The South Carolina Coast
On your next visit through South Carolina, be sure to cruise the coast, looking for the best and most adventurous sights, attractions, and undertakings.
With bustling and friendly cities like Beaufort, and Charleston, it’s not hard to drive in for the day, or stay for the weekend – you’ll find enough engaging thrills fit for the solo traveler, to the family of five.
A summer tour of the SC coast means beach visits are a definite must. Plan a visit to the Grand Strand of Myrtle Beach, a stretch of beach land reaching over 60 miles along the coast – from as far as North Myrtle Beach, to as far south as Winyah Bay.
Murrells Inlet, only minutes south from Myrtle Beach, yields excellent fishing bounties, and is known as the Seafood Capital of South Carolina. Visit from nearby Conway and reel in a record setter.
The South Carolina Coast has it’s share of history - be sure to visit Fort Sumter National Monument. Head to Hilton Head Island, only minutes from Ridgeland, and check out the Coastal Discovery Museum. Kids especially love a visit to Ripley's Aquarium.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Wildlife is a major part of the tourism ecosystem in South Carolina. Don’t miss out on some truly awe-inspiring views at any one of the local wildlife refuges. Check out the Victoria Bluff Heritage Preserve near Walterboro, and Beaufort.
Looking for a taste of the coast? Head to Conway and visit the Hyman Vineyards – sample from a variety of whites and red, all hand made on sight. Make the scenic drive in from Bennettsville, set just to the north.
However you decide to spend your time along the South Carolina Coast, you won’t leave disappointed.
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Top Things to Do
Beach and Island Historical Sites
Visitors to Charleston can explore Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site for a lesson in history. The Spanish Mount Trail, a short drive away, leads to the second oldest Native American pottery site in South Carolina. Morris Island was home to the 54th Massachusetts Regiment during the Civil War, and Sullivan’s Island is famous as a stop for Blackbeard, the pirate. Be sure to visit historic antebellum towns like Beaufort, Port Royal, and Bluffton.
Beach and Island Shopping
Shop at Charleston’s City Market, Broad Street art galleries and King Street boutiques. Enjoy Shelter Cove Town Centre on Hilton Head Island or explore the distinctive shops of Coligny on the Beach. Nearby North Forest Beach offers a tropical shopping experience. The Grand Strand at Myrtle Beach is home to more than 300 outlet stores, malls, and fun flea markets. Search for antique treasures all along the coast from Mount Pleasant to Johns Island.
Beaches in South Carolina
Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island, north of Charleston, boast expansive beaches, easy access to watersports and tempting eateries. Folly Beach is a well-known surfing spot, while Kiawah and Seabrook offer gorgeous beaches, golf courses, and tennis courts. Hilton Head Island boasts 12 miles of shoreline perfect for seaside walks and bike rides. At Myrtle Beach enjoy 60 miles of sandy beaches offering family-friendly activities, fishing, historical sites, and fun entertainment options.
Wildlife Around the Islands of South Carolina
Treat the family to a guided kayak tour that will take you close to manatees. Book a fishing charter or an ecotour for a fun day on the water. You’ll have a chance to see Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in their natural environment. Brookgreen Gardens combines a 300-acre sculpture garden with a wildlife sanctuary.
Wineries
The Coastal Region of South Carolina is home to several wineries. Visit Island Winery in Hilton Head, Duplin Winery and Carolina Vineyards in North Myrtle Beach, Mira Winery in Charleston, and Coastal Carolina Winery and Boardwalk Winery in Myrtle Beach. All offer tastings, food pairing events, wine accessories, and seasonal specials. Try one of the fruit-flavored slushies on a hot summer day.
Beach and Island Parks & Recreation
Charleston welcomes outdoor enthusiasts for fishing, kayaking, and watersports. Board the Schooner Pride tall ship for a two-hour tour of the harbor. Hilton Head Island’s Coligny Beach Park offers an interactive fountain, beachfront volleyball courts, and an outdoor bar among other amenities. Fish Haul Creek Park is dog-friendly and features surf fishing and views of Port Royal Sound. Don’t miss Wild Water & Wheels, a 16-acre amusement park along the Grand Strand.
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