South Carolina blends antebellum grandeur with pristine Atlantic coastline, Lowcountry marsh landscapes, and vibrant culinary traditions. From the cobblestone streets of historic Charleston to the sprawling Grand Strand beaches of Myrtle Beach, the lush Blue Ridge foothills of the Upstate, and the primeval cypress swamps of Congaree National Park, the Palmetto State offers an extraordinary range of experiences anchored by legendary Southern hospitality.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
South Carolina Aquarium
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
Myrtle Beach State Park Beach
WonderWorks Myrtle Beach
Magnolia Plantation Nature Train
Charleston Children's Museum
Broadway at the Beach Theme Park Area (Myrtle Beach)
Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
Congaree National Park Junior Ranger Program
Patriots Point Naval Museum (USS Yorktown)
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Wild Dunes Resort
Kingston Plantation Resort (DoubleTree)
Hampton Inn & Suites Hilton Head
Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Myrtle Beach's Restaurant Row (N Kings Hwy between 76th and 82nd Ave N) has numerous family-friendly casual dining options including Joe's Crab Shack and Crocodile Rocks
Charleston has child-friendly options on King Street; Saffron (333 E Bay St) and Jestine's Kitchen (251 Meeting St) both welcome families
Groceries for beach picnics: Publix stores throughout the Grand Strand and Lowcountry; Harris Teeter in Charleston has a full prepared-food section
Boiled peanuts — sold from roadside carts statewide — are a quintessential South Carolina snack that children typically love
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Build downtime into every day — over-scheduled kids melt down faster than tired adults.
Carry snacks, water, and a small first-aid kit at all times.
Many attractions offer discounted family tickets — ask at the ticket window.