If you want to know how family friendly South Carolina is, you should take a look at its greatest cities. We’ve picked five of our favourites to get you started.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston: the family friendly South Carolina city for historic beach holidays
One of the most charming cities in the US, coastal Charleston was founded in 1670 and has really looked after itself. So if your heart is set on rows of perfectly preserved historic homes, a sky full of elegant church spires – Charleston is sometimes called the ‘Holy City’ – and grand antebellum mansions, you’re in the right place.
Kids may be more taken by the miles of white sand beaches that trim Charleston’s waterfront, and the fun of boardwalk bike riding. Although everyone agrees that the traditional low country food here is second to none and the Atlantic views are universally admired too.
Rainbow Row, Charleston
Charm your kids with Charleston history
Discover Charleston Historic District by walking around with your children, and don’t miss Rainbow Row. It’s one of the most photographed sights in the city and has a past that’s almost as colourful as the paintwork on each of the Row’s 18th century houses.
These historic homes may be private, but each one has a tale to tell. That alone makes Rainbow Row a must-do for history-curious kids.
Even shopping is legendary in Charleston
One of the oldest public markets in the US, Charleston City Market is open every day of the year, apart from Christmas Day, and could very well become the hub of your holiday, not least because it’s so much more than just a ‘market’.
Open air and nicely buzzy, everything’s on sale here, from fresh produce to antiques. Little shops mingle with restaurants, so the vibe is friendly and local. Then, as an added incentive, if you visit between April and December, there’s a Night Market on Fridays and Saturdays as well.
Catch a family friendly South Carolina carriage
Carriage Tours are one of Charleston’s most iconic sights. Guides are passionate locals who know the city inside out, so they’ll astonish you with their wit and wisdom on the city’s history to its juiciest scandals; especially impressive, because they don’t work from scripts.
Most tours last an hour, giving you plenty of time to see why Charleston is one of the most charming cities in the US. You can relax knowing that all tours are regulated. This not only ensures a great experience, it also means the horses are always in good health.
Prepare to be star struck by Cypress Gardens
If you want another main character moment, take a flat-bottom boat ride along cypress swamp’s marked water trail in Cypress Gardens.
Why so iconic? It was on this very water trail that Ryan Gosling was filmed sailing through a rain storm with Rachel McAdams in The Notebook movie.
Classic weepies might mean nothing to your kids, but the towering cypress trees in the 175-acre gardens will definitely impress them, as will the Butterfly House and the Swamparium. Plus, Cypress Gardens is just 40 minutes’ drive north of Charleston, so it’s an easy day out.
Beach cycling, Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island: the family friendly South Carolina island for little pirates and serious golfers
Hilton Head Island more than deserves its reputation as one of the most beautiful beach destinations in South Carolina. Mile after mile of pristine white sands never fail to amaze kids and they love the idea of riding bikes on the beach – it’s an island tradition.
Golfers the world over come to play Hilton Head’s pro-designed courses, although you can try your hand at mini-golf here too. And, like most of South Carolina, the island comes with hefty share of culture, history and fascinating stories.
Harbour Town Lighthouse, Hilton Head Island
Climb to the top of Harbour Town Lighthouse
To get your bearings and see for miles, start your stay on Hilton Head at Harbour Town Lighthouse & Marina.
The top of the island’s red-and-white-striped lighthouse rewards you with sensational views, and mini-museum exhibits explain its history as you climb.
Then, back on ground level, take a stroll along the waterfront boardwalk which is lined with shops and restaurants, as well as a marina full of boats to admire.
Why Coligny Beach Park is the local choice
There are 12 miles of Atlantic beaches on Hilton Head Island, but for the most fun with kids in one place, head to Coligny Beach Park.
You’ll meet the locals here because it’s one of the island’s most popular family playgrounds and has everything from interactive fountains to beach volleyball courts.
If you want to lounge, drop into the gazebo and grab yourself a rocker or an Adirondack chair or even a seat on an old-fashioned porch swing. And of course, you’re minutes from the beach as well, and it’s wheelchair accessible from Coligny Beach Park.
Meet Marsh Tacky Horses in South Carolina
The Coastal Discovery Museum is probably the only museum in the world where you can wander through ancient live oaks and explore salt-marsh boardwalks as you learn about South Carolina’s Gullah culture and the natural history of Hilton Head Island.
We can also guarantee it’s the only place you can meet Marsh Tacky horses, one of the rarest breeds in the US. Check out what’s happening before you go because the museum offers family tours, craft workshops and nature walks year-round.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach: the family friendly South Carolina city by the sea
The City of Myrtle Beach is the hub of a 60-mile long Atlantic coastline nicknamed, ‘America’s Beachiest Beach’.
This is very much the something-for-everyone South Carolina holiday destination and couldn’t be more family-friendly from its colourful boardwalk and soaring Ferris wheel to incredible line up of restaurants serving American classics alongside some of the best seafood in the state.
SkyWheel, Myrtle Beach
Ride the SkyWheel day or night
Hop aboard SkyWheel Myrtle Beach and you’re riding the tallest Ferris wheel on America’s East Coast. Climate controlled gondolas keep you cool and the views over the Atlantic are astonishing.
Ride during the day to see the beaches at play or catch a sunset in the evening, either way this is one of the South Carolina must-dos.
