Make Vacation Memories At South Carolina Attractions

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden in Columbia offers fun for all ages. Situated along the Saluda River, the zoo features exhibits that spread over 170 acres. View more than 2,000 animals in themed areas like Kangaroo Walkabout and African Plains. Save time to visit the adjacent Riverbanks Botanical Garden. With 70 acres of spectacular gardens, the attraction boasts more than 4,000 species of plants from all over the world.

Hollywild Animal Park in Wellford presents a Holiday Lights Safari from mid-November through December. The event features close to 3 million Christmas lights spread over 100 acres. Visit Santa’s Village, Enchanted Deer Forest and enjoy views of animals in their habitats.

Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary spans 600 acres. Located just three minutes from I-95, the center is open from sunrise to sunset and offers free admission. Enjoy four miles of hiking and biking trails, playgrounds and scenic picnic areas. See educational exhibits at the Discovery Center and view wildlife from boardwalks and canoe trails along Ireland Creek and the Ashepoo River.

The South Carolina Coast is home to several wildlife refuges. Visit the Pritchards Island Center for Coastal Ecology near Beaufort. Accessible only by boat, the center offers tours of the maritime forest and a chance to see loggerhead sea turtles.

Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge features over 14 miles of hiking and biking trails and provides the opportunity to view more than 250 bird species. See yellow-crowned night herons, warblers, the painted bunting and a variety of raptors and wading birds. As you tour the island you may spot white tailed deer, bobcats, foxes, or American alligators.

Sewee Visitor and Environmental Center near Charleston offers fun interactive experiences for children and a chance for the whole family to view red wolves in a habitat designed to preserve the endangered species.

Founded in 1931 by Archer and Anna Huntington, Brookgreen Gardens is a must-see on the South Carolina Coast. Situated at Murrells Inlet, the historic landmark combines art, nature, and history. Stroll among gardens covering over 9,000 acres, view incredible sculptures and tour the Lowcountry Zoo. Explore the myriad exhibits on your own or sign up for a guided tour.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens in North Charleston features a wildlife observation tower, petting zoo, plant conservatory and a boat tour of the Audubon Swamp Garden.

History and architecture buffs have much to explore in the Palmetto State. Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1859 and situated near Columbia, the plantation was owned by James Henry Hammond, a prominent senator, governor, and cotton farmer. The home is furnished with original decor and artifacts from the 19th century.

The South Carolina State House in Columbia houses the state capitol. Built in the Greek Revival Style in 1855, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. See a 15-minute video that provides an overview of the architectural components and history of the building. Guided tours provide additional background on significant features.

Rose Hill Plantation Historic Site in Union is easily accessible from Greenville. Built in 1832, the plantation was the home of Governor William H. Gist. Sprawling over 44 scenic acres, the site features a nature trail, picnic shelter, and exhibits on the Civil War era.

Rivers Bridge State Historic Site in Ehrhardt marks the Battle of Rivers Bridge, one of the last stands the Confederacy made against Union forces during the Civil War. Take a self-guided walking tour of the grounds and view interpretive panels, or sign up for a ranger-guided tour to learn more background on the battle. The park is pet-friendly and offers picnic facilities.

Fort Moultrie National Monument features historic exhibits and a variety of military displays from the Revolutionary War to World War II. Used by the Army for coastal defense for 171 years, the fort played a crucial role in U.S. history. Located just minutes from Mount Pleasant at Sullivans Island, the national park is managed by the National Park Service. The site includes the original log fort built by William Moultrie along with equipment and structures from World War II.

Tuskegee Airmen Monument honors the first African-American military pilots in the United States. Situated at Lowcountry Regional Airport in Walterboro, the monument celebrates the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II with a collection of historic photos and exhibits.

With its gorgeous beaches, stunning forests, and wealth of historic sites, it’s no surprise that South Carolina is a popular location for movies and television shows. Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens in Mount Pleasant was used as a setting for the film The Notebook and the epic mini-series The North and the South. An antebellum home in Beaufort starred in the movie The Big Chill, and the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro had a prime role in Forrest Gump. The Military College of South Carolina has been used in countless movies and TV shows over the years including Columbo, Jag, House of Cards, and Army Wives.

No matter what time of year you visit, you’ll discover that every region of South Carolina provides a beautiful backdrop for vacation memories.