The Top 26 Bucket List Destinations in South Carolina

By Chelsea Gonzales
Bucket List Trips

South Carolina is a wonderful place to visit. It’s full of welcoming people, interesting history, fun attractions, and delicious foods. A South Carolina bucket list can be helpful in planning out everything you want to see and do in the state.

In this article, we will share our South Carolina bucket list. Gather ideas for yourself and create a travel list of your own so you’re fully prepared for your trip to this awesome state. 

Charles Pinckney National Historic Site

Charles Pinckney was the principal author and a signer of the Constitution. He went on to become a political leader in South Carolina for decades. Tour the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site to learn about his life, tour one of his plantations, and learn about the enslaved people who worked there as well.

Congaree National Park

Congaree National Park is home to the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern US. The ecosystem here is amazing to learn about, and the hiking is breathtaking. 

Cowpens National Battlefield

Revolutionary War history can be found all over the eastern part of the country, including in South Carolina. One great place to learn about the war is Cowpens National Battlefield. You’ll learn about Brigadier General Daniel Morgan and the decisions he made that won the battle fought there. 

Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historic Park

Another awesome place to learn about military history, Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historic Park offers guests all kinds of information on the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and more. These forts at the entrance of the Charleston Harbor were strategic and important at a lot of different times.

Kings Mountain National Military Park

Kings Mountain National Military Park focuses on the battle of Kings Mountain, fought on October 7th, 1780. This battle was an important American victory during the Revolutionary War and was the first major victory for the Patriots after the British invasion of Charleston five months earlier.  

Ninety Six National Historic Site

Ninety Six National Historic Site preserves the site of the town of Ninety Six, which was established in the early 1700s. It was a strategic point and stronghold for the British during the Revolutionary War and it provides a glimpse into what was life in an area founded before the United States existed as a country.

Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail

The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail traces the route used by the Patriots during the Kings Mountain campaign of 1780. It is a full 330 miles long and stretches through four different states. Walk a portion of this historic trail and get a taste of what life might have been like for these soldiers.

Reconstruction Era National Historical Park

From 1861 to 1900, the United States was focused on integrating the millions of newly freed slaves into society. This period was referred to as the Reconstruction Era, and it had a huge impact on those living in South Carolina. Learn about this tumultuous time period at Reconstruction Era National Historical Park.

Stroll The Battery

Charleston is a charming historic city to explore in South Carolina. One of the best things to do there is stroll the Battery and enjoy the views of Charles Harbor. Enjoy the gorgeous architecture as you walk, and be sure to visit White Point Garden at the center of the park. 

See a Race at Darlington Raceway

Darlington Raceway in South Carolina is an impressive NASCAR track, and the events that happen there are thrilling. If you’re a NASCAR fan, a race at Darlington is an experience you won’t want to miss during your time in South Carolina. 

Eat South Carolina-Style Barbecue

The barbecue in South Carolina is different from other regions of the country. But the pork barbecue meat and mustard-based sauce are mouth-watering and make for an awesome South Carolina meal. 

Attend the Carolina Cup

South Carolina also has some great horse racing, and the best event to attend is the Carolina Cup. It’s attended by thousands of horse racing fans, and there are all kinds of fantastic festivities beforehand, not unlike the tailgating events you might find at a football game. 

Hike Table Rock State Park

Any trip to South Carolina should include some time outdoors. One great option is the Table Rock State Park. This park features a huge number of hiking trails, so you can explore the park.

Watch a Movie at Big Mo Drive-In

There are still a handful of drive-in theaters scattered across the United States, and one – The Big Mo – is in South Carolina. It’s an excellent place to spend a summer evening. Be sure to grab a snack or two and get nice and comfy, because the theater likes to play double features. 

Check Out Daufuskie Island

Daufuskie Island allows you to go completely off-grid and experience life without technology and the hustle and bustle of the modern world for a while. You will have to take a ferry to get to the island. Once there, you can kayak, ride a horse, or go on a hike while you unplug for a few days. 

Tour the South Carolina State House

The state of South Carolina has a lot to offer when it comes to history and great architecture. One spot to get a taste of both is the South Carolina State House. This historic building offers tours to visitors, which are an excellent way to learn about the architecture of the building. 

Enjoy Lady Baltimore Cake

While in South Carolina, try a slice of Lady Baltimore Cake. It’s made with several layers of white sponge cake and a fluffy frosting mixed with dried fruits and chopped nuts. It’s incredibly popular in the state… and rightfully so! 

Take In the View at Pretty Place Chapel

As the name suggests, the Pretty Place Chapel is indeed picturesque. And while the structure itself is lovely, it’s the view from the pews that makes it especially awe-inspiring. We recommend visiting during sunset for the very best views. 

Visit the South Carolina Aquarium

One of the best aquariums in the country, the South Carolina Aquarium is a must-see for families, marine enthusiasts, and animal lovers alike. Be sure to check out the sea turtles and learn how you can protect them, and then head over to the Monsters exhibit, where you can learn all about the creepy and weird creatures of the deep. 

Enjoy Myrtle Beach

Yes, Myrtle Beach is a tourist town. But there’s a reason tourists flock here – the beaches are stunning. If you enjoy a day at the beach and you want to add one to your South Carolina itinerary, this is the place to go. 

Admire the Waterfalls on Lake Jocassee

In addition to Table Rock State Park mentioned above, we also highly recommend taking the time to visit Devils Fork State Park. Here, you’ll find Lake Jocassee, a beautiful lake that is home to six incredible waterfalls. Make sure to take a waterfall tour so you can see them all. 

Relax Under the Angel Tree

If you’re feeling worn out from sightseeing, get some rest under the Angel Oak Tree. This incredible tree stands 66½ feet tall and is 28 feet wide. It’s also more than 500 years old. It makes the trees around it look tiny, and can easily shade over 7,000 square feet!

Climb Sassafras Mountain

If you’re looking for a challenge, head to Sassafras Mountain for a climbing adventure. The top of this beautiful mountain is the highest point in the state at 3,533 feet, and it offers a view of lots of other mountains in the distance. This hike is challenging, so make sure you have trained and are properly prepared for the trek.

Get to the Top of the Hunting Island Lighthouse

the Hunting Island Lighthouse makes a great addition to a South Carolina bucket list

If you prefer a less challenging climb, head to the top of Hunting Island Lighthouse. This is the only lighthouse in South Carolina that is open to the public. It stands 130 feet above the ground and offers a panoramic view of the coast. Just make sure you get on the waiting list for this one early, as space is limited!

Get Creeped Out on a Charleston Ghost Tour

One of the things Charleston is most famous for is its ghosts and haunted buildings. Try a ghost tour to get in touch with the city’s spectral side. Walk along cemeteries, haunted pubs, old jail buildings, and even dungeons as you get up close and personal with the spirits of Charleston. 

Head to Hilton Head Island

Finally, we must mention Hilton Head Island. This gorgeous island is known for its beaches and golf courses, and we recommend checking out both. Additionally, we highly recommend a visit to the Coastal Discovery Museum to learn more about the island. 

South Carolina is a state that is well worth visiting. The only problem is finding a place to stay while you check items off your South Carolina bucket list. Consider staying in an RV. RV travel allows you to hop from one area of the state to another, giving you the freedom to see and do it all. If you don’t have your own motorhome or travel trailer, check out our South Carolina rental RVs.

Download the Top 10 Bucket List Destinations in South Carolina.