civil war sites to visit in south carolina

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Historic Columbia

Civil War Sites

South Carolina's capital city played a central role in the American Civil War. Though the war's first shots occurred in Charleston, the foundation for the unprecedented conflict was laid in Columbia on December 17, 1860 when Secession Convention delegates met in the new Baptist Church. Impressions of Columbia during the war were fed by the media, most notably nationally circulated newspapers that featured illustrations of landmark buildings, political leaders, and events. Some images show the city before it burned. Others, rendered between February 1865 and April 1866, documented the extent of its destruction.

Tour Overview

Sc state house, 1100 gervais street.

Columbia, SC 29201

1201 Main Street

1203 gervais street, 1031 assembly street, 800 gervais street, 501 gervais street, west side of saluda river, 1217 botanical parkway.

West Columbia, SC 29169

1802 Lincoln Street

Intersection of barnwell and calhoun streets, corner of barnwell and calhoun streets, 1306 hampton street, northeast corner of marion and pendleton streets, 1368 pendleton street, 1431 pendleton street, intersection of sumter and college streets, 886 sumter street, waypoints (12).

South Carolina Civil War sites

by Marc Rapport

April 1, 2014

Bombardment of Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbor.

Published by Currier & Ives/Library of Congress

Exhibits, including “African Passages” at the Fort Moultrie visitor center explore the cultural and military aspects of the war.

Photo by Milton Morris

The Warren Lasch Conservation Center is a working laboratory that opens its doors to visitors on weekends. Interactive displays allow kids of all ages to experience what it was like to be a crewman on the H.L. Hunley .

Photo courtesy of Friends of the Hunley

Visitors to the Warren Lasch Conservation Center can observe the hull of the submarine inside its 90,000-gallon conservation tank and learn about the latest archaeological findings during weekend tours offered on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. The lab is located at 1250 Supply St. in North Charleston. Regular admission is $12, with children under 5 admitted free. For more information, contact Friends of the Hunley at (843) 743-4865, ext. 10, or visit hunley.org .

Photo by Mic Smith  

The Penn Center stands on the site of the South’s first school for freed slaves, which opened on St. Helena Island in 1862 during Union occupation. Today it serves as a center for preserving and interpreting Gullah culture.

Photo by Keith Phillips

Visitors to Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site can explore the grounds for a glimpse of what life was like in antebellum South Carolina.

Photo courtesy of Redcliffe Plantation

Cheraw’s Lyceum survived Sherman’s occupation and today serves as the town museum.

Photo courtesy of SCPRT

Tours of the Burt-Stark mansion include the men’s parlor where Jefferson Davis officially disbanded the Confederate government on May 2, 1865, declaring, “All is indeed lost.”

The fiery voices of secession had carried the day. Reveling in South Carolina’s newly declared independence from the Union, Gov. Francis W. Pickens demanded that federal troops garrisoned in Fort Sumter, one of several outposts guarding Charleston Harbor, abandon their position. Rebels controlled all of the other coastal defenses, including Fort Moultrie, on the southern tip of Sullivan’s Island, and Fort Johnson, on the northern end of James Island, and under secession flags, Confederate troops trained their cannons on Sumter’s brick enclosures. 

The tension broke at 4:30 a.m., April 12, 1861, when a 10-inch mortar round fired from Fort Johnson began a 34-hour exchange of artillery fire that lit up the sky and marked the first battle of the U.S. Civil War. 

The war that forever changed the course of our nation began—and some say officially ended—right here in South Carolina. To mark the 150th anniversary of the conflict, South Carolina Living presents this travel guide to our state’s most significant Civil War sites, parks and museums. From the opening salvo against Fort Sumter in Charleston, to the collapse of the Confederate government at the Burt- Stark Mansion in Abbeville, to the dawn of a new era for former slaves at the Penn Center on St. Helena Island, these unique places provide a living sense of history and a way for families to enjoy a day together exploring modern-day South Carolina.   

CHARLESTON: WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

As the Confederate assault on Fort Sumter wore on through its first day, jubilant Charlestonians flocked to the waterfront streets to watch the fireworks. Some sipped cocktails from their balconies, unaware that the events unfolding before them were the start of what would become one of the bloodiest conflicts in human history. The battle ended when the federal troops, outgunned and low on provisions, surrendered the fort, but Charleston paid the price for rebellion over the next four years as the Union Navy blockaded and bombarded the city until the war’s end in 1865. 

Fort Sumter National Monument 

Located on a man-made island at the mouth of Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter is surprisingly serene, especially when you consider its violent history. “It’s such a beautiful, scenic place to visit it’s hard to imagine what was happening then, but you can see exactly where it all took place, and it really sticks with you when you stand out there and feel it,” says Michael Allen, a National Park Service historian. 

Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie on nearby Sullivan’s Island, and a visitor Education Center on Liberty Square in downtown Charleston, are all part of the Fort Sumter National Monument, but each is a distinct attraction in its own right. Displays at the education center walk visitors through the events leading up to the firing on Fort Sumter and include a stunning 20-by-36-foot replica of the flag that flew over the fort during the battle. Fort Sumter itself is accessible by ferry boats that leave from the center and from Patriots Point. Rangers greet the boats dockside to narrate the events that took place in 1861, then visitors are free to roam the grounds guided by interpretive exhibits describing the fort’s unique place in history. 

Fort Moultrie, accessible by car, has its own visitor center documenting the fort’s use from the Revolutionary War period all the way up to World War II. Exhibits also explore the sometimes gritty reality of the state’s history and the build-up to the Civil War. A highlight is the dramatic “African Passage” exhibit, a heart-wrenching examination of the slave trade including the meticulously documented story of Priscilla, a 10-year-old girl taken captive in Sierra Leone and shipped to America in 1756. Also on site is a monument—a simple bench put in place by the Toni Morrison society—marking the very spot where at least one-fourth of all the enslaved Africans brought to America first landed. 

Telling the full history of the events surrounding the war is important, Allen says, even if it’s sometimes painful. 

“The National Park Service sees all this as an opportunity to meet our goal of telling the broad-based story of what happened here,” he says. “We’re working with partners who have come together to tell the story of what happened in the battlefield, who wore the gray and blue uniforms, who pulled the lanyard to fire the first cannon, but also those on the home front, who managed affairs while relatives were away, and the role of the African-Americans whose freedom came out of this.” 

Fort Sumter National Monument is open year-round except for New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hours vary by site and season. For details, visit nps.gov/fosu or call (843) 883-3123. For Fort Sumter ferry information, visit fortsumtertours.com or call (800) 789-3678.

Warren Lasch Conservation Center 

One of the great mysteries of the Civil War—the fate of the Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley —has puzzled historians ever since the night of Feb. 17, 1864, when the human-powered craft became the first submarine to sink an enemy ship in combat. Under the command of Lt. George Dixon, an eight-man crew exploded a torpedo beneath the Union warship USS Housatonic , but the victorious sub never returned to port.

In 2000, marine archeologists raised the intact Hunley from the muddy seafloor and placed it in a 90,000-gallon conservation tank located in the former Navy yard in North Charleston. In the years since, researchers have recovered and buried with military honors the remains of the crewmen, restored numerous artifacts and rewritten the history books on how the sub was constructed and operated. But they have yet to determine exactly why it sank.

The search for answers continues, funded in part by admission fees from weekend visitors to the Warren Lasch Conservation Center. A highlight of the behind-the-scenes tour is peering down into the tank that holds the historic vessel.

“One thing that strikes you immediately is how small it is and that eight men were able to squeeze in there and power it by hand,” says Kellen Correia, executive director of Friends of the Hunley, which conducts weekend tours of the facility. “And then there’s the emotional component, as you think of the bravery that allowed them to get in there and do what they did.”

Interactive exhibits detail the operation of the sub, what historians think happened that fateful night and the biographies of the crew. Among the remarkable artifacts on display is the bent gold piece found with the remains of Lt. Dixon. A bullet struck the coin during the battle of Shiloh in 1862, sparing Dixon’s life, and he kept it for the rest of his numbered days as a good luck charm bearing the ironic inscription, “My Life Preserver.”

THE LOWCOUNTRY: LEARNING TO BE FREE

Beginning with the Battle of Port Royal Sound in November 1861, the Civil War ran a violent, tumultuous course through the Lowcountry. Beaufort was the first Southern city occupied by the Union, and the U.S. Navy soon established its southern Atlantic blockade headquarters on Hilton Head Island. Slavery was abolished on the Sea Islands, followed shortly by the birth of one of the most significant African-American history sites in the country, the Penn Center. 

Penn School National Landmark Historic District 

Shrouded by ancient oaks and tucked away on a still-rural stretch of St. Helena Island, the Penn School National Landmark Historic District is the site of the South’s first school for freed slaves. The 50-acre campus operated as a school until 1953, when it became a conference facility. During the Civil Rights era, it famously hosted strategic retreats led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and members of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Today, it also serves as a Gullah cultural center dedicated to preserving the language and traditions handed down from former slaves to their modern descendants. 

“Our visitors often tell us they get a sense of awe when they come here, both because they never realized there’s so much here at the Penn Center itself, and because it’s their first exposure, many times, to real Gullah culture and language,” says Rosalyn Brown, the center’s director of history and culture. 

Brown points guests to the York W. Bailey Museum, which shares the cultural legacy of the Gullah people and offers a gift shop featuring sweetgrass baskets, quilts, Gullah memorabilia and books. While you’re there, make sure to see the ETV-produced film documenting the Penn Center’s history. Also onsite: the Laura M. Townes Archives and Library. Open by appointment only, it features one of the oldest collections of African-American photographs in the country.

Visitors to Penn Center also can participate in the Gullah praise tradition of community sings held every third Sunday from September to May, as well as the annual Penn Center Heritage Days celebration during the second weekend in November. 

The Penn Center is open daily, except Sundays, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For details, visit  penncenter.com  or call (843) 838-2474. 

Robert Smalls Monument 

Robert Smalls escaped slavery in December 1862 by seizing a Confederate steamer, sailing it past rebel sentries in Charleston Harbor and delivering it to the U.S. Navy. After serving with distinction as a Union officer, he became one of the first African Americans elected to Congress. A monument to Smalls marks his burial site on the grounds of Tabernacle Baptist Church at 911 Craven St. in Beaufort. His former home at 511 Prince Street is on the National Register of Historic Places and makes for a nice photo op, but it’s a private residence so there are no tours. 

The Tabernacle Baptist Church grounds are open daily during daylight hours. For details, visit  beaufort-sc.com/history  or call (843) 524-0376. 

THE SAVANNAH RIVER VALLEY:  SHERMAN'S FIRST STOP

After burning Atlanta and capturing Savannah, the Union Army under Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman turned its attention to the capture of Columbia in the early days of 1865. 

Rivers Bridge State Historic Site 

Sherman’s march into South Carolina encountered its first serious resistance on the banks of the Salkehatchie River at what is now Rivers Bridge State Historic Site near Ehrhardt. Here, in the deep, swampy woods, the still-intact earthen fortifications bear silent witness to the fierce battle that raged on Feb. 2–3, 1865. Rivers Bridge is the only stateprotected Civil War battlefield site in South Carolina, and an interpretive trail takes visitors along the silent breastworks where men on both sides fought and died. 

“This is one of those special places where you can get a sense of reverence and awe just thinking about what happened here and the tragic loss on both sides,” said Phil Gaines, director of the S.C. State Park Service. “Maybe it’s the remote location and the deep woods and swamps, but sometimes you can just feel the desperation the Confederates must have felt and the wonder the northern troops must have felt, seeing such a different place than where they were from.” 

Rivers Bridge State Historic Site is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free. For details, visit  southcarolinaparks.com  or call (803) 267-3675. 

Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site 

"Cotton is king!" roared South Carolina Senator James Henry Hammond in 1858 as the halls of Congress shook and war drew ever nearer. Hammond, also a former governor, knew a thing or two about cotton from his life at Redcliffe, his plantation near the Savannah River where he experimented with crops and planted uniform rows of magnolia trees that still line the lane to the manse. Donated to the state in 1973, the Greek Revival house and grounds—including preserved slave quarters and an heirloom garden—are open year-round offering a variety of seasonal interpretive programs. 

Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site is open Thursday to Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For details, visit  southcarolinaparks.com   or call (803) 827-1473. 

COLUMBIA: THE BURNING QUESTION

This much we know: Union troops were in control of Columbia on the night of Feb. 17, 1865, when a cotton-fueled fire leveled much of the city. Whether the fire was accidental, as Union soldiers claimed, or vengeance, as Confederates alleged, has never been determined for sure. Today, however, the capital city is an ideal place to learn more about the Civil War. 

South Carolina State Museum 

While the life-size replica of the H.L. Hunley has long been a popular exhibit at the South Carolina State Museum, the curators are marking the sesquicentennial by adding new Civil War sections each year for the next four  years. 

The first exhibit, “The Coming of the Civil War,” focuses on the causes and defining moments leading to the outbreak of hostilities. It includes such items as a table and chairs from the secession convention at Columbia’s First Baptist Church, a diorama of a secession ball in Charleston and a copy of the Ordinance of Secession. 