First stop, family friendly Broadway at the Beach
You might find it hard to drag your kids away from Broadway at the Beach because it has so much going on, all in one place. Ripley’s Aquarium is here, along with WonderWorks and places to play mini-golf – Myrtle Beach is the Mini-Golf Capital of the World. It’s also known for fun themed restaurants, as well as great shopping and year-round evening entertainment.
Discover fairy tale Brookgreen Gardens
Despite its name, Myrtle Beach isn’t just about beaches and Brookgreen Gardens is proof of that.
You can expect to be completely enchanted by the natural beauty but prepare to be surprised too, as the gardens are home to a spectacular sculpture collection, as well as a Cypress Swamp Aviary, Butterfly Garden and even a labyrinth. Although, your kids might be most captivated of all by the fairy tale, Dorothy P. Peace Garden Room for Children.
South Carolina State House, Columbia
Columbia: the family friendly South Carolina city for big lakes and buzzy vibes
South Carolina’s state capital, Columbia, enjoys plenty of good weather and makes the most of every minute of sunshine with outdoor adventures and the type of attractions that kids talk about long after they’re back home.
Aquarium, Riverbank Zoo and Gardens, Columbia
Make time for Riverbank Zoo and Gardens
Apart from having over 2,000 animals in residence and regularly ranking as one of the best zoos in the Southeast of the US, Riverbank Zoo & Garden spans both sides of the Saluda River, so it’s particularly pretty.
Take to the lake in family friendly Columbia
Lake Murray encompasses 50,000 acres, comes with about 650 miles of shoreline and it’s one of the favourite places to play in Columbia during summer.
Apart from the fun of boating, kayaking and fishing, it’s also a prime spot for spectacular sunsets and even has its very own islands where 1000s of purple martins gather during the warmer months of the year.
Come and hang out at The Vista
Head to The Vista to visit the Columbia Museum of Art, then hang around to enjoy one of Columbia’s buzziest districts.
Formerly the warehouse quarter and now completely revitalised, The Vista is close to downtown and the place to find locally owned restaurants, lively craft breweries and a creative vibe, day and night.
Spend the day at Hopeland Gardens
Just an hour’s drive west of Columbia brings you to Hopeland Gardens in Aiken and a perfect day out with kids. This peaceful 14-acre spot is great for wandering wetland trails, admiring colourful flowers and meditating around the many pools and fountains.
Don’t miss the labyrinth, and leave time to visit the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum which also makes its home in Hopeland Gardens.
Discover another South Carolina tradition
Another easy day out from Columbia, Old Edgefield Pottery & Museum introduces you to another wonderful piece of South Carolina history: the production of stoneware.
This distinctive pottery was once found in every home across the state and has been brought to life again by master potter and artist, Stephen Ferrell. Visit to see original Edgefield pieces alongside Ferrell’s newer creations and learn all about stoneware past and present.
View over Greenville, South Carolina ©Oneika Raymond
Greenville: the family friendly South Carolina city in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Adventure upstate in South Carolina and discover the city of Greenville in the foothills of the legendary Blue Ridge Mountains. Getting out into nature is a big deal here and hiking or biking with kids puts you perfectly in tune with the locals.
Although you’ll want to leave plenty of time for urban adventures too: Greenville has one of the loveliest downtown areas in the state and it’s fully pedestrianised.
Falls Park on the Reedy, Greenville
Catch some of Greenville’s best views
Right at the heart of downtown Greenville, you can’t miss Falls Park on the Reedy. Famous for its curved suspension bridge and beautiful waterfall, this is the ideal spot to catch a quiet moment with kids and gaze on some of the city’s most astonishing views.
Don’t miss Table Rock State Park
Just north of Greenville brings you to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Table Rock State Park. Centred around monumental Table Rock mountain, this 3,000-acre park is where to come camping with kids (or stay in one of 14 fully furnished family cabins).
Alternatively, you can easily hike some of the park’s wonderful trails on a day out and, when you’re done, don’t forget to cool off at the swimming hole on Lake Pinnacle.
A city zoo your kids will love
Family-friendly Greenville Zoo is an easy adventure to have with younger kids. Its compact size means you can see a lot in a few hours and there’s certainly lots to see, including the resident orangutans, giraffes and leopards.
Get together at family friendly Gather GVL
Another good reason to visit downtown Greenville, Gather GVL is billed as a food court, but delivers so much more than great eats. So come ready to tuck into everything from burgers and sushi to pasta and donuts, then stay for the live music and chilled vibe.
If you can tear yourself away, Gather GVL is also just a few minutes from South Carolina Children’s Theater.
Go wild on the Chatooga River
Chatooga River has been a National Wild and Scenic River since 1974, and it’s one of the most exciting experiences to enjoy with kids in Greenville.
Discover the river with Wildwater Chatooga Tours which lets you choose the type of adventure you want, from family-friendly Mini-Trips with younger kids to extreme thrills on one of the most famous stretches of whitewater in South Carolina.
Stop for lunch at Chatooga Belle Farm
Did you know that Groucho Marx once had a farm just an hour’s drive west of Greenville? Find out more on a visit to his former home, Chatooga Belle Farm, in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Time your visit for lunch to try local specialities and burgers made with Chatooga Belle Farm beef. And don’t miss a visit to the farm’s distillery which is open year round and offers tastings from Monday to Saturday, year-round.
