10 Hidden Gems Things to do in South Carolina That You Shouldn't Miss

September 15, 2021 Rosalyn Ihle

South Carolina has some great beaches along its eastern coast. Among the most notable of these is Myrtle Beach, the hub of the grand strand and the largest resort on the east coast of South Carolina. This silky stretch of white sand is great for water-sports such as sailing and surfing. South Carolina is also regarded as one of the top golfing destinations in America. South Carolina has some notable historic towns which are worth visiting such as Charleston.
Restaurants in South Carolina

1. Brookgreen Gardens

1931 Brookgreen Dr U.S. Hwy 17, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576-5072 +1 843-235-6000 [email protected] http://www.brookgreen.org
Excellent
85%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3,890 reviews

Brookgreen Gardens

This National Historic Site contains the country's largest and most extensive sculpture collection of American Figurative Sculpture, much of it places in beautiful gardens. Also a site for Lowcountry History and our Lowcountry Zoo, featuring animals native to our area.

Reviewed By 93Trombo - North Carolina, United States

The largest sculpture garden in the world - 350 acres!!! Gorgeous gardens, impeccable landscapes, a wide variety of sculpture in varying places (indoors and out). If you visit Myrtle Beach, this garden is an incredible surprise and well worth visiting for a few hours. They also have a small zoo, an explorer bus ride and also a pontoon ride thru the canals of the old rice plantations.

2. The Church of the Cross

110 Calhoun Street, Bluffton, SC 29910 +1 843-757-2661 http://www.thechurchofthecross.net/
Excellent
81%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 419 reviews

The Church of the Cross

Reviewed By txnerd61

Any trip to the Hilton Head/Bluffton area warrant time set aside to see this beautiful old church overlooking the ocean. Having seen churches all over the world this wood structure rivals any with its unique style and location.

3. Hilton Head Distillery

14 Cardinal Rd, Hilton Head, SC 29926-3720 +1 843-686-4443 [email protected] http://www.hiltonheaddistillery.com
Excellent
84%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 331 reviews

Hilton Head Distillery

Here at Hilton Head Distillery, our approach is simple: A great drinking experience should be shared with great people. With new and improved tour and tasting options for all ages (21 and over to consume alcohol, of course), exceptionally drinkable spirits, and a relaxed, family-friendly environment, we embrace the idea that enjoying craft spirits is a unique voyage best shared. So, grab your crewmates and join us for a tour and tasting. We’d love to get to know you. Our last Tour and Tasting will be at 5pm in order to give our customers ample time to enjoy your experience at Hilton Head Distillery. We will be open until 6pm for bottle purchases.

Reviewed By 835savanahh

Each of us did the tasting offered and we enjoyed three mini cocktails each. The tasting room was stylish. We received shot glasses with our tasting. The cocktails were unique and we each liked all of what we ordered. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. The complementary tour was interesting! The facility was sparkling clean and I feel like I know so much more about the process of making liquor. We would certainly visit again!

4. Sea Pines Forest Preserve

Southwest tip of island accessible via U.S. 278, South End, Hilton Head, SC 29926 +1 843-671-1343 http://www.SeaPinesForestPreserve.org
Excellent
63%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,231 reviews

Sea Pines Forest Preserve

Walk through mushy swamps on elevated boardwalks at this 400-acre nature preserve.

Reviewed By VerdiA - Duluth, United States

Sea Pines Forest Preserve is a great family outing, it has terrific and extensive bike trails, beaches, rental homes, and great places to eat as well as sights to see. There is a fee to enter but I understand it is for the upkeep and reforestation project. You can rent bikes and have them deliver them to your rental, beach and umbrella rental as well. You can also ride your bike on the beach. The pristine forest is well maintained and kept.

5. Drayton Hall

3380 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29414-7126 +1 843-769-2600 [email protected] http://www.draytonhall.org/
Excellent
61%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,909 reviews

Drayton Hall

Circa 1738, Drayton Hall is the oldest unrestored plantation house in America still open to the public.

Reviewed By TurtleGirlGonzales - Dallas, United States

This is a must do for those interested in history, architecture etc. House is original, having survived the American Revolution and the Civil War--quite moving. Tour Guide Mary Jo? Mary Lou? was knowledgeable, interesting and lots of fun! It is empty and the impact of that is profound. It is preserved, not restored. To walk the same staircase as Cornwallis? Amazing! Take your time here, walk the African American cemetery near the entrance gates as well.

