Extend Your Stay in South Carolina: Family Fun Beyond the Games

Extend Your Stay in South Carolina: Family Fun Beyond the Games 

By Dave Bodle 

Regardless of where you want to go within South Carolina, you are five hours or less from your destination. With that in mind rights holders, here just a few of the Palmetto State’s favorite attractions to share. 

UPSTATE 

Falls Park on the Reedy is a beautiful urban green space in Greenville right downtown. There are spectacular waterfalls and gardens each accented by several pieces of public art throughout the park. The 345-foot Liberty Bridge was described by the structural manager of the builder as “an ultra-lightweight bridge which almost looks like it’s floating on air.”  

Caesars Head State Park in Cleveland has one of South Carolina’s most famous natural landmarks. The park’s namesake provides a panoramic view of the mountain country. On a clear day, you can see Greenville. Another landmark is the Raven Cliff Falls, an overlook after a two-mile hike. The park also has a half-dozen additional falls. 

The South Carolina Botanical Garden is on the campus of Clemson University. This 294-acre garden features nature trails, ponds, woodlands and exhibits at the Bob Campbell Geology Museum and creative works at the Fran Hanson Discovery Center. Not to be missed is the 300+ year old historic Hanover House. 

Campbell’s Historic Covered Bridge near Greenville in Landrum was constructed of wood between 1909 and 1911. It is the only remaining covered bridge in South Carolina. The state once had 20 covered bridges. Today, the bridge still crosses Beaverdam Creek and is surrounded by an 18-acre park. There is a picnic area, an old grist mill and home site and a short nature trail with interpretive signage. 

Rainy Day Option: 

BMW Zentrum in Greer is both the auto manufacturer’s information center and museum. There are about 25 cars and a few motorcycles on display in the museum’s permanent collection along with regularly scheduled visiting collections. There is a video of the actual assembly from the beginning to driving the vehicle off the line.  

MIDLANDS 

Located along the Saluda River, the sprawling 170-acre Riverbanks Zoo & Garden in Columbia is South Carolina’s most visited gated attraction. By the numbers there are more than 1,000,000 visitors, more than 3,000 animals and 5,700-plus plants. There are birds, fish and invertebrates, mammals and reptiles. It has six themed gardens and was hailed by HGTV as one of the great 20 public gardens. Throughout the attraction there are hands-on activities for all the family to enjoy. 

Fans of the National Park Service need to cross off Congaree National Park from their to-do list. It is here you will find the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood remaining in the southeastern United States. Check the boardwalk construction updates for partial closings as construction is ongoing in 2025 and 2026. There is plenty to do from hiking and fishing to canoeing and kayaking. The ranger led programs are always outstanding. 

Located just outside of Columbia, Lake Murray is known as the “Jewel of South Carolina.” Located on the Saluda River, this man-made lake offers fishing as one of the most popular activities. Televised fishing tournaments make a regular appearance with Largemouth Bass being the target. Striped Bass along with more than a dozen other varieties are popular.  

As the excitement builds for the America 250 celebration in 2026, a visit to Historic Camden should be on the to do list of every South Carolina visitor. The Revolutionary War Visitors Center and the 104-acre Living History Park in Camden is a perfect for exploring the all-important Southern Campaign of the American Revolution. Located 40-miles east of Columbia, Historic Camden is a must experience. 

Rainy Day Option: 

South Carolina State Museum is located in Columbia and housed in the historic Columbia Mills Building. The state’s largest museum spans four floors with interactive exhibits featuring art, cultural history, natural history, cience and technology. You will be amazed at South Carolina’s contributions to our nation. 

COAST 

The Charleston Historic District serves as a living museum of the past. Some of the most recognizable landmarks are the Battery and White Point Garden. Situated at the most southern tip of the peninsula the former offers views of the harbor and Fort Sumter in the distance. The antebellum mansions are a reminder of the city’s history and wealth. The Garden is public and commemorates the city’s past. The 13 colorful Rainbow Row houses are likely the most photographed attraction. The Charleston City Market dates back to the 1790s and is still a shopping hub. 

Myrtle Beach with its 60 miles of wide sandy beaches, is a classic family vacation hub. It features world-class theaters and great dinner shows, along with live music throughout the area. Award -winning water parks and the mini-golf capital of the world are always fun. There are charming coastal towns all along the Grand Strand. Explore beyond the beach with jet skis, hang gliders, pier and charter fishing. Regardless of the season, there is always something in bloom at Brookgreen Gardens. 

Well known for its pristine beaches, Hilton Head Island has been named one of the top family beach destinations in the country. Off the beach whether your preference is on the water or in the water, there is an activity for you. There are dolphin tours, boat rentals, fishing charters, kayaking and paddle boarding. With its designation as a Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community, Hilton Head Island is a great place to spin your wheels. There are more than 15,000 bicycles to rent. 

A hidden gem along South Carolina’s coast is Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet. Less crowded than the more popular Myrtle Beach, there are still three miles of unspoiled beach. Take a stroll along the park’s causeway to view birds and alligators that call the marsh home. Take a docent tour of Atalaya, a National Historic Landmark. The home and retreat of Anna Hyatt and Archer Huntington. Swim, fish, relax or learn a new hobby like kayaking, or birding.  

Rainy Day Options: 

If one aquarium is good, two must be great. Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach invites visitors to immerse themselves among thousands of aquatic animals. Get closer with interactive, hands-on experiences unique animal encounters and regular events. The South Carolina Aquarium in downtown Charleston has been connecting visitors for 25-years. More than 5,000 animals from the South Carolina mountains to the ocean are on display. Make sure you visit the Sea Turtle Care Center.