South Carolina Holidays

The largest city in South Carolina, Charleston is a must-visit during your holiday. The charming streets are crammed with grand houses, ornate churches, and independent shops and cafés. And the city has plenty of history to boot, as Charleston Harbour was a major entry point for the trans-Atlantic slave trade during the 1800s.

Pretty Charleston offers lots of things to do during your South Carolina trip. Take a guided city tour in a horse-drawn carriage to get your bearings, and find out more about the city’s past along the way. You can browse 300 stalls of local produce at Charleston City Market – one of the oldest in the USA – and hunt for treasure in King Street’s antique shops. Or why not catch a show at the country’s first theatre on Dock Street?

If you’re keen to learn more about South Carolina’s history, make sure you visit one of the ex-plantation houses near Charleston. A day tour will give great insight into the lives of both the plantation workers and owners. Magnolia Plantation is a popular choice, but Boone Hall Plantation is the most beautiful, as it comes complete with an oak-lined driveway and grand pillars.

With a 200-mile coastline brushed by the Atlantic Ocean, South Carolina has plenty of beaches. But Myrtle Beach is one of the best places to go. Boasting 60 miles of powder-soft sands, this resort town is suited to couples and families alike. You can swim in the sea, relax in the sunshine, and even learn to surf. There are lots of attractions for kids, too, including an aquarium and the impressive Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, which has panoramic sea views. 

Elsewhere, you might be surprised to learn that Charleston also has five lovely beach areas. Folly Beach features a picturesque pier and fantastic waves for surfing, while Sullivan’s Island is the top choice for watersports. You can go horse riding along the beaches of Seabrook Island, discover Kiawah Island’s untouched natural beauty, or go fishing off the coast of the Isle of Palms. Alternatively, head further south to Hilton Head Island’s – this idyllic spot is famous for its beaches and coastal marshes.

South Carolina holidays serve up all sorts of activities – so you’ll have no trouble keeping busy while you’re away. Golf enthusiasts should make tracks for Myrtle Beach. This coastal town has more than 80 award-winning golf courses, with several having been designed by famous golfers like Jack Nicklaus and Larry Nelson. And 12 of them have been ranked among the USA’s top 100 public courses. So you can expect pristine fairways, immaculate greens and great views.

If hiking is more your thing, though, you should head upstate to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Sprawled across the northwest corner of South Carolina, these striking peaks are home to a variety of walking trails, which weave past rushing waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints. For the best vistas, hike to the top of Sassafras Mountain – it’s the highest point in South Carolina.

Spring or autumn is the best time for your South Carolina holiday. Between March and May, temperatures generally hover between 18°C and 22°C – ideal for sightseeing in Charleston, playing golf on the coast, or hiking some of the trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Plus, if you travel in March, you’ll be able to experience Charleston Food & Wine Festival. Alternatively, you could visit South Carolina in September or October. This time of year is slightly warmer than spring, and you’ll be able to admire the trees’ colourful foliage.

Like all Southern states, South Carolina is hot and humid in summer. July and August are the warmest months, with daytime temperatures averaging 30°C. That said, coastal cities like Charleston and Myrtle Beach tend to have a pleasant breeze rolling in from the Atlantic – so, if you want to enjoy plenty of beach time during your South Carolina holiday, summer can be a great time to go. Just be mindful that you might see some rain showers, especially in August.