Your South Carolina Travel Guide
Your South Carolina Travel Guide
Your South Carolina Travel Guide
visit South Carolina Travel Guide
visit South Carolina Travel Guide
visit South Carolina Travel Guide
South Carolina is
Beautiful…, Historic…, Charming…, Fun!
South Carolina, with 60 miles (100 kilometres) of perfect sandy beach, great cuisine, and Southern hospitality, South Carolina should be a destination on anyones bucket list.
To be completely honest, I (Jake) was completely blown away by South Carolina. While Hayley was at work, Finnley and I took the opportunity to explore the beautiful coastline. It was the perfect change of pace after some long travel days.
Here are our top South Carolina destinations to check out on your next trip.
Myrtle Beach Your South Carolina Travel Guide
Built smack in the middle of South Carolina’s famous Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach is a popular costal destination among families and partiers alike.
Don’t Miss
The boardwalk for some fun bars and beach-side restaurants. Hang out on the pier, and get a birds eye view from the ferris wheel. Enjoy the arcades and check out the Ripley’s museum. And don’t forget about the beach itself! From sunbathing and beach volleyball courts to shore fishing, there are activities to keep everyone entertained throughout the day.
Insider Tip: keep an eye out for the shark teeth that frequently wash ashore! Shine a flashlight on the beach to help the teeth stand out from the shells!
Visit Broadway on the Beach for some shows and shopping, not to mention a science museum in the shape of an enormous upside-down house!
Come to Myrtle Beach for
A beach town catering to tourists. Skip it if you’re looking for authentic southern culture.
Stay for
2 – 4 Days. Avoid spring break, when the beach becomes a party mecca for college students (unless that’s what you’re into!)
Van Tips
Myrtle Beach has quite a few campgrounds within walking distance of the boardwalk. There is also a state park campground a few miles away.
Parking just off of the boardwalk was $5 for 24 hours when we were there.
Leave Myrtle Beach
and head for Charleston. On the way, explore…
The Marsh Walk, Pawley’s Island, and Historic Georgetown
Your South Carolina Travel Guide
Your South Carolina Travel Guide
Your South Carolina Travel Guide
Charleston is the next major destination down the coast. But life’s about the journey! Make a day out of it and check out these cool stops along the way.
Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk
Our first stop after leaving Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet is a rare ecosystem that floods with high tide and drains during low tide. This has created a haven for young fish and other wildlife.
A boardwalk known as the Marsh Walk extends along the front of shops, restaurants, and bars overlooking the wetlands. There is even a fishing pier, if you’d prefer to catch your own lunch. Stop in for a scenic stroll and marvel at the wildlife. Don’t miss the wild goats!
Leave Murrells Inlet
Head a short ways down the coast to our next stop –
Pawley’s Island Beach
If you’re not a resident of Pawley’s Island, it may seem a bit off the beaten track. Find parking, and explore the beautiful beaches. There are plenty of access points towards the south of the island.
Bonus: dogs are allowed to run around on the beach! Check the local signage for hours.
Back on the road!
Head towards fabulous Charleston, stopping at –
Historic Georgetown
Georgetown has the distinction of being the third oldest city in South Carolina. Once an industrial hotspot, today Georgetown is rich in history and charm.
Walk along the waterfront, wander the museums, and get some ice cream before continuing on. Next stop, Charleston!
Charleston
Your South Carolina Travel Guide
Your South Carolina Travel Guide
Your South Carolina Travel Guide
Charleston is a city you’ll have to see to believe. Built early in colonial settlement, Charleston is rich in history and charm. Using Charleston as your base, take a few days to explore the city and surrounding areas.
Charleston
Don’t miss the historic downtown district. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon exploring, shopping, and checking out local culture.
Take the ferry to Fort Sumter, where the first battle of the American Civil War was fought.
Insider Tip: walking tours are truly the best way to see a city. Many companies have free walking tours around Charleston. We recommend Free Tours by Foot for their excellent quality. Here’s a link to their website.
Surrounding Area
The areas surrounding Charleston are just as spectacular as the city itself. Our top picks are, Folly Beach, Middleton Place, The Charleston Tea Plantation, and the Angel Oak. They definitely should not be missed!
Come to Charleston for
Culture, history, and a town full of Southern Charm. Both the city and surrounding area are beautiful as well.
Stay for
3 – 5 Days. Allow for plenty of time to fully explore each stop.
Van Tips
There are state parks just outside of Charleston. The visit centre (right downtown) also has RV spaces and 24 hour parking. When all else fails, there are numerous Walmarts that allow overnighting within close proximity.
Beaufort, South Carolina
Continue down the coast to beautiful Beaufort (pronounced b-U-fort, the words rhyme!).
Beaufort is a pretty town full of neat shops and charming architecture. It is very walkable, and can easily be experienced in a half day.
Don’t Miss
The beautiful waterfront. Park just off of Bay Street (free parking on Sundays!). Grab a coffee and walk along the water and cross the road to enter the historic district. Wander the beautiful streets.
Come to Beaufort for
Beautiful colonial architecture. The historic district is full of cute southern charm.
Stay for
A morning or afternoon.
Van Tips
The parking lot off of Bay Street (linked above) has an outdoor faucet that you can use to fill up your water, free of charge!
Back on the road
Cross the bridge and drive half an hour to reach our next destination. Stop at Superior Coffee & Lowcountry Cider Co on the way – get the brie and brisket sandwich, trust me. If you’re looking for a place to work, they also have free Wi-Fi and plenty of tables #digitalnomadlife #whycanineverfindwifi?
Hunting Island State Park
Hunting Island State Park is stunning. It’s the most popular state park in South Carolina and for good reason. With a state campground right on the beach, a lighthouse that you can climb, and miles of sandy beach it’s well worth the visit.
This is also where I (Jake) went surfing for the first time! Nalu Paddle Boarding were great, and super accommodating. Even though it was the off season, they met me at the shop and made sure that I had everything I needed to get started. Check them out here.
Don’t Miss
The lighthouse. Hunting Island boasts one of the only lighthouses in South Carolina that you can climb! The views from the top are spectacular, and the history makes it fun for the whole family.
Insider Tip: If you’re staying at the state campground you can access the state park for free!
Spend a few days at the campground and state park. Relax, kick back, and take it slow.
Come to Hunting Island State Park for
Beaches, nature, and some relaxation. The park is undeveloped, and gives a glimpse into how the South Carolina coast looked to the first settlers.
Stay for
2 – 4 Days. Stay at the state campground, and spend your nights on the beach watching the stars.
Van Tips
For those looking to save money, there is a lookout just outside of the entrance to the campground (across the street). It has a great view of the sunset, and no no-parking signs.
Park at south beach parking lot three during the day for a beachfront hangout. Hello Instagram pics!
That’s it!
South Carolina is an amazing destination. Take your time, explore it, and get out there!
While you’re in the area, check out our travel guide to Savannah, Georgia.