South Carolina hotels

South Carolina is the American South at its deepest, a landscape of romance and rebellion, bright sunny beaches, and dark steamy swamps. Its cities are known for their districts steeped in historic charm and friendly people. In South Carolina you can enjoy beach resorts where hospitality is second nature, discover forgotten islands where ways have changed little in 300 years, and feast on diverse cuisines that really do nourish the soul.

Hotels in South Carolina

From the sweeping lines of luxury beach hotels to the storied charm of small-town bed and breakfasts, you’ll find hotels in South Carolina to cover all the bases. There are 5-star spa retreats where you’ll discover the true meaning of indulgence. And there are world-class golf complexes where the beach and the green hills compete for your attention. Many of the boutique hotels in South Carolina are housed in elegant mansions, displaying a genteel refinement. And if you rent a room in a rural inn, you’ll find that even South Carolina discount hotels come with first-class service.

Things to see in South Carolina

While the sand and surf in Myrtle Beach are the big draw when the sun is shining, a wander along Myrtle Beach Boardwalk—voted one of the best in the U.S.—is hard to resist, especially when the sun starts to sink. Live music, seafood restaurants, and fantastic shops make for a wonderful mile-long stroll. Another must-stroll locale in the Palmetto State is the Battery Park area of Charleston. This is where the grandest of the city’s historic mansions can be found, facing out onto Charleston Harbor. It was from here that the first shots of the Civil War were fired, as the Confederate forces bombarded Fort Sumter across the water. Another important historic site can be found down the coast on St. Helena Island—the Penn Center. In the heart of Gullah country, this was the first school in the South for freed slaves. It’s now a museum that explains the area’s unique Sea Island culture.

Where to stay in South Carolina

Myrtle Beach, with its 60 miles of pristine beaches, fabulous shopping, and award-winning entertainment, is the prime destination for family vacations in South Carolina. The quieter and more upscale resort of North Myrtle Beach offers a choice between golf, casino cruises, and live theater. The port city of Charleston may not have the beaches, but it is certainly full of romance. With gorgeous antebellum houses lining its cobbled streets, and fabulous cuisine in classy restaurants, there’s a sense that the world has paused around it. The state capital Columbia is a booming city that combines old Southern charm with a new millennium vibe, while in the wooded upstate hills, the vibrant city of Greenville opens a window onto the New South.

How to get to South Carolina

Those driving here have plenty of choice. I-95 cuts down from North Carolina towards the south coast, before exiting into Georgia near Savannah. I-20 and I-85 also come in from Georgia, heading for Columbia and Greenville respectively. From Charlotte, take I-77 into the state if you’re heading for Columbia and the south coast. Air travel to South Carolina is a cinch—airports at Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Columbia, and Greenville are all well connected, especially to east coast cities.