When it comes to beautiful views, the Palmetto State certainly has the market cornered. But some places fly way under the radar for locals and visitors alike. Take a look at this 11 beautiful spots!
- Baker Creek State Park - McCormick
Google Maps/Rodney Crenshaw This is one of the few South Carolina state parks that is only open seasonally. Get there between March 1 and September 30 to discover all this underrated park has to offer. Whether you’re camping or just visiting for the day, you’ll love the amenities here, which include a boat ramp for access to Lake Thurmond, more than 11 miles of hiking/biking trails, and lakeside camping. More.
- Chattooga Belle Farm - Long Creek
TripAdvisor/management Head to the lovely restaurant at this farm for a delicious meal and view to match! No matter the season, Belle’s Bistro is an ideal place to reconnect with nature, and the food is amazing! Chattoogo Belle Farm is located at 454 Damascus Church Rd, Long Creek, SC 29658. More.
- Bald Rock Heritage Preserve - Cleveland
Google Maps/Curtis Frye While everyone else is headed to Table Rock and Caesars Head, you can direct your efforts to discovering this little-known, unmarked overlook that features mountain views for miles and miles. It’s literally right beside the road, yet most people don’t notice it! More.
- Hilton Head’s Harbour Town Lighthouse
Flickr/Scott Beale If you think the views are spectacular from the walk along the harbor at Harbour Town, just wait til you see them from the observation deck of the lighthouse. Did you know you can go inside?! More.
- Pump House Restaurant - Rock Hill
TripAdvisor/management You can’t see it in this photo, but Rock Hill’s Pump House has waterfront dining with unparalleled views in the area. Although… you may have a difficult time shifting your gaze from the flavorful food to the calming waters of the Catawba River. But that remains to be seen, doesn’t it? More.
- Inn At Middleton Place - Charleston
TripAdvisor/management This modern inn is probably not what you’d expect to find at one of Charleston’s historic plantations. But that just makes it all the more special. Wile away the hours relaxing by the Ashley River, and then pop over to the Middleton Place Restaurant to get your fill of history (and delicious Southern food!). More about the Inn.
- Top of Carolina - Columbia
Google Maps/Paul B The only restaurant in Columbia to offer sky high views like these is located on the 18th floor of the Capstone Building on the USC Campus. It closed for the summer, but is slated to reopen soon! You’ll need a reservation, and their number is (803)777-7919. More.
- Abingdon Manor Inn and Restaurant - Latta
Google Maps/Abingdon Manor Inn & Restaurant This hidden historic inn is one of only a few AAA Four Diamond Inn and Restaurants in South Carolina. Experience the magic of a charming stay here or an elegant dinner in their dining room. It’s located near enough to I-95 to make it convenient for everyone. More.
- Edisto River
Facebook/Edisto River Adventures Explore one of the most beautiful rivers in South Carolina on a multi-day adventurous float trip. Stay riverside in primitive camping for an experience you’ll never forget. More.
- Level 10 - Spartanburg
Facebook/Level 10 Double down on a fantastic night out on the town at this elegant rooftop restaurant high atop the AC Hotel in downtown Spartanburg. We promise you’ve never seen Hub City quite like this before! More.
- The Downtown Trolley - Greenville
TripAdvisor/Jessica A Greenville’s Main Street is known for its walkable nature (and beauty!) but to see even more of this lovely city, hop aboard the open-air trolley! More.
How many of these attractions and activities have you already explored in South Carolina? And how soon can you get to the others?
Google Maps/Rodney Crenshaw
This is one of the few South Carolina state parks that is only open seasonally. Get there between March 1 and September 30 to discover all this underrated park has to offer. Whether you’re camping or just visiting for the day, you’ll love the amenities here, which include a boat ramp for access to Lake Thurmond, more than 11 miles of hiking/biking trails, and lakeside camping. More.
TripAdvisor/management
Head to the lovely restaurant at this farm for a delicious meal and view to match! No matter the season, Belle’s Bistro is an ideal place to reconnect with nature, and the food is amazing! Chattoogo Belle Farm is located at 454 Damascus Church Rd, Long Creek, SC 29658. More.
Google Maps/Curtis Frye
While everyone else is headed to Table Rock and Caesars Head, you can direct your efforts to discovering this little-known, unmarked overlook that features mountain views for miles and miles. It’s literally right beside the road, yet most people don’t notice it! More.
Flickr/Scott Beale
If you think the views are spectacular from the walk along the harbor at Harbour Town, just wait til you see them from the observation deck of the lighthouse. Did you know you can go inside?! More.
You can’t see it in this photo, but Rock Hill’s Pump House has waterfront dining with unparalleled views in the area. Although… you may have a difficult time shifting your gaze from the flavorful food to the calming waters of the Catawba River. But that remains to be seen, doesn’t it? More.
This modern inn is probably not what you’d expect to find at one of Charleston’s historic plantations. But that just makes it all the more special. Wile away the hours relaxing by the Ashley River, and then pop over to the Middleton Place Restaurant to get your fill of history (and delicious Southern food!). More about the Inn.
Google Maps/Paul B
The only restaurant in Columbia to offer sky high views like these is located on the 18th floor of the Capstone Building on the USC Campus. It closed for the summer, but is slated to reopen soon! You’ll need a reservation, and their number is (803)777-7919. More.
Google Maps/Abingdon Manor Inn & Restaurant
This hidden historic inn is one of only a few AAA Four Diamond Inn and Restaurants in South Carolina. Experience the magic of a charming stay here or an elegant dinner in their dining room. It’s located near enough to I-95 to make it convenient for everyone. More.
Facebook/Edisto River Adventures
Explore one of the most beautiful rivers in South Carolina on a multi-day adventurous float trip. Stay riverside in primitive camping for an experience you’ll never forget. More.
Facebook/Level 10
Double down on a fantastic night out on the town at this elegant rooftop restaurant high atop the AC Hotel in downtown Spartanburg. We promise you’ve never seen Hub City quite like this before! More.
TripAdvisor/Jessica A
Greenville’s Main Street is known for its walkable nature (and beauty!) but to see even more of this lovely city, hop aboard the open-air trolley! More.
For more (uncrowded) beautiful places to explore in the Palmetto State, keep reading here.
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