Carolina. From boat tours through the marsh to native wildlife exhibits and nature trails surrounded by live oaks and Spanish moss, Brookgreen Gardens seems to come straight from a fairy tale.

Caesars Head State Park

This must-see destination is a mountain park in the Upstate region of South Carolina, offering stunning overlooks and dramatic cliffs that provide sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. With over 60 miles of trails, including the popular four-mile, round-trip Raven Cliff Falls trail, there are plenty of hiking and nature viewing opportunities for all ability levels. As part of the larger Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, Caesars Head State Park offers travelers the opportunity to spot unique wildlife, including black bears, hawks and migratory birds.

Where to Go in South Carolina for Culture, Cuisine, and the Arts

South Carolina offers more than just its vibrant landscapes and unique wildlife. It’s also home to several cities and towns known for their lively culture, mouth-watering cuisine and stunning arts. As many know, Charleston is a cultural hub with cobblestone streets, pre-war architecture and centuries-old churches that serve as a backdrop for one of the most dynamic food scenes in the South. From classic grits and shrimp to unique takes on Lowcountry cuisine, there’s a lot to see, do and taste in Charleston. However, there are several other places in South Carolina to visit if you’re interested in other interesting cultural experiences, including:

Columbia

South Carolina’s capital city prides itself on a growing arts and food culture, with the Columbia Museum of Art anchoring the downtown arts district. Here, travelers can marvel at street murals and indie galleries, while taking time to visit areas like Five Points and Vista for a mix of restaurants that feature Southern comfort food, international cuisine and everything in between. With institutions like the Nickelodeon Theater and live music scenes peppering the city, Columbia’s creative scene is both grounded and forward-thinking.

Greenville

Boasting a thriving arts and culture scene, Greenville is an excellent vacation spot in South Carolina. In the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville offers a walkable downtown with award-winning restaurants, local boutiques and public art. The Peace Center hosts symphony, ballet and touring Broadway performances, while the Artisphere festival draws artists and performers from around the country.

Spartanburg

If you’re wondering where to go in South Carolina that’s lesser-known but still offers a cultural experience, consider Spartanburg, a quaint town that punches above its weight in the arts. Home to musical legends like the Marshall Tucker Band, Spartanburg continues to champion the arts through venues like the Chapman Cultural Center, which hosts exhibitions, performances and educational programs. Throughout downtown, visitors will also find murals, sculptures and art installations, along with galleries and studios, such as The Johnson Collection and the Spartanburg Art Museum.

Enjoy Sights of South Carolina With Road Scholar

Road Scholar knows where to vacation in South Carolina and has a wide range of tours from which to choose. Our programs are designed to open the world up to our scholars. No matter which educational learning adventure you choose, you'll be placed in a cohort of like-minded adventurers.

Our programs are led by local experts who will walk you through your destination's history, culture, traditions, and landscape. Our immersive experiences will allow you and your group members to partake in spirited conversations, learn more about the world, and return with lifelong friendships and memories.

Enroll in one of our South Carolina tours today.