Columbia SC

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.

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’ve ever dreamed of walking straight into a nature documentary—minus the bug bites and soggy boots—Cypress Wetlands in Port Royal, South Carolina might just be your new favorite detour. One minute you’re in a charming coastal town, the next you're eye-to-eye with a blue heron, a sunbathing alligator, or a sleepy owl tucked in the trees.

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.

Tucked away in the quiet backroads of South Carolina lies a place where you can literally walk through history. No, not just plaques and reenactments—real earthen fortifications, deep-set rifle pits, and the faint echoes of a siege that helped shape a nation. The Ninety Six National Historic Site isn’t just for history buffs. It’s a full-on immersive experience that feels like a blend of a colonial time capsule and an outdoor adventure trail.

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.

There’s something magical about walking in the footsteps of the first settlers, especially when those footsteps wind through moss-draped oak trees, past blooming gardens, and alongside a replica 17th-century trading ship. At Charles Towne Landing, you don’t just read about history—you live it, with all the sights, sounds, and natural beauty of colonial South Carolina wrapped into one serene, surprising destination.

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.