6. La Belle Amie Vineyard

1120 Saint Joseph Rd, Little River, SC 29566-7303 +1 843-399-9463 http://www.labelleamie.com/
Excellent
72%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 505 reviews

La Belle Amie Vineyard

Vineyard & small winery. CLOSED DUE TO COVID. Please check our website for updates. We look forward to having you visit with us when we are able to reopen.

Reviewed By georgemaynard3 - Greenville, United States

We have been coming to Little River for 17 years. La Belle Amie is a great place to spend a Saturday relaxing sipping wine and enjoying music.

7. Fort Moultrie

1214 Middle St, Sullivan's Island, SC 29482-9748 +1 843-883-3123 http://www.nps.gov/fosu/learn/historyculture/fort_moultrie.htm
Excellent
59%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 925 reviews

Fort Moultrie

Federal headquarters for the National Park Service's historic properties located in Charleston and Fort Sumter.

Reviewed By ColeDT - Gloucester, United States

Smaller museum with gift shop. The rangers inside were extremely welcoming and nice! Museum was a one room with an attached theater that showed a short 15 minute movie about the Fort. However, we opted out of watching it. The grounds of the Fort were fun to walk around and explore. Our boys had a blast! The batteries overlook Sullivan Island and the views are great. Looking out we saw three dolphins close to shore playing. We spent a good hour and a half looking around the grounds. Then walked to the beach and enjoyed that for another thirty minutes. We were here in FEB, so its still a more quiet time in Charleston, so the beach was practically bare except for a few people walking their dogs. (Although I don't think this is a swimming beach because there is a huge sign talking about deadly current here) I don't think that is a seasonal sign, but I am not sure of this. Great place to visit, and we will visit again on a warmer day =)

8. Hopsewee Plantation

494 Hopsewee Rd, Georgetown, SC 29440-5598 +1 843-546-7891 [email protected] http://www.hopsewee.com/
Excellent
72%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,010 reviews

Hopsewee Plantation

Hopsewee Plantation is an original lowcountry rice plantation on the North Santee Rive built between 1735 and 1740. Birthplace of Thomas Lynch Jr., Hopsewee is one of just 12 remaining birthplaces of Signers of the Declaration of Independence. The home has not been modified from its original design and is furnished with 18th and 19th century antiques. Two original slave cabins remain on the property. The guided tour explores the history of the Patriots and Planters who lived at Hopsewee while you explore the architectural features of the house from Attic to Cellar. Enjoy the hour long tour or just come for lunch in The River Oak Cottage Tearoom with Lowcountry favorites such as Shrimp and Grits, Pulled Pork, Soups and Sandwiches and our Southern Tea service modeled after a British Afternoon Tea.

Reviewed By penell2015 - Lowville, United States

Ths is my 3rd visit to Hopsewee. Our tour guide was excellent each time,explaining the pre-Civil War rice culture, the plantation owners' lifestyle and the African-American contribution to society, Interesting history of the Lynch family. Beautiful grounds.

9. Hunting Island Lighthouse

2355 Sea Island Parkway, Beaufort, SC 29920 +1 843-838-7437 http://huntingisland.com
Excellent
74%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 809 reviews

Hunting Island Lighthouse

The only public lighthouse in South Carolina.

Reviewed By 44lindas44 - Metamora, United States

We made reservations in advance. Our group of four made the first climb of the day. The 45 minutes allowed per group is more than sufficient. We found the climb to the top well worth doing. Try for a clear day, of course! Also provided are informative plaques as well as outbuildings that provide additional information. They are worth the time. The staff here proved exceptional, knowledgeable, and friendly. At $2 per person this is a great value and fun opportunity.

10. The Citadel

171 Moultrie St, Charleston, SC 29409-0002 +1 843-225-3294 http://www.citadel.edu
Excellent
65%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 737 reviews

The Citadel

A historic military college best known for its Moorish-inspired architecture.

Reviewed By DayTrip593509

My grandson is a 3rd classman (sophomore} at The Citadel so I have visited the campus several times over the past couple of years. Apart from the barracks (which are open to non-cadets only a few times a year) outsiders are welcome to explore the campus. The campus is pretty impressive. Must-sees are the chapel, the bookstore, and a small museum. There is also a parade of the entire regiment MOST Friday afternoons while school is in session, complete with band, bagpipes and cannon. (Be sure to check the on-line calendar for times and dates.) Apart from those engaged in PT, cadets will be wearing uniforms. Cadets are uniformly polite and helpful to visitors and should be able to answer questions. Remember that they are probably on the way to class or some other obligatory event, so keep it brief. You will probably observe some cadets moving around campus at double-time. These are "knobs" (4th classmen / freshmen). Bottom line, if you're in Charleston while school is in session (Aug - May), you should add a Citadel visit to the list of things to do

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