South Carolina

South Carolina is known for its wealth of stunning scenery, blackwater rivers, golf resorts, and charming Lowcountry towns – all of these providing dreamy settings for holidaying couples. We’ve compiled a list of the top romantic experiences for your next visit to South Carolina. 

Fall in Love with Charming Charleston 

Charleston is, without a doubt, one of the most romantic destinations in the world. Take a 30-minute carriage ride for two around the historic city during the day or night – you can book this through Old South Carriage Co. Stay at one of the city’s most historic bed and breakfasts: John Rutledge House Inn. 

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to romantic restaurants for couples. Favourites include Muse, which has an intimate feel and delicious seafood as the star offering, FIG (Food is Good) offers strong neighbourhood vibes, Lowcountry cuisine and seafood. The restaurant’s lighting and ambience are perfect for a date with your loved one if you fancy taking to the water, book dinner with a romantic boat ride around the harbour with SpiritLine Cruises. 

Harmony in Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a stunning getaway destination built in harmony with nature – no billboards or skyscrapers here! Famous for its 19 kilometre stretch of glistening sands, world-class golf courses and tennis facilities, you can also enjoy a range of couple-friendly activities – everything from stand-up paddleboarding in a quiet salt marsh to dancing under the stars. With more than two dozen hotels and inns plus 6,000 rental villas and homes, you won’t have any trouble finding the perfect stay with your love. 

Love is Calling in Columbia 

Columbia, the capital and 2nd largest city in South Carolina, is a perfect destination for your romantic getaway. If you like staying in the middle of the excitement, you may want to book your stay at the Sheraton Columbia Downtown Hotel. Located in the historic Palmetto Building (1913) right on Main Street, the hotel features cosy rooms and suites. Enjoy a cocktail up on the hotel’s Rooftop Lounge: a welcoming bar with stunning sunset views of the city. And for those truly hopeless romantics, the Hotel Trundle provides exclusive date night packages for guests looking to make it an extra special stay.

On Top of the World at Mountain Getaway 

Escape to the mountains with your partner. Table Rock State Park offers 16 cosy, rustic log cabins (Table Rock Cabins), perfect for couples. Updated in recent years, all of the cabins come fully furnished with everything you need for a weekend of fun and adventure.  While staying at Table Rock, hike the Pinnacle Mountain Trail – the views from there are spectacular. We highly recommend you also visit Carrick Creek Falls – don’t forget your swimmers!

From national parks and forests to wildlife refuges and estuaries, South Carolina is home to many natural treasures. Visit the Palmetto State, and discover some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the Southeast. 

Here we outline some of our favourite South Carolina outdoor experiences:

Admire Charleston’s Natural Outdoor Wonders

You may know Charleston for its history, museums, architecture, and horse-drawn carriages, but did you know about its beaches and inland gardens? The city is surrounded by water and the best way to get outdoors in Charleston is to visit its sandy shores. North to the city, you have the Isle of Palms and Sullivans Island. South of the city, you can visit Folly Beach, Kiawah, and Seabrook Island. All of the beaches welcome swimming, boating, and any kind of water sports. Kiawah’s Beachwalker Park is often listed among the top beaches in the world! 

Whitewater Rafting Along the Chattooga River

For those that love adrenalin, you’ll find it in the northwest corner of South Carolina, along the Chattooga River: the state’s only designated National Wild and Scenic River. The Chattooga runs along the South Carolina-Georgia border and allows kayakers to take on Class IV and V rapids. Non-paddlers can enjoy a guided rafting trip via the Nantahala Outdoor Center and Wildwater outfitters. Wildwater also lets guests zip line through the treetops in the Blue Ridge foothills: pretty cool, hey? 

Discover an Outdoor Sanctuary at ACE Basin, Lowcountry 

Outdoor enthusiasts can rejoice at the thought of 350,000 acres of undeveloped estuary that comprise the ACE Basin in South Carolina’s Lowcountry. Here you can explore stretches of undisturbed beaches, enjoy a float trip along a blackwater river under a canopy of ancient cypress, or get up close and personal with the habitat on a nature trail hike at Edisto Beach State Park.

Soak up the Sun at Myrtle Beach 

At Myrtle Beach, you’ll find 96 kilometres of beautiful coastline and 14 unique communities. Sunrises here are like no other, and are the start to a day that is bound to bring happiness with the region’s natural wonders, southern hospitality, and fresh coastal cuisine in abundance. When it comes to surrounding nature, take a stroll through Brookgreen Gardens or enjoy the peace and quiet on a walk along Conway Riverwalk. For awesome views across the beautiful Myrtle Beach, take a ride on the Myrtle Beach Skywheel – it has the highest view of its kind of the Atlantic Ocean. 

Explore Nature at Greenville’s Parks and Pathways

Greenville (located along Interstate 85, approximately halfway between Atlanta, Georgia and Charlotte, North Carolina) is an outdoorsy city with parks and pathways that have been built to take advantage of the area’s natural attractions. These include the scenic Reedy River, which rises in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Reedy River Falls is the focal point of

 Falls Park, a 26-acre metropolitan masterpiece in the Historic West End. Visitors can trek one of the many nature trails that wind through the park, leading to overlooks and grassy areas. The walkway will take you to six distinctive ‘garden rooms’ with spectacular displays of seasonal colour.