Things to Do in South Carolina

Request info

Brookgreen Gardens

Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

Arts & SoulArts Nature EscapeNature Hidden GemsOffbeat

Brookgreen Gardens blends art, history, and nature on a former rice plantation, featuring 2,000+ sculptures, botanical gardens, a Lowcountry Zoo, and seasonal events for all ages.

Full details

Arts & Soul

Explore the stunning collection of over 2,000 works of American figurative sculpture scattered throughout the grounds, immersing yourself in creativity and culture. Wander through the beautifully designed botanical gardens, where vibrant blooms and artful installations come together to create a serene atmosphere. As the air turns crisp, take advantage of guided tours that provide insights into the historical significance of this former rice plantation. With its rich artistic offerings and natural beauty, Brookgreen Gardens is a true celebration of the arts and nature.

Nature Escape

Stroll along the peaceful walking trails that meander through lush gardens and picturesque landscapes, allowing nature's tranquility to envelop you. Take a moment to observe the wildlife in their natural habitats, with sights and sounds that transport you away from the bustle of daily life. During the festive season ahead, you can enjoy the serenity of the gardens as the landscape transforms into a backdrop of muted colors and quiet beauty. This is a place to reconnect with nature and find solace among the sculptures and flora.

Hidden Gems

Discover the charm of Brookgreen Gardens, a hidden gem that many travelers overlook in favor of more mainstream attractions. Uncover the authentic community culture and remarkable sculptures that are not yet on the mainstream tourist radar, making your visit feel like a special find. Before winter sets in, take the opportunity to explore the peaceful paths and enjoy the unique horticultural displays that distinguish this attraction. Each corner of the gardens reveals something new and unexpected, inviting you to linger and explore.

Historic Charm

Delve into the rich history of Brookgreen Gardens, established in 1931 on the site of a former rice plantation, where each sculpture and garden tells a story. Experience the historical significance of the space as you wander through meticulously curated exhibits that highlight the artistry and heritage of American culture. While the landscape transforms with fall foliage, the atmosphere invites reflection on the past, enhancing your appreciation of this living museum. Brookgreen Gardens is not just a stroll through nature; it's a journey through time.

Family Fun

Engage the whole family with the diverse experiences available at Brookgreen Gardens, where art and nature come together for a day of exploration. Kids will delight in spotting wildlife along the trails and discovering the interactive elements within the gardens. As the holidays approach, families can enjoy guided tours that bring history to life, making learning enjoyable for all ages. With picnic areas inviting you to rest and recharge, it's a perfect destination for a memorable family outing.

Brookgreen Gardens

About

Brookgreen Gardens blends art, history, and nature on a former rice plantation, featuring 2,000+ sculptures, botanical gardens, a Lowcountry Zoo, and seasonal events for all ages.

Address & contact information

Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
(843) 235-6000

Website View Full Details

The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk

Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

Sip & SavorFoodie Nightlife & FunNightlife Coastal EscapeCoastal

Murrells Inlet’s MarshWalk offers waterfront dining, fresh seafood, live music, and scenic views. Enjoy eight unique restaurants, great drinks, and year-round festivals.

Full details

Sip & Savor

Savor the culinary delights of the MarshWalk as you stroll along the half-mile boardwalk, taking in the stunning waterfront views. Indulge in delicious Lowcountry cuisine, from fresh seafood to homemade hush puppies, with each restaurant offering a unique taste of the region. As the air turns crisp, enjoy live music that fills the night, enhancing your dining experience under the swaying Palmetto trees. This lively atmosphere makes every meal memorable, whether you're dining with family or friends.

Nightlife & Fun

Experience the vibrant nightlife at the MarshWalk, where evenings come alive with live music and entertainment along the scenic boardwalk. Enjoy the energetic atmosphere as you hop between various waterfront restaurants, each offering a unique vibe and culinary experience. During the festive season ahead, the lively sounds of local musicians will set the perfect backdrop for your dining adventure as you enjoy refreshing drinks and delicious food. The combination of music, food, and the beautiful marsh views creates a celebratory ambiance perfect for an evening out.

Coastal Escape

Embrace the relaxing coastal lifestyle at the MarshWalk, where the gentle salt air and scenic marsh views create a serene escape from the daily grind. Walk along the wooden boardwalk, taking in the sights of great white herons and pelicans as they search for treasures in the estuary. Before winter sets in, the warm breezes and beautiful sunsets provide the perfect backdrop for enjoying a meal at one of the waterfront restaurants. This is a place where you can unwind, savoring both the food and the natural beauty surrounding you.

