Discover South Carolina: Southern Soul and Coastal Charm
South Carolina brings together storied cities, island-dotted shores and landscapes rising towards the Blue Ridge Mountains. Explore Charleston’s historic streets, encounter African American and Revolutionary War heritage, unwind beside Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island, and experience the easy-going spirit of the Lowcountry.
Between the mountains and Atlantic Ocean, road trips lead through Greenville, Columbia, Aiken and Beaufort, alongside state parks, golf courses, salt marshes and welcoming small towns. From smoky barbecue and Gullah Geechee flavours to outdoor adventures and coastal escapes, every journey reveals another expression of South Carolina’s Southern soul.
Find exactly what you’re looking for via the links below – or keep scrolling to discover the delights of South Carolina for yourself:
Explore South Carolina your way: 8-Day A Taste of South Carolina Self-Drive | 16-Day Southern Shores & Historic Cities Self-Drive | 12-Day Sweet Carolinas Self-Drive | 9-Day Southern Charms: St. Augustine, Savannah & Charleston Escorted Tour
Where South Carolina’s character comes to life: South Carolina Through the Centuries | Life Along the South Carolina Coast | Flavours Rooted in Place | Step Outside and Explore South Carolina’s Wild Side
One state, many landscapes: From Bluegrass Roots to Live Music
Visiting South Carolina throughout the year: From Spring Colour to Winter Calm
Blog: Get to Know the American South: The People, Places and Traditions Behind the Icons
Video: Darius Rucker’s Home State Tour
Explore South Carolina Your Way
South Carolina is made for journeys that move between mountain scenery, lively cities and the Atlantic coast. Follow a themed road trip, plan an outdoor adventure, pair Charleston with a relaxed island stay or bring the family together for a multi-day escape connecting Greenville, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island and the characterful communities in between.
8-Day A Taste of South Carolina
Drive across South Carolina from the Blue Ridge foothills to the Atlantic, linking Greenville, Columbia, Charleston and Hilton Head Island. Waterfalls, old-growth forest, Gullah Geechee heritage, historic streets, Lowcountry flavours and coastal wildlife reveal the Palmetto State’s striking variety.
From £1,599pp
Including flights
Operated by Purely America
- Explore Greenville’s walkable, tree-lined Main Street, then cross Liberty Bridge above the waterfall in Falls Park on the Reedy before sampling farm-to-table cooking or tapas beside the river
- Follow the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway to panoramic Caesars Head, hike at Table Rock State Park and see Campbell’s Covered Bridge, the state’s last remaining covered bridge, before calling at Travelers Rest
- Travel into Columbia to explore the South Carolina State House and the capital’s lively centre, then enjoy Southern barbecue, pimento cheese and local beer around the Vista District or Main Street
- Step beneath Congaree National Park’s towering old-growth bottomland hardwoods on the elevated Boardwalk Loop Trail, an accessible passage through a vast floodplain forest just beyond Columbia
- Watch salt marshes and live oaks emerge en route to Middleton Place, where formal gardens, heritage livestock and interpretation reveal the beauty of the Ashley River estate and the lives of those enslaved there
- Discover Charleston on foot or by bicycle, passing Rainbow Row and The Battery before browsing Gullah-made sweetgrass baskets at Charleston City Market and taking the ferry to Fort Sumter National Monument
- Trace Highway 17 through the ACE Basin, pausing at the Old Sheldon Church Ruins and waterfront Beaufort before visiting the Penn Center on St Helena Island, a landmark of African American history
- Slow the pace on Hilton Head Island by cycling its pathways and beaches, watching wildlife at Pinckney Island, climbing Harbour Town Lighthouse or kayaking salt marshes where bottlenose dolphins may appear
- 2 nights stay at The Westin Poinsett, Greenville on a Room Only basis
- 1 night stay at Graduate by Hilton, Columbia on a Room Only basis
- 2 nights stay at Andrew Pinckney Inn, Charleston on a Bed & Breakfast basis
- 2 nights stay at Hilton Beachfront Resort & Spa, Hilton Head Island on a Room Only basis
- Taxes
- Compact car hire throughout inc GPS, all taxes, all insurances (zero Excess), unlimited mileage, breakdown cover, 2 named drivers allowed and a tank of fuel. Please note there is a drop-off fee to be paid to the car rental company locally
- Arrival airport transfers
- Return international flights from London Heathrow direct to Greenville and return from Charleston or Savannah inc all taxes
- ATOL protected
16-Day Southern Shores & Historic Cities
Follow the coast from Myrtle Beach to Savannah on a relaxed journey through South Carolina and Georgia. Dolphin cruises, barrier islands, Charleston’s layered history, Beaufort’s waterfront, Hilton Head’s beaches and Savannah’s graceful squares combine Southern culture with time beside the Atlantic.
