South Carolina

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.”

Saturday mornings in downtown Columbia aren’t sleepy—they’re downright electric. Imagine rows of white tents stretching down Main Street, the scent of sizzling arepas mixing with fresh-cut flowers, and buskers serenading you while kids dance with bubble wands. Welcome to Soda City Market, the heartbeat of the city every Saturday, where locals and visitors flock to eat, shop, sip, and stroll their way into the weekend.

Tucked just six miles from downtown Spartanburg, South Carolina, lies a little slice of nature and history that feels like a secret only locals know. Welcome to Glendale Shoals Preserve, a 13-acre gem where Lawson’s Fork Creek tumbles over a dam, creating a frothy waterfall that’s as soothing as it is photogenic. Whether you’re a hiker, a history buff, or just someone craving a peaceful morning with birdsong and river views, this spot delivers a surprising mix of adventure and calm. You’ll wander past the weathered ruins of a 19th-century cotton mill, dip your toes in the shoals, and maybe even stumble into a bamboo grove that feels like a mini jungle. Ready to explore?

Locals know to grab a map at the visitor center before wandering the historic streets. The Revolutionary War sites and antebellum homes are best explored on foot. It’s a tip that saves you from missing hidden gems tucked between oak-lined avenues.

Some adventures feel like they were plucked right out of a storybook—and Yellow Branch Falls is one of them. Hidden deep in South Carolina’s Sumpter National Forest, this cascading beauty rewards the curious traveler with a scene so...

You step off the bus and notice a quiet waterfront park buzzing with families and joggers, the air filled with the salty scent of marshland. A horse-drawn carriage clops by, its driver waving at locals who seem to know everyone. This small-town charm hits you immediately, with historic homes lining the streets and Spanish moss dangling from ancient oaks.

You step off the bus and notice a quiet waterfront park buzzing with families and joggers, the air filled with the salty scent of marshland. A horse-drawn carriage clops by, its driver waving at locals who seem to know everyone. This small-town...

Locals know to hit the Farmers Market on Thursday afternoons for the freshest oysters. You’ll find vendors like Mary, who’s been shucking at Bluffton Oyster Company for years, chatting with folks over piles of strawberries and homemade jams. It’s a weekly ritual that feels like a backyard cookout, only with better produce.

You step off the bus and notice a group of locals chatting outside a cozy café, their laughter mixing with the clink of coffee cups. A horse-drawn carriage clops by, and the air carries a faint scent of pine from nearby woods. It’s a small-town scene that feels welcoming, like you’ve stumbled into a friend’s neighborhood.