Many vacationers planning a trip to the Southeastern region of the United States find themselves wondering if it is better to visit North Carolina or South Carolina. While North Carolina is filled with beautiful small towns and is home to the exciting city of Raleigh, travelers should choose South Carolina as their next travel destination.

The state of South Carolina is beautiful year-round, with hot summer days and calm autumn evenings. The Palmetto State is also home to some of the most beautiful towns in America. Need more reasons to choose South Carolina as a travel destination? Below are ten reasons why South Carolina is worth visiting.

Related: 10 Amazing Things To Do In Charleston, South Carolina

10 Deep Sea Fishing

Some travelers venture to South Carolina for fishing trips. One of several awesome things to do in South Carolina is deep-sea fishing. Deep sea fishing involves boating out into the ocean to catch fish located 100+ feet deep. The best times to enjoy deep-sea fishing in South Carolina are from April to November. Common catches include barracuda, sailfish, and blue marlin.

Those looking to deep sea fish in Charleston should check out Folly Beach Deep Sea Fishing Charters. This company offers a memorable fishing experience for guests of all ages and skill levels.

  • Address: 11 Harrill Ct, Charleston, SC 29412
  • Cost: Starting at $300 per person

9 The Delicious Southern Food

Another reason to book a trip to South Carolina is for the delicious cuisine. This Southeastern state is home to some of the best BBQ restaurants in the United States. Just the scent of the crispy pork, glazed ribs, and creamy mac and cheese is enough to make guests’ mouths water. Round out the perfect Southern meal with moist cornbread and a side of vegetables.

One must-try BBQ spot in Hemingway, South Carolina, is Scott’s Bar-B-Que. This rustic spot serves up delicious pit-roasted pork and chicken. Be sure to bring cash, as this restaurant is cash only.

  • Address: 2734 Hemingway Hwy #5420, Hemingway, SC 29554
  • Hours: Wednesday 9:30 am-5 pm, Thursday-Saturday 9:30 am-6 pm, closed Sunday-Tuesday

8 Bluegrass And Jazz Concerts

Live music lovers should visit South Carolina for incredible bluegrass and jazz concerts. Concerts and music festivals take place in this state year-round, and a list of live music events can be found on Discover South Carolina’s website.

Aiken Bluegrass Festival, an exciting two-day event, takes place in South Carolina every May. The festival features both local talent and renowned musicians. Solo travelers, couples, and families with small children all enjoy this spring bluegrass event. A popular jazz festival in the state is Carolina Downhome Blues Festival in Camden. This festival is over two decades old, offering stellar live performances every October.

7 Amazing Golf Courses

South Carolina is also known for its spectacular golf courses. There are hundreds of golf courses scattered across the state to choose from. Arguably the best area for golfing in South Carolina is Hilton Head. Hilton Head Island contains 24 world-class golf courses, including the renowned Harbour Town Golf Links. This course is open to the public, and esteemed professional golfers such as Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus have played this iconic course.

  • Address: 11 Lighthouse Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
  • Hours: 6:30 am-6:30 pm daily

Other notable Hilton Head courses include Atlantic Dunes, Heron Point by Pete Dye, Arthur Hills, and Robert Trent Jones Course.

6 Stunning Fall Foliage

Some travelers believe the best time to visit South Carolina is in the fall when the leaves are changing and the air is crisp and cool. Vacationers cannot go wrong with a fall trip to the Palmetto State, as its fall foliage is unmatched. One of the ten best places for fall foliage in the Southern US is South Carolina’s Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway. The SC 11 weaves through the beautiful Upstate region, passing over half a dozen state parks ablaze with bright red and orange leaves. South Carolina’s lovely city of Charleston is often referred to as the perfect autumn city, complete with charming cobblestone streets lined with brightly colored trees and fall festivities.

5 Beautiful Resorts

Vacationers in search of a lavish and luxurious vacation will be amazed by South Carolina’s vast selection of beautiful resorts. Planning a stress-free, beachfront vacation is easy with so many resort options. Resorts offer inclusive packages and virtually any amenity one could ask for, making for the perfect vacation. There are many reasons to stay at Kingston Resorts while in Myrtle Beach, from the resort’s proximity to the beach to the relaxing spa.

  • Address: 9800 Queensway Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572

Another wonderful South Carolina resort is Wild Dunes Resort, offering access to the spectacular Isles of Palms beaches. Guests also enjoy the resort’s golf courses, tennis courts, and spa.

  • Address: Isle of Palms, SC 29451

4 The Best Beaches

Vacationers craving a beachy getaway should plan a trip to one of South Carolina’s most beautiful beach towns. Travelers who detest crowds can still enjoy the sunny shores and clear waters by visiting one of South Carolina’s least-crowded beaches. Litchfield Beach, for instance, boasts a quiet environment with luxurious resorts nearby.

Beaches are not just a summer destination; South Carolina also features beaches worth visiting in the winter. Walks along the sand, exploring boardwalks, and enjoying the tranquil off-season are all reasons to explore SC beaches in the winter.

Related: These 13 Beaches Have The Clearest Water In South Carolina

3 Beautiful State Parks

The state’s natural beauty extends far beyond sandy beaches and fall colors. South Carolina is also home to 47 stunning state parks. First-time visitors should set out to explore the ten highest-rated state parks in South Carolina. Croft State Park offers lush foliage and a plethora of outdoor activities. Guests enjoy hiking, biking, boating, canoeing, fishing, and swimming in this vast state park.

  • Address: 450 Croft State Park Rd, Spartanburg, SC 29302
  • Hours: Saturday-Thursday 7 am-6 pm, Friday 7 am-8 pm
  • Cost: Adult- $3, senior- $1, child (6-15)- $1, 5 and under free

2 Historic Sites

Yet another reason to visit South Carolina is for the historic sites. The number one tourist attraction in South Carolina is Fort Sumter National Monument. The Civil War officially began when Fort Sumter was attacked on April 12th, 1861. Located in Charleston Harbor, guests can only access the fort via tour boats.

  • Address: 340 Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401 and 40 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
  • Cost: Adult- $35, senior/active military- $31, child (4-11)- $21, 3 and under free

There are also plenty of old, historic hotels in South Carolina that history buffs should book. Guests craving a luxurious stay filled with history and Southern charm should stay at Mills House in Charleston.

  • Address: 115 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401

1 The Oldest Garden In The US

A final reason to plan a trip to South Carolina is to see the oldest garden in the United States, located in Charleston. Charleston, founded in 1670, is known for its delicious dining options, excellent golf courses, spas and luxurious hotels, and beautiful parks. Charleston’s must-visit Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is the oldest garden in America. The garden contains lovely paths, charming bridges, and endless amounts of greenery and flowers. Daffodils, azaleas, and hydrangeas are among the flowers that bloom in this beautiful garden. For the best views, visit Magnolia Plantation and Gardens during the spring bloom.

  • Address: 3550 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29414
  • Hours: 9 am-5 pm daily
  • Cost: Adult- $29, child (6-12)- $15, 5 and under-free