20 Most Beautiful Places In South Carolina You Should Visit

From the stunning views of the mountains in upstate South Carolina to the sandy beaches on the coast, South Carolina has all that and everything in between. South Carolina just happens to be a lucky state that holds so much that everyone will find something that tickles their senses or ‘strikes their fancy’, which is what we say here. The following are just a handful of the most beautiful places in South Carolina that the state has to offer.

1) Angel Oak of St. John's Island: One of the oldest living trees in North America.

2) The Battery in Charleston, SC: A place so chock full of history that a day is just not enough.

3) Busted Plug of Columbia, SC: Made and installed by the artist, Blue Sky, this is just one of his pieces that will keep you in awe.

4) Caesar's Head State Park: This stunning view shows not only Table Rock, but also the Pinnacle Mountains as well.

5) Low Country marshes of Kiawah Island, SC: Home to so much wildlife, this is a birdwatcher's treat. However, I would stay away from them in the high heat of summer.

6) Forty Acre Rock of Kershaw, SC: A part of Flat Creek Preserve, this 14-acre granite outcropping can provide hours of hiking and family fun.

7) The Castle of Greenville, SC: Built in 1902 for a German Baroness, this castle sits on the south face of Paris Mountain. Who would have thought that South Carolina held such charms?

8) Hilton Head Lighthouse of Hilton Head, SC: The most visited lighthouse in South Carolina.

9) Hunting Island, SC: You can be a world away in a blink of the eye.

10) Magnolia Plantation of Charleston, SC: Founded in 1676, Magnolia Plantation has the honor of being known as the oldest public tourist site in the Lowcountry and the oldest public gardens in America.

11) Pearl Fryar Topiary Gardens: Three acres of visual delight.

13) Rivers Bridge State Park of Ehrhardt, SC: This park marks the site of the Confederacy’s last stand against General William T. Sherman’s sweep across the South.

14) Old Sheldon Church of Yemasee, SC: Built between 1745-1755 and once known as Prince William Parrish Church, these awe inspiring ruins should be on everyone’s must see list.

15) The State House in Columbia, SC: Built entirely out of blue granite, this building is completely fireproof.

16) Swan Lake of Sumter, SC: This is the only public park that holds all 8 swan species and is home to the Iris Gardens.

17) Tunnel Vision of Columbia, SC: The artist, Blue Sky, does it again! They had to put up a barricade in front of this piece.

18) UFO Welcome Center of Bowman, SC: Yes, you read that correctly. We welcome everyone to South Carolina!

19) Yellow Branch Falls of Oconee, SC: Most people do not realize that South Carolina has waterfalls. This is just one of them...

20) Campbell's Covered Bridge of Greenville, SC: This is the last covered bridge in South Carolina.

When it comes down to it, this is just a ‘drop in the bucket’ of what South Carolina has to offer. There is a not a corner you can turn or a road you can cross without running into something that will absolutely astound you. I welcome you to come to my beautiful state. Get a glass of sweet iced tea, sit a spell, and take in the wonder that only South Carolina can offer you.

If you know of some other gorgeous spots in the Palmetto State that deserve to be highlighted, feel free to nominate them here!

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Most Beautiful Places In South Carolina

Leah | June 27, 2020

What is the most scenic place in South Carolina?

There are many places and things to see in South Carolina. From the state's gorgeous beaches to the stunning architecture of its cities, there is no shortage of scenic views. It's hard to pin what exactly would be the most scenic spot in the Palmetto State, but many would say worthy contenders would include nature spots like the Congaree National Park, Table Rock, Rainbow Falls, and many, many beaches. The city of Charleston is considered not only one of the most scenic cities in South Carolina, but of the entire country.

What are the most beautiful hikes in South Carolina?

Feeling up for a worthwhile trek to some photo worthy places in South Carolina? The state has quite a few trails that belong on everyone's bucket lists. To experience the sights of a beautiful waterfall hike, try King Creek Falls. The trail is 1.7 miles and the payoff at the end is a 70-foot, towering cascade of water. To see sweeping views of South Carolina's mountains, check out the Sassafras Mountain Trail. The nearly 10 miles of trails overlooking the French Broad River Valley are full of jaw-dropping vistas. The hike up Table Rock is a well-known one for an incredible view at the end, showcasing a huge forested valley that is unforgettable once you've seen it.

Where should I go to take photos of South Carolina?

Discover the best places in South Carolina to take beautiful photography. Some of the state's best sights include its gorgeous beaches. Places like Crescent Beach have less foot-traffic and more unobstructed views of the water. Hilton Head Island has a picturesque lighthouse and plenty of other lovely spots. You might also love visiting cities like Greenville or Charleston for some great urban photos, especially of some of the historic places or unique modern architecture such as the Liberty Bridge.

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Angel Oak Tree, 3688 Angel Oak Rd, Johns Island, SC 29455, USA

Charleston, SC 29401, USA

Taylor St, Columbia, SC 29201, USA

Caesars Head State Park Visitor Center, 8155 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC 29635, USA

Kiawah Island, SC, USA

40 Acre Rock Heritage Preserve, 2207 Conservancy Rd, Kershaw, SC 29067, USA

Greenville, SC, USA

Lighthouse Landing, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA

Hunting Island State Park, 2555 Sea Island Pkwy, St Helena Island, SC 29920, USA

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC 29414, USA

The Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden, 145 Broad Acres Rd, Bishopville, SC 29010, USA

Poinsett Bridge, 580 Callahan Mountain Rd, Landrum, SC 29356, USA

Ehrhardt, SC 29081, USA

Old Sheldon Church Ruins, Old Sheldon Church Rd, Yemassee, SC 29945, USA

South Carolina State House, 1100 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29208, USA

Swan Lake, Sumter, SC 29150, USA

Columbia, SC, USA

UFO Welcome Center, Homestead Road, Bowman, SC, USA

Yellow Branch Falls, 2907-, 3023 Hwy 28 S, Walhalla, SC 29691, USA

Campbells Covered Bridge, 171 Campbell Covered Bridge Rd, Landrum, SC 29356, USA

These 20 Jaw Dropping Places In South Carolina Are Wonderfully Beautiful

Gwen Tennille

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