South Carolina

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.

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 are places that feel like they’re pulled straight from the pages of a classic novel—and The Point in Beaufort, South Carolina, is absolutely one of them. Picture towering oak trees draped in Spanish moss, antebellum homes with double verandas, and streets so quiet you can hear the creak of a porch swing from half a block away. This historic district isn’t just beautiful—it’s a full-body sigh of a destination.

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.