Find Your Next Favorite Place

From lively downtowns to quiet scenic corners, the Palmetto State invites you to explore at your own pace, connect with the people who call it home and discover experiences that linger long after you leave.

Jumping Off Rock Overlook, Jocassee Gorges

Explore the 2026 Vacation Guide

Looking for trip ideas that go beyond the obvious? The 2026 Vacation Guide brings together inspiration, destinations and detours you’ll want to explore. Download the guide or request your free copy and start planning your next unforgettable getaway to the Palmetto State.

Essential Experiences in South Carolina’s Signature Cities

From the Blue Ridge foothills to the breezy Lowcountry, explore the rich culture and surprising detours in these five signature South Carolina cities.

The Greenest Greens: Golf Courses Preserving South Carolina's Wild Side

Whether you're chasing birdies (and spotting birds) on bucket-list courses or soaking in the serenity of state parks, South Carolina’s greens are "greener" in every sense of the word.

Revolutionary Roots: Tracing the Fight for Freedom

As America celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence this year, South Carolina invites you to walk the very ground where the fight for freedom was won.

grandfather and two children out for a walk

Go with the Grands

With ADA-accessible trails and wheelchair- and sensory-friendly experiences, South Carolina welcomes grandparents and grandkids of all ages and abilities.

Battle of the Barbecue: Award-Winning “Pit” Stops

South Carolina boasts a who's who of elite barbecue restaurants, where award-winning pitmasters serve up perfection daily.

chef slicing meat in professional kitchen

Provisions & Plates in South Carolina

This isn't your average grocery run. At South Carolina's destination markets, curated pantries of gourmet foods combine with inventive menus and the kind of local hospitality that turns errands into experiences.

Where to Elope in South Carolina

From moss-draped gardens to quiet mountain groves and breezy beaches, the Palmetto State offers elopement backdrops that are unforgettable and wildly romantic.

family on the beach at night with red light lanterns

State Parks After Dark

At night, South Carolina state parks don't go to sleep—they come alive with mystery, moonlight and magic. See baby sea turtles scampering into the ocean or stargaze on a hike or paddle.

5 Great Lake Escapes

South Carolina is dotted with sparkling freshwater gems, each offering its own slice of serenity and adventure. Whether you're craving thrilling fun or relaxing getaways, here are five lakes worth packing up the cooler for.

Delightfully Surprising Detours

Whether you're savoring the slow pace of a small town or answering the call of the open road, these unexpected treasures captivate curious travelers.

Passion for Preservation

On The Palmetto Porch Podcast, host Devyn Whitmire sits down with locals who preserve South Carolina’s history and pass on stories to the next generation of residents and visitors.

couple on top of jumping rock; Jocassee gorges

Hikes & Bites

In South Carolina, your reward for getting outside is more than just a view. From coastal walks to mountain climbs, pair outdoor excursions with locally loved eateries for a day that feeds both body and soul.

From Okra to Orations: A Legacy of Gullah Traditions

Gullah Geechee heritage has deep roots in South Carolina's Lowcountry, shaped by the descendants of the West and Central African people who lived and labored on the area's sea islands.

Postcards From the Past

Take a trip down memory lane and rediscover the joy of a leisurely road trip through South Carolina's nostalgic small towns, where every stop feels like a postcard from the days of yesteryear.

Sustainable Stays: Where Southern Style Meets Stewardship

Across South Carolina, a new wave of stylish, sustainability-minded stays is redefining what it means to travel responsibly—without sacrificing indulgence.

The Artistry of Indigo: A Story Woven in Blue

Long before it became South Carolina's official state color, indigo was a major cash crop that helped South Carolina rise to economic power in the 1700s. Today, farmers and artists bring new stories to its complicated legacy.

woman in candle store, rows on candles, rolling ladder

Little Stores with So Much More

Pour your own candle, take a plant-care workshop or sip a specialty mocktail from the in-store bar at these interactive shops.

Fun Runs & Wacky Races

South Carolina’s race calendar isn’t just about the finish line—it’s about fun, flair and community spirit. Lace up your running shoes, wear a costume and bring your sense of humor to the starting line.

Southern Stars: South Carolina Chefs Lighting Up Your Screen

From fierce Food Network showdowns to PBS spotlights, South Carolina chef ambassadors are bringing Palmetto State flavors to national audiences. Luckily, you don't need a backstage pass to taste what they're cooking—just a reservation.

Sip-Worthy Speakeasies

Step through unmarked doors, behind bookshelves or down quiet staircases, and you'll find South Carolina’s sultriest secret: a thriving speakeasy scene that trades loud crowds for low lighting, vintage vibes and cocktails worth whispering about.

table set with bread, tomatoes, pastries

Fields of Flavor: Farm-to-Table Dining in the Palmetto State

A new generation of chefs is honoring South Carolina's agricultural legacy by forging close-knit partnerships with local growers, fishermen and artisans, then turning those connections into unforgettable meals.

For the Love of Heirlooms

Heirloom produce is finding its way back to farmers markets and Southern kitchens, each variety holding hidden stories that stretch back centuries.

The Original Influencers Since 1968

Stop by a South Carolina Welcome Center to talk to a certified professional who can assist you with accommodation and attraction reservations, trip recommendations and insider tips on how to make the most of your vacation.