“Items like an 1860 Palmetto Flag really give you a feel for the new sense of independence from the rest of the union that South Carolinians were feeling in those days,” says Fritz Hamer, the museum’s curator. 

Other items, such as a 10-inch mortar shell very similar to those fired at Fort Sumter, speak to their deadly serious intent to secure that independence. 

The next exhibit opens July 22. “The Civil War in South Carolina: Duty to State and Family” focuses on the formation of military units and their service and sacrifice throughout the war. “We’ll also have a section on African-Americans from South Carolina, on where they fought for the Union and those who worked for the Confederacy,” Hamer says. 

The South Carolina State Museum is open year-round Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is also open on Mondays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. For details, visit  southcarolinastatemuseum.org  or call (803) 898-4921. 

MIDLANDS TO THE PEE DEE:  THE UNION ADVANCES

Done with Columbia, Sherman’s army advanced toward North Carolina roughly following the route that is now U.S. 1, and passing through Camden, Hartsville and Cheraw en route. 

The Cheraw Lyceum 

Sherman himself stayed in the Chesterfield County town of Cheraw for several days in early March of 1865, where his men, town history has it, celebrated Lincoln’s second inauguration by drinking and looting. Although the visit was punctuated by an accidental explosion of captured Confederate gunpowder that razed most of the downtown business district, more than 50 antebellum buildings are still standing. 

One of the surviving buildings, the Lyceum, was occupied by both armies during the war and is now the town museum, operated by the Chamber of Commerce. Among the stories it tells is that of the CSS Pee Dee, a gunboat that was scuttled in the nearby Great Pee Dee River after covering the Confederate retreat ahead of Sherman’s arrival. The Lyceum was the town library during the war and the path of some of the Union soldiers could be followed into North Carolina by the books they abandoned along the way. 

The Cheraw Visitors Bureau/Chamber of Commerce at 221 Market St. is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For details, visit  cheraw.com  or call (843) 537-8425. 

ABBEVILLE: WHERE THE WAR ENDED

The armed conflicts in South Carolina all took place below the Fall Line, but the Piedmont hosted one of the war’s most significant moments.   

While historians consider Robert E. Lee's surrender at Virginia’s Appomattox Courthouse on April 9, 1865, to be the end of the war, Abbeville's Burt-Stark Mansion stakes its claim to being where the Confederate government officially disbanded. 

On the run after the fall of Richmond, Va., Confederate President Jefferson Davis stopped at the Greek revival house on May 2 en route to Mississippi. He began the day intending to fight on, but that afternoon a group of his Cabinet members and brigade commanders finally convinced him that the South was defeated. 

"'All is indeed lost,' he finally brought himself to say," says Katy Tilley, a member of Little River Electric Cooperative and chairman of the Abbeville Historic Preservation Committee. "It was right here in the men’s parlor."

A distraught Davis dismissed his Cabinet, sent the troops accompanying him on their way, then retired to an upstairs bedroom to rest before continuing his journey. The bed he slept in is on display and visitors touring the house and grounds can easily imagine the events of the war’s final moments, Tilley says. "It was a great struggle and it indeed, had come to an end. Right here in Abbeville." 

The Burt-Stark Mansion is open Friday-Saturday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., other times by appointment. Admission is $10 per person. For details, visit  burt-stark.com  or call (864) 366-0166.

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Charleston and the Civil War

The American Civil War — though it only lasted from 1861 to 1865 — marked the nation and shaped it in ways we still feel to this day. Charleston played a major part in the war. As a pivotal city, both the Union and Confederate Armies vied for power over the Holy City. It’s no surprise that the war ended only mere months after the Union forces took control of Charleston. Not only did the Civil War end not long after Charleston’s surrender, but the Civil War began here as well.

Discover Charleston’s impact on the Civil War — and visit a few sites associated with Civil War history.

1860 Secession Convention

South Carolina was the first state to vote to secede from the union in 1860. This vote took place during the Secession Convention and was the direct result of Abraham Lincoln’s victory in the 1860 presidential election.

South Carolina saw this vote as a direct threat to slave owners’ rights in the South. Knowing the president elect’s position on slavery, they decided to secede in defense of states’ rights — and of slavery itself.

Many southern plantation owners and slave traders feared that the abolition of slavery would result in the financial collapse of the South.

Sites to Visit

The 1860 Secession Convention took place in Columbia, South Carolina. The delegates reassembled in St. Andrews Hall in Charleston and the next day at Institute Hall on Meeting Street (known as Secession Hall). Both Secession Hall and St. Andrews Hall were destroyed during the Civil War.

Castle Pinckney

The South Carolina militia seized Castle Pinckney after the secession of South Carolina. This was the first catalyst of the first shots fired during the Civil War.

Castle Pinckney is still in Charleston, located on Shutes Folly Island. You can visit the ruins and enjoy the scenery of Charleston’s harbor from this spot.

Fort Sumter: The Start of the Civil War

The first shots of the Civil War were fired at Fort Sumter. Yes, this is that fort’s claim to fame (though it did also play a role in the War of 1812). Abolitionist Henry Ward Beecher made a famous speech here after the end of the Civil War — and it was where he was informed of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination.

The best way to visit Fort Sumter… is to visit Fort Sumter. The only way to visit Fort Sumter is by boat (it’s on an island!). You’ll want to plan ahead for this trip. Visitors stay about 45 minutes on the island, but the boat ride increases the time spent at this attraction.

The Citadel’s Support of the Confederate Army

Throughout the Civil War, the Citadel’s trainees supported the Confederate Army. The Charleston-based military academy provided both military and artillery support to the South. They also allegedly fired the first shots of the Civil War at Fort Sumter.

Many visitors to Charleston don’t consider the Citadel a tourist attraction. But there’s really no reason that you shouldn’t visit this beautiful military academy campus. You can tour the campus and explore its precisely manicured grounds.

James Island (Secessionville)

Secessionville was what the city called the modern-day area of James Island. An important battle took place in this area, where the Union forces tried to take the city of Charleston by land. The attempt failed, and this was the last attempt made by the Union Army to take Charleston by land.

Today, you can still visit the Historic District of Secessionville on James Island. Most of the area is a marsh wildlife preserve, and there are a few historic homes on the land. The area looks like it was ripped right out of “The Notebook.”

Although we don’t offer a public tour of James Island, we are more than happy to take you out there when you book a private tour with a personal tour guide .

Battles of Fort Wagner

Two important battles took place at Fort Wagner. During both battles, the Union Army tried to capture the fort — but failed miserably. Yet the Confederate Army eventually abandoned Fort Wagner after a siege in 1863.

It wasn’t long after that the Union Army began using longer-range artillery — leading to the eventual downfall of the Confederacy.

Fort Wagner is located just south of the Fort Sumter National Monument, near Cummings Point. You could very well visit this spot on Morris Island, but you might be better off just killing two birds with one stone by heading to Fort Sumter instead. You can get a peek-a-boo view of Fort Wagner from here.

H.L. Hunley and the USS Housatonic

In 1864, the Confederacy demonstrated its ability to enhance technological warfare by attacking the USS Housatonic with a submarine, the H.L. Hunley. The night attack sank the Housatonic, but it also resulted in the loss of the H.L. Hunley.

The H.L. Hunley wasn’t necessarily considered a success itself — it lost 21 men in its short history — but it was an early example of submarine technology.

Fort Moultrie was where to H.L. Hunley was launched (aka the first successful submarine attack in history). Many visitors head to Fort Moultrie in conjunction with a visit to Fort Sumter. If you’re looking for more things to do in the area, you can always check out our guide to Fort Sumter and Patriots Point .

Union Victory in Charleston

The Union Army eventually took Charleston only a few months before the official end to the Civil War. In 1865, General Sherman’s march through South Carolina forced even more troops out of Charleston. (General Sherman was responsible for the systematic burning of the South — if you’ve ever seen “Gone With the Wind,” you’re familiar with this military tactic).

If you want to know more about Charleston’s involvement in the Civil War, head to the Charleston Museum . The docents here can help you understand Charleston’s importance to both the North and the South — as well as the events leading up to the Civil War.

The Aftermath of the Civil War in Charleston

Charleston was badly damaged by the Union Army during the Civil War. The Union soldiers burnt much of Charleston. Much of what wasn’t destroyed during the war fell after the 1865 earthquake. Despite witnessing so much destruction, Charleston has been able to restore many of its historic structures.

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South Carolina – More sites

A small railroad town at the outbreak of the war, Florence remained out of the way until the fall of 1864 when thousands of Union prisoners were moved to town following the evacuation of the infamous Andersonville prison camp in Georgia . In the few months of its existence (September 1864–February 1865) more than 2,800 of an estimated 15,000-18,000 prisoners died. Burials, which began during the war, became the genesis of the current National Cemetery.

War Between the States Museum

107 S Guerry St, Florence SC 843-669-1266

Collection of artifacts and other items related to the Florence area and its wartime experience. Emphasis is on the Florence Prison Stockade. Items from the camp and a model are displayed. $2 adults. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays 10 am–5 pm.

Florence National Cemetery and the Florence Stockade

803 E National Cemetery Road Cemetery: 843-669-8783

The Florence Stockade was established in September 1864 to house Union prisoners who had been moved from Andersonville in Georgia to avoid Gen. William T. Sherman’s campaigns there. By most accounts, conditions in Florence were little better than at the infamous Georgia camp and an estimated 2,800 prisoners (of approximately 15,000–18,000) died here. Most of the dead are buried in the National Cemetery established nearby. The Florence Stockade was closed in February 1865. A 1.9-mile walking trail at the historic prison site covers important features of the stockade. A kiosk at the beginning of the trail (at the end of Stockade Road, south of the cemetery) features markers explaining the site’s history and the life of prisoners and guards.

Welcome Center

Old Bank Building on Court Square 864-459-4600

Abbeville bills itself as “The Birthplace and the Deathbed of the Confederacy.” Well, sort of. One of the first large meetings to discuss South Carolina’s secession was held Nov. 22, 1860, “beneath large oaks” on Magazine Hill, now known as Secession Hill. And Jefferson Davis did hold one of his last councils of war May 2, 1865, at the Burt-Stark Mansion. Pretty good bookends in one place.

Pick up a walking tour brochure and view historical paintings at the welcome center. Many antebellum buildings and churches are described in the tours, including the 1860 Trinity Church, which features a stained glass window said to have made it past the Charleston blockade in 1863 .

Burt-Stark Mansion

Intersection of North Main and Greenville streets www.burt-stark.com, 864-366-0166

Confederate President Jefferson Davis and his dwindling party arrived here May 2, 1865, exactly a month after the fall of Richmond and the evacuation of the Confederate government. He met with the group of officers still with him and was told, essentially, that any hope of organizing any resistance or reviving any military force was now impossible. A disappointed Davis continued his flight that night after a brief rest here. He was captured eight days later in Georgia. Some original furnishings are left in this circ. 1850 home. Somewhat muddled guided tours offered. $10/adult. Open Fridays and Saturdays 1–5 pm.

Secession and Cherry streets

Featured on the Abbeville walking tour, this place is worth the short walk. The hill, now the site of a private home, was the spot where resolutions supporting secession were adopted on Nov. 22, 1860. It was one of the first such meetings. Secession was adopted officially about a month later in Charleston. Interpretive markers at Secession and Magazine streets.

South Carolina Confederate Museum

15 Boyce Ave, Greenville SC www.confederatemuseum.org, 864-268-0713

Collection includes nicely displayed artifacts and memorabilia, military and civilian, with emphasis on state, local material. Operated by the 16th South Carolina Volunteers, Sons of Confederate Veterans. Closed Tuesday and Thursday; call for hours. Free, donations welcome.

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Columbia Civil War Landmarks

This historic guidebook offers an informed tour with driving directions to 70 sites in and around South Carolina’s capital. The text is complemented by 50 photographs and illustrations of the featured sites and the people associated with them.

I would have liked a map showing all these attractions, but the author’s instructions are clear and concise. Besides, a half-century after Alice Cromie’s groundbreaking  Tour Guide to the Civil War  (1964), I guess we’ve all got GPS.

Columbia’s war history centers on the arrival of Sherman’s army on Feb. 17, 1865. The Yankees had already been punishing the state in their march from Savannah because, as author Tom Elmore himself says, “South Carolina started the Civil War.” So a lot of Sherman’s men already had it in for Columbia as they entered the city.

The burning of cotton by retreating Confederates, a prevailing high wind, Yankee vengeance, and discovery of stores of liquor were the chief causes of the downtown fires of Feb. 17-18. I would add that many of the Federals had already witnessed — and taken part in — the destruction of a major American city; Sherman’s men had burned a good part of Atlanta three months before.

When it was all over, South Carolina historian William Gilmore Simms counted 800 structures demolished in the conflagration.

By Tom Elmore

In his site-list Elmore hits all the highlights. In addition to some two dozen antebellum buildings (e.g., the McCord-Jones house, which served as Gen. Oliver O. Howard’s headquarters), he includes monuments ranging from the Women of the Confederacy (1912) to African Americans (2001).

Churches and church-sites are numerous. The Yankees burned some (only a cornerstone is left of Christ Episcopal Church) but spared others, including First Baptist on Hampton Street, where the South Carolina secession convention first met. Union soldiers wanted to torch it but apparently were confused about its location.

