Are you looking for weekend getaways in South Carolina but not sure where to start? You are in the right place. In this article, we will walk you through the best weekend getaways in South Carolina and tell you everything you need to know so you can plan the perfect vacation.
There is so much to see and do in South Carolina. It’s a state that has a lot to offer. From the incredible South Carolina beaches to the SC islands it’s a state that loves the sun and fun.
South Carolina is also beautiful in the fall and makes for wonderful road trips. There are also some wonderful hiking spots in the state and the SC waterfalls are something else.
When you mix all this with the southern hospitality this state is known for it makes a perfect place to escape it all. South Carolina weekend getaways are guaranteed to come with charm, a side of history, and a big dollop of friendliness that is hard to resist.
So pull up a chair and let us walk you through some places to visit in South Carolina for the weekend.
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Myrtle Beach Has Something For Everyone
There is so much to do in Myrtle Beach that it’s hard to know where to start. This South Carolina beach town really does know how to please everyone.
Whether you just want to chill on the beach or go all out and visit the attractions here you will never be without something to do. It’s a great place for a family and couples alike. You will also want to check out our list of the Best Beaches In Myrtle Beach!
In-season Myrtle Beach is a family paradise and in the off-season, it becomes one of the more laid-back chill inexpensive romantic getaways in South Carolina.
If you are undecided about where to go this beach town is a great choice because it really has everything. The Myrtle Beach restaurants are also fantastic. Mini vacations in South Carolina don’t really come any better than a trip here.
Charleston For Charm And Romance
There are so many unique things to do in Charleston which is why it is such a popular getaway spot. Here you will find some of the best seafood, lots of history, great restaurants, and incredible beaches.
We feel that Charleston is one of the best romantic weekend getaways in South Carolina. With its colonial-style restored mansions, immaculately manicured gardens, and horse-drawn carriage tours, it just screams romance.
It’s also a city made for walking and exploring and you can easily spend hours on foot enjoying the area hand in hand with your lover.
It’s the sort of place where you can do as little or as much as you want and still have an amazing time. If you are the sort of person who loves to plan take a look at our Charleston itinerary it is packed full of places to see in the city.
Charleston is for us what weekend trips in South Carolina are all about. It shows off the best of this incredible state and we are sure you will fall in love with it.
Make sure to check out our list of the Best Resorts In South Carolina if you are looking for an epic place to stay on your trip!
Beaufort For Picture Perfect Locations
For all the laid-back old city vibes consider Beaufort for one of your weekend trips in South Carolina.
Founded in 1711 the antebellum architecture makes it picture perfect. Forest Gump, Prince of Tides, and The Big Chill have all been filmed here.
It’s charming and quaint and the Spanish Moss Trail is simply stunning. It’s another great place to consider for inexpensive romantic getaways in South Carolina.
The Beaufort restaurants have a lot to offer and make a great place for a romantic evening meal. Perfectly finished off with a stroll down the waterfront.
Hilton Head For Families
There is so much to do in Hilton Head and it makes a perfect family weekend getaway in South Carolina. Here you will have hours of fun at the beach and discovering the local attractions.
There are so many amazing places to see, make sure to check out our Favorite Beaches In Hilton Head!
For history head to the Coastal Discovery Museum, go shopping at Shelter Cove Land, or eat at one of the many Hilton Head restaurants.
Here you will find a more laid-back vibe than say Myrtle beach with natural beauty being more of the highlight here. The sunsets here are incredible and the guided tours around the estuaries to see shorebirds, dolphins, and river otters are well worth the time.
Weekend getaways in South Carolina don’t get much better than they do here.
The Blue Ridge Mountains For The Great Outdoors.
If you are looking for weekend getaways in the South Carolina mountains then this is it. If a perfect vacation for you is all about adventure then look no further.
The rugged mountains are worth exploring and have so much to offer from waterfalls, to wilderness preserves, to epic views. A getaway here really is spectacular.
Bike, hike or drive to take in the wonderful scenery it really is what dreams are made of.
For the ultimate in South Carolina, weekend getaways hire a cozy cabin in the mountains and spend the night roasting marshmallows in front of the campfire.
Weekend trips in South Carolina don’t get much more perfect than a night in The Blue Ridge Mountains.
Folly Beach For Peace and Quiet
If the sun and beach are your perfect idea for mini vacations in South Carolina then Folly Beach might be for you. It tends to be a little quieter than the other beach towns but is still as beautiful.
Days can be spent walking on the Broadwalk, swimming in the sea, or visiting Folly Beach County Park. And make sure you take a trip to Morris Island Lighthouse it’s a civil war era landmark.
For something a bit more active rent paddleboards and kayaks or learn to surf and for the ultimate evening take a sunset cruise. Folly Beach makes one of the best weekend getaways in South Carolina.
Greenville For Green Spaces
If you are looking for places to visit in South Carolina for the weekend then how about Greenville. There is so much to see and do in Greenville that you might be surprised at all it has to offer.
It is a lush natural paradise full of brooks and paths that seem to lead you through the best Mother Nature has to offer. For a city, it’s surprisingly green.
