South Carolina offers a getaway for every type of traveler, thanks to its small-town charm, scenic landscapes, and picturesque lakes. As you begin to map out your spring and summer travels, hone in on these five places in The Palmetto State to lend some inspiration — South Carolina’s Old 96 District, Thoroughbred Country, Upcountry, York County, and Lowcountry.
Old 96 District
Made up of five distinct counties — Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, and McCormick — South Carolina’s Old 96 District offers endless outdoor adventure. As warm weather approaches, it’s an ideal time to take full advantage of its summer festivals and historic landmarks.
Whether you’re looking to catch fish, participate in watersports, or simply float the day away, the Old 96 District offers plenty of lakeside fun. Lake Russell and Lake Thurmond are popular destinations among anglers, while Lake Greenwood is the perfect place to spend the day on a boat.
History buffs will enjoy exploring a Revolutionary War battlefield at Ninety Six National Historic Site. The Burt-Stark Mansion is another sought-after attraction, as it’s the site of the last Council of War of cabinet members of the Confederate government. You can also tour the childhood home of Dr. Benjamin Mays, a mentor to Martin Luther King Jr.
Old 96 District is bustling with activity year-round thanks to a calendar full of festivals. Be sure to check that out depending on your travel schedule.
To truly experience the magic of the Old 96 District, we recommend staying a few days and booking a room in a historic bed and breakfast. For those staying close to Abbeville, we recommend the Belmont Inn, Sharon Manor, or The Lofts at Court Square.
Closer to Edgefield, you’ll find the Azalea Inn Bed and Breakfast. Situated near Greenwood, Inn On The Square is another fantastic lodging option.
Thoroughbred Country
A unique four-county region of South Carolina, Thoroughbred Country consists of Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, and Barnwell counties. From outdoor adventure and rich history to equestrian events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here.
As the name suggests, there are ample opportunities to immerse yourself in the equine world. During the spring and fall seasons, you can catch a polo match almost any day of the week at the Aiken Polo Club, La Bourgogne Polo Club, New Bridge Polo Club, and Wagener Polo Club.
To catch a glimpse of the area’s wildlife, head to Aiken State Park and explore the south fork of the Edisto River, the longest free-flowing blackwater river in America. A scenic 1.7-mile canoe and kayak trail winds its way alongside the park. You can also paddle quiet, secluded sections of the river in Bamberg County from multiple boat launches.
With its diverse landscape and abundant wetlands, the Silver Bluff Audubon Center & Sanctuary is a great spot for birdwatching, hiking, and photography. The 3,400-acre woodland property shelters over 200 species of birds.
For history buffs, the Aiken County Historical Museum explores the history of the county’s communities, the development of Aiken’s famed Winter Colony, and the impact of the Savannah River Site.
Relive Colonial times at a North Augusta Living History Park event with hands-on educational experiences in a recreated 7.5-acre Colonial village. Or, explore the region’s Civil War history at the Battle of Rivers Bridge State Historic Site.
Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site is another popular attraction. The extant slave quarters, mansion, and iconic magnolia lane serve to highlight the plantation’s rich history and provide a unique setting for exploring the historical experiences and impacts of all who lived there.
Thoroughbred Country also offers a handful of charming lodging options. Lookaway Inn is a classic Beaux-Arts mansion from the 1800s in the center of North Augusta, while Lazy Dog Acres is a three-room property offering upscale glamping.
The Willcox is another excellent option. The world-renowned historic hotel has received recognitions from Southern Living, Condé Nast Traveler, and Travel + Leisure.
Wisteria Cottage is a Mennonite-operated bed and breakfast close to God’s Acre Healing Springs, which is believed to have brought healing powers to the wounded during the Revolutionary War and is still in use today. And Magnolia Shadows is where horse boarding meets bed and breakfast, as many equestrians bring their steeds during their stay.
South Carolina’s Upcountry
Also known as The Upstate, South Carolina’s Upcountry consists of six counties — Pickens, Cherokee, Anderson, Greenville, Oconee, and Spartanburg. We’re only beginning to scratch the surface of everything you can do and see here, but these are some of our favorites.
Often referred to as “Keowee Path” or “Cherokee Path,” the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway is a 130-mile road that offers a breathtaking alternative to Interstate 85 as you travel through South Carolina. In addition to sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the road offers easy access to activities like whitewater rafting, ziplining, fishing, and shopping.
The Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway is also located near historical sites and state parks, including Lake Hartwell State Park, Stumphouse Park, Oconee State Park, and Table Rock State Park.
For more beautiful views of nature, South Carolina’s Upcountry is home to over 100 waterfalls. Popular destinations include Issaqueena Falls, Whitewater Falls, and Raven Cliff Falls. To experience the beauty of the area’s waterfalls in a one-of-a-kind way, book an excursion with Horseback Waterfall Tours!
For more waterside fun, Upcountry is also home to a handful of lakes. Lake Jocassee offers 7,500 acres of deep water and 75 miles of shoreline. Surrounded by mountains and waterfalls, this lake is the perfect spot for boating, skiing, and fishing.
Just downstream from Lake Jocassee is Lake Keowee, an 18,372-acre area known for watersports, camping, and picnicking.