From £2,049pp
Including flights
Operated by Discover North America
- Settle into Myrtle Beach with Atlantic views and seafood, then enjoy its broad sands, Boardwalk and Broadway at the Beach or seek maritime forest and quieter shoreline in Myrtle Beach State Park
- Join an included catamaran cruise, watching for bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles and coastal birds before stepping ashore to swim, gather shells and explore the pristine sands of Waites Island or Bird Island
- Follow the Lowcountry coast towards Charleston, pausing in historic Georgetown for harbour views, independent boutiques or lunch before tidal marshes and roads lead into the cobbled historic district
- Choose a ferry ride to Fort Sumter, where the American Civil War began, or visit Boone Hall Plantation to explore its Avenue of Oaks, historic house, preserved slave cabins and complex Lowcountry story
- Explore Charleston City Market and the Gibbes Museum of Art, taste shrimp and grits or she-crab soup, then watch boats from Waterfront Park before an evening of live music, theatre or acclaimed dining
- Continue through moss-draped oaks and sweeping marshland to Beaufort and Port Royal, combining preserved streets, galleries and waterfront dining with Reconstruction history, nature paths and open river views
- Slow down on Hilton Head Island with beaches, cycling paths, salt-marsh kayaking and dolphin watching, then pair a three-course meal with panoramic coastal views on the included sunset dinner cruise
- Cross into Georgia for Savannah’s oak-lined squares, architecture and lively River Street, exploring Forsyth Park, historic homes, museums and galleries before taking a river cruise or atmospheric ghost tour
- 3 nights stay in 3* Myrtle Beach hotel accommodation
- 3 nights stay in 3* Charleston hotel accommodation
- 2 nights stay in 3* Beaufort / Port Royal hotel accommodation
- 3 nights stay in 3* Hilton Head Island hotel accommodation
- 3 nights stay in 3* Savannah hotel accommodation
- 9-day intermediate SUV car rental, including unlimited mileage & zero excess
- Catamaran dolphin cruise in Myrtle Beach with Barrier Island stop
- Fort Sumter admission, self-guided tour and roundtrip ferry or Boone Hall Plantation all-access admission ticket
- Hilton Head sunset dinner cruise
- Return international flights from London Heathrow to Myrtle Beach and from Savannah to London Heathrow
- ABTA & ATOL protected
12-Day Sweet Carolinas
Travel through North and South Carolina on a self-drive linking lively cities, Outer Banks beaches, historic ports and Appalachian scenery. Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington, Charleston, Columbia and Asheville bring together aviation landmarks, coastal heritage, fine estates, gardens and local culture.
From £2,555pp
Including flights
Operated by Bon Voyage
- Pair Charlotte’s New South energy, dining and NASCAR heritage with Raleigh’s State Capitol and green spaces, adding Durham and Chapel Hill as the route crosses North Carolina
- Follow the Albemarle route through Hertford and Edenton to the Outer Banks, featuring the Wright Brothers National Memorial, Fort Raleigh and lighthouses at Currituck Beach, Bodie Island and Cape Hatteras
- Explore Wilmington’s historic centre, Cape Fear Museum and Bellamy Mansion, then take a narrated river cruise or wander through Airlie Gardens, home to a 400-year-old oak, azaleas and camellias
- Enter Charleston through its waterfront history at The Battery, then visit the Charleston Museum for an overview of the city and Lowcountry before touring the Joseph Manigault House or Heyward-Washington House
- Cross Charleston Harbour by ferry to Fort Sumter, where exhibitions explain the tensions that led to the American Civil War and the first shots fired in 1861, with views back towards the city
- Take Ashley River Road to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, where historic grounds lead into Audubon Swamp Garden, a blackwater habitat filled with cypress, tupelo, egrets, herons and other wildlife
- Spend time in Columbia at the Greek Revival South Carolina State House, whose construction spans Civil War history, then visit the State Museum inside a former textile mill for exhibits on art, culture, technology and nature
- Consider extending the holiday to Hilton Head Island, where beaches and more than 50 miles of paths invite cycling and walking, while restaurants, shops and an environmentally conscious approach shape its coastal character
- 11 nights superior accommodation in sought-after locations
- 12 nights fully-insured car hire – A one-way drop off charge is payable locally and charges advised at time of booking
- Return international flights
- ABTA & ATOL protected
9-Day Southern Charms
Explore Florida, Georgia and South Carolina on an escorted journey through St. Augustine, Jekyll Island, Savannah, Beaufort and Charleston. Fine hotels, Gullah/Geechee heritage, Low Country cooking, private museum visits and a Charleston harbour cruise reveal the South’s culture, stories and spirit.
