South Carolina Vacation Guide - SC 2025

REGION

The hectic pace of life seems to slow down when you head to the Lowcountry, where Spanish moss-draped oak trees and wild marshlands set the scene for relaxation. Here, fishing, sailing, kayaking, hunting and sunset watching are common pastimes. Bike along the beachfront trails and beneath the shade of subtropical maritime forests, tee off on iconic golf courses, fill up on Gullah-inspired soul food and stay in historic mansions turned into B&Bs.

REGIONAL MUST SEES Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Beaufort | Heyward House - Museum and Welcome Center, Bluffton | Edisto Island Serpentarium, Edisto Island | The Bonito Boathouse, Fripp Island | Hilton Head Island Bike Trails, Hilton Head Island | Hunting Island State Park, Hunting Island | Shrimp Shack, St. Helena Island | Colleton County Museum & Farmers Market, Walterboro

Lowcountry Creativity

Immerse yourself in the culture and creativity of the Lowcountry’s vibrant visual and performing arts scenes to experience the artistic soul and unique culture of the region.

On Hilton Head Island, the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina stands as a beacon for the performing arts. Choose from a lineup of shows for all tastes, including hit Broadway musicals, symphony renditions of iconic pop ballads and rollicking stand-up comedy. In the historic town of Beaufort, explore the works of local and regional artists at the Thibault Gallery – Art by Southern Hands, where oil and acrylic landscape paintings, handcrafted sculptures, metalworks and ceramics pieces reflect the lifestyle and beauty of the Lowcountry.

Farther inland, the South Carolina Artisans Center in Walterboro celebrates the state's handicraft traditions. Recognized as the official folk art and craft center of South Carolina, it features a curated selection of works by hundreds of artisans who make everything from textiles and basketry to woodwork and shell art. Every third Saturday, stop by the quaint Victorian cottage to watch artisans at work on their crafts.