10 Reasons to Visit South Carolina in the Fall

Not ready to say farewell to those relaxing days spent on the beach? Wish the outdoor fun of summer could linger just a bit longer so you can get in a few more rounds of golf? You’re in luck, because on the coast of South Carolina, fall is kind of like summer, only cooler. Fires are simply for roasting oysters, and the only raking you might do is in a sand trap of one of our many challenging golf courses. Here are our top ten reasons to discover South Carolina in the fall.

Timing is everything. Whether you want to dine at the hottest new restaurants in Charleston or explore Broadway at the Beach—Myrtle Beach’s No. 1 shopping and entertainment destination—you’ll find that these popular summer destinations are even better in the fall.

Milder, cooler weather. Warm temperatures with low humidity, blue skies, a pleasant ocean breeze come together to create the perfect backdrop for your extended summer vacation. In fact, every fall golfers visit the Palmetto State to enjoy the great weather and explore our rich range of golf experiences. 

Dog-friendly beaches. No vacation is complete unless the entire family is there, and for many of us that includes our furry, four-legged kids. While dogs are welcome on some beaches before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. during the busy summer season, after Labor Day they’re welcome any time of day on the beaches of Hunting Island State Park, Hilton Head Island and Myrtle Beach, to name a few.

Horseback riding on the beach. Dogs aren’t the only animals that can be spotted on the South Carolina shoreline in the fall. For just a few short months every year, Myrtle Beach opens its sandy shores to horses, so riders can be seen enjoying the sunny skies and cool ocean breeze as they trot along the water’s edge.

It’s oyster season. Sweet, salty and succulent, South Carolina oysters are as unique as they are delicious, and come fall these tasty mollusks can be found at every local restaurant and at oyster roasts all along the coast.

U-Pick Farms. Starting at the end of September, visitors to Johns Island can enjoy Legare Farms’ Fall Festival, complete with u-pick pumpkin patch, hayrides, a scarecrow factory and even duck races. Near Columbia in the Midlands of the state is Lever Farms, a family-owned, 115-acre working farm where you can pick your own pumpkin, navigate a corn maze and enjoy a picnic lunch. Located in the shadows of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, Chattooga Belle Farm in Long Creek offers a stunning setting for special events. With a bistro and distillery on site, plus a wide variety of apples you can pick, plan to spend more than a few hours exploring this Upstate gem.

Stunning fall foliage. While the coast stays green long after the summer heat has faded, a short drive inland to one of South Carolina’s diverse state parks will provide a kaleidoscope of vibrant red, orange and golden foliage.

Frightfully fun times. Goblins and ghouls of all ages can enjoy the corn mazes, pumpkin patches and haunted houses found throughout the Palmetto State as Halloween nears. Whether you head to Boone Hall for their annual autumn playground or prefer the haunted house inside the creepy walls of Atalaya Castle, fall fun for the entire family is just a short car trip away.

Off-season camping. While any time is a great time to visit one of South Carolina’s 47 state parks, visiting during the off-season has its added perks. Many state parks drop week-long booking restrictions—and often drop their prices, as well. With fewer people, stunning fall foliage and more camping cabin availability, the only thing you need to do is pick a park for your next adventure.

Spectacular holiday lights. From the weekend after Thanksgiving through the end of the year guests can enjoy a plethora of holiday lights. One of the most spectacular and enchanting displays is Brookgreen Garden’s Night of a Thousand Candles. A work of art in its own right, the light display is worthy of the renowned sculptures in their collection. Have your picture taken with Santa, roast marshmallows, go on a tree scavenger hunt and enjoy a cup of cider as carolers sing as these festivals get you into the holiday spirit.

With so many reasons to visit South Carolina in the fall, the only thing left to do is start planning your next getaway to the Palmetto State.