Falls Park is definitely a place you will want to visit and Paris Mountain State Park is just five miles away.
In the city, you will find a quaint downtown, delightful shops, and some incredible scenery. If you are looking for romantic weekend getaways in South Carolina then Greenville might be perfect for you.
Columbia For The Big City Vibe
In an article about weekend getaways in South Carolina, how could we not include the state’s capital Columbia? Columbia offers a host of things to do and is perfect for whatever kind of getaway you are looking for.
If you are looking for a family weekend getaway in South Carolina, Columbia can deliver with Riverbanks Zoo and EdVenture Children’s Museum just a few of the family-friendly attractions.
If you are looking for a more romantic getaway then how about a walk in Saluda Shoals Park or carving your initials on the “Love Tree” in Guignard Park in Cayce.
Whatever kind of vacation you are looking for Columbia can deliver.
Caesars Head State Park For Mountains
If you are looking for weekend getaways in South Carolina on a budget then how about camping in Caesars Head State Park?
This park is a massive expanse of wilderness that is just ripe for exploring. With over 60 miles of trails to enjoy you won’t get bored.
The views in the park are amazing and waterfall hunting is an absolute must. Raven Cliff Falls is very impressive.
If the great outdoors is your thing then you will love this state park. If you are looking for weekend getaways in the South Carolina mountains then consider this state park a must.
Road Trip To The Best Beaches
If you are looking for weekend getaways in South Carolina on a budget how about a road trip. South Carolina road trips are some of the best ways to see the state.
One of our favorite road trips takes in most of the main beach towns. Start your trip at Myrtle Beach then head south to Folly Beach before the final leg to Hilton Head.
From Myrtle Beach to Folly Beach you will be driving for approximately 2 1/2 hours so we suggest staying at each place for the evening. Folly Beach to Hilton Head is over two hours and well worth a stop.
Road tripping is a great way to see more of the state and makes the perfect getaway idea.
Live Island Life In A Cabin
Staying in a cabin in South Carolina really is a great way to really feel like you are getting away from it all. The Evan Cottage should be high on your list for weekend getaways in South Carolina.
On Daufuskie Island, in the heart of the Historic District and it sleeps four. Can you imagine sitting on the covered porch and watching the world go by? Sounds like bliss to us.
It is close to the local attractions and the beach is a 10-minute golf buggy ride away. Yes golf buggy ride away, Daufuskie Island is car-free. All visitors must access the island by personal watercraft or ferry service.
Staying here really is getting away from it with no WiFi and limited antennae cable, this is island life as it’s supposed to be.
Check Prices of The Evan Cottage in VRBO
Stay In A Treehouse In The Marsh
For something wildly different how about a treehouse in the marshland on Fripp Island? This treehouse sleeps four and really is unique and beautiful.
The treehouse sits 10 feet up in the trees for a spectacular view of the Marsh and floor-to-ceiling windows. Every part of this treehouse frames the natural view outside and the view from the raised deck is amazing.
Here you are close to nature and can expect to see local birds, Fiddler crabs, deers, and raccoons. The beach is a few-minute golf buggy ride away which is included in the rental. This place truly is amazing and will make weekend getaways in South Carolina even more special.
Check the price of this Treehouse on VRBO
Take A Fall Foliage Trip
South Carolina really is beautiful in the fall and some of the best weekend getaways in South Carolina are foilage hunting.
There are so many places to experience fall in South Carolina but we love the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway. This 130-mile scenic road is one of the best ways to see fall foliage in the state and has some of the best viewpoints.
You can start in either Clemson or Walhalla and will end in Gaffney. Lake Jocassee, Table Rock State Park, and Caesars Head State Park are all stops along the way and Campbells Covered Bridge is definitely a short detour you will want to take.
Take as long or as short a trip as you want and choose where you want to stop and stay along the way. Whichever way you decide to take this trip you will see some incredible foliage and breathtaking views.
Table Rock State Park For Views
Located on the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains this state park has over 80 miles of trails to be explored and they are all beautiful.
A hike to the top of Table Rock Mountain is a must. The hike is challenging but the views from the top are worth it. It’s a photographer’s dream up here. And for a really special moment go at sunrise.
There are some easy hikes with great views too and some of the lesser-known overlooks of the mountains are worth seeing. There is so much more to do than hiking with horseback tours, wine tasting, and waterfall hunting all great local activities.
For an extra special outdoor experience camp in the state park and really spend a few days in nature.
Georgetown For Quaint
It feels right to finish a list of weekend getaways in SC by mentioning one of the oldest towns in South Carolina, Georgetown. It’s a seaside location that also offers history, picture-perfect settings, and lovely things to do.
It’s a charming town with the rustic town clock alongside the Rice Museum a must-see and photography moment. The South Carolina Maritime Museum is also well worth a visit.
It’s a place to chill, explore and enjoy and we are here for it.
As you can see when it comes to weekend getaways in SC there are so many to choose from. Whether you are looking for s inexpensive romantic getaways in South Carolina or somewhere that is family-friendly this state really has it all.
Whichever of these mini vacations in south Carolina you choose I hope you have an amazing time and please come back and tell us all about it.
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