Beach Buzz

Dive into the energetic vibe of the MarshWalk, where the lively atmosphere buzzes with excitement from both locals and visitors alike. As you walk the boardwalk, you'll encounter a variety of restaurants and live music that keep the energy high, making it a perfect spot for socializing. This fall, the vibrant scene draws people in for delicious food and refreshing drinks, all while enjoying the picturesque views of the saltwater estuary. The lively ambiance ensures that every visit feels like a celebration by the water.

Arts & Soul

Immerse yourself in the creative spirit of the MarshWalk, where the beauty of nature meets culinary artistry. As you stroll along the boardwalk, you'll experience not only the flavors of the Lowcountry but also the lively performances by local musicians that add to the vibrant atmosphere. During the festive season ahead, the combination of good food, stunning views, and artistic expression creates a unique cultural experience that reflects the soul of the region. The MarshWalk is not just about dining; it's about enjoying the art of good living.

The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk

About

Murrells Inlet’s MarshWalk offers waterfront dining, fresh seafood, live music, and scenic views. Enjoy eight unique restaurants, great drinks, and year-round festivals.

Address & contact information

4025 Hwy 17 Business, 4065 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

Website View Full Details

EdVenture

Columbia, South Carolina

Over 350 hands-on exhibits that allow kids to explore human biology, nature, inventions & careers.

EdVenture

About from Google

Over 350 hands-on exhibits that allow kids to explore human biology, nature, inventions & careers.

Address & contact information

211 Gervais Street
(803) 779-3100

Website

South Carolina State Museum

Columbia, South Carolina

Exhibits on art, history, nature, science & technology, housed on 4 floors in a former textile mill.

South Carolina State Museum

About from Google

Exhibits on art, history, nature, science & technology, housed on 4 floors in a former textile mill.

Address & contact information

301 Gervais Street
(803) 898-4921

Website

Columbia Museum of Art

Columbia, South Carolina

Paintings & sculptures spanning thousands of years, displayed in a contemporary building.

Columbia Museum of Art

About from Google

Paintings & sculptures spanning thousands of years, displayed in a contemporary building.

Address & contact information

1515 Main Street
(803) 799-2810

Website

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

Columbia, South Carolina

Zoo with African & Australian animals, reptile galleries, a bird house, a farm & botanical gardens.

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

About from Google

Zoo with African & Australian animals, reptile galleries, a bird house, a farm & botanical gardens.

Address & contact information

500 Wildlife Parkway
(803) 779-8717

Website

Virginia Hylton Park

Lexington, South Carolina

Tree-shaded oasis featuring a playground, koi ponds, gardens & a creek with scenic overlooks.

Virginia Hylton Park

About from Google

Tree-shaded oasis featuring a playground, koi ponds, gardens & a creek with scenic overlooks.

Address & contact information

111 Maiden Lane
(803) 359-1027

Website

Icehouse Amphitheater

Lexington, South Carolina

Open-air venue featuring concerts outdoors and other events, plus craft fairs.

Icehouse Amphitheater

About from Google

Open-air venue featuring concerts outdoors and other events, plus craft fairs.

Address & contact information

107 West Main Street
(803) 358-7275

Website

Lake Murray Public Park

Lexington, South Carolina

Visitors say this park offers beautiful lake views, clear water for swimming, and well-maintained picnic areas with grills and shade. They also highlight the clean restrooms, fami…

Lake Murray Public Park

About from Google

Visitors say this park offers beautiful lake views, clear water for swimming, and well-maintained picnic areas with grills and shade. They also highlight the clean restrooms, family-friendly atmosphere, and helpful staff. Some reviews mention there can be unexpected park closures.

Address & contact information

1832-1834 North Lake Drive
(803) 217-9221

Website

Swan Lake Iris Gardens

Sumter, South Carolina

Tranquil park known for its swans, geese & ducks, plus Japanese iris blooms & a lake with turtles.

Swan Lake Iris Gardens

About from Google

Tranquil park known for its swans, geese & ducks, plus Japanese iris blooms & a lake with turtles.

Address & contact information

822 West Liberty Street
(803) 436-2640

Website

Fountain Park

Rock Hill, South Carolina

Community area with a lawn & event space, plus a circular fountain with illuminated displays.

Fountain Park

About from Google

Community area with a lawn & event space, plus a circular fountain with illuminated displays.

Address & contact information

300 East Main Street
(803) 329-5620

Website

Old Santee Canal Park

Moncks Corner, South Carolina

Family-friendly park and museum complex featuring boardwalks and trails for hiking, alongside picnic spots.

Old Santee Canal Park

About from Google

Family-friendly park and museum complex featuring boardwalks and trails for hiking, alongside picnic spots.