The author also helpfully includes Columbia’s several museums and libraries, which will attract researchers. The South Carolina Relic Room on Gervais Street alone holds four dozen Confederate flags.

In truth, a lot of Elmore’s attractions aren’t there anymore or stand in dramatically altered conditions. A pile of stones marks the site of Wade Hampton’s plantation mansion. The author provides a photograph and a vignette. Phil Sheridan, smarting after his defeat by Hampton at Trevilian Station, reportedly told Sherman, “when you get to Columbia, be sure to burn that damn Hampton’s house.”

Millwood, a spectacular mansion outside the city, is today marked by six stone columns. A historic marker stands where Dr. Robert Gibbes once lived; he was state surgeon general during the war. The building that once housed the printing firm of Evans & Cogswell, which turned out Confederate currency, is now a Publix grocery store and condo complex.

For many of his entries Elmore attaches a little narrative, as he does for the homesite of Marie Boozer near City Hall. The Boozers were Union sympathizers; Marie, her mother and sister followed Sherman’s armies in their march out of Columbia.

“Thanks to their feminine charms, the ladies became popular with any soldier with whom they came into contact,” Elmore explains, although I can’t figure out why he doesn’t mention that one of Marie’s consorts was no less than Union Brig. (soon Maj.) Gen. Judson Kilpatrick (see Samuel Martin’s biography of Kilpatrick [2000]).

Similarly, in counting the Confederate generals buried in Trinity Episcopal Churchyard, who include Hampton, Ellison Capers and States Rights Gist, he fails to mention Brigadier John S. Preston. (But who knows everything?)

With the Sesquicentennial promising to get Americans out on the road to see war sites, Elmore’s Columbia Civil War Landmarks  is a welcome aid for active buffs. We hope to see more of these guides.

Reviewer: Stephen Davis

Stephen Davis studied under Bell Wiley at Emory University where his doctoral dissertation topic was “Johnny Reb in Perspective: The Confederate Soldier’s Image in the Southern Arts.” He was book review editor for Blue & Gray magazine for more than 20 years. His next book,  What the Yankees Did to Us: Sherman’s Bombardment and Wrecking of Atlanta,  will be published by Mercer University Press.

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Culture // 8 min Read

Historical places to visit in south carolina.

Written by Palmetto Bluff

Feb 17, 2023

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4 Must-Visit South Carolina Historical Places

There is so much to discover within the great Palmetto State. Yes, South Carolina is renowned for its smiling face faces and beautiful places. However, the state is also proud of its intriguing history and rich heritage. As one of the original 13 colonies, there is much to explore and learn at the following South Carolina historical places.

Continue reading to learn more about these must-visit historical places in South Carolina.

1. Fort Sumter & Fort Moultrie National Historical Park

At the mouth of Charleston Harbor,  two forts  have rich historical significance to our country’s independence. During the American Revolution, patriots built the original Fort Moultrie, which bears the commander’s name, who played a crucial role in the victory over the British Navy in 1776. After America gained its independence, the construction of Fort Sumter began — in honor of Thomas Sumter, the American Revolutionary War hero.

Fort Moultrie

Fort Moultrie  has been rebuilt many times due to British captivation in the late 1700s and neglect from natural disasters. Since then, however, the fort has undergone modernization and restoration to depict the key eras of its unique history, from the Palmetto-log fort of 1776 to the World War II Harbor Entrance Control Post.

Fort Sumter

As a part of many efforts to bolster marine fortifications following the War of 1812, the neighboring Fort Sumter was built on Sullivan’s Island. The first shots of the Civil War were fired here — officially marking the beginning of the war on April 21, 1861. Fort Sumter became the center of a protracted defense, and the Confederates maintained it for over four years. However, Fort Sumter was diminished to ruins after the Siege of Charleston — the most prolonged siege in American military history. The abandoned Fort Sumter was largely refurbished after the Civil War. It saw limited service in the 1870s and 1880s and was finally relegated to acting as Charleston Harbor’s lighthouse station.

When You Visit

Visitors must acquire an admission permit at the Fort Moultrie Visitor Center when visiting Fort Moultrie. As for Fort Sumter, you may only access it by tour boat.

Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park offer a glimpse into the hardships and triumphs of American heroes, from the American Revolution to the present-day battles. Visiting these forts is a powerful way to follow in the footsteps of people who contributed to the creation of the new nation and those who battled to protect it.

2. Kings Mountain National Military Park

The Battle of Kings Mountain was “the turn of the tide of success,” as put by Thomas Jefferson. On October 7, 1780, this site saw the Battle of Kings Mountain, a significant American victory in the Revolutionary War. The conflict was the first American victory following the British siege of Charleston in May 1780.  The Kings Mountain National Military Park now protects the location of this historically significant battle.

In South Carolina’s backcountry, a battlefield trail — Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail — allows visitors to see one of the first Revolutionary battles fought between Revolutionaries and Loyalists. The trail passes several memorials, including Patrick Ferguson’s grave, the leader of the loyalist forces that perished during the Battle of Kings Mountain. As you walk on the same path as the American Patriots, you will undoubtedly feel you are experiencing time travel.

3. Charles Pinckney National Historic Site

Previously called Snee Farms, the  Charles Pinckney National Historic Site  lies on 28 acres. Pinckney inherited Snee Farms in 1782 from his father, which consisted of 715 acres of rice and indigo plantations. A four-term governor of South Carolina, Charles Pinckney was a principal author and signer of the United States Constitution, and the historic site tells his story. Also, the relics of Charles Pinckney’s coastal property chronicle the lives of African Americans who were held as enslaved people on South Carolina Lowcountry estates.

The historic site houses a museum and tourist center with a Lowcountry coastal cottage built in 1828. Surrounding the property grounds are enchanting gardens and towering canopies of live oak and Spanish moss. The museum tells the story of Charles Pinckney’s contributions to the U.S. Constitution through exhibits and films about the United States as a new and developing country and life on a plantation in the 18th century for free and enslaved residents. For anyone in the region who enjoys history, this is a must-stop for South Carolina historical places. Plus, admission is free!

4. Cowpens National Battlefield

The  Cowpens National Battlefield  honors a pivotal battle that altered the course of the American Revolution. Daniel Morgan led his army of men to a stunning victory on this battleground on January 17, 1781. Historians regard this battle as one of the most significant of the American Revolution because it was one of the few effective double envelopments in history. Following the American triumph at neighboring Kings Mountain on October 7, 1780, the British forces led by General Charles Cornwallis suffered another crushing loss at Cowpens. After the fight, just nine months later, Cornwallis was compelled to give up his army to General George Washington at Yorktown, Virginia, in October 1781.

Start exploring the park at the visitor center, where you can learn more about the park, the American Revolution’s Southern Campaign, and the Battle of Cowpens. Start exploring at the visitor center, where you can learn more about the park, the American Revolution’s Southern Campaign, and the battle itself. The site’s main attractions include an 18-minute live-action theater film called “Cowpens: A Battle Remembered,” a museum showcasing historical artifacts and weapons, and a bookstore run by America’s National Parks.

Suggested:  Palmetto Bluff Preserved: Cataloging Artifacts Found at the Bluff

Discover the History Behind the Bluff

If these South Carolina historical places pique your interest, you should discover the history behind our community: Palmetto Bluff. Here, the land takes precedence. Our 20,000 acres of our property require careful stewardship and protection of its natural resources. The  Palmetto Bluff Conservancy  and our owners collaborate to uphold the conservation vision for this unique area of land — full of  Lowcountry  history and culture.

Click the links for more blogs about our own history including  Astbury Street ,  Steedman Street ,  Lithic Street ,  Trout Hole Road ,  Gallavant Street ,  Gilded Street ,  Musket Road , &  Blue Glass Ball Jar !

We strive to honor and protect our state’s natural heritage and the land surrounding the Bluff. To learn more about our missions as a residential community, click the button below to  schedule a tour . We look forward to introducing you to the Bluff!

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Tourism News Top 10 Historical Attractions Near Myrtle Beach

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Discover the best historical sites near Myrtle Beach during your visit, including Civil War landmarks, historic Georgetown, SC, and other historical places. Your hotel or resort at Myrtle Beach also situates you about an hour’s drive north of historic Georgetown, South Carolina, home to Gullah Geechee culture as well as historical sites dating to America’s Colonial era. You and your family will find a bounty of historical things to do while you’re in Myrtle Beach:

Atalaya Castle

Brookgreen gardens, hobcaw barony, hopsewee plantation.

• The Gullah Museum 
• Horry County Museum

Pawleys Island Historic District

Peaches corner, warbird park, what is the myrtle beach downtown historic district.

The Myrtle Beach Downtown Historic District consists of 24 buildings associated with the successful commercial development of Myrtle Beach from 1927 to 1975. The district features the original Myrtle Beach downtown core, and the boundaries extend along Eighth Avenue North, Ninth Avenue North, Main Street, Broadway Street, North Oak Street, and North Kings Highway. The Myrtle Beach Downtown Historic District is now the Arts & Innovation District.   

What fort is near Myrtle Beach?

Three significant Civil War forts are within a two-hour drive from Myrtle Beach. Forts Sumter and Moultrie in Charleston, SC, are the historical sites of the first battle of the Civil War, when Confederate rebels at Fort Moultrie instigated the war by firing on American soldiers at Fort Sumter. Fort Fisher, in North Carolina at the southern tip of New Hanover County, fell to American Union forces in January 1865, a fatal blow to the Confederate rebellion. Today, Fort Fisher is a recreation park and ecological reserve as well as a historic site. 

What are some historical facts about Myrtle Beach?

Named for the abundant wax myrtle shrubs found in the area, Myrtle Beach was first inhabited by the Waccamaw and Winyah peoples, who called their land “Chicora.” Kings Highway, today known as the trafficky main thoroughfare of the Grand Strand, began as a trade route for the Waccamaw and Winyah. Later, this trade route was used by European settlers to form a connection between the northern states and Charleston. Spanish colonizers made an unsuccessful attempt to settle in the area, but the English made it work, eventually building a thriving British colony by the 1700s. The seas were full of cargo ships and the pirates who looted them, including Edward Teach, a.k.a., Blackbeard. The area barely developed over the next two hundred years because of its remote location, although nearby rice plantations thrived from slave labor and trade. In the 1900s, a timber and turpentine company began developing their beachfront holdings in the area and billing it as a seaside resort dubbed “Myrtle Beach.” From the 1920s–1940s, Myrtle Beach grew quickly as a vacation destination, solidifying its reputation as a premier beach resort town for fun in the sun by the 1970s.

Historical Sites Near Myrtle Beach

Historically known as Atalaya, this attraction is located in Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet. It was designed by Archer Huntington and built from 1931 to 1933.  Atalaya served as a winter home for Archer and his wife Anna Hyatt Huntington, who was a sculptor. Her sculptures can be seen throughout the botanical gardens across the street at Brookgreen Gardens. Atalaya Castle was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Guests can visit Atalaya Castle by purchasing admission to Huntington Beach State Park. The castle is open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. (5 p.m. during Daylight Savings) unless there is a special event.

1931 Brookgreen Drive, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

Brookgreen Gardens is a sprawling botanical/sculpture garden located in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. It was founded in 1931 by Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington, but before its life as a public sculpture garden, the land served as a working plantation. Nowadays, locals and visitors to the Grand Strand travel to Brookgreen Gardens to see art, nature, and to learn about history with guided tours. Brookgreen is listed as a National Historic Landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Georgetown, an hour’s drive south of Myrtle Beach, is rich with history, as it is the third oldest city in South Carolina! Here, visitors find a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as historical and cultural museums including the Georgetown County Museum, the Kaminski House, the Rice Museum, and the South Carolina Maritime Museum. Those visiting Georgetown will also see plenty of beautiful old Southern-style homes. For history buffs, it’s worth noting that Georgetown is home to Francis Marion, “The Swamp Fox,” who led raids against the British during the Revolutionary War, toppling their control of the area.

22 Hobcaw Rd, Georgetown, SC 29440

Located in Georgetown, Hobcaw Barony is a 16,000-acre area purchased by business tycoon Bernard M. Baruch between 1905 and 1907 as a winter hunting retreat. His daughter, Belle W. Baruch, began purchasing pieces of the property from her father in 1936, and by 1956 she owned all of the land. When Belle died, the land was transferred to the Belle W. Baruch Foundation to preserve it for natural and historical purposes. Today, visitors can visit the property and take a guided tour to learn all about the unique history of Hobcaw Barony.

494 Hop Sewee Rd, Georgetown, SC 29440

Hopsewee Plantation was built as a plantation house in 1735 near Georgetown. It is famous for being the birthplace of Thomas Lynch, Jr., who signed the Declaration of Independence. Hopsewee was a rice plantation until the Civil War and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1971. Today, the house is a private residence, but it is open for public tours.

The Gullah Museum

Located in Georgetown, The Gullah Museum was founded by Gullah elder Vermelle “Bunny” Smith Rodrigues and her husband Andrew, also Gullah and a noted historian. This intimate space includes Gullah artifacts, sweetgrass dolls, and a wealth of information about the Gullah language, agricultural practices, food, and Gullah Geechee heritage. The museum also offers sweetgrass basket-making classes and children’s storytimes. 

