Location: About 25 miles northwest of Charleston, off of Interstate 26.
Steeped in the history and traditions of the South Carolina Lowcountry, Summerville features more than 700 buildings that are included on the National Register of Historic Places. Founded in the 1600s, this Southern village is a town of delightful contrasts, sophisticated shopping and old-fashioned neighborliness, including one of South Carolina's only AAA Five Diamond dining rooms and a Southern specialties restaurant that closes at 7 p.m. You'll also find an eclectic home accessories shop featuring exquisite handblown pottery, located right next to an old-fashioned pharmacy, which still packages prescription bottles in tiny brown paper bags and delivers them to patients waiting in their cars.
Must See and Do: Stop to smell the magnificent azaleas in the park located in the center of the historic town. Cool off with a soda served at the counter of the town's old-fashioned pharmacy. Indulge in a romantic dinner at The Woodlands Resort & Inn, South Carolina's only Mobil Five Star and AAA Five Diamond dining room.
Seabrook Island: An Island to Call Your Own
Location: South Carolina's coast, about 22 miles southwest of Charleston.
Seabrook Island is unique among South Carolina's resort and residential communities. Wholly owned by its property owners, the island is distinctive in that it is, by design, more private and less busy than other coastal resort islands. The natural beauty of the island is striking as you enter under a canopy of great live oak trees. Just beyond the security gate Seabrook's distinctive Equestrian Center helps define the laid-back lifestyle enjoyed there. The island also boasts three miles of private pristine beach—the only one in the area on which people can ride horses—and world-class golf on two meticulously maintained courses.
Must See and Do: Go horseback riding on the beach. Play a round of golf at one of the island's two world-class courses. Book a deep-sea fishing expedition leaving from Bohicket Marina, located just outside Seabrook's gate.
Kiawah Island: The Finest Golf Resort on the East Coast
Location: Along South Carolina's coast, about 21 miles southwest of Charleston.
Kiawah Island abounds in natural beauty, from its endless acres of marsh to its thick forests of pine, magnolias and live oaks. Whether you stay at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, the finest oceanfront hotel built on the East Coast in the past 20 years, or a privately owned home, villa or cottage, you are a short distance from championship golf, award-winning tennis, a variety of specialty shops and one of the finest stretches of white-sand beach. In fact, the beach is so incredible that the Travel Channel named it one of the nation's "Top Ten." Kiawah Island is a private community with access limited to property owners and guests of the resort or rental agendas.
Must See and Do: Tune up your golf game at the Kiawah Island Golf Learning Center. Try out what you learned on one of the island's five championship golf courses. Get a massage at The Spa at The Sanctuary.
Folly Beach: The Best of All Worlds
Location: About 10 miles south of the Charleston peninsula.
Folly Beach is defined by its natural beauty, history, rare birds, fishing, surfing and true Southern hospitality. There are no malls or big commercial ventures on this laid-back barrier island, but locals and visitors appreciate its close proximity to downtown Charleston, just 15 short minutes away. Folly Beach appeals to the "Bermuda shorts" crowd, which enjoys casual dining in a local restaurant that may feature the music of the area's most talented, or offer a spot to practice the "Shag," South Carolina's official dance. Folly Island boasts the area's most loved landmark, the Morris Island Lighthouse, located just off the easternmost tip of the island. It also features one of the longest fishing piers on the East Coast.
Must See and Do: Spend the day fishing off one of the East Coast's longest piers. Watch the sunset from the beach. Have the locals teach you the "Shag" in one of the island's night spots.
Daniel Island: Charleston's Island Town
Location: East of the Charleston peninsula on Interstate 526.
Within the city of Charleston, a very special island town has emerged. This is a place where traditional neighborhoods and a vibrant downtown enjoy a spectacular setting, surrounded by rivers and creeks and beautiful marsh views. It is a place where people live and work and play and learn... a place with a unique mix of shops and businesses, schools and churches, and a never-ending list of recreational options. The Daniel Island Club offers an incomparable, private country club experience. Members enjoy two spectacular golf courses, designed by Tom Fazio and renowned architect Rees Jones.
Must See and Do: Take a tennis lesson from one of the professionals at the Family Circle Tennis Center. Take a jog along the island's miles of trails. Cheer on The Battery at a professional soccer game.
Mount Pleasant: Rich History, Small Town Appeal
Location: Just across the Cooper River from downtown Charleston.
Founded in 1680, the Town of Mount Pleasant has experienced rapid, but carefully planned growth. While gaining the positive attributes of a city, Mount Pleasant has preserved its rich heritage and small town appeal. It is the proud host of Patriot's Point, the world's largest naval and maritime museum. Mount Pleasant is also home to the Charles Pinckney Historic Site, which was once home to a framer of the U.S. Constitution. North and South was filmed at the town's own Boone Hall, one of the area's most beautiful plantations. This location also served as the inspiration for Tara in the movie Gone with the Wind. Palmetto Islands County Park, a 943-acre nature-oriented park, is a perfect place for a day of family fun.
