Things to see and do in South Carolina

Attractions in South Carolina

Bask on the beach

Soak up a little luxury while relaxing at a Myrtle Beach or Charleston beach resort, such as the Wild Dunes Resort (www.wilddunes.com) on the Isle of Palms, or the golf resort of Kiawah Island (www.kiawahresort.com).

Brookgreen Gardens

Explore Brookgreen Gardens (www.thewebstation.com/brookgreen), a showplace of art and nature on the site of four colonial rice plantations. Over 550 of America's finest 19th- and 20th-century sculptures are scattered throughout the gardens.

Charles Towne Landing

Take a guided tram tour at Charles Towne Landing (www.charlestowne.org), site of the first permanent English settlement in South Carolina. Board a 17th-century trading ketch replica, or explore 11km (7 miles) of pathways through beautiful English gardens.

Charleston

Tour Charleston's historic churches in this town nicknamed 'The Holy City'. Among the most historic are the First Baptist Church (www.fbcharleston.org), French Huguenot Church (www.frenchhuguenotchurch.org) and St Philip's Episcopal Church (www.stphilipschurchsc.org).

Charleston Ghost and Dungeon Walking Tour

Walk through a pre-revolutionary dungeon on the Charleston Ghost and Dungeon Walking Tour (www.charlestondungeon.com) as you explore the haunted old Historic District.

Columbia Museum of Art

Tour the Columbia Museum of Art (www.columbiamuseum.org), where contemporary art shares the spotlight with masterpieces of the baroque and Renaissance.

Confederate Relic Room and Museum

Rediscover the history of the South at the Confederate Relic Room and Museum (www.state.sc.us/crr) in Columbia. The museum features weapons and memorabilia, including flags, newspapers, clothing, pictures and money.

Fort Jackson Museum

Trace the history of the American soldier at the Fort Jackson Museum (www.jackson.army.mil/museum), where a special exhibit focuses on the life and times of President Andrew Jackson.

Fort Sumter

Explore Fort Sumter (www.nps.gov/fosu), where the first shots of the Civil War were fired from Fort Johnson in 1861. Boat tours to Fort Sumter leave from Liberty Square and Patriots Point Maritime Museum (www.patriotspoint.org).

Get wet

Get wet on any one of the fun water rides at Myrtle Waves Water Park (www.lovingmyrtlebeach.com/attractions) and Wild Water and Wheels (www.wild-water.com) in Surfside Beach. The Family Kingdom Amusement Park (www.family-kingdom.com) boasts Swamp Fox, a legendary wooden roller coaster.

Golf

Tee off on one of over 335 golf courses statewide. The Low Country offers more than 100 championship courses, several of which are frequented by renowned master players - the Kiawah Island Resort is ranked as one of the top courses in the USA. Visit Hilton Head (www.hiltonheadisland.org), considered a golfing and tennis paradise with its miles of dazzling white sand beaches, bike trails, beaches, tennis courts and some of the nation's premier golf courses.

Horse and carriage ride

Take a horse and carriage ride through the Downtown Historic District of Charleston (www.charlestoncvb.com), and enjoy the charm of this gracious southern town.

Myrtle Beach

Entertain the children at Myrtle Beach attractions such as the Myrtle Beach National Wax Museum; Myrtle Beach Pavilion Amusement Park; NASCAR Speedpark; and Ripley's Aquarium.

Pawley's Island

Rent an old beach house on Pawley's Island (www.townofpawleysisland.com), once a refuge for colonial rice planters' families wishing to avoid malaria. Buy an original Pawley's Island rope hammock that is handmade in this area.

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

Spend the day at the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden (www.riverbanks.org) in Columbia. Watch elephant training demonstrations, penguin feedings or bird flight demonstrations. The zoo has won many awards, including one for its toucan-breeding programme.

Spirit of South Carolina

Admire the Spirit of South Carolina (www.scmaritime.org), a replica tall ship docked at the north end of Union Terminal Pier.

Tourist offices

South Carolina Tourism

South Carolina Tourism UK