Horry County Museum (Conway)

805 Main Street, Conway, SC 29526

The Horry County Museum opened in 1981 in Conway, SC. In 2014, the museum moved into the renovated Burroughs School from 1905, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum houses exhibits that focus on the history, prehistory, and natural history of Horry County. The museum opened the L.W. Paul Living History Farm in 2009. The farm allows visitors to see what life was like on a one-horse family farm from 1900–1955. The museum is free and open to the public.

The Pawleys Island Historic District is located on Pawleys Island and is comprised of 12 buildings dating from around 1780 to after World War I. Those driving through Pawleys Island will see these homes marked with plaques; they represent coastal architectural ingenuity and feature maximum ventilation, large porches, brick foundations, large chimneys, fireplaces, breezeways, servants’ quarters, and more to help make these homes into summer retreats. This area of Pawleys Island was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

900 North Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

If you’ve ever been to Myrtle Beach, then chances are you’ve seen Peaches Corner down on Ocean Boulevard. Peaches Corner opened in 1937 and has been serving delicious food to visitors ever since. The restaurant is still family owned and operated and has become a Myrtle Beach landmark over the years. When you’re in town, grab a burger or hot dog at Peaches Corner and become a part of Myrtle Beach history yourself! Take a look at these vintage Myrtle Beach postcards to see Peaches Corner and other historic Myrtle Beach landmarks from back in the day.

Located at the Market Common, Warbird Park is a public area with monuments dedicated to the history of the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. This attraction features plaques, monuments , and authentic military aircraft.

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The 28 Best Things To Do In Charleston, South Carolina

Good times and good eats abound in this beloved South Carolina city.

• Restaurants
• Get Outside

Given that Southern Living readers have named it The South’s Best City several times, Charleston, South Carolina, requires no introduction or persuasive arguments in its favor: The booming food scene, colorful historic homes, and waterfront views make the case for themselves. It’s easy to fill a long weekend itinerary here, and given that it’s nearly impossible to tackle everything on your “to eat” list in just a few days, the Holy City is a place you’ll want to plan a return trip or two . Here are our favorite restaurants, bars, shops , and experiences, from lauded, well-known picks to those that fly a bit further under the radar.

Check Some Restaurants Off Your Bucket List

Savor fresh shrimp at bowens island restaurant.

When it comes to dinner with a view, one place stands out as the finest (but still no-frills) place to eat local shrimp, and that's Bowens Island—a nearly 80-year-old family-owned restaurant perched in a few ramshackle structures on the river. Order a fried shrimp platter with hushpuppies and slaw, or go for the Frogmore Stew (for the uninitiated, that's a shrimp boil), a drool-worthy combination of boiled shrimp, potatoes, corn, and sausage.

bowensisland.com , 870 Bowens Island Rd, Charleston, SC 29412

Settle In for Soul Food at Bertha’s Kitchen

The bright purple awning and teal blue facade of this James Beard Award winner (2017 America’s Classic) may be the first things that catch your eye, but it’s the red rice, chicken necks, and okra soup that’ll make it worth your while to join the line of hungry patrons that snakes from the counter register around the restaurant’s perimeter. 

facebook.com , 2332 Meeting Street Rd, Charleston, SC 29405

Try FIG’s Famous Tomato Tarte Tatin

Tourists may be quick to complain about summertime’s soupy humidity and mosquitoes, but locals know that the season’s arrival brings at least one welcome visitor: Chef Mike Lata’s Tomato Tarte Tatin. The dish, crowned with garlic confit and served alongside whipped goat cheese, typically appears on the menu in June and lingers until September or October—in other words, only when the local tomatoes are at their best. But even if your trip doesn’t fall in line with this window, FIG is still worth the reservation: the staff is gracious and knowledgeable, and the food is singularly memorable even in a town swamped with dining options.

eatatfig.com , 232 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401 

Order a Plate of Fried Chicken at Leon’s

The worst kept secret in the city is a must-visit for first-timers. Few other places in town capture so well the relaxed ease that seems woven into Charleston’s very DNA. Housed in an old garage and outfitted with warm wooden tables and an art collection that feels like it was passed down from generation to generation until it landed here, Leon’s is the kind of place that feels like it’s always been part of the Charleston dining landscape—a triumph considering it’s a relative newcomer, opened in 2014. Fried chicken and oysters (raw and char-grilled) are the main draws on the menu, but don’t miss the scalloped potatoes either; it all pairs nicely with a bucket of Miller High Life ‘Ponies.’

leonsoystershop.com , 698 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

Tuck into a Thali at Ma’am Saab

Helmed by Chef Maryam Ghaznavi, this Pakistani spot celebrates inventive twists on storied dishes. At lunchtime, order the Signature Thali, a plate that Southerners might recognize as being akin to a meal at a meat-and-three; choose from creamy butter chicken, saag paneer (a vegetarian dish with spinach and cheese), curried chickpeas, and smoked ground beef. 

maamsaabchs.com, 251 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401 

Sample Chez Nous’ Changing Menu 

Nestled in an historic house on a hidden away street, you likely wouldn’t just happen upon this neighborhood eatery that feels like a mini escape to Europe, and that’s half the charm. The cozy atmosphere is elevated but inviting, and the handwritten menu of seasonally driven dishes changes daily. It’s fortunate, too, that the options are so few (two appetizers, two mains, two desserts), as you’ve got a good excuse to order one of each.

cheznouschs.com , 6 Payne Court, Charleston, SC 29403

Save Room for a Slice of Cake

While Peninsula Grill could claim many of their dishes as “worth traveling for,” the fine dining establishment is best known for its Ultimate Coconut Cake, a 12-layer confection stuffed with cream cheese icing, coated in toasted coconut, and topped with strawberries. 

peninsulagrill.com; 112 N Market St, Charleston, SC 29401

Learn About The City’s History Firsthand

Spend an afternoon at the international african american museum (iaam).

Opened in June 2023 and positioned on what was once Gadsden’s Wharf (the arrival site around 40% of all enslaved people in North America), the IAAM houses 12 permanent exhibitions and a Special Exhibitions gallery, which explore a wide range of topics, from the Gullah Geechee peoples in South Carolina and Georgia to the African Diaspora’s impact on the U.S. at large. The museum is also home to the Center for Family History, where visitors can use on-site resources to discover their own families’ stories. Carve out time to explore the African Ancestors Memorial Garden below the building, as well; it’s free and open to the public.

iaamuseum.org , 14 Wharfside St, Charleston, SC 29401

Squeeze In Multiple Sites with a Walking Tour

There’s no better way to experience Charleston than by strolling its streets with someone who’s both well-versed in its history—including the “historic gossip” that makes learning about the past especially exciting—and has a pulse on what’s current. You’ll find just that with Walk and Talk Charleston. Helmed by hat-wearing founder, “Lid Lady” Tyler Page Wright Friedman, the company offers a variety of educational experiences, from their “Classic Charleston History and Historic Gossip Tour” to “The Real Rainbow Row Tour,” which chronicles the city’s LGBTQ+ history.

walkandtalkchs.com

Take the Ferry to Fort Sumter

For history buffs, a visit to Fort Sumter —the place where the Civil War began—is a must. On April 12, 1861, Confederate troops fired on this then-Union-held fort, launching the four-year war. Today, Fort Sumter is a national park and designated historic and commemorative site with a museum. Positioned in the middle of Charleston Harbor, the only way to reach it is via a tour boat, which can be booked through Fort Sumter Tours. Opt for the day’s first time slot for a chance to help the park rangers raise the U.S. flag over the fort. 

fortsumtertours.com

Visit the Aiken-Rhett House Museum

Built in 1820, the Aiken-Rhett House is today considered one of the best-preserved townhouse complexes in the country. Rather than restoring the home upon acquiring it in 1995, the Historic Charleston Foundation took a preserved-as-found approach, which means the furniture, finishes, and architecture on site haven’t been changed since the mid-19th century. Perhaps most unique to the site is that the quarters in which enslaved people lived were also left essentially untouched, offering a more comprehensive look into life in antebellum Charleston. You can move through the museum with a guide or opt for a self-guided tour with the Historic Charleston Foundation’s free app.

historiccharleston.org , 48 Elizabeth St, Charleston, SC 29403

Step Aboard the U.S.S. Yorktown

Visit WWII’s “Fighting Lady,” a decorated aircraft carrier that also served in the Vietnam War and recovered the astronauts and capsule from the Apollo 8’s spaceflight (the first with humans to reach the moon). For a truly immersive experience, book a one- or two-night stay aboard the ship through the Yorktown’s Operation Overnight program.

patriotspoint.org, 40 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 

Toast Your Travels With Delicious Drinks

Pair your cocktail with a view.

Formerly a federal building, circa-1964 The Dewberry is now one of the city’s most lauded boutique hotels. Even if a stay here isn’t in the cards, reserve a table at Citrus Club on the hotel’s 8th floor terrace for a light lunch and tasty drinks with a prime view of the city. Looking to make a scene? Order the Tropical Itch, a rum-and-bourbon concoction garnished with a back scratcher. 

thedewberrycharleston.com; 334 Meeting St, Charleston, SC, 29403

Discover New-to-You Wines 

Whether you’re committed to a grocery store Pinot Grigio or you’re always on the hunt for the next best thing, Femi Oyediran and Miles White, sommeliers and co-owners of Graft Wine Shop & Wine Bar, can school you in the latest and greatest glass. At this neighborhood spot, you’re sure to find good wine and good music and be welcomed like a local.

graftchs.com , 700b King Street, Charleston, SC 29403

Sip a Poolside Paloma at Little Palm

Revel in the delightfully retro atmosphere of The Ryder hotel’s poolside bar and café, which is awash in peach and pistachio hues. We’re suckers for Little Palm’s playful cocktail names, like the “Extra Leg Room,” made with gin and oolong tea soda, and the “Offshore Accounts,” which features three different spirits.

littlepalmbar.com ; 237 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401

Sample Edmunds Oast’s Local Brews

Check out the city’s craft beer scene with a stop at Edmund’s Oast, a local brewery that churns out dozens of ales, from classic blondes to fruity sours. Choose from two locations: the original “fine casual” restaurant and cocktail bar on Morrison, or the production brewery and taproom on King, where they’ve always got 20 house-brewed beers on tap. 

edmundsoast.com ; 1081 Morrison Dr, Charleston, SC 29403 and 1505 King St #115, Charleston, SC 29405

Have a Nightcap at Félix

If you’re hoping for an early A.M. drink without venturing to a dive, Félix Cocktails et Cuisine is the move. Sink into a leather-wrapped banquette at this Paris-inspired bistro and end your evening with a Félix Royale, a draft cocktail crafted with local gin, lime juice, and sparkling wine.

felixchs.com , 550 King St #100, Charleston, SC 29403

Revel In the City’s Arts Scene

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Catch a Show at America’s First Theater

The Dock Street Theater originally opened in Charleston’s French Quarter in 1736, the first building constructed exclusively for theater performances. After the city’s Great Fire, which wiped out the original building, the theater was rebuilt in 1809 as a hotel and didn’t serve as a performing arts center again until 1937, after an extensive renovation. Today, the Dock Street Theater is an inspired venue to see a musical or play; the theater’s resident professional company, Charleston Stage, offers more than 100 performances each year. 

charlestonstage.com ; 135 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401

Peruse the Collection at the Gibbes Museum of Art

Opened in 1905, the city’s historic art museum is home to more than 7,000 pieces in various mediums which date from the colonial era to present. Don’t miss the Mary Jackson Modern and Contemporary Gallery (part of the museum’s permanent collection), which is named for the famous Charleston sweetgrass basket artist and features pieces by artists native to the area or who have spent time here, as well as those who have created works that present a compelling and honest portrait of South. 

gibbesmuseum.org , 135 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401

Pop Into the Local Galleries

With more than 40 galleries in the area, the Holy City has no shortage of places to connect with local artists and peruse their works. Time your trip with the first weekend of the month and join the Charleston Gallery Association for its First Friday Artwalk, when local galleries keep their doors open after hours for a convivial celebration of Charleston’s arts community.

charlestongalleryassociation.com

Mark Your Calendar for Spoleto

While the local arts scene never sleeps, Spoleto Festival USA is an especially exhilarating time for local arts lovers and visitors. Each spring, for more than two weeks, the city plays host to one of the country’s most impressive arts festivals, in which renowned and up-and-coming musicians, singers, dancers, actors, and other artists descend upon Charleston for a series of memorable performances, exhibitions, and shows. 

spoletousa.org

Shop for A Memorable Souvenir

Find a sweetgrass basket at the charleston city market.

