Mama Mystic's "All the Things" South Carolina Tourist Guide

South Carolina offers a rich array of experiences for moms, families, friends, groups, organizations, and individuals who love beaches, forests, national parks, museums, outdoor sports, hiking, surfing, fishing, hunting, driving, entertainment, dining, arts, and culture. This guide covers seasonal activities, tourist attractions, ticket rates, shows, children’s activities (including zoos and riverboat rides), holiday events, park activities, sporting events, conferences, major concert events (June 2025–March 2026), airport information, transit options, lodging, traffic patterns, alternate transportation, food scene, renowned personalities, major cities, interstates, backroads, and lake, hiking, and outdoor activities.

Beaches

South Carolina’s 187-mile coastline, including the Grand Strand and Lowcountry, is renowned for water sports, fishing, and family-friendly shores.

Beach Location Activities Ticket Rates/Notes Myrtle Beach Grand Strand Surfing, sailing, boardwalk Free access; parking $5–$10/day Hilton Head Island (Coligny Beach) Lowcountry Swimming, kayaking, biking Free access; parking $5–$10/day Pawleys Island Lowcountry Fishing, crabbing, relaxing Free access; less crowded Folly Beach Charleston Surfing, kiteboarding Free access; parking $5–$10/day Edisto Beach Lowcountry Beachcombing, kayaking Free access; parking $5–$10/day

Surfing: Myrtle Beach’s 3rd Avenue South and Folly Beach offer waves averaging 3–5 feet in fall (Surfline). Lessons start at $50/hour (H2O Sports).
Fishing: Myrtle Beach Fishing Pier ($10/adult) and Murrells Inlet are prime spots for saltwater fishing.

Forests and National Parks

South Carolina’s forests and parks offer diverse landscapes for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.

Congaree National Park: Features one of the world’s highest floodplain forest canopies. Free entry; guided canoe tours $25/adult (NPS Congaree).
Huntington Beach State Park: Offers birdwatching, fishing, and Atalaya Castle tours ($8/adult, South Carolina State Parks).
Caesars Head State Park: Known for hiking and scenic views ($3/adult, South Carolina State Parks).
Francis Marion National Forest: Provides hiking, hunting, and kayaking. No entrance fee.
Table Rock State Park: Features challenging trails and waterfalls ($5/adult, South Carolina State Parks).

Museums

South Carolina’s museums highlight art, history, and science, with many offering family-friendly exhibits.

Museum Location Admission Highlights South Carolina State Museum Columbia $9/adult, $7/child Natural history, 4-D theater Charleston Museum Charleston $12/adult, $5/child Lowcountry history, artifacts Brookgreen Gardens Murrells Inlet $22/adult, $10/child Sculpture garden, Lowcountry Zoo Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum Mount Pleasant $28/adult, $16/child USS Yorktown, naval exhibits Columbia Museum of Art Columbia $12/adult, free for kids under 18 European and American art

Outdoor Sports and Activities

South Carolina is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, surfing, fishing, and hunting.

Hiking: Top trails include:
- Raven Cliff Falls (Caesars Head): 4.4-mile round-trip with waterfall views.
- Table Rock Trail: 6.8-mile challenging hike ($5/adult entry, South Carolina State Parks).
- Boardwalk Loop (Congaree): 2.4-mile accessible trail through floodplain forest. Free entry.
Surfing: Myrtle Beach and Folly Beach are prime spots with consistent waves (Surfline).
Fishing: Freshwater fishing in Lake Murray; saltwater fishing in Georgetown. Licenses start at $5/day (SCDNR).
Hunting: Seasons include deer (August–January), turkey (March–May), and alligator (September–October). Licenses vary ($12–$50, SCDNR).

Driving and Scenic Routes

South Carolina’s roads offer scenic drives through coastal and mountainous regions.

Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway (SC-11): A 115-mile route through the Upstate with mountain views.
Savannah River Scenic Byway: A 100-mile drive along the Savannah River with historic sites.
Botany Bay Road: A 6-mile unpaved road on Edisto Island with twisted oaks and beach access.

Entertainment, Arts, and Culture

South Carolina’s cultural scene includes theaters, music venues, and festivals.

Theater:
- Peace Center (Greenville): Hosts Broadway shows and concerts (Peace Center).
- Spoleto Festival USA (Charleston): World-class arts festival in May/June (Spoleto Festival).
Music Venues:
- North Charleston Coliseum: Major concerts (North Charleston Coliseum).
- House of Blues (Myrtle Beach): Live music and dining (House of Blues).
Festivals:
- Charleston Wine + Food Festival (March): Culinary events ($50–$200/ticket).
- South Carolina State Fair (October, Columbia): Carnival rides, concerts ($10–$15).
- Gullah Festival (Beaufort, May): Celebrates Gullah culture with music and crafts.

Seasonal and Holiday Activities

Spring: Azalea blooms at Middleton Place (April, $29/adult, Middleton Place).
Summer: Beach activities, water sports, and fireworks at Myrtle Beach (July 4th, free).
Fall: Fall foliage in the Upstate, South Carolina State Fair (October).
Winter: Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens (December, $25/adult).
Holiday Events:
- Christmas at Middleton Place: Historic reenactments and lights.
- Charleston Holiday Market: Artisan gifts and live music (December, free entry).
- Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade: Beachfront holiday event (December, free).

Local, State, and National Park Activities

State Parks: 47 parks, including Huntington Beach and Table Rock, offer camping ($15–$40/night), hiking, and fishing (South Carolina State Parks).
National Parks: Congaree National Park provides kayaking and ranger-led programs.
Activities: Birdwatching, kayaking, and guided tours are popular.