Not sure what to do on your next vacation? Check out this list of the top 15 activities in South Carolina, USA that you won’t want to miss! From strolling around and exploring parks, all the way up through sightseeing tours and historical landmarks – we’ve got something for everyone. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
The Best Thing To Do in South Carolina
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
- Address: 500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia, SC 29210, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (17854)
- Phone: +1 803-779-8717
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMTuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMWednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMThursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMSaturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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Top 15 Things To Do South Carolina, USA
Falls Park on the Reedy
- Address: 601 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (15815)
- Phone: +1 864-467-4350
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AMTuesday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AMWednesday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AMThursday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AMFriday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AMSaturday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AMSunday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Reviews:
Absolutely gorgeous park that brings the city together as it shows the harmonious symbioticness between the river falls and skyscrapers. The extensive walking path purposely weaves everyone through the landscape with great views of the waterfall. The Liberty Bridge politely calls attention to its engineering marvel. What a great place to spend an afternoon people watching and soaking up the city vibe. Also a great place to take the pets!By Jessica Shin (11 months ago)Falls park is unlike any other place in our country. It’s beauty is supported by the eclectic nature of its city surroundings. Amenities aplenty including restrooms, eateries, many shops, galleries, picnicking areas, and walking paths. Dog friendly, the park is a playground of exploration for both children and fun seeking adults alike. The park IS the destination for those people in search of wonder and relaxation.By D.J. Humphrey (3 months ago)What a beautiful and thoughtful place. We visited in the morning – the air was crisp, the water was flowing, and there were just a few people. We can’t wait to come back and relax on a swinging bench and take in more of the area. We parked downtown and took advantage of the free 2-hour street parking – it was about a half mile walk. Just gorgeous!By Rachel Land (10 months ago)Beautiful scenery, absolutely lovely place to go for a walk , run , bike ride , picnic. So much to see and look at . Would totally recommend going for a date night . Or just something to do for a lunch date . Really truly you could even have a wedding here . Any kind of pictures would be beautiful here . Just go see it for yourself. You really won’t regret it .By Missy Leopard (2 months ago)Beautiful and relaxing walk in the middle of the city. Great views all around. In the summer, it is very hot, so be sure to bring some water and stay hydrated. A few public restrooms are scattered throughout the path as well, which is great. Lots of history so if you’re a nerd for learning like I am, there are a few plaques to read which I found interesting.By Jennifer Long (8 months ago)
Joe Riley Waterfront Park
- Address: Vendue Range, Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (9073)
- Opening hours:
Monday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PMTuesday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PMWednesday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PMThursday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PMFriday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PMSaturday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PMSunday: 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Reviews:
Such an amazing place to walk around and have a nice evening stroll. Lots of benches to sit down and take a moment to relax. Beautiful fountains (including the famous Pineapple fountain) down here! The boardwalk is right next to the water and leads all the way to the water taxi pickup. The grove of trees is like walking through a green tunnel, especially gorgeous close to sunset with the suns rays penetrating the leaves.By Ajimon Thomas (3 months ago)Super cool cool park. We felt like we were in a Jane Austin book taking a turn around the gardens. It was incredible beautiful and well cared for. We wish we had more time to just come and chill. This is a must got for a quiet place to rest. It’s very peaceful. Now should be mentioned it’s not a park for kids to run or dogs to be walked etc. even a sign that says no running. It’s a tranquil park. Which is what brings some of it awesomeness.By Steven deSteuben (2 months ago)This park is a great place to take a break from the touring and activity of the city proper. There was a lovely breeze and shade so it was refreshing. It is a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy watching the sailboats in the harbor or the kids playing in the fountains.By Cris Letourneau (4 months ago)This park is set along the ocean and calls you to remember the history of the area as you walk along its paths.
Flowers & Majestic Trees line the walking routes that eventually guide you to the the famous Pineapple fountain ⛲️ and the pier.
Lots of restaurants and shopping close by.
A relaxing way to spend a few hours or all day.By Laura Lockhart (10 months ago)A staple must do on your Charleston visit!
