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. Charleston’s historic streets, African American and Revolutionary War heritage, Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island, and the easy-going spirit of the Lowcountry give clients a varied mix of cultural and coastal experiences.
Between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, road trips can link Greenville, Columbia, Aiken and Beaufort with state parks, golf courses, salt marshes and welcoming small towns. From smoky barbecue and Gullah Geechee flavours to outdoor adventures and coastal escapes, the state lends itself naturally to varied and memorable itineraries.
Find exactly what you’re looking for via the links below – or keep scrolling to discover the delights of South Carolina for yourself:
South Carolina touring & holiday ideas: 15-Day Georgia & South Carolina Road Trip | 11-Day A Touch Of Southern Comfort 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 the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic
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
Interactive Map Of South Carolina
South Carolina Touring & Holiday Ideas
South Carolina lends itself to itineraries that combine mountain scenery, lively cities and the Atlantic coast. Clients can follow themed road trips, build in outdoor experiences, pair Charleston with a relaxed island stay or enjoy multi-day journeys linking Greenville, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island and the characterful communities in between.
15-Day Georgia & South Carolina Road Trip
A self-drive through Georgia and South Carolina combining major Southern cities with historic districts, distinctive food scenes and changing landscapes. Atlanta and Savannah bookend a route through Greenville, Columbia and Charleston, with time built in for the Blue Ridge foothills, Lowcountry coast and experiences beyond the city centres.
From £2,266pp
Including flights
Operated by USAirtours
- Begin in Atlanta, combining major attractions with neighbourhoods such as Midtown and Buckhead, the Atlanta Beltline and the city’s important Civil Rights heritage
- Continue into South Carolina for Greenville, where a walkable downtown, Falls Park on the Reedy and the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail provide an appealing introduction to the Upstate
- Use Greenville as a base for exploring the Blue Ridge foothills, adding scenic drives, outdoor experiences and smaller communities beyond the city
- Spend time in Columbia, South Carolina’s state capital, with the State House, museums, Main Street and Congaree Vista complemented by riverside trails and nearby Congaree National Park
- Allow several nights for Charleston, bringing together preserved architecture, African American heritage, historic neighbourhoods and one of the South’s most celebrated food scenes
- Extend the Charleston stay into the surrounding Lowcountry, where beaches, waterways, coastal communities and distinctive landscapes add contrast to the city experience
- Cross into Georgia for Savannah, exploring leafy squares, historic homes, Forsyth Park and River Street beneath streets shaded by live oaks and Spanish moss
- Car hire throughout allows the route to include smaller towns, local dining and scenic detours, creating a flexible journey through contrasting parts of Georgia and South Carolina
- 14 nights hotel accommodation
- 14 days car hire
- Return international flights
- ATOL protected
11-Day A Touch Of Southern Comfort
This self-drive uses Atlanta and Savannah as gateways to a South Carolina journey through Charleston, Columbia and Greenville before continuing to Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Lowcountry heritage, preserved architecture, walkable downtowns, gardens and mountain scenery form a varied itinerary with strong appeal across the state and the South.
From £2,369pp
Including flights
Operated by First Choice Holidays
- Atlanta opens the route with time for the Martin Luther King Jr. birthplace, Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, World of Coca-Cola and Virginia-Highland’s shops, restaurants and nightlife
- Savannah pairs leafy streets, elegant houses and architecture with a trolley tour of restored buildings spanning three centuries, while City Market and Bay Street offer shops and galleries
- Charleston places preserved 18th- and 19th-century houses at the heart of the stay, revealing the wealth of the pre-Civil War South alongside the complex history and character of this Lowcountry city
- Fort Sumter adds an important chapter of American history, while the estates and gardens outside Charleston offer formal grounds, historic architecture and stories connected to the wider Lowcountry
- Columbia introduces South Carolina’s riverside capital through the historic State House grounds and lively Congaree Vista, where former warehouses now contain galleries, independent shops and restaurants
- Greenville centres on Falls Park on the Reedy, where the striking Liberty Bridge crosses above a downtown waterfall and landscaped riverfront paths offer a fresh contrast to the historic cities earlier in the route
- Main Street adds local shops, diverse restaurants and public art within one of the South’s most walkable downtowns, while the surrounding Piedmont marks the transition from central South Carolina towards the mountains
- Asheville completes the contrast with Art Deco architecture, mountain views and the River Arts District, while Biltmore Estate, downtown boutiques and craft breweries broaden the North Carolina stay
- 10 nights accommodation
- Fully inclusive intermediate car hire from day 3-11
- Return international flights
- ABTA & ATOL protected
9-Day Southern Charms
This escorted itinerary links Florida, Georgia and South Carolina 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 give clients a well-rounded introduction to regional culture, history and character, balanced by guided touring and leisure time.
