What to do and see in Coastal South Carolina, Coastal South Carolina: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day

August 5, 2021 Russell Mellin

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. Charleston’s 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. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

40 Patriots Point Rd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464-4377 +1 843-884-2727 [email protected] http://www.patriotspoint.org
Excellent
78%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4,458 reviews

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

The history of Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum began in June 1975 when the legendary aircraft carrier USS Yorktown entered Charleston Harbor. A few months later, the USS Yorktown was dedicated as the first ship of the Naval & Maritime Museum on the 200th birthday of the United States Navy. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum was officially opened to the public on January 3, 1976. Today the museum consists of the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CV-10) with 29 aircraft on display from WWII to the present; the USS Laffey (DD-724), a Sumner-class destroyer; and the USS Clamagore (SS-343), a GUPPY III submarine. The Congressional Medal of Honor Society is headquartered here and their official Medal of Honor Museum is onboard the USS Yorktown. There is also a Cold War Sub Memorial and Vietnam Support Base Camp on the surrounding grounds.

Reviewed By ThomasM272 - Fort Collins, United States

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum Mount Pleasant, SC. THANK YOU VETERANS OF ALL SERVICES You must see Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum when visiting Charleston, SC. The initial size of the U.S.S Yorktown is overwhelming, then being on the flight deck OMG the beauty of the various models of planes, the harbor, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. bridge and Fort Sumter in the distance is awesome. Below deck you get to see the various support locations, plus the mechanical equipment needed to make this ship function. Please make sure you don’t forget to visit the Vietnam Army Museum.

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. Pat Conroy Literary Center

601 Bladen St, Beaufort, SC 29902 +1 843-379-7025 [email protected] http://www.patconroyliterarycenter.org
Excellent
96%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 276 reviews

Pat Conroy Literary Center

The Pat Conroy Literary Center educates and inspires a community of readers, writers, and teachers in and beyond our home in the South Carolina lowcountry. In honor of our namesake, one of America's best-loved writers and truth-tellers, the Conroy Center continues Pat Conroy's courageous and generous-hearted legacy as a teacher, mentor, advocate, and friend to storytellers of every kind. The nonprofit Conroy Center is South Carolina's first affiliate of the American Writers Museum and second American Library Association United for Libraries Literary Landmark. Voted as Favorite Local Museum in the 2019 Eat Stay Play Beaufort "Best of Beaufort" Awards, the Conroy Center is also winner of the 2019 Civitas Award for Tourism Leadership, presented by the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Reviewed By 762elisa - Myrtle Beach, United States

I thoroughly enjoyed the virtual tour of the Center today! It was very interesting to learn new things about Pat Conroy and how the Center continues Pat Conroy’s legacy of love of reading, writing, and teaching which he wanted to pass on to others. Jonathan Haupt was delightful! I can’t wait to make the trip to see the Center in person.

5. Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum

607 27th Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577-3161 +1 843-282-9018 [email protected] http://myrtlebeachpinballmuseum.org/
Excellent
96%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 208 reviews

Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum

Looking for fun things to do in Myrtle Beach, SC. Pinball and Retro lovers this one is for you! Take a totally awesome journey back to the 1980’s and 90’s, share the games of your youth with your kids, or reconnect with friends. HOW IT WORKS: ALL ADMISSION TICKETS require pre-payment online for timed ticketing with slots available for a specific date and time purchases. No Admissions will be taken at the door! All Admissions will be purchased directly on https://www.MyrtleBeachPinballMuseum.org due to modifications due to social distancing. This is a unique museum where you can actually play pinball games from the 70’s to the present day. If you’re on a budget and looking for affordable fun things to do, this is nostalgic must see! Located close to the Myrtle Beach Convention Center and only 4 blocks from the ocean, this attraction is one of the top things to do in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Reviewed By A8538HPkarena - Myrtle Beach, United States

A Hidden Gem! Our Del Webb Community had a group outing private event for about 30 people - what a blast! Tried every machine - agreed with other reviewers Wizard of Oz, Kiss, Monopoly were my favs. Thought we would get bored after 30 min but 2 hours flew by. Best part is its nonprofit status and generous contributions to local charities. Give it a try!

6. LuLu's Beach Arcade and Ropes Course

4984 Highway 17 S South Suite 89, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582-5383 +1 843-427-0060 [email protected] http://lulusbeacharcade.com/
Excellent
92%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 135 reviews

LuLu's Beach Arcade and Ropes Course

The latest in video games and entertainment, LuLu’s Beach Arcade and Ropes Course is the perfect spot if you’re looking to take-on your friends in head-to-head competition and win name-brand prizes! If you are feeling brave enough afterward take on the Mountain of Youth ropes course!

Reviewed By Slsomers

We had a wonderful time at the video arcade and my daughter brought home some great prizes. The staff gave my daughter hints on how to play the wizard of oz game better and were very friendly.