One of the oldest markets in the country, Charleston City Market runs the length of four blocks in the heart of downtown, anchored by the Great Hall on Meeting Street with a series of one-story sheds that continue until you reach East Bay. Here, you can shop for a wide variety of souvenirs (there are some 300 vendors), but the real treasures here are sweetgrass baskets, which are hand-woven by Gullah artists, many of whom learned to weave from the generations before them.

thecharlestoncitymarket.com , 188 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401

Browse New and Antique Pieces at Croghan’s Jewel Box

A go-to destination for finding meaningful, heirloom-worthy gifts, this century-old shop on King Street is helmed by the third and fourth generations of the same family. Beyond curating an incredible assortment of new and estate jewelry and silver, they also carry the Goldbug Collection , a cheeky, more approachable line of pieces designed in-house and inspired by the city.

croghansjewelbox.com ; 308 King St, Charleston, SC 29401

Try the Latest Trend at The Tiny Tassel 

With “Live colorfully!” for her motto, it’s little wonder that founder Mimi Striplin’s shop in the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood is filled with jewelry, accessories, and clothing that give Rainbow Row a run for its money. Named for the brand’s signature tassel earrings, the brand (led by Striplin and her lead designer mom, Keiko) releases a new collection each season, so you’re sure to find something unique every time you shop. 

thetinytassel.com ; 46 Spring St Unit B, Charleston, SC 29403 

Explore Artisan-Made Luxury Goods at Ibu Movement’s Showroom

Founded by former minister Susan Hull Walker in 2014, this organization partners with women artisans in 40 countries, empowering them with living wages that enable them to move towards financial independence and provide for their families. Ibu’s cozy shop on King Street peddles an assortment of their beautifully crafted goods, from raffia handbags made in Colombia to silk-and-cotton dresses made in Uzbekistan.

ibumovement.com , 183 King St 2nd Floor, Charleston, SC 29401

Play Outside

Stroll the arthur ravenel jr. bridge.

The two-and-a-half mile cable-stayed crossing between downtown Charleston and the suburb of Mount Pleasant is a scenic place to break a sweat. Climb the hilly spans on the protected pedestrian path, and stop at the top to catch your breath and score a bird’s-eye view of the sparkling Cooper River and downtown Charleston, including the many steeples that earned the place its Holy City moniker.

Look for Sharks’ Teeth at Melton Peter Demetre Park

Only a few miles from downtown, James Island is largely residential without downtown’s draws for tourists. For a true locals-only experience, head to the city-owned waterfront spot , where you can hunt for sharks’ teeth with panoramic views of downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant or cast a line off the 190-foot fishing pier.

charleston-sc.gov ; 640 Wampler Drive, Charleston, SC 29412

Enjoy a Beach Day

Make the short drive to Sullivan’s Island , a small barrier island ten miles from downtown Charleston. There’s not a trace of touristy kitsch in this bitty beach town, where historic homes line oak-shaded streets and storybook cottages invite passersby to stop and smell rose-wrapped trellises. Up for dinner and a show? Pick up a pizza from The Obstinate Daughter and take it to the sand for a sunset picnic.

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Established in 1670, Charleston, South Carolina, is city rich with history.  Visitors to the city can walk in the footsteps of heros of the Revolutionary War and Civil War at places like Fort Moultrie and Fort Sumter .  Though the city has expanded greatly and some historic sites have been lost, remnants of its various battlefields can still be seen today. 

Tour Civil War Charleston in One Day

Tour Revolutionary Charleston in Two Days

Tour Civil War Charleston and Savannah in Three Days

Charleston: what's nearby.

Rev War   |   Battlefield Charleston Charleston, SC

Rev War   |   Museum Old Exchange and Provosts Dungeon Charleston, SC

Civil War   |   Battlefield Fort Sumter Battlefield Charleston, SC

Civil War   |   Battlefield Fort Wagner Battlefield Charleston, SC

Civil War   |   Museum Medal of Honor Museum Mount Pleasant, SC

Fort Fort Johnson Charleston, SC

Civil War   |   Battlefield Secessionville Battlefield Charleston, SC

Rev War   |   Battlefield Sullivan’s Island Sullivan's Island, SC

Civil War   |   Fort Fort Moultrie Sullivan's Island, SC

Civil War   |   Historic Site Fort Sumter National Monument Sullivan's Island, SC

Rev War   |   Battlefield Dills Bluff Charleston, SC

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Columbia is for the Boys: 4 Guys Getaways

On the rocks, with salt: a guide to margaritas in columbia sc, historic attractions in columbia sc.

For more than 250 years, Columbia SC has pushed itself and its people forward. From the Revolutionary War through the Civil Rights era and beyond, our collective struggles and rich history have resulted in our unique culture.

Take a stroll through time and connect with the city's shared past with Historic Columbia . Learn about previous incarnations of Columbia with neighborhood tours of Arsenal Hill , Cottontown and Old Shandon, or visit the historic homes and gardens of the city's early families. Centrally located at the intersection of Gervais and Main Streets , the capitol is the quintessential stage for history in the making. See damage caused by artillery shells by troops under Sherman's command, and do not miss the African-American Monument that chronicles African Americans in South Carolina from arrival to the modern age. If you're pressed for time but would still like a healthy dose of local history, head to the South Carolina State Museum , itself on the National Register of Historic Places. The state-of-the-art facility houses four museums in one: art, history, natural history, science and technology.

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The insider's guide, food & drink.

11 Historic Beaufort Sites that Everybody Should See

With over three centuries of incorporation, and visitors coming two hundred years before 1711, beaufort sits today as a living history, a place where the past and present exist together every day. while the area is full of historical marvels, there are some spots, in particular, you simply have to see and experience. do yourself a favor and put these historic beaufort destinations on your itinerary..

Beaufort’s roots go way back to 1711, but its story goes back even further. A true hotbed for history, it all began 500 years ago with the discovery of the area by the Spanish. Being a seaport located at the head of one of the largest natural harbors on the Atlantic coast explains the interest of the Spanish and French explorers that laid claim to the area.

In fact, America started right here in Beaufort. The Spanish settlement at Santa Elena on Parris Island is dated 11 years before St. Augustine, 38 years before Jamestown, and 51 years before the English pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock. That makes it the first attempt of European colonization of the new world.

1. Prince William’s Parish Church (Old Sheldon Church Ruins)

One of the most sacred spots in all of the Carolina Lowcountry is the ruins of the Prince William’s Parish Church, known today as the Old Sheldon Church. The church was built between 1745 and 1753 and is said to be the first conscious attempt in America to imitate a Greek temple. Prince William was burned by the British in 1779 during the Revolutionary War. In 1826 it was rebuilt and legend says it was later burnt by William Tecumseh Sherman in 1865 during his march through the south.

Its sacred grounds are said to be haunted…but they are undeniably beautiful. The site was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on October 22nd, 1970.

2. Hunting Island Lighthouse

One of the most recognizable and most beloved landmarks in the Beaufort area is the historic Hunting Island Lighthouse. The only lighthouse in South Carolina where you can climb all the way to the top, its history started with its construction in 1859, but was set back as the tower was destroyed during the Civil War in 1862 by Confederate forces so the Union Navy would not be able to use it for navigation.

Construction started again in 1873, and was completed in 1875. It was first located on the northern part of Hunting Island, but severe beach erosion threatened it and its accompanying structures. In 1888 the Atlantic Ocean’s high tide had reached within 35 feet of the keeper’s house.  As a result, the Lighthouse, the keeper’s home and two other structures were relocated a mile away in 1889 to their present location.  With its 167 steps that lead to an impressive observation deck, the Hunting Island Lighthouse has a beautifully built wrought iron staircase, railings and support beams…and should be on everyone’s list of must-see historic Beaufort spots.

3. Chapel of Ease

This beautiful relic of a church known as the ‘Chapel of Ease’ is located on St. Helena Island. In the 1700s, the main church of Beaufort was too far away for the many planters who lived on the island to travel back and forth to worship, so the Anglican Church established the chapel to help the families attend church on a regular basis.

Built in 1740 and made of tabby, the chapel served the area until Union troops came ashore in November of 1861.  On November 4th, 1861 Sunday services were interrupted by a messenger who brought news of the impending invasion of nearby Beaufort by Union troops.  With the arrival of those forces in 1861, the church never again regained its stature.

The church was burned by forest fire in 1886 and it was never rebuilt. It still stands as a wonderful reminder of an extraordinary era.

4. Fort Fremont 

Located on St. Helena Island all the way at Land’s End, Fort Fremont is a Spanish American War fort built in 1899 as one of the coastal batteries authorized by Congress under the $50 million Harbor Fortification Act of 1898. Luckily the war was a short one and the Spanish never made it to St. Helena or Port Royal Sound, and no shot was ever fired from the fort.  No threat, or call-to-arms was ever even made.

In 1921,the property was placed on the Secretary of War’s list of properties considered as obsolete and not needed for military purposes, and was deactivated as a military installation in 1921.

Beautiful, eerie and mysterious, and lying right along the water, the fort’s grounds and battery are open free to the public and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Historic Resources of St. Helena Island.

5. The Beaufort Arsenal

The Beaufort Arsenal is one of the most significant historic buildings in all of Beaufort with over 200 years of service. Completed in 1798 at the whopping cost of $2,500, the original structure was built of tabby and covered with tiles with a wall surrounding it that was also made of tabby.

The Arsenal was the home of the Beaufort Volunteer Artillery, commissioned in 1802, which had its roots in an earlier company organized in 1776 during the Revolutionary War. After the Civil War, the Arsenal became a place for hosting social events and military ceremonies. in 1878, the Beaufort Volunteer Artillery was reorganized and in 1892 the BVA became the South Carolina National Guard.

Today residents and visitors alike enjoy this beautiful and majestic symbol of Beaufort’s important past.

6. Penn Center

Take a trip back in time in Beaufort where you can still witness a thriving local Gullah culture in the Beaufort area through arts, historical preservation projects, community groups, and historic Penn Center.  Penn Center was formed as Penn School in 1862, and it was the very first school for freed slaves in the U.S., and is now a Gullah Community Center on St. Helena Island.  Penn Center also serves as the unofficial capital of Gullah Culture on the southeast Atlantic Coast.  During the 1960′s, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and members of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference chose Penn Center as a site for it’s strategic planing.

For more than 150 years, Penn Center has been at the epicenter of African American education, historic preservation and social justice for tens of thousands of descendants of formerly enslaved West Africans living in the Sea Islands. These people have continued to survive to today and represent the most tangible living example of one of the outcomes of the Port Royal Experiment, a plan by the federal government to “test the capabilities of former slaves for freedom and self-support” during the Civil War.

It’s considered one of the most significant African American historical and cultural institutions in existence today. You will go back in time when you visit Penn Center.

Other spots to see….

7. parish church of st. helena.

The Parish Church of St. Helena: An Important Part of Beaufort’s History

8. Fort Frederick

Fort Frederick: The British in Beaufort

9. Parris Island

10. sams family plantation complex, 11. beaufort national cemetery.

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7 of the Best Destinations for a Civil War Road Trip

Step back in time: civil war vacation stops.

Step back in time to an era in United States history that continues to fascinate scholars and history buffs to this day. Embark on the ultimate Civil War road trip full of history and breathtaking scenery. Visit famous battlefields, informative museums, notorious landmarks, and hauntingly beautiful cemeteries. What is it that draws you to this vein of history? Perhaps you can trace your family lineage to those who fought in this war. Maybe your interests just include war history and social politics. From Gettysburg National Military Park and Fort Sumter to the African American Civil War Museum and Arlington National Cemetery, you can find Civil War sites all across the U.S.

For the ultimate experience, stay in one of Select Registry’s historic properties ! Whether your interests are strictly Civil War-related or extend to all of U.S. history, you’ll be enamored by our charming bed and breakfasts. Explore cities overflowing with history. Dine in halls that historical figures, like presidents and statesmen, once inhabited. Rest your head in homes that survived the War between the years 1861-1865, and that still stand today. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn about history from a first-hand perspective. What are you waiting for? The open road is calling.

South Carolina

1. charleston, sc.

Begin your road trip where the war began, in Charleston, SC. It's pretty surprising General Sherman didn't burn Charleston on his famous March to the Sea. The holy city is, after all, where the first Confederate shots were fired at Fort Sumter, a Union fort during the Civil War. Another Civil War fort worth visiting is Fort Moultrie. Formerly a Union garrison, it was abandoned after the South Carolina Secession of 1860. Several months later, Confederate soldiers claimed it to use in the Civil War.

If you'd like to see an actual Civil War submarine, you must visit the H.L. Hunley! This is the Confederate submarine that sunk the USS Housatonic, a huge Union warship, on February 17, 1864. The crew of the H.L. Hunley are buried at the Magnolia Cemetery, another Civil War site in Charleston, South Carolina . Dating back to 1850, this cemetery is also where more than 2,200 Civil War veterans, 14 signers of the Ordinance of Secession, and 84 Confederate soldiers are buried.

2. Camden, SC

For those interested in women’s role in the Civil War, you need to visit Camden, SC. Read the famous diary of Mary Boykin Chesnut and see the city through her eyes. She was an eloquent and well-educated woman of the South. Born to Stephen Decatur Miller, a prominent South Carolina politician, Mary later became the wife of James Chestnut, a U.S. Senator who also served as a brigadier general in the Confederate army and a personal aide to Jefferson Davis. With politics in her blood, it's no wonder Mary became famous for a diary she kept during the Civil War. In it, she describes the struggles of people from all classes despite her prominent social status.

North Carolina

3. bennett place and bentonville, nc.