From £4,995pp
Including flights
Operated by North America Travel Service
- Explore St. Augustine from Casa Monica Resort & Spa, then join a guided walk through America’s oldest continuously inhabited city and enjoy time in its historic district
- Travel through Jekyll Island’s historic district and enter one of its cottages before reaching Savannah, where a local tour reveals elegant architecture, a geometric city plan and squares shaded by live oaks
- Discover Savannah through a Low Country culinary demonstration, private touring at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force and SCAD Museum of Art, then visit Pin Point for Gullah/Geechee culture and oyster-fishing traditions
- Cross into South Carolina for Beaufort, the Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands, choosing a guided walk or carriage ride through its landmark district before exploring independently and enjoying lunch
- Arrive in Charleston for a stay at the historic Mills House, whose central setting places the city’s architecture, restaurants and cafés close at hand while providing a characterful base for the tour
- Join a local guide for a walk through Charleston, uncovering the streets and stories of this storied Lowcountry city before taking to the water for a cruise through its historically significant harbour
- View Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie, the Battery, coastal lighthouses and USS Yorktown from Charleston Harbour to gain a waterside perspective on landmarks connected to the city’s maritime and military history
- Use free time in Charleston to visit the Gibbes Museum of Art or travel to Fort Sumter National Monument, then gather with fellow guests for a farewell cocktail reception and dinner at the Mills House
- 3 nights stay at Casa Monica Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, St Augustine
- 3 nights stay at Perry Lane Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Savannah
- 2 nights stay at Mills House, Curio Collection by Hilton, Charleston
- 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinners
- Air-conditioned motorcoach transportation
- Services of a Tauck Tour Director
- Return international flights to Jacksonville and return from Charleston
- ATOL protected
Where South Carolina’s Character Comes to Life
South Carolina’s appeal reaches from historic streets and sea-island traditions to inventive kitchens, mountain trails and easy-going beach days. These four pillars bring together the heritage, coastline, flavours and natural landscapes that give the Palmetto State its unmistakable character.
South Carolina Through the Centuries
South Carolina’s past lives on in harbour forts, preserved streets, museums and enduring traditions. Charleston and the Lowcountry reveal layered African American and Gullah Geechee stories, while battlefields and visitor centres across the state illuminate the Revolutionary War and the people who helped shape the nation and its identity.
Encounter stories that continue to shape America:
- Explore Charleston’s historic heart – Walk cobbled streets and admire colourful homes before crossing the harbour to Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired. Museums, architecture and waterfront landmarks keep the past close throughout the city
- Visit the International African American Museum – Set beside Charleston Harbour at Gadsden’s Wharf, this museum explores African American history, culture and achievement, linking South Carolina with the wider African diaspora through powerful exhibitions and personal stories
- Connect with Gullah Geechee heritage – Discover a living coastal culture shaped by descendants of enslaved West and Central Africans. Sweetgrass basketry, storytelling, language, music and food offer meaningful encounters with traditions central to the Lowcountry and Sea Islands
- Follow the Revolutionary War story – Begin at the Revolutionary War Visitor Center in Camden, then add battlefields such as Cowpens, Kings Mountain or Ninety Six. Trails and preserved landscapes reveal South Carolina’s crucial role in the struggle for independence
- Experience historic places and gardens – Explore Middleton Place, Charles Towne Landing and other interpreted sites where architecture, landscapes and exhibitions open up complex chapters spanning early settlement, agriculture and the lives and labour of enslaved people
Life Along the South Carolina Coast
The Atlantic shapes South Carolina’s rhythm, from the broad sands of the Grand Strand to the tidal creeks and sea islands of the Lowcountry. Beach days, island adventures, waterfront dining and wildlife-rich landscapes combine with distinctive coastal towns, creating escapes that can feel energetic, refined or wonderfully unhurried.
