8 Ideal Destinations For A 3-Day Weekend In South Carolina
South Carolina is a beautiful state that boasts a stunning location along the southeastern coast of the United States. The state features amazing parks, white sandy beaches, great weather, and a positive environment. Moreover, housing over five million people, the state is known for its southern hospitality and vibrant culture, which is sure to make any trip here wonderful. With so much to offer, South Carolina has many ideal destinations to spend a 3-day weekend!
Hunting Island State Park
Starting off the list with a bang, Hunting Island State Park is South Carolina's most popular state park. Attracting more than a million visitors per year, this stunning park covers 5,000 acres of land on a secluded barrier island. To this end, it provides a unique natural retreat away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The activities and sights are endless here if you're a nature lover. For example, you can spend the day along the coast fishing, swimming, boating, or just relaxing on the beach. Move further on the island, and the over eight miles of hiking trails are a great way to take in the sights and keep fit.
Apart from the enjoyable outdoor activities, Hunting Island State Park is also known for its rich ecology. Home to dozens of animal species such as loggerhead turtles, deer, rattlesnakes, and more, you can spend hours watching around for the wildlife. After spending your days roaming around, the local campground provides the perfect weekend stay. It offers various amenities such as tent pads, picnic tables, hot showers, and more so you can be comfortable outdoors. So, for any outdoor enthusiasts, Hunting Island State Park is the perfect weekend getaway in South Carolina.
Myrtle Beach
The perfect example of a coastal resort town, Myrtle Beach is a must-visit destination in South Carolina. This stunning city is located in Horry County and boasts a continuous 60-mile (97 km.) stretch of beach. So, there is no end to the waterside activities you can enjoy here. Start off your trip with a relaxing time at the beach, which boasts white sand, clear water, small stores, and a positive environment. After this, head over to Broadway at the Beach, a famous coastal area with a wide range of fun establishments. For example, you can grab a quick bite at one of the many cafes or spend the evening shopping for souvenirs. After this, book a hotel next door, and you can enjoy a panoramic ocean view even when you sleep!
While you may be wondering what to do for the rest of your trip, there's no need to worry. This is because you can spend an entire weekend at the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade. Spanning more than a mile along the coast, this area is another treasure trove of arcades, cafes, restaurants, and more. So, you'll never run out of places to shop or eat at! Speaking of eating, be sure to grab a bite at The Melting Pot Restaurant. Nestled along the beach, this stunning establishment boasts some of the best American and Contemporary cuisines in the state. End your day with some drinks at the New South Brewing microbrewery for some delicious home-grown ale!
Lexington
The county seat of Lexington County, Lexington, is a charming town in South Carolina. Lexington is home to 24,000 residents and combines urban living with small-town charm. So, you'll find friendly people, enjoyable attractions, and a vibrant culture all over. Visitors can spend their day at Lake Murray, a lovely lake home to endless waterside sports. For example, you can canoe, kayak, paddleboard, fish, boat, and even go water skiing in this crystal clear lake. And to have fun without getting wet, walk along the stunning Dreher Shoals Dam, which spans nearly 2 miles along the coast.
As the day winds down, head back into town to enjoy some of the unique sites it has to offer. One of the best spots in town for an evening outing is the Ice House Amphitheatre. This large establishment has showcased amazing acts such as John Mayer and Alan Jackson, so you can catch a show, too, if you're lucky! After this, you are sure to be getting a little tired. Well, get your energy back up, as Lexington also boasts a lively nightlife scene. With clubs and bars riddling the streets, you can grab a drink, eat some food, and dance through the night. On the other hand, if you're here with family, avoid the clubs and try out TR's Bar and Grill for some delicious food and fun vibes. With this and so much more, Lexington is the complete package for a weekend in South Carolina.
Hilton Head
If you want to enjoy coastal beauty and watersports on your weekend, then Hilton Head is an ideal destination. Located in Beaufort County, this resort town is a lavish cornucopia of outdoor pursuits and natural splendor. Enjoy Daufuskie Island, an offshore island home to a quaint population of a few hundred. The island boasts scenic beaches, small stores, and some amazing coastal sights that are rarely found elsewhere. If this is a bit too secluded for you, head back to the mainland, where you can relax at Mitchelville Beach. This beach is much quieter than its counterparts, making it a perfect family destination where you can sunbathe and have a picnic. With these and other coastal spots such as Coligny Beach Park, Folly Fold Beach, etc., Hilton Head is any beach lover's dream.
While beaches and relaxing is fun, you might be looking for a more thrilling and vibrant experience. Well, Hilton Head has just the thing for you! Shelter Cove is a lovely lagoon where you can rent and ride a jet ski, kayak, paddleboard, boat, and many other vehicles. Moreover, with dolphin tours, amazing nightlife, and more, this is the place to be to enjoy a fun evening in South Carolina. Before ending your trip, another must-visit spot in Hilton Head is Harbour Town. Considered to be the town's commercial hub, this area boasts great shopping, delicious eating, and more. So, you can stop by The Crazy Crab for some scrumptious crab or LowCo Taco for a quick taco bite. No matter what you're into, there is no end to the sights and attractions throughout Hilton Head.
