Top 20 Cities To Visit In South Carolina

South Carolina enjoys a beautiful location on the SE coastline of the United States.

The state enjoys a pleasant weather throughout the year, miles of scenic beaches and unspoilt islands that makes the state a very popular tourist destination in the country.

Whether you love arts and culture of a big fan of outdoor adventure, South Carolina has something for everyone.

Here are the top 20 cities to visit in South Carolina

Greenville

If you are looking for a fun-filled family getaway then Greenville would surely tick all the boxes.

It has great educational attractions on one hand and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure on the other.

The downtown is pedestrian friendly where you can indulge in some lazy shopping or just have a good meal.

The Greenville Symphony Orchestra is a noted attraction here.

Spartanburg

Spartanburg is a historic town that promises a lot of outdoor activities.

The BMW Zentrum is the only museum in the world of the German car maker and it also acts as a the only car manufacturing unit in the United States.

Charleston

This is the oldest city in this state and is home to some wonderful places like Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art and the Charleston Music Hall.

If you are a history buff then you will love the preserved plantation homes that dates back to the 1670s.

Charleston is also known for its cuisine and the local craft beers.

Columbia

Columbia, the capital of South Carolina, offers the visitors a wealth of varied and enjoyable attractions.

The South Carolina State House would interest those who are keen on historical things but the star attraction is the Hampton-Preston Mansion that is as old as 1818.

Myrtle Beach

The Las Vegas of South Carolina, the Myrtle Beach is very kid-friendly and it offers much more than just an occasion to relax on the beach.

Myrtle Beach is one of the top-rated tourist destinations in the world and the flashing neon lights of the entertainment and shopping complex have compelled many tourists to compare this place to Vegas.

The Ripley’s Aquarium is a big hit among the young tourists.

North Myrtle Beach

Technically a separate city for Myrtle Beach.

Established in 1968, North Myrtle Beach, located in South Carolina’s Horry County, boasts a population of around 13,752 from the 2019 census.

It’s a versatile destination offering exciting water sports, fishing at Cherry Grove Pier, shopping for vintage items at Barefoot Landing, live performances at the Alabama Theater, and vibrant nightlife at Fat Harold’s Beach Club.

For leisure, enjoy bowling at Spanish Galleon, gaming at the arcade, or a visit to Alligator Adventure.

Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or entertainment, North Myrtle Beach delivers unforgettable experiences.

Fort Mill

Located just south of the North Carolina state line, this area provides convenient access to Interstate 77 as well as a main street of shops and restaurants.

Fort Mill, SC, founded in 1873, is a vibrant town in York County with 24,521 residents.

Its history thrives through textile mills, and it enjoys a varied climate. Explore six parks for leisure and sports.

Discover Anne Springs Close Greenway for outdoor activities. Visit Fort Hill History Museum and savour Amor Artis beer.

Catch live shows at Narrow Way Production and Fort Mill Community Playhouse.

Shop fresh produce at Tega Hills Farms. Experience art and coffee at Olives Mud Puddle.

Perfect your swing at Fort Mill Golf Club. Stay tuned for exciting events and tournaments.

Rock Hill

Rock Hill enjoys a mild climate throughout the year and the chief attractions of the city include Fountain Park and Glencairn Garden.

You can try cycling at the Rock Hill Outdoor Center or just explore the Catawba River on a kayak.

Hilton Head

Hilton Head is often regarded as a one-stop vacation place in S Carolina.

Here you can play golf or tennis in the morning, ride a beach cruiser on the bike trails or just play around on the gentle waves of the Atlantic.

A number of art galleries in this place makes Hilton Head a culturally vibrant place.

Fountain Inn

Fountain Inn is a city nestled between two counties (Greenville and Laurens) in South Carolina with a population of 10. 416.

The Inn is known for its majestic views with trendy shopping stores, dining, a world-class golf course and art galleries.

The fountain is not a place to visit and forget easily because of the superb activities, beautiful lakes, caves, nature reserve and history of the place.

Little wonder tourist troop in and many have found self-love there, it’s a perfect place to carry out outdoor activities from October to March due to the weather.

Don’t hesitate to visit Fountain Park with a fountain water that reaches almost 600 feet into the air, the Fountain Hills Botanical Garden is also a great place to be with free access to visitors and is blessed with wildflowers, diverse plants, birds, insects and trees.

Another amazing place to explore is the Swamp Rabbit Trail which is great for hiking or biking, taking you through breathtaking scenic views of the Greenville area.

Other top attraction includes the Fountain Inn Museum, Cedar Falls Park, Younts Center for Performing Arts, and lovers of Horses-the Black Horse Run will enlighten you about horses.

Sullivan’s Island

Sullivans Island is home to Fort Moultrie where Edgar Allan Poe with station from 1827 until 1828.

The island is the setting of his story the gold bug.

Sullivan’s Island is a favourite place for beach lovers, lovers of history, sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Nothing is more calming than fresh air, and calm waters that are good for water sports like kayaking, kiteboarding or strolling on Sullivan Beach early morning to experience the sunrise.