Fishing enthusiasts can also enjoy a relaxing day on Lake Hartwell, which is inhabited by striped and hybrid bass, largemouth, crappie, bream, and catfish.
The Upcountry also played a pivotal role in American history, and there are plenty of opportunities to learn more about how the area relates to the Revolutionary War.
Cowpens National Battlefield is where General Daniel Morgan and his army defeated the British force under Colonel “Bloody” Banastre Tarleton. And near the town of Blacksburg, you’ll find the Kings Mountain National Military Park. The battle here was the first significant patriot victory after the British invasion of Charleston in 1780. At 4,000 acres, it is one of the largest national military parks in the U.S.
York County
Offering big-city amenities, Southern hospitality, and miles of outdoor fun, South Carolina’s York County is the perfect summer getaway. From farm visits and lake life to charming local shops, these are some of the best ways to fill your itinerary!
Offering nearly 500 miles of trails and blueways, we recommend spending an afternoon exploring York County’s natural beauty. Locals and tourists enjoy cooling off with a dip in Lake Wylie or tubing down the Catawba River.
The impressive Anne Springs Close Greenway is a beautiful 2,100-acre nature preserve. Located in historic Fort Mill and double the size of Central Park, the area is known for hiking, biking, horseback riding, kayaking, or just enjoying a picnic.
You can also get a taste of life on the farm by spending the afternoon at Bush-N-Vine. The farm invites you to pick your own fresh strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, and flowers.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly experience with livestock or fresh produce, there are dozens of farms across the county to discover. Once a year, every farm across York County opens to the public through Ag + Art in June — the country’s largest self-guided, free farm and art event.
For stunning photo ops, stroll along Rock Hill’s Mural Mile. This local initiative includes about ten beautiful murals, all within a one-mile radius. Another stunning spot for beautiful photo backdrops, Glencairn Garden offers 11 acres of showcase gardens, tiered fountains, ponds, and boardwalks.
To take a piece of York County home with you, head to High Cotton Antiques to find a mix of rare and vintage homewares. Crossings on Main, The Mercantile, and Yorkville Marketplace are also popular boutiques.
Serving as the location of a lunch counter sit-in in 1961, Kounter is a local restaurant rooted in history. An upscale eatery, you’ll find extensive dinner, cocktail, and brunch menus.
Zo.ra Food & Wine is another popular restaurant known for hosting weekly wine tastings and live music. Meanwhile, Fortes Mill (FM) Eatery offers globally-inspired small plates — including Cheerwine Braised Beef and scallops.
For post-dinner drinks, Papa Doc’s Shore Club offers a tiki menu with waterfront views. Experience York County’s thriving craft beer scene with a passport to the YoCo Brew Trail. Grab a glass of wine or cocktail from Old Town Kitchen & Cocktails. The perfect way to wind down after a day of exploring!
South Carolina’s Lowcountry
For a vacation that offers a bit of everything — rich history, beautiful state parks, world-renowned cuisine, and more — South Carolina’s Lowcountry is the ideal getaway. Here are some of the best places to visit!
Many of the Lowcountry’s districts are draped in enchanting layers of hanging moss, inviting visitors to explore the area’s natural attractions. The ACE Basin, for example, offers 350,000 acres of swamps, marshes, and beaches, making it perfect for fishing and kayaking.
While at the basin, visit the Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin Wildlife Refuge. Home to various species of aquatic birds and the Antebellum Oak Grove Plantation House, many people visit this attraction for hiking, biking, bird watching, and fishing.
To explore more of the Lowcountry’s natural beauty, consider visiting one of its four state parks. Colleton State Park and Lake Warren State Park are popular for fishing, picnics, and beautiful nature trails, while Hunting Island State Park and Edisto Beach State Park are ideal for swimming and boating.
The Lowcountry’s natural landscape inspires artists of all kinds, so visiting local art galleries is a must. As you spend the afternoon gallery hopping, you’ll likely spot beautiful depictions of South Carolina marshes, beaches, and wildlife. For a complete list of local galleries, click HERE.
Another great way to take in the local art scene is by visiting the South Carolina Artisans Center. Located in Historic Downtown Walterboro, you can view sculptures and paintings from local artists who have been juried into the center.
Once you’re ready for a hearty meal, you’ll be in for a treat. The Lowcountry boasts traditional Gullah fare as well as some of the South’s best seafood. A couple of favorites:
Gullah Grub Restaurant has been a Beaufort staple for over 15 years, offering seasonal dishes made from local ingredients. You can’t go wrong ordering the chicken gumbo, BBQ ribs, or fried shrimp.
The Cottage Cafe in Bluffton is another popular eatery in Old Town Bluffton. Founder, owner and head chef/baker, Leslie Rohland, is a current SC Chef Ambassador.
SB Tip: We’ve barely scratch the surface of the Lowcountry’s celebrated restaurant scene. For a complete list of local eateries to round out your itinerary, visit HERE.
Enjoy your travels!
This article is sponsored by Old 96 District Tourism, Thoroughbred Country South Carolina, Upcountry South Carolina, Visit York County, and SC Lowcountry Tourism Commission.
All photography provided unless otherwise noted.
