Top Things to do in South Carolina
Top Hotels in South Carolina
- 1. Homewood Suites by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront
- 2. Francis Marion Hotel
- 3. Dayton House Resort
- 4. Ocean Reef Resort
- 5. Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island
- 6. Beach House Resort, Hilton Head Island
- 7. Town & Country Inn and Suites
- 8. Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort
- 9. The Breakers Resort
- 10. Best Western Ocean Sands Beach Resort
Countries
The 10 Best State Parks in South Carolina, United States
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. Edisto Beach State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 472 reviews
A family-oriented recreational area.
Reviewed By susanr627 - Syracuse, United States
We were able to upgrade to a beach side campsite due to a cancellation. The other campground looked nice but without another vehicle or bikes it was way too far from the beach. Our site was amazing. We could hear the roar of the waves just over the dunes. Dogs need to stay on a leash but are welcome. The beach is loaded with shells and another camper found something that appears to be a mastodon molar. Restrooms are close and clean. It was a half mile to a mile to several restaurants, but nice options. The Bi-Lo is under construction but will soon reopen. There is no laundry on the Island. Dump station is out on Rt 174. Great place for a few days, but bring bug spray.
2. Old Santee Canal Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
Reviewed By srelford2 - Charleston, United States
You’re in for a wonderful surprise in Moncks Corner. This is amazing! We drove through twice because I wanted to see it again. There are hundreds of lighted displays and it goes on and on. We’ve been to the James Island display and this is just as impressive without the drive and traffic. And it’s only $5. We loved it!
3. Hunting Island State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,268 reviews
Park that is a large secluded barrier island with a historic 1859 lighthouse as its centerpiece.
Reviewed By EvanGuthrie - Charleston, United States
Hunting Island State Park is a well managed and maintained state park that has much to offer including a great beach, a historic lighthouse, add on tours, and maritime forrest trails that are really cool. It is well worth the visit here as you can experience the nature and beauty of the coast that is well preserved and an unique experience.
4. Huntington Beach State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,037 reviews
Reviewed By 26phillipg - Florence, United States
might be the best water bird photo spot in the region 100s of different breeds of birds. 2 great beach access spots and the very small entry fee makes it a bit less crowded
5. Table Rock State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 341 reviews
State Park featuring trails and the significant Cherokee landmark, Table Rock Mountain.
Reviewed By EvanGuthrie - Charleston, United States
Table Rock State Park in Pickens is a really cool state park in the mountains that has many features that make it worth a visit including really well maintained trails, waterfalls, and a lake. I really like how well everything is maintained and it is easy to navigate and get some fresh air. I have enjoyed the park every time I have been here and have had a lot of fun and memories.
6. Devils Fork State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 232 reviews
Reviewed By Seaside512912 - Statesboro, United States
Quiet clean campground on a gem of a lake in the mountains of South Carolina. Easy to find and remote compared to others.
7. Keowee-Toxaway State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By Katmarie99
We stayed at campsite TS3, one of the few primitive campsites that the park offers, for five days. This was the perfect campsite right at the point of a little peninsula! The views were so pretty there and we got lucky with a beautiful vibrant sunset almost every evening! It's a 2.5 mile hike to the campsite or a 5 minute paddle from the parks dock. If you're planning on bringing a decent amount of things, I definitely reccomend renting or bringing a canoe. The hike is up and down a mountain and pretty strenuous with a lot of weight. The only downside to our campsite was that there's not too much privacy; there are houses and a golf course on the other side of the lake and a few mornings we heard leaf blowers that went on for quite some time, a push to get out of the tent and get on the move I guess! Other than that, our stay was quite delightful! The hiking trails offered pretty views: you'll come across a beautiful area with pools of water and small waterfalls along the Nature Bridge Trail, and there's a rock you can sit on at the edge of the mountain that offers views of the lake and mountains on the Raven Rock Trail! The ranger was nice and very helpful, and the overall area and bathhouse was clean! Will definitely be back!
8. Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By Sburris65 - Simpsonville, United States
I was looking at my SC State Parks guide one day to see what I could do since I had a Saturday off. While looking for information on the house I discovered that on this particular Saturday I would also be able to tour another nearby mansion. So that was it. I had my plans for Saturday. Rose Hill was built in 1832 for William H. Gist, who was the 68th governor of SC.He was known as the succession governor. It was originally built in the Georgian style home and was named Rose Hill for the variety of roses that were in the formal gardens. Eventually in the 1850's Gist would add on to the house and change it to the more fashionable Greek revival style. While Gist was in office (1858-1860) it served as the governors mansion. At one time the manson covered around 2000 acres. Today only 44 acres remain. It was a working plantation and by 1860 the family had almost 200 slaves. When slavery was abolished, tenent farmers and share croppers took over running the grounds. Today it serves one of 47 properties that make up the SC State Park system. In 1970 it was added to the National Registry of Historical Places. You do have to be on a tour to get inside the house. I got here a few minutes before the 1 o'clock tour started giving me a bit of time to roam around the gardens. Tours start in the front of the house. The house has been meticulously restored and many of the pieces in the house belonged to the family and the remaining are correct to the time period. This house is just stunning. The stairway that goes up to the second floor is gorgeous. You get to see the succesion papers and all the signatures. In the dining room you will notice the bright green..and I do mean bright green trimmings. It was a sign of weath as back then colored paint was expensive. I also have a passion for costumes so I always love seeing period costumes and think how lovely it must have been to walk around in such elegance. And then I think about how uncomfortable that would have been, especially in the summer, and then I am thankful for shorts and flip flops. Upstairs there is a grand ball room and you can imagine all the grand balls held here. You can also walk outside for a birds eye view of the property. You do get to tour the first 2 floors. Tours are lead by park rangers and the young lady who gaves our was an excellent guide. Tours are $5. They do have a gift shop and restrooms. You can also grab drinks and snacks here. Make sure you stop in and grab the free SC State Parks guide and get your guide stamped. After visiting all 47 parks, you will be the ultimate outsider! They do have some other buildings you can look around at. They also have a trail down to the Tyger River. I would have loved to visited but I was wanting to get over to nearby Cross Keys mansion for their tour (I have a separate review on that home). So should you find yourself visiting on the 1st or 3rd Saturday of the month, allow time to visit both mansions. They do have a number of events throughout the year including upcoming holiday events. You can also rent the park out for weddings or other special events. They do have picnic shelters. There is free parking. Photography is allowed inside. Is this a place for kids? Small kids will probably be bored and you cant touch anything. We had a couple of older kids on our tour who seemed to really enjoy it. Given the age and nature of the house, it is not handicapped accessible. This is one of those places if you are not a local you have to seek out, and it is worth it. If you are in the Spartanburg/Greenville area then I encourage you to take the time out and visit. You will be glad you did.
9. Myrtle Beach State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,889 reviews
Reviewed By justinsV6978HN
Myrtle Beach State Park is a hidden gem with a nature center, multiple wooded trails with various landscape from swampland to forest to traditional beach, there is a fishing pier and store and a large beach space with dunes and vegetation that will leave you breathless. There are campgrounds and cabins avaliable as well.
10. Isle of Palms County Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 409 reviews
Reviewed By Hopeful-Beach-Bum - Anderson, United States
Looking for great beach access - park has plenty of parking, changing rooms, restrooms, playground and easy beach access. Beautiful wide beach. Highly recommend.
