Overview
South Carolina’s beautiful landscape stretches from the rolling hills of the Upcountry to the shimmering lakes of the Midlands and the wide sandy beaches of the Atlantic Seaboard. Plantations to visit and the Northwestern foothills, where fierce fighting took place during the American Civil War, testify to the state’s rich history. On the coast is Charleston, a popular tourist destination and originally the first permanent settlement of the English. Known for its golf courses, Myrtle Beach is a sought-after vacation spot located on a sunny stretch of coast on South Carolina’s northern border. Hilton Head, a narrow offshore island, is home to numerous beautiful beaches, pristine forest, world-class golf courses, tennis facilities and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Travelationary: Covers basic information about South Carolina geography and economy.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
The airports in Charleston (Internet: www.chs-airport.com), Columbia, Florence, Greenville/Spartanburg, Hilton Head Island and Myrtle Beach offer connections to all major US cities.
Arrival by car
Greyhound buses go to all major cities. More information from Greyhound (website: www.greyhound.com). Car rentals are available at every major airport.
Note on arrival by car
Average bus travel times: Charleston – Savannah: 3 hrs; Charleston – Charlotte: 6 hrs; Columbia – Washington, DC: 10 hrs; Columbia – Miami: 13 hrs; Columbia – Savannah: 2 hrs
Arrival by train
There are Amtrak services from Atlanta to Washington DC and New York. Charleston and Columbia are on Amtrak’s New York-Washington-Miami route, while Greenville is on the New York-Washington-New Orleans route. Additional information from Amtrak (website: www.amtrak.com).
Passport and visa regulations
Entry with children
Since June 27, 2012, children need their own travel document (passport / children’s passport) for trips abroad (also within the EU). Entries of children in the parental passport are no longer possible.
Contact addresses
South Carolina Tourism Office Germany
c/o ESTM E. Summer Tourism Marketing
Postfach 1425
D-61284 Bad Homburg
Germany
(06172) 92 16 04.
http://discoversouthcarolina.com/deutschland
http://discoversouthcarolina.com/deutschland
Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.00pm (no public).
Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
423 King Street
US-29403 Charleston, South Carolina
United States
(843) 853 80 00.
http://www.charlestoncvb.com
http://www.charlestoncvb.com Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau
1101 Lincoln Street
US-29201 Columbia, South Carolina
United States
(803) 545.00.00 or (800) 264.48.84 (toll free within the US).
http://www.columbiacvb.com
http://www.columbiacvb.com Myrtle Beach Area Visitor Information Center
1200 North Oak Street
US-29577 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
United States
(843) 626 74 44, (800) 356 30 16 (toll free within the US).
http://www.visitmyrtlebeach.com
http://www.visitmyrtlebeach.com Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Visitor & Convention Bureau
1 Chamber Drive
US-29938 Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
United States
(843) 785 36 73, (800) 523 33 73 (toll free within the US).
http://www.hiltonheadisland.org
http://www.hiltonheadisland.org
Attractions
- Usaers: Provides a full list of major rivers and mountains in South Carolina.
Columbia
The Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia is worth a visit. In addition to wonderful parks, the capital offers some interesting museums as well as the South Carolina State Museum and the Columbia Museum of Art. The State House still bears the marks of General William Sherman’s cannon fire during the Civil War. The Horseshoe on the campus of the University of South Carolina is an early 19th century row of houses worth seeing. The nearby Lake Murrey is an El Dorado for water sports fans.
aiken
Aiken, southwest of Columbia, is the land of the thoroughbred horses, who are trained here for the big American races of the season. Aiken itself is a pretty town with imposing old houses. The most influential families in the country used to spend the winter months here.
Charleston
The oldest British settlement, Charleston is on the coast and is one of the biggest tourist attractions. This port city is where the American Civil War began and hundreds of historic sites and buildings date back to the American Revolution. Here you will find, among other things, the typical southern residences, cobblestone streets and in the vicinity plantations and gardens. The historic business district in particular is characterized by pastel colored buildings with beautiful wrought iron detailing, fences and lush gardens. City tours are also possible in a horse-drawn carriage. Otherwise, you can also visit the old town center on foot. There are numerous museums, antique shops and restaurants to explore, as well as the marinaCharles Towne Landing State Park (website: www.charlestowne.org ) and Middleton Place Gardens, which are among the oldest in the United States. The nearby Magnolia and Cypress Gardens and Middleton Place Plantation also have attractive gardens.
Abbeville
Abbeville is also a charming small town, the market square is particularly worth seeing.
Country data
Area (sq km)
80782
Population
5,148,714
Population density (per square km)
61
Population statistics year
2019