You can stop by the Brown Fox for a cup of coffee or tea. Alternatively, you can take a bike trip to the Isle of Palm Beach, located at the northeastern part of Sullivan Island, for a charming beach experience.

The beach offers convenient amenities for guests, such as a lifeguard and the option to stretch out on the sand.

When you return from the beach, consider having dinner with your family and friends at Al Fresco or Poe’s Tavern. These spots offer the opportunity to enjoy fresh local meals and live music.

Before leaving Sullivan Island, be sure to capture memories by taking pictures with your friends and family at the Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse.

This iconic landmark serves as a wonderful backdrop for preserving the moments of your visit.

Hampton

This town is named after general Wade Hampton a civil war military leader. Check out the annual Hampton County Watermelon Festival the oldest state festival dating all the way back to 1939. It happens every year in June.

Hampton offers various attractions for different purposes, whether it’s business, leisure, or sports events. Look out for the Virginia Air and Space Science Centre, where you can explore space exhibitions and life-size planes.

For a taste of history, visit the Fort Monroe national monument to delve into Hampton’s past. The history museum showcases over 400 years of the city’s rich history.

If you’re into nature, take a stroll at an outlook or Buckroe Beach to immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world and observe wildlife.

For a fun and energetic experience, head to the Sky Zone trampoline park to jump around and embrace your inner child.

Sandy Bottom Nature Park is a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like kayaking, paddle boating, and campsite rentals.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the bluebird Gap Farm, home to a variety of animals, or enjoy a concert or theatre show at the Hampton Coliseum for a memorable entertainment experience.

Folly Beach

Just 20 min from Charleston, Folly Beach is a great place for sunbathing and surfing.

The best time to come here is between May and October when the weather is pleasant.

You can visit the attractions like Morris Island Lighthouse or just enjoy the natural beauty of Folly Beach.

Georgetown

The historic coastal town of Georgetown is located between Myrtle Beach and Charleston. It has a small-town charm with loads of attractions packed in. You can opt for a walking tour, a tram tour or even a ghost tour!

Georgetown was founded in 1729, it comes 3rd behind Charleston and Beaufort as the oldest city in South Carolina, United States, and also the seat of power of Georgetown County.

Based on the 2010 census, the city has a population of about 9,163. Located at the confluence, Georgetown sits nested between the Waccamaw, Great Pee Dee, Black, and Sampit rivers, on the Winyah Bay.

The city has the second biggest seaport in SC just behind Charleston and it handles more than 960,000 tons of materials annually.

Georgetown houses over 50 historic homes within and around the downtown district and numerous sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Some of these attractions include the Georgetown County Museum, The Rice Museum, The South Carolina Maritime Museum, William Doyle Morgan House, Winyah Indigo Society Hall, Stewart Parker House, Bethel Ame Church, and so many more.

Others include Georgetown Dry Stack Marina, Georgetown Landing Marina, Georgetown Corner Tavern, Indigo Bakery and so much more.

If you are looking for an amazing coastal life experience, whether on a business trip or for future living, Georgetown, SC, is the next best place to be.

Beaufort

It is basically a seaside town that is frequented by both the locals and the visitors.

The Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park attracts a lot of tourists throughout the year.

The park has several designated areas like the pavilion, picnic areas, swings, walkways and children’s playground.

Sumter

Sumter is a lesser known destination in South Carolina wherein you can visit the Shaw Air Force Base and the famous Iris Gardens.

The park is well revered in the US as it is the only public park in the US that has all 8 known species of swan.

Florence

It was primarily a railway hub located between New York and Miami and played a big role in the Civil War.

Once here you should visit the War between the States Museum and the National Cemetery to know more about the place and its history.

You can also attend a concert at the Florence Little Theater.

Aiken

Located in the western part of South Carolina, Aiken is best known for its equestrian culture and it has produced a number of champions over the years.

The largest urban forest in the US is also located here.

If you want to know about the city’s past then you can visit the Aiken County Historical Museum.

Anderson

Anderson is one of the smallest cities in upstate South Carolina that has a few places of interest like the Anderson Memorial Stadium and the Anderson Sports & Entertainment Center.

It is a great place for shopping and you should visit the Anderson Mall which has more than 76 specialty stores.

Newberry

The city of Newberry in Newberry County, South Carolina, is located in the Piedmont region about 42 miles northwest of Columbia, the capital of South Carolina.

Once known as the Newberry Courthouse and a population of more than 10,000 people, it is the seat of power of Newberry County.

With a rich history, beauty, and charm, it is a place to learn about its carefully preserved past, high-spirited present and amazing future.

The city boasts a lot of top attractions for visitors and residents to explore such as the Newberry Private College for liberal arts which is an Evangelical Lutheran Church in America affiliate and one of the best private colleges in the southeast.

Other top attraction includes the downtown area which has numerous restaurants, unique shops, the Newberry Opera House, and the Historic Newberry Firehouse Conference Center.

No wonder it was named by Travel Channel as the “Most Charming Small Towns in America,” it has a lot for anyone to see.