Journey to Bentonville Battlefield and learn about the one of the most significant battles that took place on North Carolina soil. Tour the inside of a Civil War-era historic home, the Harper House. The house was occupied by Union troops during the Bentonville battle. Despite the skirmishes that took place here, the house still stands today.

Trek from Bentonville to Durham, North Carolina and visit Bennett Place. This now peaceful Piedmont farmstead was once used as a meeting place for commanders, Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston and Union General William T. Sherman. There, they signed the South’s surrender papers in 1864. It was the largest surrender during the American Civil War.

4. Stay at the Richard Johnston Inn Bed and Breakfast in Fredericksburg, Virginia

A must-see for Civil War history buffs, the Richard Johnston Inn was built in the late 1700s by one of the original signers of the Declaration of Independence, architect John Taylor. In the 1800s, it housed the city's mayor and its namesake, Richard Johnston. In the December of 1862, a Civil war battle destroyed most of Downtown Fredericksburg. Before the battle, Confederate sharpshooters fired shots out of the Richard Johnston Inn's back windows at the Yankees on the other side of the river. Today, you can see evidence of the Civil War battle on the inn's front facade. Despite its Civil War wounds, the Richard Johnston Inn has become the most award-winning bed and breakfast in historic Fredericksburg, Virginia!

5. Stay at the 1890 Caroline House in Fredericksburg, Virginia

Down the street from the Richard Johnston Inn in the city's historic district, is the lovingly restored 1890 Caroline House . Owned initially by Jane Steady prior to the Civil War, the property was unfortunately destroyed in the December battle of 1862. This is the same battle that left the Richard Johnston Inn's front facade wounded. A stunning Victorian Home, the Caroline House was built in 1891 as a private residence for Robert Walker Adams, the city's treasurer. Historians call the house the "Shady Lady" due to a questionable exchange of property between Adams and his business partner, A.K. Phillips. Years later, the 1890 Caroline House left behind its “shady” past to become one of the most romantic and luxurious historic bed and breakfasts in Fredericksburg!

Pennsylvania

6. gettysburg, pennsylvania.

Who can forget the Gettysburg Address? Delivered on November 19, 1863, in Pennsylvania, this is the most famous speech ever given by President Abraham Lincoln. In under three minutes, he reiterated the importance of human equality set forth by the Declaration of Independence. This speech took place four and a half months after the Union soldiers defeated the Confederates at the Battle of Gettysburg. Given at the Soldiers' National Cemetery, this was Lincoln's proclamation of the war as a new birth of freedom that would finally result in true equality for everyone. A major turning point in the Civil War, the Battle of Gettysburg marked the end of General Robert E. Lee's second and most daring invasion of the North. The battle lasted three days and ended with 51,000 casualties, making it both the bloodiest Civil War battle and the largest battle ever fought in North America.

7. Antietam National Battlefield

In September 1862, Confederate and Union soldiers marched through Maryland to meet at the Battle of Antietam. Today, you can drive the routes the soldiers traveled starting where Confederate General Robert E. Lee crossed the Potomac River into Maryland at Whites Ford and then on to Frederick. Along the way, stop and explore the cavalry and infantry action that took place. Once you pass Frederick, you'll continue through Middletown to South Mountain. The last stop of the driving tour is the famous Antietam Battlefield. The battlefield was the site of the bloodiest single-day battle of the Civil War.

Stay Select

Make the most of your Civil War road trip and stay in Select Registry inns and B&Bs. Maybe you’re interested in sleeping over in a historic, civil war-era manor or mansion. Perhaps you’d enjoy staying the night in a luxurious boutique hotel. Wherever you decide to rest your head, you’re guaranteed the history-filled vacation of your dreams!

Best Places to Stay in Charleston

John Rutledge House Inn

Best places to stay in fredericksburg.

1890 Caroline House

The Richard Johnston Inn

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16 fun things to do in south carolina.

The Palmetto State offers much to explore, from beaches and golf to historic sites and natural wonders.

Fun Things to Do in South Carolina

Courtesy of Discover South Carolina | SCPRT

South Carolina contains many surprises, such as that it was the first state to open a library in 1698 or that its state fruit is the peach. But beyond what you may not know, South Carolina has plenty of what you would expect, from historic estates and cultural tours to gorgeous shorelines and its ever-present oak trees. It's a state that blends old and new, land and sea.

For everything you plan to do in South Carolina – whether it's playing golf, strolling through manicured gardens or spending a day at the beach – you can seek out something you didn't expect, such as a trolley ride through a tea plantation or a kazoo factory tour. Leave the familiarity of the city for a tour of an African village or a day spent learning about Gullah culture, and venture off the mainland to one of South Carolina's many islands. With this list compiled by U.S. News, discover some of the top ways to spend your time in South Carolina.

Explore the Charleston Historic District

Many of the sites and landmarks pivotal to South Carolina's story are clustered together in the Historic District of Charleston. The Heyward-Washington House is notable because it was built in 1772 as the Georgian-style town house of Thomas Heyward Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence. President George Washington also used the home for a weeklong stay in Charleston in 1791. Even the hotels here are historic. The location of Hotel Emeline has hosted various businesses since 1852, including a grocery business and a bank; today, the hotel features its own archive on display spanning collections from 1920 through World War II, as well as a coffee shop called Clerks.

One of the best ways to see downtown Charleston is with a carriage tour. Old South Carriage Company is one of a few that will take you around downtown and explain the sites. The route is assigned at random by the city of Charleston after you depart, so it's always a surprise. The carriage rides are a charming way to see top Charleston attractions like The Battery or Rainbow Row, and guides provide insight into various points of interest, such as the reason for the houses' beautiful colors. If you'd prefer not to use a horse and carriage, other options for tours include tours by pedicab or self-guided walking tours . Whatever you choose, downtown Charleston has plenty of history and beauty to discover.

If you want to re-create a scene from "The Notebook," head up King Street to The American Theater and bask in the make-believe young love of Noah and Allie. Then, take a tour of the Calhoun Mansion, where the home's interior scenes were shot, and go less than 10 miles outside of town to visit Boone Hall Plantation – one of the country's oldest working plantations and the summer home of Allie's family.

Congaree National Park

Getty Images

Congaree National Park is home to the oldest intact bottomland hardwood forest in North America, so its biodiversity is astonishing, from its endangered indigo snakes to its massive loblolly pines. Across its 26,000 acres, there are more than 25 miles of hiking trails, including 2.4 miles of boardwalk that wind over the Congaree floodplain. The best way to see the park is by following the marked canoe trail that invites visitors to kayak or canoe their way through the park along Cedar Creek. More adventurous and experienced paddlers can take on the Congaree River Blue Trail, a designated 50-mile recreational paddling trail that stretches from Columbia to Congaree Park.

It is also one of just two national parks where synchronous fireflies can be admired once a year. The National Park Service typically holds a lottery in early April for viewings from mid-May to mid-June. The specific dates vary each year, so check the NPS.gov website annually. The lottery costs $1 to enter; if you win, you will be charged another $24 to secure your pass. These are coveted tickets for an experience you will never forget.

Drayton Hall: Charleston

There are many historic homes across the Palmetto State, but Drayton Hall has the distinction of being the oldest unrestored plantation home in America, dating back to 1738. The structure, which homed seven generations, has been stabilized rather than restored to its period decor. Founder John Drayton's wealth largely came from his 100 plantations covering 76,000 acres and the enslaved people that worked them – estimated to have numbered in the thousands and included Native Americans.

Visitors get the unique experience of hearing the untold stories of generations who lived at Drayton Hall, and many note that despite ongoing preservation-related construction, the archaeologists who work excavation sites at Drayton are fascinating to talk to. Drayton Hall takes advance reservations for the main house tour, which will save you a few dollars, or you can purchase them on-site the day you arrive. Hourlong house tours are available each operating day.

Address: 3380 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414

Tour an African village

Covering 27 acres in Seabrook, the Oyotunji African Village is populated by families representing the Yoruba and Dahomey cultures of West Africa. The village, located in the woods, was founded in 1970 by "King" Ofuntola Oseijeman Adelabu Adefunmi I (born Walter Eugene King). Referred to as Oba Waja, he was initiated into the Orisa-Vodun priesthood in Cuba in 1959.

According to its present-day mission statement, the village "serves as a real-time reminder of the sociology and African world view contribution made to society by African ancestors of antiquity." The village is open to guests daily. Be sure to check out the village calendar so you can attend one of its many special events.

Address: 56 Bryant Lane, Seabrook, SC 29940

Touch an ancient oak tree

Johns Island is the largest island in South Carolina, and one-third of it lies within the jurisdiction of Charleston city limits. On the island there is a must-see oak tree that predates the Declaration of Independence. The Angel Oak is a Southern live oak tree believed to be around 300 to 400 years old. Known as "A Lowcountry Treasure," it stands 65 feet tall and casts shade over an area of 17,000 square feet. No trip to South Carolina is complete without a picture of the state's grand oak trees, and the Angel Oak is one of a kind.

Address: 3688 Angel Oak Road, Charleston, SC 29402

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is known nationwide as a soft-sanded, family-friendly beach destination that's home to 60 miles of coastline. It's also renowned for its golf and often considered a contender for the title of "Golf Capital of the World." Myrtle Beach offers more than 90 championship golf courses to choose from, including the Dunes Golf and Beach Club; with stunning ocean views, it's consistently rated one of the top golf courses in the U.S. If you're looking for a beach-focused resorts, Myrtle Beach also boasts several top-rated hotel options .

Huntington Beach State Park is a gorgeous place in Myrtle Beach to take a walk or bird-watch – it's known as one of the best birding locations in the state. Among the park's waters and wildlife lies an unexpected estate: Atalaya Castle was the winter home of the Huntington family, who lived on the grounds in the 1930s. If you feel brave, check out the website to sign up for the ghost tour of the castle that runs June through August.

Channel Edgar Allan Poe on Sullivan's Island

Many associate horror writer Edgar Allan Poe with the New England settings of many of his stories, but Poe was a college dropout who joined the military and found himself on Sullivan's Island , South Carolina, in 1827. He only lived on the island for 11 months, but both the place and the man left a lasting impression on each another. In Poe's story "The Gold-Bug," he says Sullivan's Island "consists of little else than the sea sand and is about three miles long." Today, Sullivan's Island remembers the author with his namesake Poe's Tavern. Open daily, the tavern serves sandwiches with names like Raven and Pit & Pendulum.

Wander the oldest landscaped gardens in the country

Courtesy of Middleton Place

First landscaped in 1741, the gardens at Middleton Place are still lovely to walk, but the grounds now provide a framework for the 280-plus years of history since. This National Historic Landmark in Charleston consists of a house museum; the slaves' quarters, called Eliza's House; working stable yards; and, of course, 65 acres of gardens, which were inspired by Versailles in France. There is a fee to access the gardens, but if you stay at The Inn at Middleton Place, admission to the grounds is free.

The three components of the house at Middleton Place were burned two months before the end of the Civil War; they have been restored and opened as a house museum in 1975. In the years since, the curators have worked to incorporate the history of those who lived and worked on the grounds, in addition to the Middleton family. A 10-year research project commissioned by the Middleton Foundation recovered the names and stories of more than 2,800 enslaved people owned by the family over the course of 127 years.

Address: 4300 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414

Hilton Head Island and Gullah culture

Courtesy of Hilton Head Island VCB

There's more to Hilton Head Island than golf courses, beaches, and hotels and resorts . This small island is home to a community of Gullah people, who are the descendants of enslaved West Africans brought to South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida and Georgia to work on plantations. Their culture – including their Creole language and traditions – is still being preserved today. Descendants remain scattered across the Southeast coast, including South Carolina's low country islands.

The area between Pender County, North Carolina, and St. Johns County, Florida, is referred to as the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, and it encompasses a variety of places significant to the Gullah Geechee people. Gullah Heritage Trail Tours is a great option to learn even more about the culture. Beyond Hilton Head, Charleston's McLeod Plantation Historic Site , once a cotton plantation, is one of many estates strongly associated with the emergence of Gullah culture in the low country.

While visiting Hilton Head, consider heading to Daufuskie Island. During the Civil War, the Union army set up a headquarters in Beaufort, and the former slaves who were left when their owners fled went to Daufuskie Island looking for safety. The Gullah culture is alive and well on this island. This is also the location on which Pat Conroy's book "The Water Is Wide" is based. While you're touring local homes, be on the lookout for "haint blue," a color painted on the ceiling of porches and believed by the Gullah to ward off evil spirits – it's particularly abundant throughout Beaufort. If you're visiting Hilton Head in February, consider attending the annual Gullah Celebration festival.

Learn the history of the kazoo and make your own

Courtesy of Kazoobie Kazoos

When you think of things associated with South Carolina, kazoos are probably not the first thing to come to mind. However, in Beaufort, visitors will find one of the largest public collections of the buzzing musical instrument on the grounds of The Kazoobie Kazoo Factory. America's only plastic kazoo factory is proud of its product, with a museum, tours, a gift shop and a chance to make your own kazoo. Kazoobie was founded in 1997 by Rick Hubbard – a musician who gave away nearly a million kazoos during his lifetime at his traveling shows and became known as "The King of Kazoo."