Enjoy the park with trails under oaks or along the marsh, benches, swings on the dock leading to the marsh, a dock by the Tug Boats, and of course infamous Pineapple Fountain.
One of the best views of the Charleston area bay and especially for sunrise!
You can find me here occasionally doing my morning rucks or on the docks enjoying the sea!We hope you enjoy our beautiful city of Charleston!
– The Pirate Hunter
By Justin Myers (11 months ago)
Fort Sumter National Monument
- Address: South Carolina 29412, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (9007)
Coligny Beach Park
- Address: 1 Coligny Circle, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (8429)
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
- Address: 3550 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29414, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (7035)
Huntington Beach State Park
- Address: 16148 Ocean Hwy, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (6574)
South Carolina Aquarium
- Address: 100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston, SC 29401, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (5296)
Hollywood Wax Museum
- Address: 1808 21st Ave N unit a, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (5242)
Brookgreen Gardens
- Address: 1931 Brookgreen Garden Dr, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (4703)
Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
- Address: 1235 Long Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (4438)
South Carolina State Museum
- Address: 301 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (3015)
Caesars Head State Park Visitor Center
- Address: 8155 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC 29635, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (2816)
Congaree National Park
- Address: 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (2601)
Middleton Place
- Address: 4300 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29414, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (2205)
Coastal Discovery Museum
- Address: 70 Honey Horn Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (1346)
That’s it for our list of the best things to do in South Carolina! If you have any arguments or additional information, please leave a comment. We love to hear from our readers too!
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Riverbanks zoo reminds of Animal Kingdom set in good old Disney World without the financial hard ship going there. Riverbanks is simply an amazing zoo. I would recommend setting aside 3-4 hours to see everything, this of course is set with a two old in mind. We stopped and saw just about everything and even petted some very friendly goats. Some stuff does cost extra, $20 on the zoo card will be more than enough for two children.The giraffe feeding stops at 1:30pm so if that is on your agenda I would get in line early. We went on a Sunday and the crowds were not too bad. We will definitely become frequent visitors. 10/10 I highly recommend.
The zoo was awesome! There were a lot of nice animals, and the enclosures/habitats were more than adequate for the animals. Healthy animals! My favorite places to visit had the flamingos and the lions. They had a grizzly bear, which I had not seen before. The botanical gardens were nice, as well. Small, but nice. There is a tram that takes you from the zoo to the garden. It took me and my partner about 3.5 hours to do the zoo and the garden.
We really enjoyed our trip here over the weekend.
The layout was perfect for making a lap around the entire zoo in order to see everything easily and efficiently.
All the employees we spoke with were friendly and knowledgeable.
It was unfortunate that several attractions were under construction during our visit, but it didn’t affect the overall experience.
I will say you will definitely get your money’s worth, the sooner you decide to visit. Especially if you’re bringing children.
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is fabulous! We absolutely love it here and have been visiting regularly for 10+ years. The animal variety is second to none. The layout of the zoo flows very nice to ensure you can enjoy each stop to see all that it offers during your visits. The staff do a great job of keeping the zoo very clean and safe. They are very, attentive, and provide excellent service every time we are there. The expansions keep coming and continue improving and evolving this Zoo into one of the best visits you and your family can make.
If I was going to provide a critique, I would recommend more fans through out the park. South Carolina (especially in the midlands) can get very hot and humid during the summer months and that heat can make visiting the park a less than pleasant experience if you are not use to the heat down here (heck even if you are 😂). More fans through out the park would add to the already amazing atmosphere and help create some more much needed cool zones through out.
One last add. Please visit during the Halloween and Christmas events. They are fantastic and highly recommended. For adults the Brew at the Zoo is one of the best attractions around. Enjoy!
This small zoo was awesome! Exhibits seemed nice bringing the animals up close but giving them some space too. Giraffes were galloping around, gorillas were performing for us and just a beautiful day. The cost was about $20 military with discount + $5 parking. It was well organized and easy to navigate.