Address & contact information

900 Stony Landing Road
(843) 899-5200

Website

Azalea Park

Summerville, South Carolina

Scenic park with landscaped flower beds, ponds, sculptures, winding walking trails & tennis courts.

Azalea Park

About from Google

Scenic park with landscaped flower beds, ponds, sculptures, winding walking trails & tennis courts.

Address & contact information

105 West 5th South Street
(843) 851-5211

Website

Cypress Gardens

Moncks Corner, South Carolina

Swamp garden with giant cypress trees offering boat tours plus a butterfly house attraction.

Cypress Gardens

About from Google

Swamp garden with giant cypress trees offering boat tours plus a butterfly house attraction.

Address & contact information

3030 Cypress Gardens Road
(843) 553-0515

Website

Middleton Place

Charleston, South Carolina

Sprawling Ashley River rice plantation dating to the 1730s, with gardens and refined lodging.

Middleton Place

About from Google

Sprawling Ashley River rice plantation dating to the 1730s, with gardens and refined lodging.

Address & contact information

4300 Ashley River Road
(843) 556-6020

Website

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Charleston, South Carolina

Lush garden dating to pre-Revolutionary War times, with train & boat tours, plus a petting zoo.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

About from Google

Lush garden dating to pre-Revolutionary War times, with train & boat tours, plus a petting zoo.

Address & contact information

Charleston, SC 29414
(843) 571-1266

Website

Drayton Hall

Charleston, South Carolina

Storied, well-preserved antebellum plantation with tranquil grounds & an African-American cemetery.

Drayton Hall

About from Google

Storied, well-preserved antebellum plantation with tranquil grounds & an African-American cemetery.

Address & contact information

3380 Ashley River Road
(843) 769-2600

Website

Frankie's of Greenville

Greenville, South Carolina

Sprawling complex with go-kart tracks, arcades & other family-friendly amusements.

Frankie's of Greenville

About from Google

Sprawling complex with go-kart tracks, arcades & other family-friendly amusements.

Address & contact information

45 Park Woodruff Drive
(864) 627-9888

Website

Conestee Nature Preserve

Greenville, South Carolina

Home to more than 200 bird species, this 400-acre wildlife preserve offers paved trails & bog walks.

Conestee Nature Preserve

About from Google

Home to more than 200 bird species, this 400-acre wildlife preserve offers paved trails & bog walks.

Address & contact information

840 Mauldin Road
(864) 277-2004

Website

Conestee Park

Greenville, South Carolina

Family-friendly recreational space featuring ballfields, picnic tables, dog parks and an array of trails.

Conestee Park

About from Google

Family-friendly recreational space featuring ballfields, picnic tables, dog parks and an array of trails.

Address & contact information

840 Mauldin Road
(864) 387-0265

Website

Francis Marion National Forest

Huger, South Carolina

Large pine forest & marsh area with hiking, biking, motorcycle & canoe trails, plus rifle ranges.

Francis Marion National Forest

About from Google

Large pine forest & marsh area with hiking, biking, motorcycle & canoe trails, plus rifle ranges.

Address & contact information

2967 Steed Creek Road
(843) 336-2200

Website

Runway Park at GMU

Greenville, South Carolina

Playground and track spot for watching takeoffs and landings at a small airport that also has a cafe.

Runway Park at GMU

About from Google

Playground and track spot for watching takeoffs and landings at a small airport that also has a cafe.

Address & contact information

21 Airport Road Extension
(864) 242-4777

Website

Greenville Zoo

Greenville, South Carolina

A global collection of mammals, reptiles & amphibians is on display at this small, no-frills zoo.

Greenville Zoo

About from Google

A global collection of mammals, reptiles & amphibians is on display at this small, no-frills zoo.

Address & contact information

150 Cleveland Park Drive
(864) 467-4300

Website

Cancer Survivors Park

Greenville, South Carolina

Beautiful park featuring a boardwalk, sculptures and greenery, as well as hiking trails.

Cancer Survivors Park

About from Google

Beautiful park featuring a boardwalk, sculptures and greenery, as well as hiking trails.

Address & contact information

52 Cleveland Street
(864) 255-5010

Website

Falls Park on the Reedy

Greenville, South Carolina

Picturesque park with waterfall views, a curved suspension bridge & many acres of gardens.

Falls Park on the Reedy

About from Google

Picturesque park with waterfall views, a curved suspension bridge & many acres of gardens.

Address & contact information

601 South Main Street
(864) 467-4350

Website

Escape Artist Greenville - Downtown

Greenville, South Carolina

Escape room setting presenting a variety of themes and puzzles, many of which involve breaking codes and finding clues.

Escape Artist Greenville - Downtown

About from Google

Escape room setting presenting a variety of themes and puzzles, many of which involve breaking codes and finding clues.

