Last reviewed: · Prices in US Dollars ($ USD) are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview of South Carolina (South Carolina (SC))
South Carolina (South Carolina (SC)) features major hubs at Charleston, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach & Columbia. Key sights, National & State Parks, and travel highlights across the state include Charleston Historic District & Fort Sumter, Hilton Head Island, Beaufort Lowcountry, Congaree National Park & Greenville Falls Park.
How to get to South Carolina
Charleston International Airport (CHS), Myrtle Beach (MYR), Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP), Amtrak Palmetto/Silver Service, and I-26/I-95. Use our Amtrak & USA Rail Pass Calculator ($) and $80 National Parks Pass Calculator to plan your route.
Signature local food in South Carolina
When visiting cities and towns across South Carolina, look out for these regional American specialties at classic diners, smokehouses, seafood shacks, and farmers markets:
- Charleston she-crab soup & Lowcountry shrimp and grits
- Frogmore stew (Lowcountry boil with shrimp, corn & sausage)
- Carolina gold mustard-sauce whole-hog BBQ
- Huguenot torte & benne wafer cookies
- Charleston sweet tea (home of America's oldest tea farm)
Best time to visit South Carolina
Best time to visit South Carolina: Mar–May, Sep–Nov.
Featured cities & towns in South Carolina (11 featured · 161 total)
Click any city below for its individual travel guide, county & elevation facts, nearest airport/Amtrak station, regional food specialties, and neighboring towns:
| City / Town | County & Type | Population | Elevation | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia Columbia, SC | US City | 142,416 | 89 m (292 ft) | City guide → |
| Charleston Charleston, SC | US City | 132,609 | 6 m (20 ft) | City guide → |
| North Charleston North Charleston, SC | US City | 108,304 | 6 m (20 ft) | City guide → |
| Mount Pleasant Mount Pleasant, SC | US City | 81,317 | 3 m (10 ft) | City guide → |
| Rock Hill Rock Hill, SC | US City | 71,548 | 207 m (679 ft) | City guide → |
| Greenville Greenville, SC | US City | 64,579 | 307 m (1007 ft) | City guide → |
| Camden Camden, SC | US City | 7,085 | 57 m (187 ft) | City guide → |
| Springdale Springdale, SC | US City | 2,783 | 70 m (230 ft) | City guide → |
| Jackson Jackson, SC | US City | 1,762 | 62 m (203 ft) | City guide → |
| Williams Williams, SC | US City | 115 | 32 m (105 ft) | City guide → |
| Woodstock Woodstock, SC | US City | 0 | 11 m (36 ft) | City guide → |