Find your own pace beside the Atlantic:
- Find your place along the Grand Strand – Stretch out beside miles of sand around Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach and quieter neighbouring communities. Entertainment, family attractions, dining and nightlife sit close to the shoreline, balancing lively days out with time beside the Atlantic
- Slow down on Hilton Head Island – Cycle beneath live oaks, follow beaches edged by dunes and take to the water by kayak, paddleboard or boat. Coastal scenery, refined resorts and the red-and-white Harbour Town Lighthouse give the island a relaxed yet polished character
- Pair Charleston with the beach – Add salt air to a city stay on Folly Beach, Isle of Palms or Sullivan’s Island. Each has its own pace and personality, placing swimming, surfing, seafood and sunset walks within easy reach of Charleston’s history and culture
- Discover Beaufort and the Sea Islands – Wander through an atmospheric waterfront town before exploring surrounding marshes, islands and Gullah Geechee heritage. Nearby Hunting Island State Park combines an undeveloped beach, maritime forest, nature trails and a historic lighthouse
- Play golf beside the ocean – Tee off across celebrated coastal destinations including Kiawah Island, Hilton Head Island and Myrtle Beach. From resort layouts to championship tests, sea breezes, marshland and Atlantic views turn every round into part of the coastal experience
Flavours Rooted in Place
South Carolina tells its story through smoke, spice, seafood and ingredients grown close to home. The state is the birthplace of barbecue, while Gullah Geechee cooking, oyster roasts, farm-to-table creativity and MICHELIN-star, bib gourmand and recommended restaurants reveal a food culture with deep roots and a confident contemporary edge.
Follow a food story centuries in the making:
- Taste barbecue at its source in the state where barbecue was born – Follow smoke trails to family-run restaurants and renowned pitmasters in a state that proudly calls itself the birthplace of barbecue. Compare slow-cooked pork with mustard, vinegar-pepper and tomato-based sauce traditions
- Discover Gullah Geechee flavours – Learn how West and Central African knowledge shaped Lowcountry cooking through rice, okra, seafood and seasonal produce. Red rice, crab rice, shrimp and grits and other specialities connect the table with generations of coastal history
- Dine among South Carolina’s MICHELIN stars – Seek out restaurants in Charleston and Greenville, where the 2025 MICHELIN Guide awarded four establishments one star. Local ingredients, international influences and ambitious cooking give the state’s culinary story a contemporary edge
- Enjoy seafood close to the water – Feast on shrimp, oysters, crab and fresh fish in Charleston, Beaufort, Hilton Head Island and along the Grand Strand. Waterfront restaurants, seafood shacks, festivals and oyster roasts make the coast as rewarding for its flavours as its beaches
- Meet the state through its chefs and producers – Explore farmers’ markets, independent restaurants and farm-to-table menus across Greenville, Columbia, Charleston and smaller communities. Peaches, rice, local vegetables, craft drinks and Southern hospitality give each stop a sense of place
Step Outside and Explore South Carolina’s Wild Side
South Carolina invites travellers to experience the outdoors at their own pace, whether following a waterfall trail, paddling beneath ancient trees, rafting a wild river or pausing to watch wildlife in coastal marshes. With mountains, lakes, forests and waterways open across much of the year, connecting with nature can be as gentle or adventurous as you choose.
