South Carolina Vacation Guide - SC 2025

REGION

Named for its concentration of English settlers during the 1770s, this region is rich in colonial history with centuries-old cemeteries, battlefields and important historic sites. Uncover stories of the past at old plantations and family farms. Then, make your own stories with outdoor adventures at state parks, botanical gardens, golf courses and biking trails, plus thrilling sports destinations.

REGIONAL MUST SEES Chester Historic District, Chester | Cheraw State Park Golf Course, Cheraw | Camden Archives & Museum, Camden East Main Street Historic District, Chesterfield | Fort Mill History Museum, Fort Mill | Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw | Andrew Jackson State Park, Lancaster | Glencairn Garden, Rock Hill

Explore the Waterways

Outdoor adventure is the name of the game in the Olde English District, and one of the best ways to experience this region’s natural beauty is from the water.

At Goodale State Park in Camden, a 3-mile canoe trail — that some call the best “undiscovered” canoe trail in the state — winds through a forest of bald cypress. Look for great blue heron and other birds, and if you’re quiet, you might even spot an alligator.

Rent a pedal boat (not to be confused with a paddle boat) and use your feet to power your way around the 360-acre Lake Juniper at Cheraw State Park. This Cheraw gem is home to the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, which gravitates to the park’s mature pines.

Kayak the “rapids” of the Catawba River at Landsford Canal State Park in Catawba. Usually Class I or II, they can get up to a III. Fishing for bass, catfish and other freshwater species is another favorite here. (Be sure to get a fishing license at dnr.sc.gov/licensing.html.)

Just down the road from Catawba is the resort-style community of Tega Cay, where you can rent a standup paddleboard (or SUP) from The Goat Boater and paddle Lake Wylie. Lessons are also available.