Carolina Dreaming: Natural beauty for any season

Spanish moss, stately plantations, sandy beaches, swaying palms--as the door to the Deep South, South Carolina embodies the region's present and past.

“I love to travel to the Carolinas any time of the year.”

Travel to South Carolina revolves not only around its antebellum plantations and Charleston's historic mansions; visitors also come for first-class golf courses, foodie-friendly Southern cooking and sun-soaked days at the beach. Let Travel + Leisure's South Carolina travel guide lead you toward the best in Southern hospitality.

Trees grow wild in the Nantalaha National Forest near Cashiers, N.C.

Things Not to Miss in South Carolina

• Exploring historic Charleston and grabbing a taste of finger-licking Southern fare

• Taking a tour of antebellum plantations like Boone Hall

The Blue Ridge Mountains loom over the Big Hungry Road bridge near Dana, N.C.

• Soaking up the sun and enjoying a blast from the past at Myrtle Beach

Briggs Holtry, 9-years-old of Surfside Beach, picks up starfish to return to the water on Monday. Thousands of small starfish washed ashore during low tide on Garden City Beach, S.C. on Monday morning. Residents and tourists rushed play in the mass of wriggling starfish, collecting some and putting handfuls of others back into the water.June 29, 2020 Photo by Jason Lee

• Hiking, hunting and fishing in the state's wooded west

When to Go to South Carolina

Like the rest of its neighbors in the deep South, South Carolina enjoys balmy weather throughout much of the year, making it's beaches especially popular.

A couple watches the falls in the Nantalaha National Forest near Brevard, N.C.

South Carolina's crown jewel is the port city of Charleston. It's one of the South's best-preserved cities, with beautifully restored homes and churches, cobblestone streets, hidden gardens, and a thriving culinary scene. The South Carolina coast also includes family-friendly Myrtle Beach and the gracious Grand Strand. Hilton Head Island's exclusive resorts, excellent golfing, and genteel good life make it one of the coast's most popular getaways. Inland, South Carolina has small-town charm with antiques shops and shady town squares.

Scenic Drives: The best and easiest way to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway is to go for a drive! Drive for 10 miles or 50—it's all up to you! And, it's easy to create an experience that fits with your itinerary of other things to do in Asheville.

Family Hiking at Black Balsam2. Hiking: The Blue Ridge Parkway is known for providing access to some of the best hiking trails in the nation. Whether you're looking for a short, easy hike or a more challenging trek, you'll find it on the Parkway. The forested trails lead to everything from 360-degree views to thundering waterfalls. See our guide to the best Blue Ridge Parkway hikes. Find your perfect Asheville hiking trail! Use our Asheville Hike Finder to easily filter by distance from downtown, trail length and difficulty level.

Picnicking: The dramatic views found on the Blue Ridge Parkway make for unforgettable picnic spots.

Biking: Bike the Blue Ridge Parkway for an outdoor adventure, and workout, like no other. See our guide to road biking adventures.

Staff reporter
Ronnie J. Willis
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