Choose your own way to connect with nature:
- Walk, hike and follow waterfalls – Take a gentle path beside a mountain stream or tackle steeper terrain towards panoramic viewpoints. Table Rock State Park, Caesars Head State Park and the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area offer routes through forests and past cascades into scenery that rewards every extra step
- Paddle calm waters or ride the rapids – Kayak beneath the canopy at Congaree, seek Lake Jocassee’s hidden waterfalls or join a guided whitewater trip on the Chattooga River. Quiet coves, blackwater channels and rushing water create adventures for varied confidence levels
- Explore on two wheels – Cycle greenways, forest tracks and easy-going coastal routes, choosing a relaxed family ride or more challenging trail. Travelling by bike brings the sounds, scents and changing textures of South Carolina’s natural surroundings vividly to life
- Watch the natural world – Look for birds beneath Congaree’s trees, scan Lowcountry marshes for wading species or watch for dolphins from coastal waterways. Maritime forests, wetlands and protected shorelines provide rewarding encounters for patient wildlife enthusiasts
- Slow down in the open air – Spend an afternoon fishing beside a lake, picnic near a waterfall, camp among the trees or pause at a scenic overlook. South Carolina’s outdoors need not demand high energy; memorable moments often arrive when you simply stop and take everything in
One State, Many Landscapes: From the Blue Ridge to the Atlantic
South Carolina turns striking geographic variety into a touring experience. One road trip can descend from the Blue Ridge foothills through Greenville and the historic Midlands before reaching Charleston, the Lowcountry and Atlantic shore, connecting cities, characterful towns and changing scenery through manageable drives.
- Start in the Upstate – Begin around Greenville, where the Blue Ridge foothills provide a grand backdrop to a walkable city and welcoming communities. This northwestern corner introduces South Carolina at its highest before the landscape gradually softens towards the Midlands
- Cross the centre of the state – Continue through Columbia, then shape the route around Camden’s Revolutionary War story or Aiken’s equestrian heritage and elegant streets. Each stop adds a fresh perspective on the Midlands without requiring a lengthy detour
- Watch the Lowcountry emerge – Approaching Charleston, inland scenery gives way to tidal creeks, salt marshes and live oaks. The city’s harbour, architecture, African American heritage and acclaimed food scene create a natural centrepiece before the road continues
- Choose how to meet the Atlantic – Head north towards Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand for broad sands, entertainment and family resorts, or turn south through Beaufort towards Hilton Head Island for sea-island communities, waterfront stays and a gentler coastal pace
- Make the journey your own – Combine city culture, historic towns, coastal retreats and locally rooted food within one flexible itinerary. South Carolina’s regions sit within manageable driving distance, so every move introduces a fresh setting while remaining part of one connected holiday
Visiting South Carolina Throughout the Year: From Spring Colour to Winter Calm
South Carolina’s mild climate keeps the possibilities open throughout the year. Spring colours gardens and pathways, summer belongs to beaches, lakes and long outdoor days, autumn brings mountain foliage and coastal food traditions, while winter offers quieter cities, uncrowded heritage sites and comfortable escapes in many parts of the state.
- As gardens burst into colour, spring suits unhurried road trips through Charleston, Columbia, Aiken and Greenville. Visit azalea-filled landscapes, walk mountain and riverside trails, enjoy comfortable sightseeing weather or pair the season with celebrated sporting occasions such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament and Credit One Charleston Open
- With warm days and the Atlantic calling, summer brings South Carolina’s beaches, islands and waterways to the fore. Swim along the Grand Strand, cycle on Hilton Head Island, paddle Lowcountry creeks or spend time beside Lake Jocassee and Lake Murray, while mountain trails and waterfalls offer rewarding alternatives inland
- When cooler air reaches the Upstate, autumn turns mountain roads and state parks into colourful touring country. The coast remains inviting beyond the busiest summer period, giving time for beach walks, heritage sites and historic towns, while oyster roasts, food festivals, football weekends and outdoor events add distinctive local flavour
- As visitor numbers ease, winter offers space to experience South Carolina at a gentler pace. Explore Charleston’s museums and historic streets, discover Columbia and Greenville’s dining and cultural scenes, take walks on milder coastal days or retreat to a characterful inn, with fewer crowds making multi-stop journeys especially relaxed
Confessions of a Globetrotter Blog – Get to Know the American South: The People, Places and Traditions Behind the Icons
Get to know the American South through the people, places and traditions behind its icons. From music and food to history and the outdoors, our blog takes a closer look at Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, South Carolina and Tennessee.
Darius Rucker’s Home State Tour
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