From £4,995pp
Including flights
Operated by North America Travel Service
- A stay at Casa Monica Resort & Spa provides a St. Augustine base, with a guided walk introducing America’s oldest continuously inhabited city and free time for exploring its historic district
- Jekyll Island includes a visit to its historic district and one cottage before the itinerary reaches Savannah, where a local guide reveals elegant architecture, a geometric city plan and live oak-shaded squares
- Time in Savannah combines a Low Country culinary demonstration, a private National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force tour and an after-hours SCAD Museum of Art visit, followed by Gullah/Geechee heritage and oyster-fishing traditions at Pin Point
- Beaufort, known as the Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands, offers a choice of guided walking tour or carriage ride around its landmark district, with time for lunch and independent exploration
- The historic Mills House provides a central Charleston base, placing the city’s architecture, restaurants and cafés within easy reach while complementing the heritage focus of the escorted tour
- A locally guided walk brings Charleston’s streets and stories into focus before taking to the water for a cruise through the city’s historically significant harbour and surrounding waterways
- Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie, the Battery, coastal lighthouses and USS Yorktown can be viewed during the harbour cruise, offering a waterside perspective on Charleston’s maritime and military history
- Free time in Charleston allows for a visit to the Gibbes Museum of Art or Fort Sumter National Monument before the guests reunite 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 offers travellers a mix of historic streets, sea-island traditions, inventive kitchens, mountain trails and easy-going beach stays. These four pillars bring together the heritage, coastline, flavours and natural landscapes that help shape the Palmetto State’s distinctive 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 help bring the Revolutionary War and the people who shaped the nation into clearer focus.
Historic experiences that add depth to a South Carolina itinerary:
- Explore Charleston’s historic heart – Cobbled streets, colourful homes and waterfront landmarks provide an atmospheric introduction to the city, while a harbour crossing to Fort Sumter reveals where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired. Museums and historic architecture add further context
- 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 – A living coastal culture shaped by descendants of enslaved West and Central Africans adds important cultural depth to Lowcountry itineraries. Sweetgrass basketry, storytelling, language, music and food all provide meaningful ways to engage with these traditions
- Follow the Revolutionary War story – The Revolutionary War Visitor Center in Camden provides a useful starting point, with battlefields such as Cowpens, Kings Mountain or Ninety Six adding further context. Trails and preserved landscapes reveal South Carolina’s crucial role in the struggle for independence
- Experience historic places and gardens – Middleton Place, Charles Towne Landing and other interpreted sites can add depth to touring itineraries, with architecture, landscapes and exhibitions opening 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 stays, island experiences, waterfront dining and wildlife-rich landscapes combine with distinctive coastal towns, creating itineraries that can feel energetic, refined or wonderfully unhurried.
Coastal experiences that add variety to a South Carolina itinerary:
- Explore the Grand Strand – Miles of sand around Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach and quieter neighbouring communities can be combined with entertainment, family attractions, dining and nightlife, balancing lively days out with time beside the Atlantic
- Include Hilton Head Island – Cycling beneath live oaks, beaches edged by dunes and time on the water by kayak, paddleboard or boat all add to the island experience. Coastal scenery, refined resorts and the red-and-white Harbour Town Lighthouse give Hilton Head a relaxed yet polished character
- Combine Charleston with the beach – Folly Beach, Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island make natural additions to a Charleston stay. Each has its own pace and personality, placing swimming, surfing, seafood and sunset walks within easy reach of the city’s history and culture
- Discover Beaufort and the Sea Islands – An atmospheric waterfront town provides a gateway to surrounding marshes, islands and Gullah Geechee heritage. Nearby Hunting Island State Park combines an undeveloped beach, maritime forest, nature trails and a historic lighthouse
- Add coastal golf – Celebrated destinations including Kiawah Island, Hilton Head Island and Myrtle Beach offer everything from resort layouts to championship courses. Sea breezes, marshland and Atlantic views make golf a natural fit within a wider coastal itinerary
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.
