Your Guide to Summer in South Carolina

A delightful mix of Southern charm and waterfront adventures, South Carolina is full of striking scenery on the Southeast Coast. 

Caesar’s Head Overlook in Cleveland 

From the easily accessible overlook atop the rocky peak of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, visitors to Caesar’s Head Overlook in Cleveland will be delighted with the jaw-dropping view extending into North Carolina and Georgia. Caesar's Head is full of nature adventures, like hiking, biking, and camping, and connects to the Jones Gap State Park at the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, a pristine 13,000-acre Southern mountain forest preserve. Leading to a dramatic outlook, hike the always popular four-mile round trip trail to see the Raven Cliff Falls spectacular 420-foot plummet. Follow the 6.6-mile round trip trail to a suspension bridge that crosses over the Raven Cliff Falls, giving guests unique and unmatched views of the falls before they disappear into the mountain cove below. In the fall months, sightseers can participate in the Hawk Watch program. Explore the wilderness of South Carolina at Caesar's Head Overlook.
southcarolinaparks.com/caesars-head 

Downtown Charleston  

The official seat of Charleston County, Charleston is the oldest and second most populated city in South Carolina. Where the Cooper and Ashley rivers flow into the Atlantic Ocean, Charleston is rich in thought-provoking history, natural beauty, and welcoming locals. Downtown Charleston, often known as the Peninsula, is one of the true jewels of South Carolina's Lowcountry. Recognized worldwide for its Southern charm, Charleston is filled with breathtaking buildings displaying their preserved history, restaurants welcoming locals and visitors with the same friendly and inviting demeanor, and local shops, artisans, and craft vendors offering everything imaginable, from handwoven sweetgrass baskets to copper kettle-fired pecan pralines. Covering an area of less than 5 square miles, Downtown Charleston attracts a diverse array of visitors from all over the globe. Remarkably appealing, Downtown Charleston is overflowing with art, history, and Southern charm. With a premier collection of over 10,000 American works, experience the rich cultural heritage of Charleston seen through a vibrant artistic lens at the Gibbes Museum of Art. Enjoy a sip of the Holy City at one of the newest distilleries in the area, Firefly Distillery, featuring a four-acre field for socially distanced fun, live music wafting through the South Carolina sky. 
charleston.com 

Hilton Head 

One of the top 10 family beaches in the nation, Hilton Head is well-known for its pristine stretches of white sand beaches, its warm Atlantic waters, and outdoor fun in the sun. Hop on a kayak and explore the tidal waters of the marshy coastline, sail through the waterways on a guided tour, charter a boat from some exceptional fishing in the Atlantic, or soak up the sun frolicking in the sand on one of Hilton Head's 12 miles of beaches. At Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge and the Audubon-Newhall Preserve, go bird watching and discover the amazing wildlife and bountiful foliage of the Lowcountry. Take a zipline canopy tour or explore Hilton Head’s 60 miles of trails and paths, perfect for hiking and biking across the Lowcountry. Come face to face with a bottlenose dolphin, walk along the sandy shores, discover the natural beauty of Hilton Head, where our world of wonder awaits.  
hiltonhead.org 

Swan Lake Iris Gardens in Sumter 

Beginning in 1927 as a private fishing retreat for a local businessman, Hamilton Carr Bland, the Iris Gardens at Swan Lake is a stunning sight to behold. The enthralling black waters of Swan Lake create the perfect backdrop for the lush and colorful irises. The only public park in the entire United States to feature all eight species of swan, Swan Lake is a spectacular stop on any visit to South Carolina. Dotted with small colorful islands, Swan Lake is home to one of the nation's most extensive plantings of Japanese iris. The lake also features a Braille Trail to enable the visually-impaired to enjoy the scents, sounds, and sensations of the gardens. While touring through the Butterfly Garden experience the endless fascination of the unique beauty of butterflies. At the Chocolate Garden, a whimsical addition to Swan Lake, visitors wander through edible "chocolate" plants, like Chocolate Cherry Tomatoes, Chocolate Corn, Chocolate Mini Bell Peppers, and more. Discover the beauty that delights all the senses at Swan Lake.   
sumtersc.gov/community/swanlake 

Club Wyndham Ocean Blvd in Myrtle Beach 

Modern beachside amenities, resort activities, and stunning views are just a handful of the joys and pleasures experienced at the Club Wyndham Ocean Boulevard. The stylish vacation destination offers fun for the whole family. Located directly on the beach, Club Wyndham Ocean Boulevard is just minutes away from some of the best beaches, exceptional golf courses, and South Carolina’s full-spectrum of outdoor adventures, like fishing, surfing, sunbathing, watersports, live entertainment, plus out-of-this-world shopping and dining. With lodging options featuring one-, two-, and three-bedroom accommodations including washers and dryers in each unit, Club Wyndham Ocean Boulevard finds the perfect suite to enjoy a vacation in comfort and style. Dive into the amenities of the Club, with their indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub, fitness center, game room, and more. Play away the day running through the white sand beaches, devour a delightful fresh-caught seafood dinner with gusto, and savor the spectacular coastal view from a private balcony, all at Club Wyndham Ocean Boulevard.   
clubwyndham.wyndhamdestinations.com 

Table Rock State Park  

The naturally beautiful Table Rock State Park is the perfect backdrop for an action-packed getaway in South Carolina. This section of the lower Blue Ridge Mountains features cabins, a campground, and several other amenities. The 3,000-acre park sits below the towering Table Rock Mountain. Numerous hiking trails serve as an access point to the 80-mile Foothills Trail, connecting South Carolina hikers from park to park as they discover the natural wonders of Palmetto State. Trek past mountain streams and waterfalls to the top of Pinnacle Mountain and Table Rock Mountain. One the way back down, cool off at one of the Park's two lakes, the 36-acre Pinnacle Lake and the 67-acre Lake Ooleno. Discover the old-fashioned swimming hole with a high dive open during the summer months. South Carolina's Table Rock State Park is perfect for the outdoor enthusiast, nature lover, and thrill-seeking adventurer.  
southcarolinaparks.com/table-rock 

Atalaya Castle  

Built by Archer Huntington and his wife, Anna, in the early 1930s, the New York City philanthropist initially designed the home as a winter retreat for his family after his wife's diagnosis of tuberculosis. Based on Spanish and Moorish architecture, the home was designed to fit the needs of the region, like the wrought iron grills over the windows as protection from hurricane-force winds. With 30 rooms surrounding a central courtyard on three sides, a 40-foot-tall water tower sits in the center of the courtyard. Filled with native plants, Atalaya was also the location of Anna's numerous animal enclosures filled with exotic animals, like bears, monkeys, horses, and even, a leopard. Originally over 9,000 acres of mixed land, the Brookgreen Gardens became the first public sculpture garden, built to showcase Anna's artwork. Used as an army barrack during World War II, the house was eventually leased to the State of South Carolina. After that time, Huntington Beach State Park was formed and now offers guided tours of the house and grounds. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984, discover Atalaya's unique and vital place in South Carolina's history.
atalayacastle.com 

From historic landmarks to mountainous natural beauty, South Carolina is filled with splendid heritage and Mother Nature's wondrous gifts. 

Find beauty around every corner in South Carolina.