Recent visitors to the factory say it's a great experience for the young and young at heart. Tours are offered for a fee and last up to an hour; visits to the museum and gift shop are free.

Address: 12 John Galt Road, Beaufort, SC 29906

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden: Columbia

Courtesy of Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

The Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is one of the capital city's treasures. Located on the banks of the Saluda River, the zoo has interactive experiences sure to thrill any animal lover. You can enjoy the free Mingle with the Marsupials event daily; experiences to feed the giraffes or the lorikeets are available most days as well – the only additional cost is for the food. You can also view a coral reef that is currently growing. The zoo is one of many across the country that is taking part in the AZA-Florida Reef Tract Rescue Project, which is providing vital help to Florida's coastline.

While the animals are the highlight of the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, this top Columbia attraction also has activities the whole family can enjoy at an extra cost – such as the Endangered Species Carousel or, for those who want to be a little more daring, the Sky-High Safari. If you find yourself in Columbia in October, the Boo at the Zoo event is fun for the whole family. While at the zoo, be sure to check out the River Trail, which is part of the city's system of walking trails, to discover the banks of the Broad, Saluda and Congaree rivers that flow through Columbia.

Address: 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210

Visit one of the only tea plantations in North America

The majority of the world's tea comes from the delicate plants of China and India; North American tea is rare. One of the very few places it does grow is in South Carolina. Visit the Charleston Tea Garden – one of the only tea gardens in the United States – located on Wadmalaw Island, just a few miles south of Charleston. Today, 127 acres of the island are dedicated to growing 320 varieties of black and green tea.

The property was purchased by the Bigelow Tea Company in 2003, and visitors today can take a free tour, ride a trolley through the fields or have a picnic under ancient oaks – accompanied by some tea, of course. Recent visitors said they found the tea-making process surprisingly interesting and insist on not skipping the trolley tour. If you like something a little stronger than tea, the Firefly Distillery, known for its vodka, is also located on the island. The vodka is a product of the muscadine wine produced from the 48-acre vineyard.

Tea lovers visiting the Charleston area might also enjoy Summerville, which is located about 25 miles north of Charleston and is the self-proclaimed birthplace of the South's famous sweet tea. Summerville's Sweet Tea Trail has several stops, including the Sweet Tea Mural and an attraction in Mason known as The World's Largest Sweet Tea, which can hold more than 2,500 gallons. Sweet tea cocktail bar crawls are held throughout the year, and the annual Sweet Tea Festival takes place each September. Of note, real sweet tea only happens when the sugar is added while the tea is still hot.

Address: 6617 Maybank Highway, Wadmalaw Island, SC 29487

Explore the state parks and waterfalls of the Blue Ridge Mountains

The Blue Ridge Mountains run through South Carolina, with the state's highest point at 3,554 feet on Sassafras Mountain. Located on the border between South Carolina and North Carolina , the mountain gets its name from the sassafras trees that grow on its lower slopes. There are plenty of things to see over the 130 miles of the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Highway, also known as Highway 11.

Other parks in the Upstate region of South Carolina include Lake Hartwell State Park in Fair Play and Table Rock State Park in Pickens. Hiking trails at most of these parks not only feature lakes and mountain views, but also waterfalls. Carrick Creek Falls can be found at Table Rock, and Rainbow Falls is located in Jones Gap State Park in Marietta. Fishing and camping are common pursuits year-round at the parks along the Blue Ridge Mountains. For peak fall colors , check the South Carolina State Parks website for details in the fall.

Bike or hike the Swamp Rabbit Trail

Courtesy of VisitGreenvilleSC

The Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail runs 28 miles and can take visitors from Greenville all the way to scenic Travelers Rest. The trail showcases the Reedy River, and if you want to take a detour off the trail, Greenville boasts more than 200 restaurants in downtown alone. Rent a bike at the family-owned Reedy Rides to explore on two wheels; if you don't want to simply ride the trail by yourself, the shop has tours available.

You can also stay in the park after your ride. The Grand Bohemian Lodge sits right in Falls Park on the Reedy. Guests can enjoy dinner and drinks at the restaurant surrounded by trees and the sound of the river. For those who love nature and the benefits of city life, a stay in Greenville is a good option.

Catch a game at the Fenway-inspired Fluor Field

Head downtown to catch a game with the Greenville Drive, a High-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. This minor league baseball team takes its affiliation seriously, and even the ballpark, known as Fluor Field, is designed to resemble Boston's historic Fenway Park . Complete with its own Green Monster and Pesky's Pole – iconic structural features of Fenway – Fluor Field welcomes fans to enjoy the nation's pastime from April through September.

If you have time before the game, check out the museum dedicated to South Carolina's own Shoeless Joe Jackson. The Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum and Baseball Library is located right beside Fluor Field. It is open on Saturdays.

Address: 945 S. Main St., Greenville, SC 29601

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Brittany Chrusciel is a writer and editor born and raised in Asbury Park, New Jersey. While she's never lived far from home, or the beach, her cruise-writing travels have carried her around the globe by river, ocean and expedition ship on 50-plus sailings. She's a fan of offbeat local experiences from a 14-course meal under the midnight sun in Svalbard to the world's largest cranberry festival in Wisconsin.

Keri Lumm is a writer based in Greenville, South Carolina. She grew up in a small town and always dreamed of traveling the world, and now she does just that. When she isn't traveling the world, she can be found at home with her family.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Charleston Tours
• The Best Places to Visit in South Carolina
• The Top Things to Do in North Carolina
• The Top Romantic Getaways in North Carolina
• The Top Carry-on Backpacks

Tags: Travel , South Carolina Vacations

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Following the road to Civil War through Massachusetts and South Carolina

The question of whether America is on the verge of a second civil war has sparked countless think pieces, nonfiction books, speculative novels, even a blockbuster film. It has also triggered an ongoing reappraisal of the first. Open any new volume about “the late unpleasantness” and you’re bound to find reference to more recent unpleasantness. Erik Larson begins “The Demon of Unrest,” his bestseller about the 1861 standoff at Fort Sumter, by recalling how the Jan. 6, 2021, riot gave him “the eerie feeling that present and past had merged.”

Robert W. Merry, a seasoned journalist and former editor of Congressional Quarterly and the American Conservative, has written books about the Mexican-American War, U.S. foreign policy and President William McKinley. (Merry’s daughter Stephanie is a books editor at The Washington Post. She had no involvement with this review.) His latest, “ Decade of Disunion ,” covers some of the most well-trodden ground in American history — the coming of the Civil War. But Merry has found a novel approach in promising to focus on Massachusetts and South Carolina, two states that figured prominently at nearly every stage of America’s path to a crackup. He leaves mostly implicit any parallels between past and present, but it’s clear that his thoughts about the current crisis of the Union have shaped his account of the run-up to the earlier one.

The two states were long on a collision course. South Carolina’s planters demanded stronger protections for Black slavery until they finally split the Democratic Party, thereby throwing the 1860 election to Abraham Lincoln, after which the state tried to secede from the Union. Massachusetts gave refuge to escapees from Southern bondage and helped birth the Republican Party, the first anti-slavery coalition in world history. A climax came in 1856, when South Carolina Rep. Preston Brooks beat Sen. Charles Sumner of Massachusetts to a bloody pulp on the Senate floor — a gruesome harbinger of the greater violence to come.

This framing sheds new and interesting light on a story more often told at a national or even continental scale. Merry, a master of the two-page pen portrait, shows how clashes between politicians within the states were often as fierce as the larger struggle between North and South, and he gives a fresh introduction to the characters at the heart of the story, some well-known and others more obscure. “His mind alighted heavily upon big conclusions, with little regard for nuance or subtlety,” he writes of Robert Barnwell Rhett, a pro-secession South Carolinian, “and once a conclusion was formed it became instantly impregnable from any troublesome self-doubt or counterarguments.” There’s no shortage of Rhetts walking the halls of Congress today.

It’s only regrettable that the book doesn’t stick to this two-state approach more closely. Too much of it is devoted to rehashing the general political history of the period through a slow, grim march through the years — something that has been done by many others before. Intently focused on high politics, “Decade of Disunion” rarely escapes the confines of Washington and the obligatory recitation of speech after eloquent speech. Must we know the names of every vice-presidential candidate on every party ticket, major and minor? Particularly when we get little more than a cursory sketch of the economic, social and cultural histories of the two states in the book’s subtitle.

While Merry is clear that slavery caused the conflict, he mostly avoids discussion of bondage itself. The practice is described early on as “long a portentous dilemma simmering over the flames of politics” — a remarkably abstract way of putting it. When we do hear in passing about “the plight of American blacks caught in the vise of bondage, with all the pain, anguish, and inhumanity of that experience,” it’s Merry summarizing “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” Sumner considered his wounds from the Brooks assault nothing “compared with that tale of woe which is perpetually coming to us from the house of bondage!” That tale may be familiar to readers, but so are the Lincoln-Douglas debates, which get 10 pages, despite having nothing to do with Massachusetts or South Carolina.

For all his recapitulation of the fights of the 1850s, Merry seems at times to not quite get what all the fuss was about. He blames “burgeoning emotionalism on both sides,” as if the loss of decorum was the cause of the crisis, rather than a symptom. It’s an unconvincing explanation of the 1850s conflict — or, for that matter, of our own.

Merry recently argued in the American Conservative that another civil war may indeed be in the offing. “History suggests that political adjudication becomes extremely difficult, sometimes even impossible, when the central issues of the day are viewed in moral terms,” he warned. That was the mistake the abolitionists made, and it is now being repeated by “the nation’s knowledge-sector elites,” who “embrace an ethos of globalism,” as seen in the “morality-based crusade of transgender rights.” The plight of marginalized people apparently still isn’t something to get all worked up over.

Yet the very neat symmetry that Merry highlights in the 1850s — with radicals in both South Carolina and Massachusetts rejecting compromise and opting for disunion or even war — is precisely what’s missing today. Many Republicans deploy violent rhetoric and deny the legitimacy of elections, while Democrats refuse to entertain hardball remedies like court-packing and even gamely help to save the GOP House speaker from being ousted by fellow extremists in his own party. No single issue divides the nation. We have nothing so clear as the Mason-Dixon to conceivably split along. Even so, it may again be the case, as Lincoln predicted in 1858, that “a crisis” must be “reached and passed” before the country can return to anything resembling peace.

Richard Kreitner is writing a book about American Jews, slavery and the Civil War.

Decade of Disunion

How Massachusetts and South Carolina Led the Way to Civil War, 1849-1861

By Robert W. Merry

Simon & Schuster. 514 pp. $35

The 10 Best Places to Live in South Carolina in 2024

Reading Time: 12 minutes

If you’re planning on moving to South Carolina, add these cities to your list.

In this Redfin article, we’ve uncovered the best places to live in South Carolina, ranking them on qualities such as affordability, navigability, and number of amenities. You can find more information about our methodology here or at the bottom of the article.

Overview of South Carolina

South Carolina is known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back living, but there’s a lot more to the state. Southern hospitality, historic towns, and plenty of warmth and sunshine make for an appealing place to live. People have taken advantage of this, too: South Carolina was the fastest-growing state in the U.S. in 2023. The state’s economy is also booming . 

South Carolina’s climate is generally pleasant, but wet. Summers can be quite hot and damp, and is when a majority of the state’s 47.8 inches of rain falls. The coast can also experience deluges during hurricanes and tropical storms. Importantly, tornadoes , hurricanes , and flooding can occur throughout the year, with most happening from March through October. 

South Carolina has three geographic regions . In the east are lowland coastal plains, home to miles of beaches, the unique Carolina Bays , and the ancient Sand Hills . As you move west, you encounter the Piedmont , a diverse region consisting of rolling hills and rivers. Furthest to the west are the Blue Ridge Mountains, a southern range of the Appalachians.

People often separate the regions further for cultural reasons, too. For example, the coastal plains can be split into the Pee Dee (named after the Indian Tribe) and Lowcountry regions, where Myrtle Beach and Charleston are located. The lower Piedmont is often referred to as the Midlands, and is home to Columbia. The mountainous west is generally called the Upcountry (or Upstate), where Greenville is. 

1. Columbia, SC

Highlights : Easy to navigate ٠ Affordable ٠ College town ٠ Rich history

Built along the large Congaree River, Columbia tops our list as the best place to live in South Carolina. Known as Soda City, Columbia is a historic college town steeped in southern culture, warm hospitality, and natural beauty.

Buoyed by the University of South Carolina (USC), the state capital’s population is large enough to support trendy shops and restaurants, but small enough to avoid congestion. Fairly affordable housing prices, a compact layout, and strong population growth also helped earn the city top marks. The nearby Fort Jackson military base is a major employer. 

Columbia’s history is a major selling point, too. Civil War memorabilia can be found at the Confederate Relic Room , while the South Carolina State Museum highlights science, culture, and natural history. And historic landmarks like the South Carolina State House and Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park provide a look into the city’s origins.

When it comes to things to do, Columbia offers something for everyone. Outdoor lovers can enjoy the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden and explore a diverse array of wildlife and botanical gardens. The revitalized Main Street is the place to be for shopping and dining. Sports fans can catch the Minor League Columbia Fireflies at Segra Park , or support the USC Gamecocks throughout the year. For a longer outing, the nearby Congaree National Park is a great spot for hiking and canoeing in one of the last old-growth forests in the U.S. 