Must See and Do: Take a stroll across the new Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge that connects Mount Pleasant with downtown Charleston. Cool off at Splash Island, located at Palmetto Island Country Park. Climb aboard a SpiritLine Cruise for a fabulous dinner on the harbor.
Sullivan's Island: The East Coast's Casual, Unhurried Beach
Location: About 10 miles southeast of downtown Charleston.
Sullivan's Island is one of the most family friendly beach communities on the South Carolina coast. Treasured for its magnificent sand beach and charming seaside neighborhoods, the island also boasts a significant role in American history. During the Revolutionary War, a substantial British fleet and army were decisively defeated at the Battle of Sullivan's Island at Fort Moultrie, marking one of the earliest Patriot victories over the British. Its literary history is also noteworthy, with a number of distinguished artists and authors finding sanctuary in the relaxed island atmosphere through the years. Sullivan's Island also offers a number of casual local dining venues that lure visitors back, year after year.
Must See and Do: Spend the day sunbathing on the beach reading The Gold Bug by Edgar Allan Poe. Visit historic Fort Moultrie, where the first battle of the American Revolution was fought. Stop by a pub to enjoy the local lifestyle.
Isle of Palms: Special Place for Fun in the Sun
Location: About 14 miles southeast of downtown Charleston, with easy access from Interstate 526 and the Isle of Palms Connector.
Whether you're the adventurous type or prefer to relax in the sun, the Isle of Palms is the place to be. The island offers great surfing, swimming, windsurfing, surfcasting and offshore fishing… something for everyone with a passion for the ocean. Locals and residents also enjoy crabbing and shrimping in the creeks and marshes that separate this barrier island from the mainland. For the landlubber, a number of specialty stores invite shoppers in to browse for fine gifts and souvenirs. Nestled on the northeast end of the island is the world-renowned Wild Dunes Resort, which is home to nearly three miles of beach, luxurious oceanfront accommodations, a "Top 50" tennis center, a number of fine restaurants and two championship golf courses designed by Tom Fazio.
Must See and Do: Build a gigantic sandcastle on the beach. Play both Tom Fazio golf courses to determine which one you like best. Shop for a whole new wardrobe of beachwear to take home.
— Patra Taylor Bucher
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Peninsula Grill has been likened to the cosmopolitan supper clubs of the first half of the 20th century. Haute cuisine and high spirits. Steaks and chops, fish and oysters, champagne and lobster. And proper cocktails, served with style each evening by chef/partner Robert Carter and staff. The atmosphere is sophisticated and clubby, not formal. One of only two Mobil four-star restaurants in the state. At Planters Inn...stay for the night.
Hyman's Seafood is a must. Located in historic Charleston. Fresh local seafood, award winning She Crab Soup, great wine at supermarket prices and fast friendly service. NY Times: "Great Southern cuisine with impeccable service." Travel and Leisure: "One of the more fascinating eating establishments in our trip through the Southeast." Serving Charleston for over 115 years with a fresh oyster bar, fun, casual atmosphere and huge portions.
Tour Charleston Harbor on The Schooner Pride, a classic 84 foot tall ship. Considered one of the top five things to do in Charleston. Escape the crowded streets and heat of downtown Charleston for an exhilarating sails or romantic sunset sail. Take in the Holy City the way it was meant to be seen, from the peaceful waters of Charleston Harbor. Mingle with dolphins, pelicans and gulls. Two hour tours, daily.
Location: About 25 miles northwest of Charleston, off of Interstate 26.
Location: South Carolina's coast, about 22 miles southwest of Charleston.
Location: Along South Carolina's coast, about 21 miles southwest of Charleston.
Location: About 10 miles south of the Charleston peninsula.
Location: East of the Charleston peninsula on Interstate 526.
Location: Just across the Cooper River from downtown Charleston.
Location: About 10 miles southeast of downtown Charleston.
Location: About 14 miles southeast of downtown Charleston, with easy access from Interstate 526 and the Isle of Palms Connector.
Peninsula Grill has been likened to the cosmopolitan supper clubs of the first half of the 20th century. Haute cuisine and high spirits. Steaks and chops, fish and oysters, champagne and lobster. And proper cocktails, served with style each evening by chef/partner Robert Carter and staff. The atmosphere is sophisticated and clubby, not formal. One of only two Mobil four-star restaurants in the state. At Planters Inn...stay for the night.
Hyman's Seafood is a must. Located in historic Charleston. Fresh local seafood, award winning She Crab Soup, great wine at supermarket prices and fast friendly service. NY Times: "Great Southern cuisine with impeccable service." Travel and Leisure: "One of the more fascinating eating establishments in our trip through the Southeast." Serving Charleston for over 115 years with a fresh oyster bar, fun, casual atmosphere and huge portions.
Tour Charleston Harbor on The Schooner Pride, a classic 84 foot tall ship. Considered one of the top five things to do in Charleston. Escape the crowded streets and heat of downtown Charleston for an exhilarating sails or romantic sunset sail. Take in the Holy City the way it was meant to be seen, from the peaceful waters of Charleston Harbor. Mingle with dolphins, pelicans and gulls. Two hour tours, daily.
