Charleston SC

If you’ve ever wished for a mountain lake with Caribbean-blue waters, hidden coves, and cascading waterfalls you can swim beneath, Lake Jocassee is your dream come true. Tucked into the far northwestern corner of South Carolina’s Upstate, this sapphire-blue reservoir is part alpine escape, part natural wonder, and completely worth the drive.

If you’ve ever dreamed of wandering through a seaside castle surrounded by palmettos and sea breeze, welcome to your fairytale. Tucked just off the beaten path in Huntington Beach State Park, Atalaya Castle isn’t your average historic stop—it’s a moody, mysterious retreat that feels like it was plucked straight out of Spain and dropped gently on South Carolina’s coast.

If you’ve ever wanted to sip a latte while a purring tabby curls up in your lap, Charleston has just the spot. Welcome to Pounce Cat Café, where the drinks are delightful, the furniture is feline-friendly, and the furry hosts are all available for adoption.

There’s something wildly enchanting about Middleton Place. Maybe it’s the Spanish moss draping like lace over century-old oak trees, or the way swans glide across mirror-still ponds. One thing’s for sure—you don’t just visit this place. You feel it. Tucked along the Ashley River just outside Charleston, Middleton Place is a living storybook of American history and horticultural beauty.

If you’ve ever wished for the charm of Charleston with the breezy ease of a campground retreat, the Mt. Pleasant/Charleston KOA just might be your new happy place. Nestled under whispering pines and beside a private, tranquil lake, this laid-back spot serves up a blend of Lowcountry beauty and good old-fashioned outdoor fun.

If you’re the kind of traveler who craves sea breezes, soft sand, and a serious break from the hustle, Pawleys Island might just be your perfect escape. One of the oldest summer resort towns on the East Coast, this South Carolina barrier island has a “barefoot welcome” vibe and a knack for turning lazy afternoons into lifelong memories.

Step onto the winding paths of Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, and you might feel like you’ve stumbled into a Southern storybook. Spanish moss drapes from ancient oaks, brilliant azaleas pop with color, and the occasional peacock might casually strut past like it owns the place. Spoiler alert: it kind of does.

Hidden among the maritime forests and salt-kissed shores of South Carolina’s Lowcountry is a sight that stops you in your sandy tracks: the black-and-white striped beauty that is Hunting Island Lighthouse. Towering 136 feet into the Carolina sky, this iconic structure isn’t just a pretty photo op — it’s an adventure waiting to happen.

Tucked away just minutes from downtown Greenville, there’s a place where Saturn rings twinkle overhead, prehistoric beasts lurk in the woods, and butterflies glide through the South Carolina sunshine like floating confetti. It’s not a theme park or a movie set—it’s Roper Mountain Science Center, and it’s just waiting to spark your sense of wonder.

Ever wondered what it’s like to lock eyes with a giraffe as it gently snags lettuce from your palm? At Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, South Carolina, you’re in for a wild ride that blends animal magic with botanical bliss. Spanning 170 acres along the Saluda River, this award-winning spot—home to over 3,000 animals and a 70-acre garden—offers a day of wonder that’s equal parts thrilling and serene. Whether you’re dodging lorikeets landing on your shoulder or strolling through lush gardens, this is the kind of place that makes you feel like a kid again, no matter your age.