Beautiful shorelines and dreamy marshes dot South Carolina’s idyllic Atlantic coast. However, there’s much more to experience in the Palmetto State, named for the trees that became a symbol of liberty due to their ability to absorb the force of British cannonballs during the 1776 battle at Fort Moultrie.
Beyond showstopping destinations such as Charleston and Myrtle Beach, you can discover dozens of hidden gems and nature escapes. From iconic gardens to jaw-dropping sunsets and action-packed thrill rides, here are the best activities to enhance your itinerary the next time you visit South Carolina.
Snap a photo in front of the giant peach
More than 30 types of peaches are grown across South Carolina, making the peach the state’s official fruit. Peaches became such a staple that in 1981, a massive 135ft water tower beside I-85 South in Gaffney—just 45-minutes south of Charlotte, NC—was transformed to resemble a giant peach.
It’s a delightful tradition to capture a photo of the iconic Peachoid; access is easiest via exits 90 to 92 along the Cherokee Hills Scenic Highway.
Take the entire family fruit picking
People travel from all over to York County, South Carolina—just across the border from the southern end of Charlotte—to spend a day picking fresh fruit on some of the county’s long-established family-owned farms.
Bush-N-Vine has been growing an array of fresh fruits and vegetables since 1979, inviting the public to pick their own produce.
The most popular picking crops include strawberries (available from fall until early July) and blueberries (starting in mid-May). While visiting, don’t miss the farm’s country store for treats like freshly made strawberry soft serve ice cream or a refreshing raspberry blendie.
Look for stalls and stores selling freshly picked peaches across the state from June to September.
See every species of swan at the state’s longest-running festival
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the state’s Iris Festival in Sumter, located 45 miles from Columbia, SC. This three-day event, typically celebrated over Memorial Day weekend, showcases over 120 species of Japanese iris growing along the banks of the Swan Lake Iris Gardens.
The park is also the only location in the U.S. where you can see all eight known species of swans. Local vendors and artisans set up throughout the garden, but note that pets are not permitted as the park is a bird sanctuary.
Enjoy unique views of South Carolina from above at the Aiken Hot Air Balloon Fest
Located just under 20 miles from Augusta, Georgia, Aiken, the fourth-largest county in the state, hosts a hot air balloon festival each year in late April at the Western Carolina Fairgrounds.
This family-friendly festival includes live music, a kid’s zone with rides and games, and local food vendors. Moreover, it offers a unique opportunity to ride in a tethered hot air balloon. The night show is a highlight, featuring dozens of vibrant balloons lighting up the night sky.
Enjoy a romantic couples’ boat ride at Cypress Gardens
About an hour north of Charleston, you can explore backdrops from one of the most romantic movies, The Notebook, filmed in South Carolina’s Low Country.
This beloved film, based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks, showcases locations like Cypress Gardens. You can paddle across the same serene waters where Noah and Allie shared their emotional reunion.
Located in Moncks Corner, the gardens feature cypress and Tupelo trees lining a beautiful swamp environment. Guided and self-guided boat tours are available to unveil the diverse ecosystem, including birds, turtles, and alligators.
Live like a star for a day on Kiawah Island – South Carolina’s best-kept secret
Kiawah Island, one of South Carolina’s wealthiest and most exclusive zip codes, offers a paradisiacal escape just 40 minutes southwest of Charleston.
Although outsiders can’t freely drive around the island due to a guard station at the entrance, visitors are welcome at the sandy shores of Beachwalker Park. Bring beach chairs and a picnic for a refreshing island getaway. Lifeguards are present daily, and pets are allowed.
Get your adrenaline pumping at South Carolina’s largest theme park
Carowinds straddles the border between North Carolina and South Carolina, making it a must visit for the entire family. Situated off exit 90 on I-77, this 407-acre theme park delivers hours of thrilling entertainment for all ages—ranging from coasters to water slides.
Indulge in over-the-top fair food, including funnel cakes topped with whipped cream, strawberries, and ice cream. Moreover, experience more than 55 adrenaline-pumping rides, from the Fury 325 coaster to various attractions designed for younger children.
Additionally, the park hosts Carolina Harbor, the largest water park in the Carolinas. When you’d prefer to wind down from the excitement, sit back for a themed show or return during Halloween when Carowinds transforms into “Scarowinds,” featuring spooky and thrilling attractions.
Tour one of Martin Luther King Jr’s favorite stops
The historical Penn Center on St Helena Island significantly inspired Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in his writing of the famous I Have a Dream speech. It is believed that he visited the center at least five times.
This 50-acre property features over 25 buildings and offers a comprehensive perspective on the triumphs and struggles of the Gullah people in their journey from enslavement to freedom. It’s the site of Penn School—one of the first educational centers in the South providing formal schooling to formerly enslaved individuals.
Located an hour and a half southwest of Charleston in Beaufort, the Penn Center offers guided tours, alongside an on-site museum and visitor center.