Food experiences that bring added flavour to a South Carolina itinerary:
- Taste barbecue at its source in the state where barbecue was born – Family-run restaurants and renowned pitmasters showcase the state’s barbecue traditions, with slow-cooked pork served alongside mustard, vinegar-pepper and tomato-based sauces that vary by region
- Discover Gullah Geechee flavours – West and Central African knowledge has 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 – Charleston and Greenville feature prominently in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide, which 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 – Shrimp, oysters, crab and fresh fish feature widely 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 – Farmers’ markets, independent restaurants and farm-to-table menus across Greenville, Columbia, Charleston and smaller communities showcase peaches, rice, local vegetables, craft drinks and the ingredients that give each destination a strong sense of place
Step Outside and Explore South Carolina’s Wild Side
South Carolina offers outdoor experiences at a variety of paces, from waterfall walks and paddling beneath ancient trees to whitewater rafting and wildlife watching in coastal marshes. With mountains, lakes, forests and waterways accessible across much of the year, nature can add anything from gentle exploration to active adventure within an itinerary.
Outdoor experiences that bring variety to a South Carolina itinerary:
- Walk, hike and follow waterfalls – Gentle paths beside mountain streams can be combined with steeper routes towards panoramic viewpoints. Table Rock State Park, Caesars Head State Park and the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area offer trails through forests, past cascades and into rewarding mountain scenery
- Paddle calm waters or ride the rapids – Kayaking beneath the canopy at Congaree, exploring Lake Jocassee’s hidden waterfalls or joining a guided whitewater trip on the Chattooga River creates options for varied confidence levels, from quiet coves and blackwater channels to faster-flowing water
- Explore on two wheels – Greenways, forest tracks and easy-going coastal routes provide options ranging from relaxed family rides to more challenging trails. Cycling offers an engaging way to experience South Carolina’s changing landscapes at a slower pace
- Watch the natural world – Congaree’s forests, Lowcountry marshes, maritime habitats and protected shorelines support rewarding wildlife experiences, from birdwatching and wading species to opportunities to spot dolphins along coastal waterways
- Slow down in the open air – Fishing beside a lake, picnicking near a waterfall, camping among the trees or stopping at a scenic overlook can add a gentler outdoor element to an itinerary, showing that South Carolina’s natural experiences do not always need to be high energy
One State, Many Landscapes: From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic
South Carolina turns striking geographic variety into a rewarding touring experience. A single road trip can descend from the Blue Ridge foothills through Greenville and the historic Midlands before reaching Charleston, the Lowcountry and Atlantic shore, linking cities, characterful towns and changing scenery through manageable drives.
- Start in the Upstate – Greenville and the Blue Ridge foothills provide a natural starting point, combining a walkable city with welcoming communities and mountain scenery. This northwestern corner introduces South Carolina at its highest before the landscape gradually softens towards the Midlands
- Cross the centre of the state – Columbia can be combined with Camden’s Revolutionary War story or Aiken’s equestrian heritage and elegant streets. Each stop adds a fresh perspective on the Midlands without requiring lengthy detours
- 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 within a wider touring itinerary
- Choose how to meet the Atlantic – Routes can continue north towards Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand for broad sands, entertainment and family resorts, or south through Beaufort towards Hilton Head Island for sea-island communities, waterfront stays and a gentler coastal pace
- Build a flexible touring route – City culture, historic towns, coastal retreats and locally rooted food can all be combined within one itinerary. South Carolina’s regions sit within manageable driving distance, allowing each stage to introduce a fresh setting while remaining part of one connected journey
Visiting South Carolina Throughout the Year: From Spring Colour to Winter Calm
South Carolina’s mild climate keeps itinerary options open throughout the year. Spring colours gardens and pathways, summer brings beaches, lakes and long outdoor days, autumn adds mountain foliage and coastal food traditions, while winter offers quieter cities, uncrowded heritage sites and comfortable escapes across many parts of the state.
- As gardens burst into colour, spring suits unhurried road trips through Charleston, Columbia, Aiken and Greenville. Azalea-filled landscapes, mountain and riverside trails and comfortable sightseeing weather combine well 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. The Grand Strand, Hilton Head Island, Lowcountry creeks, Lake Jocassee and Lake Murray all offer strong seasonal options, while mountain trails and waterfalls provide rewarding alternatives inland
- When cooler air reaches the Upstate, autumn turns mountain roads and state parks into colourful touring country. Routes through the mountains around Jones Gap and Caesars Head state parks can combine hikes, waterfall trails and scenic overlooks as autumn colour spreads across the ridges, with crisp days adding to the Upstate’s appeal
- As visitor numbers ease, winter offers space to experience South Carolina at a gentler pace. Charleston’s museums and historic streets, Columbia and Greenville’s dining and cultural scenes, coastal walks and characterful stays can all form part of relaxed multi-stop journeys with fewer crowds
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
