Plan your ultimate South Carolina experience with our guide to everything happening in the city. Find details on upcoming events—from concerts and parties to sports and family-friendly activities—plus top restaurants & eateries, local tours, historic landmarks, museums, and vibrant social hubs. We also feature premium 4 and 5-star accommodations, including hotels, Airbnb, and vacation rentals. All this essential information is provided below to help you plan the perfect adventure when visiting South Carolina.
South Carolina is a historic and scenic Southern state known for its charming coastal cities, rich cultural heritage, and beautiful landscapes. From the cobblestone streets of Charleston to the white-sand beaches of Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head, South Carolina offers a mix of history, outdoor adventures, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re exploring historic plantations, enjoying Lowcountry cuisine, or attending major festivals, this page highlights the best things to do throughout South Carolina.
South Carolina’s food scene is deeply influenced by Southern and Lowcountry cuisine, featuring fresh seafood, barbecue, and traditional comfort food. The state is famous for shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, boiled peanuts, and mustard-based Carolina barbecue. Charleston’s historic district is a hotspot for fine dining, craft cocktails, and rooftop bars, while Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head offer oceanfront restaurants serving fresh seafood. Columbia and Greenville have growing farm-to-table and brewery scenes, offering innovative Southern flavors with a modern twist.
South Carolina offers a variety of luxury resorts, historic inns, and beachfront rentals. Charleston and Beaufort feature charming boutique hotels and restored historic mansions in their downtown areas. Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head provide oceanfront resorts, golf course accommodations, and vacation rentals for visitors looking to enjoy the coast. Those seeking a unique stay can book plantation-style lodges, countryside bed-and-breakfasts, or mountain cabins in the Upstate region.
South Carolina has a rich arts, music, and nightlife scene. Charleston’s King Street is lined with live music venues, upscale bars, and historic theaters. Myrtle Beach’s Broadway at the Beach offers a mix of nightclubs, comedy shows, and waterfront entertainment. The Greenville and Columbia arts districts feature independent theaters, jazz clubs, and local galleries. The state is also home to legendary festivals, including the Spoleto Festival in Charleston, the South Carolina State Fair in Columbia, and the Gullah Festival in Beaufort, which celebrates the African American culture of the Lowcountry.
South Carolina is rich in history, with landmarks dating back to colonial times, the Civil War, and the Civil Rights Movement. Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor marks the site where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Boone Hall Plantation and Middleton Place offer a glimpse into the state’s plantation history. The Penn Center on St. Helena Island is one of the first schools for freed African Americans and an important Civil Rights landmark. The USS Yorktown at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant showcases South Carolina’s military history.
South Carolina offers a mix of beachfront relaxation, outdoor recreation, and cultural experiences. Visitors can take a boat tour through the marshlands of the Lowcountry, hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains, or relax on the beaches of the Grand Strand. The state is home to world-class golf courses in Hilton Head, water sports in Lake Murray, and scenic drives through the Angel Oak Tree and Edisto Island. Annual events like the Charleston Wine + Food Festival, Carolina Cup, and Myrtle Beach Bike Week attract visitors year-round. Whether you’re looking for historic charm, outdoor adventure, or coastal beauty, this page provides everything you need to experience South Carolina.