South Carolina Vacation Guide - SC 2026
Lowcountry & Resort Islands
2025-12-23 14:06:01
The hectic pace of life seems to slow down when you head to the Lowcountry, where Spanish mossdraped 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
BOAT TOURS
EXPERIENCE COASTAL BEAUTY IN THE LOWCOUNTRY & RESORT ISLANDS REGION.
1. COASTAL EXPEDITIONS TO ST. PHILLIPS ISLAND
Cruise from St. Helena Island to remote St. Phillips Island at Hunting Island State Park, then hike wild trails where sea turtles nest and bald eagles soar.
2. SUNDAY BRUNCH CRUISE WITH VAGABOND CRUISE
Pair traditional Lowcountry-style dishes with a sparkling mimosa and ocean views off Hilton Head Island. Watch for bottlenose dolphins along the way.
3. OYSTER HATCHERY KAYAK PADDLE TOUR AND TASTING WITH BEAUFORT KAYAK TOURS
Paddle through a salt marsh with a delicious reward: a guided tasting at an oyster farm in Beaufort. Learn how they’re harvested and what makes this region’s oysters distinct
4. BOOGIE MAN FISHING CHARTERS Book a private inshore fishing
trip on St. Helena Island to snag flounder, redfish and others. The captain makes it easy by providing all the gear and tackle. Just bring your sunscreen and good luck.
5. BEACHCOMBING CRUISE WITH OUTSIDE HILTON HEAD
Take a tour from Hilton Head Island to the "Vanishing Island" sandbar that only appears at low tide to hunt for shells, sand dollars and starfish. Keep an eye out for dolphins, blue crabs and osprey.
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