Winter in South Carolina is a time of magic that beckons both the young and the young at heart to get outside and play. So why not just ignore anything Old Man Winter brings and make this the year for exploring our state during the off-season when fewer tourists are around? You can start with the best things to do in South Carolina during the winter, which we’ve arranged in a handy list here:
1. Hunting Island Lighthouse
Hunting Island Lighthouse, 2555 Sea Island Pkwy, St Helena Island, SC 29920, USA
Take advantage of smaller traffic into and out of Hunting Island State Park and go visit the Hunting Island Lighthouse. She has withstood a couple of dreadfully bad storms and we're sure she'd love the encouragement of a visit. Besides, this park is soon going to double in size, since the state just purchased Ted Turner's private island, so this could be your last chance to visit before the crowds get REALLY big. This is easily one of the most awe-inspiring things to do on the coast - check it out during the winter for an especially special experience.
It feels more like a small town than a city, and trust us - there's plenty to love about this small community in the Upstate. From the charming downtown to the Doodle Trail, you're sure to agree. Come see why Pickens is one of our all-time favorite towns to visit in the winter in South Carolina.
Go horseback riding on the beach! Where else could be more fun (and different!) to ride than along the coast and even in the water? There's a company in the Myrtle Beach area that can make it happen in a heartbeat. If you've never gone winter horseback riding in South Carolina, you've never lived.
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4. Overindulge! (Why not??)
Flowers Seafood Co, 1914 SC-174, Edisto Island, SC 29438, USA
Head to Flowers Seafood to GO in Edisto Island and see why this little seafood shack along a busy highway is so popular. Oh wait, maybe it's their food that's popular! Either way, a little overindulgence is in order during the winter, if for no other reason than the extra calories could help keep you warm! Learn more about our favorite seafood restaurant in South Carolina via our previous coverage.
Snow, or no snow, The Red Horse Inn is an enchanting location to get away during the winter months. For starters, there is a fabulous view! This is one of the most amazing, wonder-filled places to stay in South Carolina for the winter, and it's an experience you'll never forget.
Go see why, in 2016, we named this South Carolina community the "most criminally overlooked town in South Carolina". From the tree-lined streets to the historic attractions and the waterfront, this town is special and you should go see for yourself why. The state's third-oldest city is calling you... and you must go.
7. The summit at Table Rock
Table Rock State Park Road, Table Rock State Park Rd, South Carolina 29671, USA
Wait for that warm weekend that sneaks its way into winter, and then head to Table Rock State Park to conquer the 3.4-mile trek to the top of the state's biggest natural landmark. C'mon, we'll do it together! When it comes to winter hikes in South Carolina, this is one of our faves.
If the hike to the summit of Table Rock is a little too ambitious, then not to worry. We have a winter hike you'll love too. The trail around Lake Placid at Paris Mountain State Park is mostly flat, except for the stairs at the reservoir. And you'll love the way the naked trees give you some long-range views of the area during the winter. This awesome lake in South Carolina is seriously awesome during the cold season.
Any time of year is a great time to go see this holdover from the past. When it first opened it saved locals as much as a whole day that it had previously taken to travel up or downstream to another bridge to cross just so they could go into town to conduct business. This gorgeous, historic covered bridge in South Carolina is an experience to be had year-round, but there's just something about it being covered in snow that gets us.
Warm up with a toasty bowl of She Crab Soup. Who can say no to warm soup in the winter? The bowl above is from Soby's on Main Street in Greenville. Soby's is just one of the many restaurants with she crab soup in South Carolina, and it's well worth a visit (or ten).
Winter in South Carolina doesn’t have to be dull and filled with weekends where you’re stuck inside the house. When you live in paradise, there are so many options for getting outside all year. What’s your favorite winter activity? How do you plan to spend your winter this year? Let us know in the comments!
For more fun things to do in South Carolina in the winter, check out this list of picturesque hiking trails in SC that are perfect for cold-weather hiking.
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Things To Do In South Carolina In The Winter
Tori Jane|December 01, 2022
What are some fun things to do in South Carolina in the winter?
There are plenty of wonderfully fun things to do in South Carolina in the winter like:
Winter weather and the overall climate of South Carolina differ depending on which part(s) of the state you’re in (or visiting). Winter is fairly mild in the coastal regions of the state, with daily highs of about 60 degrees and nightly lows in the high 30s. Further inland, you’ll find daytime temperatures hovering around 50 degrees, and nighttime temps dipping to around freezing (32 degrees).
