Columbia SC

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.

Step off the sun-soaked sands of Myrtle Beach and into a world where miniature trains chug through tiny towns and towering trestles. Tucked inside the Myrtle Beach Mall at 10177 N Kings Hwy, the Grand Strand Model Railroad Club is a hidden gem that’s been delighting train lovers since 1986. You’ll marvel at the intricate layouts—think HO, N, O, Z, and G scales—crafted with such detail they’ll transport you back to your childhood dreams of being a conductor. Whether you’re a model railroading nerd or just looking for a quirky indoor escape, this free attraction is a whistle-stop worth making.

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to have a hawk fly right over your head—or to meet an owl that looks like it’s staring into your soul—you’ll want to put this one on your list. Tucked beneath the Spanish moss and pine trees of South Carolina’s Lowcountry, The Center for Birds of Prey is one of the most awe-inspiring, educational, and unexpectedly thrilling wildlife experiences in the Southeast.

There are places where the past feels distant—and then there are places like this. Tucked away in the wooded foothills of the South Carolina-North Carolina border, Kings Mountain National Military Park offers a uniquely stirring combination of Revolutionary War history and Appalachian serenity. It’s where patriots clashed with loyalists in a pivotal battle of 1780—and today, it’s where visitors come to breathe deep, walk quietly, and imagine what it was like when musket smoke filled these very woods.

There’s something magical about exploring a destination at handlebar height—especially when that destination is laced with 60+ miles of smooth, shaded, and seaside bike trails. Whether you’re coasting past sand dunes, weaving through pine-scented maritime forests, or pausing for a scoop of ice cream at a shaded plaza, these trails turn every ride into a joy ride.

Some places just feel like they’ve seen it all—and Charleston’s iconic market is one of them. Lined with brick, echoing with laughter, and perfumed with pralines and sea air, this open-air treasure trove invites you to slow down, soak it all in, and explore at your own pace. It’s not your typical souvenir stop. This is where past meets present in the most delightful way.

In a city known for beach boardwalks and neon arcades, it’s a peaceful park that leaves the biggest impression. Tucked into The Market Common in Myrtle Beach, Savannah’s Playground is a dream come true for families looking for outdoor fun that’s inclusive, creative, and free of limitations.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to walk the deck of a massive aircraft carrier, peek into a submarine, or stand in the shadow of warplanes that once soared over oceans—you’re in for an unforgettable day. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, turns American history into a full-sensory experience, offering up-close access to real military vessels that feel anything but ordinary.

Tucked under a canopy of moss-draped oaks and swaying palmettos, Playgrounds isn’t your average family pit stop—it’s a full-blown celebration of grown-up leisure disguised as a backyard bash. Whether you're looking to sip craft beer under string lights or unleash your inner child with oversized games and live music, this Hilton Head hangout delivers the kind of easygoing energy that turns “just one drink” into “let’s stay all night.”