Mount Pleasant
With a bustling population of 91,000, Mount Pleasant is a lively suburban town in Charleston County. The town has grown rapidly over the past few decades doubling in population and boosting its economy. Along with being great for the locals, this rapid growth has bolstered the popularity of Mount Pleasant into an ideal tourist destination. For example, enjoy your day in the sun by going for some hole-in-ones at the RiverTowne Country Club Golf Course. Or, head over to Shem Creek Park, which provides a panoramic view of the lovely still waters at Shen Creek. These sites, along with others such as the Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park, provide a mix of natural scenery and suburban vibes for a fun combination!
In addition to the natural beauty, Mount Pleasant also boasts a prominent past. This is because the town was settled more than 3 centuries ago in 1680! To this end, there are many historical sites, interesting museums, and other spots to see. To learn about the town's past, check out Boone Hall Plantation, one of America's oldest working plantations. This massive 470-acre plantation has been around since the town's settlement, with stunning gardens, houses, and more. On the other hand, if you're into Army Memorabilia, you'll be sure to enjoy the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. This museum is located within the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown and showcases many submarines, artifacts, exhibits, and more! So, with a mix of liveliness, nature, and history, Mount Pleasant is a pleasant destination for a 3-day weekend.
Charleston
If you want to enjoy a fun-filled and energetic 3-day weekend, Charleston is the place for you. It is the largest city in South Carolina, housing a bustling population of 150,000 people. To this end, you'll be met with busy streets, interesting shops, large buildings, and loads of people all around. One of the best places to take in all this is at the Charleston City Market. This market has been the cultural epicenter of this town for more than 200 years, boasting a continuous array of stores, cafes, and more. Here, you can find anything from jewelry to clothes and even fresh food products! So, spend the day roaming through the streets and you are sure to find some great souvenirs for your trip. If you get tired, drop by Bitty & Beau's Coffee for some of the best coffee and snacks in town!
After shopping to your heart's content, take a step back in time to learn about Charleston's intriguing history. Settled in 1670, this town has seen many important events, such as European colonization, the smallpox outbreak, the Revolutionary War, and more. Thanks to this, you can find many important historic sites all over the city. Some of the most popular spots are Middleton Place, Nathaniel Russel House, and The Battery. Middleton Place is a plantation from the 1700s which is home to the oldest landscaped gardens in the United States. So, you can learn about the plantation's history, take in the natural beauty, and have a fun time outdoors. Or, check out the Nathaniel Russel House, which showcases stunning neoclassical architecture in the city. That being said, no matter what you do, end the day at Waterfront Park for a relaxing time along South Carolina's stunning coast!
Congaree National Park
Encompassing an area of 26,692 acres, Congaree National Park is any nature lover's dream. This national park preserves America's largest tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest for a unique environment and ecology. Testament to this, the park is designated as an important bird area and UNESCO biosphere reserve. If you love animals, you can spend the day wildlife-watching and admiring dozens of species such as Southern Toad, Field Sparrow, Spotted Sunfish, Eastern Mud Salamander, and more. Stay out till the evening, and you can catch a stunning firefly display for a serene natural experience!
Apart from the diversity and beauty of the park, there are also many recreational activities on offer. For example, hiking is a favorite activity that many tourists can be seen enjoying. With more than 20 miles of trails, such as the King Snake Trail and Bluff Trail, you can enjoy hiking on unique and intriguing paths. Or, head to Cedar Creek in the park to enjoy some relaxing kayaking adventures with your friends and family. After spending the day outdoors, head over to one of the park's two campgrounds, Longleaf Campground and Bluff Campground. These sites offer dozens of backcountry camping spots, tent sites, group sites, and basic amenities for a comfortable 3-day stay!
Beaufort
Beaufort is the second oldest city in South Carolina, providing a respite of historical value for an interesting 3-day weekend. First explored about 500 years ago by European settlers, Beaufort has seen steady growth over the past few centuries. Today, it is a bustling city home to 13,600 residents with a mix of historical importance and modern-day charm. If you're interested in the city's past, spend your day at the Beaufort Historic District. This area is a repository of historical establishments, with some of the most popular being the Cuthbert House, Gibbs House, and Jacob Henry House. Built in 1811, the Cuthbert House is a National Historic Landmark that is ingrained in local culture. Similarly, Gibbs House is a stunning 150+-year-old home that showcases stunning Greek Revival style architecture. With these and many other sites, such as the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, there is no end to the historical sights you can take in!
Take a step forward into the present, and you'll notice that Beaufort boasts a stunning array of natural attractions. Enjoy a fun evening in Parris Island, a nearby island that was once used for military purposes. Today, you can play golf, hike, and admire the scenery from this stunning natural formation. Or, head on over to Beaufort's coast for some fun watersports and activities. Depending on the weather, you can grab a kayak, paddleboat, boat, or even jet ski to have a blast in the water. Once you've tired yourself out, head over to Beaufort Town Center, a quaint mall with many amazing eateries, cafes, and restaurants, to grab a bite and end the day!
From the panoramic coastal views at Hunting Island State Park to the historical importance of Charleston, there is no end to the attractions in South Carolina. Whether you are into water sports, food, or even shopping, there is sure to be someplace in the state perfect for a 3-day weekend. So, find the right destination for your needs and plan a trip to South Carolina!
