South Carolina Vacation Guide - SC 2025

REGION

Preserving its time-honored equestrian heritage, this is the place to hear the thunder of hooves at thrilling steeplechase events, harness racing and polo matches. Spend your day exploring the picturesque countryside and tranquil state parks or pick up fresh finds at a farmers market. Then, stroll through the charming towns to discover antique stores, artisan shops, gourmet eateries, history museums and family-friendly activities.

REGIONAL MUST SEES Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum, Aiken | Red Bluff Lodge, Allendale | Cliff’s Seafood & Grill, Bamberg | Little Red Barn Pottery & Art Gallery, Barnwell | Barnwell State Park, Blackville | Nelson’s Wee Bake, Denmark | North Augusta Greeneway Trail, North Augusta

TRAIL TIME

From birding to battlefields, Thoroughbred Country’s trails take visitors on all kinds of adventures.

Start at Battle of Rivers Bridge State Historic Site in Ehrhardt, where the easy 0.8-mile Battlefield Trail takes you through scenic woodlands and a significant American Civil War battlefield, where outnumbered Southern troops held General Sherman’s Union army for two days.

For wildlife watchers, the nature trails at Silver Bluff Audubon Center & Sanctuary in Jackson meander through diverse habitats, including grasslands, forests, lakes and ponds, making it a haven for birdwatching. More than 200 bird species can be found here year-round, making it an ideal spot to connect with nature.

In Aiken, Hitchcock Woods offers a vast urban forest with over 70 miles of trails. Equestrians, hikers and nature lovers can explore this pristine woodland, famous for its longleaf pines and historic equestrian heritage.

The paved Greeneway Trail in North Augusta meanders through the city neighborhoods, beautiful parks and along the Savannah River. Its smooth surface is wheelchair- and stroller-friendly, making it ideal for all visitors to enjoy.