Columbia homes for sale | Columbia houses for rent | Columbia apartments for rent

Deciding between renting or buying your next home?

Highlights : Outdoor haven ٠ Growing population ٠ Job opportunities ٠ Revitalized downtown

Built into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville offers a blend of natural beauty, rich history , and modern amenities. The once-small mountain town has recently transformed into a trendy national powerhouse, in part thanks to GE and Michelin moving in. Large population growth has quickly followed. The business district, home to many of the city’s employers, acts as a hub for the region.

The highly walkable Downtown Greenville is where most locals gather for shopping, dining, and entertainment. In fact, it’s so easy to navigate that it earned a mention in the New York Times. Tupelo Honey, Soby’s, and Group Therapy Pub & Playground are must-try eateries.

Because of its hilly terrain and mild climate, Greenville has long been known for its fantastic outdoor recreation . The Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 22-mile multi-use greenway, is perfect for commuting and leisure biking, running, and walking. Falls Park on the Reedy is a gem in the heart of downtown, with beautiful gardens, waterfalls, and the iconic Liberty Bridge. Paris Mountain State Park offers hiking, swimming, and camping just minutes from downtown. And Conestee Nature Preserve provides miles of trails through diverse ecosystems. 

Greenville homes for sale | Greenville houses for rent | Greenville apartments for rent

3. Charleston, SC

Highlights : Historic downtown ٠ Hip culture ٠ Coastal amenities ٠ Southern hospitality

“Charleston is a place like no other, and Downtown is where you can see this in action. It’s very walkable, full of amenities, and adjacent to natural havens like Folly Beach and Sullivans Island.” – Amber Schipa from Walks of Charleston , a local tour company

There’s nowhere quite like Charleston – a coastal city where history and modernity collide. And with a hip, fast-growing population, it’s become a national destination for people looking for a charming, authentic Southern experience. The city overflows with well-preserved architecture,  coastal beauty, and bespoke boutiques along its web of cobblestone streets . 

Charleston was founded in 1670, and it takes its history seriously. Apart from its dozens of historic churches, homes, and parks, a majority of Charleston’s historic downtown area is also a designated Local Historic District . Because of this, the area’s layout and most of its buildings have remained largely unchanged for centuries, creating a beautiful time capsule. Rainbow Row is one of the most famous places to visit. You’ll still find the typical amenities you’re used to throughout town, of course. 

“Between Charleston’s vast array of outdoor activities, great food, and historical tours around the city’s cobblestone streets, I can fill any weekend full of activities. And I never miss a view of the beautiful gardens and homes in South of Broad.” – Jennifer Truesdale, owner of STR8N UP organizing, based in Charleston

Importantly, Charleston’s cost of living is very high compared to most other cities in the state, which is why it falls lower on our list. House prices are around double that of Columbia and Myrtle Beach, for example. This can make finding an affordable home challenging. 

“Nothing beats Charleston’s natural beauty and seaside culture. Watching a glorious sunset over a Spartina salt marsh while eating Low Country boil with friends is a transcendent experience.” – Seth Mason, owner of Lowcountry Vistas Native Landscape Design

Charleston’s coastal landscape is gorgeous, but summers can be very hot, humid, and stormy. Sunny and mild weather the rest of the year is a fair trade-off for locals. Spending a day at the beach helps stave off the worst of the heat.

Charleston homes for sale | Charleston houses for rent | Charleston apartments for rent

4. Spartanburg, SC

Highlights : Well-preserved history ٠ Engaged community ٠ Outdoor recreation

A railroad town 30 miles east of Greenville, Spartanburg is the fourth-best place to live in South Carolina on our list. Spartanburg’s affordability is one reason why it’s so high on the rankings – house prices sit nearly $200,000 below the national median – but there’s a lot more to the city, too. A compact and lively downtown , plenty of economic opportunities, and great outdoor recreation are a few of the highlights. 

Spartanburg’s nicknames, Hub City and Sparkle City, represent both its past and present . Hub City refers to the area’s locomotive past and criss-crossing train tracks, while Sparkle City came from a ‘70s song. You’ll find many more amenities named after Hub City than you will Spartanburg. The nicknames are such a big deal that businesses and events use them as monikers, like the Hub City Farmers Market , Hub City Brew Fest , Sparkle City Mini Putt (free!), and even the Sparkle A City Street Program .  

“Spartanburg is already known for its outdoor recreation, but its food scene is becoming increasingly popular, especially at restaurants in the city’s walkable downtown. I love to get on our trail system downtown that leads to many great stops along the way, including the Flock Shop, one of my favorite restaurants. Spartanburg is really booming.” – Billy Dulap with OneSpartanburg , the region’s chamber of commerce

Morgan Square is where you’ll find most of the city’s offerings, including restaurants, museums, and 18th-century buildings. Locals love cycling around town, shopping at the weekly farmers market, or enjoying local breweries . The iconic Beacon Drive-In and The Crepe Factory are local favorites for old school and sophisticated dining. After, you can see local art and performances at the Spartanburg Art Museum and Chapman Cultural Center .

Spartanburg offers a slower-paced lifestyle than Greenville but retains the same Upcountry charm and beauty. However, a few large companies have headquarters in town, such as BMW and Dennys.

Spartanburg homes for sale | Spartanburg houses for rent | Spartanburg apartments for rent

5. Myrtle Beach, SC

Highlights : Resort amenities ٠ Affordable ٠ Miles of beaches ٠ Mini-golf

Known as The Beach, Myrtle Beach is a resort town turned top migration destination . Unlike many other South Carolina cities, Myrtle Beach is not particularly historic; it sprang up in the early 20th century as a vacation destination for travelers heading to Florida. However, its short history doesn’t take away from its role as a cultural hub. It has also been the fastest-growing city in the U.S. since 2021. 

Often better known as a vacation spot for beachgoers and golfers, Myrtle Beach is also an attractive place to live. The weather is sunny and warm, housing is relatively affordable , and there is a lot of room for the city to grow . Amusement parks, high-rise hotels, more than 90 golf courses , and 60 miles of beaches and boardwalks along the Grand Strand help make for an appealing place to call home.  

There are also a surprising number of mini golf courses – more than 50 around the city, 20 of which were designed by the legendary James “Poddy” Bryan . You can easily spend a month in Myrtle Beach touring these alone. Hot and very humid summers can be difficult to manage, though, so many people choose to go out in the evenings. 

Myrtle Beach homes for sale | Myrtle Beach houses for rent | Myrtle Beach apartments for rent

6. Rock Hill, SC

Highlights : Southern charm ٠ Growing population ٠ Great for commuters

Rock Hill blends Southern charm with modern appeal, making it an excellent place to live. Located just 25 miles from Charlotte, NC , it has become a thriving suburb with a strong economy. The downtown area, particularly Knowledge Park , is the city’s hub of innovation and technology, driving much of the city’s recent growth.

Rock Hill has recently been welcoming swaths of newcomers from nearby Charlotte who are looking for less expensive housing, turbocharging the city’s growth . You’ll likely see new construction around every corner, lines out the door at popular restaurants, and new businesses moving in . However, because many new residents commute to work, congestion can be an issue. A recently-debuted bus service , free to ride, aims to alleviate some traffic. 

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate Rock Hill’s numerous parks and trails. Glencairn Garden , with its beautiful landscapes and walking paths, is a local favorite. The annual Come-See-Me Festival , a highlight of the city’s cultural calendar, brings together residents for a celebration of art, music, and food.

Rock Hill homes for sale | Rock Hill houses for rent | Rock Hill apartments for rent  

7. Aiken, SC

Highlights : Equestrian culture٠ Natural beauty ٠ Convenient location 

Situated in the Midlands near the Georgia border, Aiken comes in at seventh on our list. Historically a wintering spot for wealthy landowners , today Aiken welcomes everyone to enjoy  its natural beauty and laid-back culture. Fairly affordable house prices, a strong economy, and convenient location make Aiken a great place to live.

Aiken’s historic downtown is a small but delightful area filled with boutiques, antique shops, and local eateries. The Feed Sack and Malia’s offer some of the best dining experiences, while the Aiken Center for the Arts showcases local talent and hosts various cultural events. The historic Willcox Hotel , founded in 1898, is not only a beautiful place to stay but also a local landmark known for its Southern elegance. 

With the nickname “ Polo Capital of the World ,” Aiken has a rich equestrian heritage, to the delight of locals. The city hosts numerous equestrian events throughout the year, notably the Aiken Steeplechase at Whitney Field, the oldest continuously used polo field in the country. 

Outdoor recreation in Aiken extends beyond equestrian activities. Hopelands Gardens and Citizens Park boast natural beauty, sports facilities, and walking trails perfect for a day outside. 

Aiken homes for sale | Aiken houses for rent | Aiken apartments for rent

8. Mount Pleasant, SC

Highlights : Upscale amenities ٠ Quiet streets ٠ Ocean views ٠ Charming downtown

Mount Pleasant is an upscale suburb northeast of Charleston known for its exceptionally high quality of life, just minutes from Charleston’s charm. An idyllic coast, highly rated schools , and green, quiet streets are other major benefits. A downside is the town’s cost of living – it’s the most expensive town in South Carolina . 

Mount Pleasant’s population has exploded in the past thirty years. In fact, its population doubled from 1990-2000, and has continued to rise since. The growth has actually been a major talking point in local elections, as housing costs rise and congestion increases. One tactic to limit growth has been banning new apartment and condo construction for the past eight years, which will continue through the end of 2024 . The town continues to grow, though.

“Mount Pleasant blends relaxation with opportunity. With over a dozen outdoor parks, you can stroll the boardwalks over tidal creeks, enjoy picnics under the palmetto trees at sunset, and bike along miles of Lowcountry nature trails. When your active day requires refueling, award-winning and nationally recognized global cuisines are around every corner.” – The Town of Mount Pleasant Communications Office

There’s a good reason why so many people choose to live in Mount Pleasant. Amenities are everywhere, and the town celebrates its history, which dates back to the 1600s . Old Village is one of the main hubs, with tree-lined streets, charming homes, and waterfront views. 

For recreation, the Pitt Street Bridge is a popular spot for walking, fishing, and enjoying sunsets over the marshes. Shem Creek is another local favorite, known for quality waterfront dining, bustling marina, and scenic boardwalks. Restaurants like Red’s Ice House and Tavern & Table offer fresh seafood with stunning views.

Mount Pleasant homes for sale | Mount Pleasant houses for rent | Mount Pleasant apartments for rent

9. Wade Hampton, SC

Highlights : Suburban neighborhoods ٠ Small-town vibes ٠ Mountain views

Wade Hampton is a small suburb just east of Greenville. Living in Wade Hampton means you get the feeling of rural living adjacent to historic Greenville. There are also plenty of amenities in town, but they are fairly spread out. Importantly, the cost of living is much more affordable – houses and rentals are 35% and 22% less, respectively. 

Shopping and dining are fairly convenient, with Wade Hampton Boulevard and many malls serving as commercial hubs. The large highway features a variety of restaurants, from local favorites like Henry’s Smokehouse, known for its classic barbecue, to upscale dining at Rick Erwin’s Eastside. The road is currently undergoing a transformation to improve congestion and pedestrian access, which is intended to help the city grow. 

Similar to Greenville, outdoor recreation is abundant. Herdklotz Park , with its playgrounds, sports fields, and walking trails, is a favorite spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The Pavilion Recreation Complex offers ice skating, sports fields, and a playground, too.

Wade Hampton homes for sale | Wade Hampton houses for rent | Wade Hampton apartments for rent

10. Florence, SC

Highlights : Very affordable ٠ Quaint downtown ٠ Gorgeous landscape

Located in the heart of the Pee Dee region in central South Carolina, Florence offers a blend of Southern hospitality and contemporary living. Like many southern cities, Florence has a unique history , with buildings from the 1800s standing next to modern homes. You can learn more about the region’s history at the Florence County Museum .

Downtown Florence is the heart of the small city. It’s recently been revitalized and now features a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural sites. Local favorites include Wholly Smokin’ Downtown (barbecue, anyone?) and Town Hall, an upscale dining experience. 

Florence is home to several beautiful parks and outdoor spaces. Timrod Park features 14 tennis courts, a playground, and miles of walking trails, while the Florence Rail Trail offers five scenic miles of paved trail for cycling, running, and walking. Jeffries Creek Park is also popular and sits just minutes from the heart of the city. 

Florence homes for sale | Florence houses for rent | Florence apartments for rent

House hunting made easy

Methodology.

Redfin’s Best Places to Live rankings are meant to help home searchers make an informed decision when choosing where to live. To attempt to measure the overall quality of a metro area, each ranking takes into account several key factors, including access to healthcare, open outdoor space, navigability, housing trends, employment statistics, income, and travel time to work. Only metros with a population of 20,000 or greater were considered for our South Carolina list. More information about our methodology can be found here .

Data valid June 2024. This article is for informational and educational purposes only.

Jamie is part of the content marketing team and is passionate about climate change, housing affordability, and housing market trends. His dream home is a small, modern, and minimalist forested home where he can hear the wind blowing at night.

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