Charleston's Southern Charm Meets Hilton Head Island's World-Class Golf
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Spartanburg
Discover Spartanburg, SC: historic sites, craft beer, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly attractions await in this charming South Carolina city.
Simpsonville
Discover Simpsonville, SC: cozy lakefront cottages, luxurious estates, and charming homes near Greenville and Spartanburg.
Gaffney
Discover Gaffney, South Carolina, where historic battlefields, scenic outdoor trails, and charming downtown attractions await your next adventure.
Travel Tips
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Embrace the Local Culture
Savor the rich flavors of mustard-based barbecue and indulge in freshly made biscuits at local eateries.
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Respect Nature
Explore the Francis Beidler Forest’s ancient cypress swamps to witness diverse wildlife and unique plant species.
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Be Flexible
Drive your RV to Congaree National Park’s 27 miles of trails 2 hours from Columbia for hiking and canoeing.
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Support Local Businesses
Experience gourmet dining at The Lighthouse Restaurant in Seneca overlooking Lake Keowee’s serene waters. Explore outdoor adventures with boat rentals from Lake Keowee Marina in Seneca, offering easy access to the lake’s beauty.
South Carolina’s Lakefront Paradise
Lake Murray’s 50,000 acres sparkle beneath the Blue Ridge foothills, where 650 miles of shoreline harbor secluded coves perfect for morning paddleboard yoga and afternoon bass fishing tournaments. The Jocassee Gorges wilderness embraces Lake Jocassee’s emerald waters, where visibility reaches 25 feet and hidden waterfalls cascade directly into the lake from 75-foot cliffs. Families gather at Lake Hartwell’s 962-mile shoreline for swimming at Twelve Mile Beach, while couples discover intimate anchorages beneath towering pines where bald eagles nest. Pet-friendly trails wind through Table Rock State Park, connecting mountain vistas to lakeside picnic groves where golden retrievers splash alongside children building sandcastles.
Seasonal Celebrations on the Water
The Beaufort Water Festival transforms July’s waterfront with shrimp boat parades and ski shows drawing 150,000 spectators, while Lake Murray’s Fourth of July fireworks illuminate 50 square miles of water surface. Keowee’s Autumn Colors Cruise showcases October’s crimson maples reflected in pristine waters, and Charleston’s Blessing of the Fleet sees 100 decorated vessels parade through historic harbors each April. Groups reserve entire marinas during September’s Lake Hartwell Poker Run, when 200 performance boats race between waterfront restaurants serving Lowcountry boils and craft cocktails beneath Spanish moss canopies.
Lakehouse Living Redefined
South Carolina’s 8,000 waterfront rentals range from restored tobacco barn conversions ($175 nightly) overlooking farm ponds to contemporary steel-and-glass pavilions ($2,500 nightly) cantilevered over Lake Keowee’s sapphire depths. Multi-level dock houses accommodate 20 guests with commercial kitchens, infinity-edge pools, and boat lifts supporting everything from pontoons to wakeboard boats. Gated lake communities offer amenities including Tom Fazio golf courses, equestrian centers, and private beach clubs where three-generation families reunite beneath grand oak allées.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to see what South Carolina has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Hilton Head offers bike paths and mini golf with rentals from $200. Kiawah Island provides nature programs starting at $350. Myrtle Beach delivers entertainment value under $175. Isle of Palms features calmer vibes from $250. Lake.com showcases South Carolina’s diverse coastal options perfectly suited for different family vacation styles.
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Huntington Beach State Park area offers marsh cottages from $165. Table Rock provides mountain lake rentals starting at $95. Congaree edges feature river access under $110. Devils Fork delivers clear water swimming from $125. Lake.com connects families with South Carolina’s best state park gateways beyond the famous beaches.
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Absolutely! Edisto charms with uncrowded beaches, ACE Basin wildlife, and serpentarium. Rentals from $185 offer screened porches and tidal creek views. Botany Bay’s driftwood beach delights photographers. Local restaurants serve fresh seafood. Lake.com features Edisto properties perfect for families seeking authentic Lowcountry experiences without commercial development.
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Garden City provides spacious houses from $180 with boardwalk access. Surfside Beach offers wide strands starting at $160. Wild Dunes features resort amenities under $300. Folly Beach delivers surfer vibes from $225. Lake.com helps families find South Carolina’s best beachfront properties with pools, multiple bedrooms, and ocean views.
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North Myrtle offers older cottages from $140. Pawleys Island provides off-season deals starting at $125. Lake Marion features lakefront alternatives under $85. Campobello delivers mountain escapes from $75. Lake.com’s budget filters identify South Carolina’s affordable waterfront escapes perfect for cost-conscious families seeking memorable beach or lake experiences.
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Hunting Island welcomes pets with cabins from $95. Folly Beach allows dogs certain hours starting at $200. Lake Murray offers fenced yards under $115. Hilton Head provides specific pet beaches from $250. Lake.com’s pet search shows South Carolina’s dog-friendly properties with beach access and nearby walking trails.
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May and September bring perfect 75-80°F weather without summer crowds. October offers warm ocean and festivals. March-April delivers azalea blooms and moderate rates. Avoid July’s peak heat and prices. Book spring/fall three months ahead. Lake.com’s Palmetto State guide helps families optimize timing for ideal beach weather.