South Carolina, indicated in its name, is the southern counterpart of North Carolina, and borders Georgia to the south. Located on the East coast of the United States, South Carolina is a subtropical state, boasting a coast lined with estuaries, salt marshes, and beaches. South Carolina has many cultural venues providing a wide range of experiences.
Thinking of visiting South Carolina but need a bit more information about the state? You are in the right place – we have all the information you need.
Let’s get into it!
Where Is South Carolina Located?
South Carolina inhabits the South-East coast of the United States, with North Carolina to the northern border and Georgia to the south.
The Atlantic ocean meets South Carolina on its eastern coast, and at 2,876 miles long, 60 of which are beaches, South Carolina’s coast is a main attraction according to South Carolina’s official tourism website.
South Carolina’s Geography and Environments
There are 3 main geographical regions in South Carolina -The Atlantic Coastal Plain, The Piedmont, and The Blue Ridge Mountains.
The Atlantic Coastal Plain, located on the east coast, is quite flat and is home to a number of bays, estuaries, salt marshes, and ports. Inland, The Carolina Sandhills provide the only altitude in this area.
The Piedmont region is dominated by forests, many of which have been replanted in an effort to return the loblolly pine forests to their former status prior to the deforestation caused by the lumber industry.
In the southeastern area of the Piedmont, rivers course through the land into the Atlantic Coastal Plain.
The Blue Ridge Mountains is a range spanning from North Carolina, through South Carolina, and into Georgia. South Carolina’s highest point, at 3,560 feet above sea level, can be found in this region, at Sassafras Mountains peak.
The Chattooga River provides whitewater rafting opportunities, and South Carolina’s finest views.
Lakes are a major part of South Carolina’s geography, with 683 square miles of mostly man-made lakes. Marion, Strom Thurmond, and Moultrie are the 3 largest lakes, at 110,000, 71,000, and 60,000 acres respectively.
What Is South Carolina’s Climate?
The state has a humid subtropical climate averaging 86-93˚F during the day and 66-75 ˚F at night.
The coastal regions are predominantly warmer than inland, usually around an 8˚F difference. Rain is common year-round, summer is the wettest on the coast, whilst the transition seasons of spring and fall receive the most rain inland.
South Carolina’s Natural Attractions
The Blue Ridge Mountains provide amazing views and hiking opportunities, whilst the Atlantic Coastal Plain has beautiful beaches that deliver some of the finest fishing in the United States.
Multiple islands off the coast of South Carolina are the perfect getaway, with resorts, beaches, and lakes offering ultimate relaxation.
Kiawah island, voted the best South Carolinian beach in US News’ 2021 poll, has 10 miles of beaches, sand dunes, and marshes for you to explore. Beachwalker County Park is the only public beach on the island but promises to be one of the best beach experiences you’ll ever have.
For anglers, Huntington Beach State Park is home to prime fishing areas along its 3-mile-long beach. Wildlife is bountiful at Huntington, with more than 300 species of birds.
Swells are common on Huntington’s beach, so surfers can also enjoy the natural beauty of Huntington Beach State Park.
In the Piedmont region, the Cherokee Parkway will let you experience the area’s natural beauty in a scenic driving route. Table Rock State Park possesses magnificent views and forests that will leave you speechless.
Finally, the Blue Ridge Mountains has many natural attractions, such as Sassafras Mountain, South Carolina’s highest peak.
Caesars Head State Park, on South Carolina’s northwestern border, is a must see rock formation that is home to the greatest views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Multiple rivers also inhabit Caesars Head State Park.
What Are the Cultural Attractions In South Carolina?
History, art, military, and sports fans can all find venues, events, and attractions perfectly tailored for their interest.
Patriots Point, in Mount Pleasant, is the perfect museum for military enthusiasts, housing the USS Clamagore, Medal of Honor Society, and a replica of a Vietnam support base.
Civil war buffs will be entertained at the Fort Sumter National Monument. Explore the location of the first battle between the Union and Confederate troops during the American Civil War.
The teaching center is where you’ll start your journey to Fort Sumter National Monument, where you can learn about the conflict and buy ferry tickets to the sea fort.
When you arrive, a park ranger will give you a brief overview of the dispute between the North and the South that led to the first shots being fired.
Examine the defenses as you travel around the region, and envision the Confederates bombarding the Union soldiers for 34 hours until they surrender.
The Halsey Institute at the College of Charleston School of the Arts is an interdisciplinary laboratory where inventive visual artists from across the world may create, present, interpret, and disseminate their ideas. They promote meaningful relationships between ambitious artists and different communities.
One of America’s biggest performing arts events, the Spoleto Festival USA, is held in Charleston, South Carolina. It was conceived in 1977 by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Gian Carlo Menotti, who wanted to create a rival to Spoleto, Italy’s Festival dei Due Mondi (The Festival of Two Worlds).
Because the theatres are small, you can stroll from one to the next. The architecture and grounds have an Old World feel to them. Nonetheless, it is a large enough neighborhood to accommodate the high number of festival attendees.
The annual 17-day late-spring event features more than 150 performances of opera, dance, theatre, classical music, and jazz by both established and rising performers.
Summary
South Carolina offers diverse natural and cultural attractions that are sure to please all types of visitors.
The Blue Ridge Mountains, Piedmont, and Atlantic regions are home to some of the best beaches, mountains, rivers, and lakes in the Southern United States. Arts, history, and military venue can entertain everyone.
We hope you’ve learnt all you need to know about South Carolina, and why you should visit!
