Perhaps not on the top of the average traveling enthusiast’s itinerary, South Carolina provides visitors a true one-of-a-kind southern experience.
After all, it’s one of the few states where you can see beautiful beaches, palmetto trees and marvelous mountains year-round. Arguably the most attractive aspects of South Carolina is its diversity in terms of how you can spend time in the great outdoors.
Perhaps this is why the state is also full of amazing campgrounds and places to pitch a tent in order to get even closer to nature. Likewise, if you’re looking to to stay a bit more connected to civilization, there are tons of options available.
For those who want to get up and get moving during their vacations, the following five spots are totally worth your time no matter how long you’re visiting the Palmetto State.
Falls Park on the Reedy
A self-described “nature lover’s paradise,” this park located in downtown Greenville is the perfect place for a stroll. Between the multiple waterfalls to marvel at, the scenic walk over Liberty Bridge and varieties of flowers constantly in bloom, Falls Park also represents a great place to snag some snapshots.
Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden
The Riverbanks Zoo is notable for providing visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with animals from all around the world. From tigers and kangaroos to otters and exotic birds, this well-kept zoo is a great place to bring the kids. Oh, and offering up over 4,000 species of plants across 70 acres, the attached botanical garden is nothing to scoff at, either.
Biking at Hilton Head
For most visitors, visiting Hilton Head Island is considered a must-do. That said, biking the 60+ miles of trails is perhaps one of the most underrated activities on the island. With a myriad of bikes for rent, visitors have the luxury of biking on the beach, all the while scoping out some multimillion-dollar homes and gorgeous shoreline along the way.
Huntington Beach State Park
South Carolina’s state park scene is quite impressive, perhaps best illustrated by the activities and . Besides being a breathtaking beach-side park, this spot offering up some awesome landmarks such as the stunning Atalaya Castle. Additionally, visitors can enjoy some great wildlife-watching, including many varieties of birds and perhaps even the occasional gator.
GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail
Another one for the biking fans in your party, this 20-mile trail takes visitors all the way through Greenville and is friendly to bikers of all skill levels given its multiple stopping points.
Frequent events and farmers markets take place along the trail on any given day, meaning that there’s always a potential surprise for riders looking for some local flavor. If biking’s not your speed, the trail is likewise friendly to joggers and walkers, too.
If you’re not the type of person to take vacations where you’re cooped up inside, South Carolina is the place to be! With so much diversity and so many outdoor attractions to enjoy, we’re not kidding when we say there’s something for everyone in the Palmetto State.