Top Things to do in Coastal South Carolina
Top Hotels in Coastal South Carolina
- 1. Cambria Hotel Mount Pleasant - Charleston
- 2. Homewood Suites by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront
- 3. Francis Marion Hotel
- 4. Dayton House Resort
- 5. Ocean Reef Resort
- 6. Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island
- 7. Best Western Airport Inn & Suites
- 8. Beach House Resort, Hilton Head Island
- 9. Town & Country Inn and Suites
- 10. Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort
What to do and see in Coastal South Carolina, Coastal South Carolina: The Best Hidden Gems Things to do
Miles of white sand and romantic island resorts beckon from the hem of the Palmetto State. Families gravitate to Myrtle Beach and the 60-mile span of Grand Strand, where over 100 championship golf courses, tennis courts and nightclubs await. Charlestons hundreds of heritage buildings, and irresistible charm, are part of its allure. Beach resorts at Kiawah Island, Seabrook and Edisto Island make for romantic getaways. Marshes, moss-bearded palms and oak groves create ambiance in the haunting Lowcountry.
Restaurants in Coastal South Carolina
1. Brookgreen Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,890 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 419 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 331 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,231 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,909 reviews
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. Fort Moultrie
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 925 reviews
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 =)
7. Hopsewee Plantation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,010 reviews
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.
8. 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.
9. Hunting Island Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 809 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 737 reviews
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