7. Aiken-Rhett House

48 Elizabeth St, Charleston, SC 29403-6250 +1 843-723-1159 [email protected] http://www.historiccharleston.org/Visit/Museums/Aiken-Rhett-House-Museum.aspx
Excellent
63%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,601 reviews

Aiken-Rhett House

The Aiken-Rhett House (c. 1820) is one of the best-preserved townhouse complexes in the nation. Vastly expanded by Governor and Mrs. William Aiken, Jr. in the 1830s and again in the 1850s, the house and its outbuildings include a kitchen, the original quarters of the enslaved, carriage block and back lot. When Historic Charleston Foundation assumed ownership in 1995, we adopted a preserved-as-found preservation approach, meaning the structure and contents are left in an “as-found” state, including furniture, architecture and finishes that have not been altered since the mid 19th century. While many dependency buildings in Charleston have been demolished or adapted, the Aiken-Rhett slave quarters – with their original paint, floors and fixtures – survive virtually untouched since the 1850s, allowing visitors the chance to better comprehend the every-day realities of the enslaved Africans who lived and labored here. A 45-minute audio tour is available, last tour at 4pm.

Reviewed By DesigningWoman13 - Memphis, United States

This "preserved" house and slave quarters, with ts easy-to-use audio guide, gives you an excellent insight into how the upper classes lived in the 18th and 19th centuries, along with a good perspective on the slave side of the experience. Good, rounded view.

8. Nathaniel Russell House

51 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401-2536 +1 843-724-8481 [email protected] http://www.historiccharleston.org/Russell.aspx
Excellent
58%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,952 reviews

Nathaniel Russell House

A National Historic Landmark, the Nathaniel Russell House Museum was completed in 1808 by merchant Nathaniel Russell. The home’s graceful, free-flying, three-story staircase is an architectural marvel and the elegant interiors with elaborate plasterwork, geometrically shaped rooms, formal gardens and collection of 18th-century decorative and fine art speak to the wealth of Charleston’s elite in the early days of the American Republic. Restored to its original splendor using forensic analysis and cutting-edge conservation technology by our curatorial staff, we ensure the highest standards of old-world expertise to replicate the finishes, fixtures and textiles appropriate for this 200-year old townhouse. The 18 enslaved Africans that lived on and maintained this property are an integral part of its history. Archaeological artifacts, educational panels and ongoing restoration of the enslaved quarters are vital to learning more about the enslaved and telling their important stories.

Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States

Nathaniel Russell, a wealthy shipping merchant, built this magnificent three-story, Federal-style, 9,600-square-foot rectangular townhouse in 1808. Today, it is recognized as one of America's most important Neoclassical houses. It was designated a National Landmark in 1960 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. Located at 51 Meeting Street in Charleston, South Carolina, the prestigious house was built to display Russell's prominence as one of the wealthiest citizens of the community. Constructed of Carolina gray brick, the three-bay entrance front emphasizes height rather than width with the main living areas on the second and third levels. The first-story entrance front is dominated by the residence's grand entrance door. The house features three main rooms per floor, each of different geometric designs: a front rectangular room, a center oval room and a square room in the rear. The most important architectural feature of the house is the elliptical spiral staircase, which ascends three floors and is showcased by a golden walled stair hall. The second floor oval drawing room is the most highly decorated room in the house and is where the women of the house retired to after dinner. Papered in apricot, it features elaborate plaster moldings covered with 24-karat gold leaf. The Adamesque ornamentation of the fireplaces' mantles and cornices are among the most detailed in the city. Though most of the art and furniture displayed in the house are not original to the Nathaniel Russell House, they are of the correct period when the Russell family inhabited the house and many are of Charleston origin. The house and grounds are separated from the street by a brick and wrought iron fence with the entrance gate flanked by tall brick columns. To the south of the house is the garden that was originally laid out in a geometric arrangement with patterned beds of flowers, ornamental shrubs and large orange and grapefruit trees. Today, a formal English garden can be found with gravel paths, boxwood hedges and plants favored in the 19th century. In the rear of the house is the two-story slave quarters that housed many of the 18 slaves that lived and worked at the Nathaniel Russell House.

9. Heyward-Washington House

87 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401-2503 +1 843-722-2996 [email protected] http://www.charlestonmuseum.org/historic-houses/heyward-washington-house/
Excellent
54%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 394 reviews

Heyward-Washington House

Historic mansion open to the public.

Reviewed By BilB126357 - Boston, United States

I absolutely loved this beautiful house! The tour guide was very informative and thorough. The house was perfectly decorated with wonderful antique furniture and is in a beautiful neighborhood.

10. Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon

122 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401-2103 +1 843-727-2165 http://www.oldexchange.org
Excellent
51%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,377 reviews

Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon

History comes alive as Colonial dressed guides talk about Pirates, Patriots and Presidents! Explore the location where pirates were once held and view a section of the 1698 fortification that once protected the Walled City. Completed in 1771 as the New Exchange and Customs House, recognized today as South Carolina's most historic building. Where Patriots were imprisoned, the Constitution was ratified and George Washington was entertained.

Reviewed By CharlieV2011 - Chicago, United States

What a great site to visit, especially so close to July 4 ????????! I enjoyed my visit here. The guided tour of the dungeon was interesting, with stories of events surrounding political prisoners, gun ammo storage, and English tea! Upstairs, you will see artifacts that date back to the 1700’s and 1800’s such as portraits, weapons, and handmade/woven items! You will also read interesting stories about events and about historical figures. Great way to learn about history and be in the same room as important people once stood!

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