Address & contact information

209 East Stone Avenue
(864) 509-9305

Website

The Children’s Museum of the Upstate

Greenville, South Carolina

Targeted at under-12 kids this large museum has multiple hands-on galleries plus camps & programs.

The Children’s Museum of the Upstate

About from Google

Targeted at under-12 kids this large museum has multiple hands-on galleries plus camps & programs.

Address & contact information

300 College Street
(864) 233-7755

Website

Park Center

Greenville, South Carolina

State park with lake access and mountain peaks.

Park Center

About from Google

State park with lake access and mountain peaks.

Address & contact information

2401 State Park Road
(864) 244-5565

Website

Angel Oak Tree

Johns Island, South Carolina

Visitors snap photos of the legendary Angel Oak Tree, which is over 60 ft. tall with a wide canopy.

Angel Oak Tree

About from Google

Visitors snap photos of the legendary Angel Oak Tree, which is over 60 ft. tall with a wide canopy.

Address & contact information

3688 Angel Oak Road
(843) 559-3496

Website

Otter Creek Waterpark

Greenville, South Carolina

Seasonal water park with splash pad & waterslides also offers swim lessons & a concession stand.

Otter Creek Waterpark

About from Google

Seasonal water park with splash pad & waterslides also offers swim lessons & a concession stand.

Address & contact information

101 West Darby Road
(864) 834-4108

Website

Aiken-Rhett House Museum

Charleston, South Carolina

Tours of this historic home of an influential 1800s family include a back lot where slaves lived.

Aiken-Rhett House Museum

About from Google

Tours of this historic home of an influential 1800s family include a back lot where slaves lived.

Address & contact information

48 Elizabeth Street
(843) 723-1159

Website

The Charleston Museum

Charleston, South Carolina

America's first museum, founded in 1773, exhibits relics from South Carolina & Confederate history.

The Charleston Museum

About from Google

America's first museum, founded in 1773, exhibits relics from South Carolina & Confederate history.

Address & contact information

360 Meeting Street
(843) 722-2996

Website

McLeod Plantation Historic Site

Charleston, South Carolina

Preserved historical plantation with a Georgian-style mansion, slave cabins & interpretive tours.

McLeod Plantation Historic Site

About from Google

Preserved historical plantation with a Georgian-style mansion, slave cabins & interpretive tours.

Address & contact information

325 Country Club Drive
(843) 762-9514

Website

South Carolina Aquarium

Charleston, South Carolina

Massive aquarium with interactive exhibits & hundreds of creatures, including many native species.

South Carolina Aquarium

About from Google

Massive aquarium with interactive exhibits & hundreds of creatures, including many native species.

Address & contact information

100 Aquarium Wharf
(843) 577-3474

Website

Fort Sumter Visitor Center

Charleston, South Carolina

History buff favorite museum offers a boat ride to Fort Sumter and educational exhibits on the Civil War and the fort.

Fort Sumter Visitor Center

About from Google

History buff favorite museum offers a boat ride to Fort Sumter and educational exhibits on the Civil War and the fort.

Address & contact information

340 Concord Street
(843) 577-0242

Website

Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

1681 working plantation known for its moss-draped Avenue of Oaks & original slave cabins.

Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens

About from Google

1681 working plantation known for its moss-draped Avenue of Oaks & original slave cabins.

Address & contact information

1235 Long Point Road
(843) 884-4371

Website

Old Slave Mart Museum

Charleston, South Carolina

Displays in this former slave auction building tell the story of the slave trade in Charleston.

Old Slave Mart Museum

About from Google

Displays in this former slave auction building tell the story of the slave trade in Charleston.

Address & contact information

6 Chalmers Street
(843) 958-6467

Website

Waterfront Park

Charleston, South Carolina

Well-known park with Charleston Harbor views, plus a large lawn, walkways & fountains.

Waterfront Park

About from Google

Well-known park with Charleston Harbor views, plus a large lawn, walkways & fountains.

Address & contact information

Concord Street

Pineapple Fountain

Charleston, South Carolina

Multi-layered, pineapple-shaped fountain facing the waterfront, popular for photos.

Pineapple Fountain

About from Google

Multi-layered, pineapple-shaped fountain facing the waterfront, popular for photos.

Address & contact information

1 Vendue Range
(843) 724-5003

USS Yorktown Ghost Tour

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Guided tour inside the retired WWII aircraft carrier with tales of history and hauntings on board.

USS Yorktown Ghost Tour

About from Google

Guided tour inside the retired WWII aircraft carrier with tales of history and hauntings on board.

Address & contact information

40 Patriots Point Road
(843) 722-8687

Website