Undoubtedly, exploring the Palmetto State on your time off is a great way to put down the screens and discover some cool, hidden gems in South Carolina. From our mountains to the sea, South Carolina is packed with natural and man-made beauty, and we love exploring every corner of it! But while we love our most popular attractions and landmarks, this hidden gems road trip promises to deliver some new-to-you spots that you’ll want to add to your bucket list. Visit them all for the first time, then head out to see them again. You’ll love these spots for repeated visits. Let’s get started, shall we?
Check out the official Google Map, and start exploring!
Our first stop includes some of the most beautiful nature in the state. Named "One of the Last Great Places On Earth" by National Geographic, Lake Jocassee is a mountain oasis filled with crystal clear water and endless views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Undoubtedly, the best spot to gain access to the lake is the fabulous Devils Fork State Park. First, plan on spending the morning basking in the beauty that surrounds you. Then, rent a villa or bring your tent or camper to spend the night and wake up to this pristine paradise.
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2. South Carolina Botanical Garden, Clemson
South Carolina Botanical Garden, 150 Discovery Ln, Clemson, SC 29631, USA
Next up is the South Carolina Botanical Garden. This hidden gem is located in the upstate. It features 295 acres of plants, flowers, woodlands, and manicured landscapes with plenty of wide open space to wander in wonder. We particularly love this stop because it's free, which means you'll want to come back every chance you can!
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3. Hickory Knob State Park & Resort, McCormick
Hickory Knob State Park And Resort, 1591 Resort Dr, McCormick, SC 29835, USA
A state park is certainly a great reason to stop. But add a resort into the mix and you'll be in heaven. Rather than book an entire week, simply cruise in here for a wonderful picnic as you make your way along the journey. Then, check out the resort amenities for a future weekend getaway with the family. Hickory Knob State Park & Resort has an 18-hole golf course, a swimming pool, cabins, a lodge, and a campground.
4. Ruins of Guignard Brick Works, Cayce
Guignard Brick Works, 100 Granby Crossing, Cayce, SC 29033, USA
Urban Exploration at its finest is what you'll find just off the beaten path in Cayce when you stop at the Ruins of Guignard Brick Works. Besides being pretty, there's also a ton of history. You'll find four massive kilns from the 1800s which remain from a brick making operation that was once located here. Their haunting abandoned beauty is astounding.
Step inside the Hidden Gardens surrounding the Governor's Mansion to discover outdoor "rooms" that will delight your senses. Although the gardens hide in plain sight, in essence they're hidden simply because most people don't know you can explore them - and for free!
6. God's Acre Healing Springs, Blackville
God's Acre Healing Springs, Springs Ct, Blackville, SC 29817, USA
Though this trip is full of fun, your next stop is likely to put even more pep in your step...literally! People have been turning to this Fountain of Youth in South Carolina for ages. With all the healing properties in the water, we're not surprised. Learn all about the spring and how it came to be deeded to God (yes, it was left in a will to God, himself). Find out more about how you can dip into God's Acre Healing Springs, our very own Fountain of Youth! This is certainly something you might find only in South Carolina!
7. Bee City, Cottageville
Bee City, 1066 Holly Ridge Ln, Cottageville, SC 29435, USA
As much as we love the more scenic stops on this road trip of cool places to visit in South Carolina, we think this spot is especially worth visiting. Popping into this adorable honey farm and zoo out in the wilds of South Carolina is just about mandatory. Visitors can first hand feed some of the animals, then sign up for a personal animal encounter and go see how honey is harvested. The kiddos will love Bee City almost as much as you do!
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8. Fish Haul Beach Park, Hilton Head Island
Fish Haul Beach Park, 120 Mitchelville Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, USA
Following your bee experience it's time for a little extra relaxation. Unlike the perception of Hilton Head which includes tourists and lots of activity, visiting this tiny little-known park on Hilton Head is nice and calm. Fish Haul Beach Park is certainly a beach only the locals know about, so you're free to truly be at peace. Swim. Sun. Relax.
9. Hunting Island Beach, Hunting Island State Park outside Beaufort
Hunting Island State Park, 2555 Sea Island Pkwy, St Helena Island, SC 29920, USA
Finally, after a long day of road tripping to the most beautiful places in South Carolina, it's time to sit back and reflect. Due to the pace of life here, there's a good chance you'll want to stick around for a while. Camp, swim, hike, and check out the only lighthouse in South Carolina where visitors can climb to the observation deck atop the tower. Hunting Island Beach may not be hidden, but you'd be surprised just how many South Carolinians have yet to visit the state's most popular state park.
While South Carolina has some great obvious places to explore, many are full of tourists, making them hard to enjoy. Another great reason to check out the spots on this list is that you’re bound to find plenty of quiet! Further, you’ll have enough elbow room when you get out of the car.
Of course, this isn’t a complete list of all the best hidden gems in South Carolina! So now we’re particularly interested in how many of these cool places to visit in SC you’ve already seen. Head to the comments and let us know where you’ve been!
Additionally, for another can’t-miss road trip in South Carolina, check out some of the state’s best natural wonders. Then, take this unique hidden alleys tour of Charleston, where you’re guaranteed to learn and see something new!
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More to Explore
Hidden Gems in South Carolina
Jennifer|December 02, 2022
Does South Carolina have any scenic byways?
To be fair, the Palmetto State has so much natural beauty that ANY of our roads could be considered scenic! However, South Carolina does have 21 official scenic byways (both national and state), totaling more than 450 miles of coastal, rural, and picture-perfect geologic views in every corner of the state.
