6 top places to visit in South Carolina
Southern hospitality and the state's natural beauty work in tandem to make South Carolina a destination worth visiting. It is ranked as one of the smallest states in the country. Yet, from the foothills of the Upstate mountains to the sandy beaches of the coastal zone, it has a lot to offer to all types of tourists.
To help you narrow down the options, we have put together a list of the top six places to visit in South Carolina.
So, without further ado, let us get straight to the topic.
Middleton Place
Middleton Place is one of the few buildings to have witnessed the Civil War, the American Revolution, natural disasters, and financial upheavals. This historic landmark is one of the many places for travelers to visit in the great state of South Carolina.
Over time, it has developed into a lovely venue for weddings and other special occasions, and it is also a favorite destination for modern-day African Americans interested in their heritage. Anyone with interest in American history or architecture should make a trip to this place.
Myrtle Beach
Traveling to Myrtle Beach to relax and escape the mundane routine is a common summer pastime for residents and visitors alike. However, you have a plethora of other things to do in Myrtle Beach.
People can enjoy musical performances at the Carolina Opry or ride the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel for a breathtaking view of the beach and promenade for ten minutes.
Apache Pier is a must-see in Myrtle Beach for everybody, regardless of whether or not they enjoy fishing. It is the longest wooden pier on the East Coast at about 1,200 feet in length. Explore the entire thing if you like, and then stop for a fish sandwich at Croakers while seeing the breathtaking views of Myrtle Beach.
In the summer, there is live music every night and a wonderful arcade for the kids.
Fort Sumter
In 1861, the first shot of the American Civil War was fired at Fort Sumter.
Take a ferry to the actual fort, and you can see for yourself where all the action took place.
Wander slowly into the deep stone tunnels that still store numerous cannons from the American Civil War. The tiny but educational museum at Fort Sumter will fill you in on the fort's role in the Civil War in great detail.
Tourists agree that Fort Sumter is a must-see in Charleston, especially with younger travelers and history aficionados.
There are no guided tours available at Fort Sumter. However, you can listen to a ranger-led historical lesson for 10 minutes before going on your own self-guided tour.
Along the way, rangers and volunteers will answer any questions you may have. You can visit Sumter without spending a dime, but the ferry voyage is priced at$32 per person.
Getting your ferry ride tickets ahead of time is highly recommended by the National Park Service.
South Carolina Aquarium
Around six thousand species of plants and animals call the South Carolina Aquarium home.
Observe marine animals and other water-dependent creatures that inhabit the highlands. You can also take the Madagascar Journey to find out more about the island's unique flora and fauna.
The sea turtle rescue program provides medical care and rehabilitation for any sick or injured turtles that are discovered along the shore. You may observe the rehabilitation of many turtle species at the aquarium's sea turtle hospital.
Do not forget to see baby otters in action in the Mountain Forest display.
The South Carolina Aquarium is located at the end of Charleston Waterfront Park.
From downtown, the aquarium is a little over a mile away; if you prefer to drive, there is a parking garage just next door that you can use for a cost.
Except for Thanksgiving and the evening and morning of Christmas Eve, the aquarium is open every day of the year.
Georgetown
Historic Georgetown is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. The place is home to a wide variety of museums, galleries, boutiques, and restaurants dating back to the antebellum period.
Georgetown's (sometimes referred to as "little Charleston") oak-lined streets teem with local culture and commerce.
Taking a boat tour of Georgetown is highly recommended. If you take a tour of Winyah Bay and the rivers in the area, you will see ruins of plantation homes and fields of long-since abandoned rice.
Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park is a popular spot for people who want to spend time in nature. Covering roughly 26,000 acres, it is ranked as one of the country's smallest parks.
More than half of the park is conserved as a natural habitat that is home to a wide variety of species, making it one of the most beautiful and important wilderness places in the United States. It should come as no surprise that the park is home to many species with significant ecological value.
The area is teeming with a wide variety of wildlife, and visitors can witness anything from bobcats to deer, as well as armadillos and a plethora of amphibians.
The park's primary focal point is the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, where hikers can access a wide variety of trails, including the fantastic Boardwalk Loop Trail.
On the boardwalk trail, you may look down at the gigantic tupelos and barren cypress trees that have been planted in the water. It bears worth mentioning that wheelchairs and strollers can be used throughout the entire boardwalk trail.
The park is bisected by Cedar Creek, which flows through it from west to east.
Conclusion
South Carolina, located on the Atlantic coast, is a beautiful state with endless tourist opportunities. It does not matter if you are more of a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a city slicker; the state has something for everyone. Get the ball rolling on your vacation preparations by exploring our compilation of top South Carolina tourist destinations.