Plan a Trip to the South Carolina Lowcountry!

beaufort sc
Downtown Beaufort’s Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park looks onto the Beaufort River.
Photo by Peach Morrison.

Thinking about planning a trip to the South Carolina Lowcountry? Why not plan a relaxing vacation in an area that is known for its scenic beauty and historic architecture. The SC Lowcountry is the perfect spot to enjoy a vacation that includes quaint southern towns, beautiful beaches and wide open spaces.

hunting island state park
Hunting Island image by Allyson Jones.

Hunting Island State Park is located 17 miles from downtown Beaufort. The park has 5,000 acres of beaches, hiking trails and plenty of fishing opportunities. Kayak, paddle board or hunt for crabs at the lagoon. Fish from the pier. Camp on the beachfront! Walk the many miles of the semi-tropical maritime forest that was used in the movies Forrest Gump and Jungle Book. Call 843-838-2011 for more information.

beaufort sc

Spend the weekend at the historic Beaufort waterfront. Head downtown Beaufort and enjoy lunch at one of the many waterfront restaurants. Relax, soak up sunrays from the swings and watch the river roll gently by. When the sun goes down, head out to the Hwy 21 Drive-in to catch a double feature.

beaufort sc
Downtown Beaufort photo by BeaufortPics.com.

Beaufort has many outdoor dining options in the waterfront area. These restaurants are a great destination for your family.  Sit on the deck, watch the clouds roll by overhead and enjoy some amazing food.

beaufort sc

Historic Beaufort is known for its Antebellum architecture.  Use our blogs Architectural Treasures of Historic Beaufort’s Bay Street or More Architectural Treasures of Historic Beaufort to conduct your own self-guided tour of the downtown area homes. Houses span from the Colonial period through Victorian, and everything in between.

beaufort sc

Beaufort fell very early during the Civil War. Homeowners abandoned the city and Union troops used it as army headquarters. Homes and churches became hospitals, offices, and officer’s quarters. Because of this, the city and its beautiful homes were spared from fire and destruction.

spanish moss trail beaufort sc
Views from the Spanish Moss Trail are beautiful.

Bring your bike and ride the Spanish Moss Trail. This green space was made where the railroad once brought recruits from Yemassee to Parris Island. The trains also carried lumber, meat and produce from Beaufort farms. The trail stretches from Port Royal to rural Beaufort County toward Yemassee.

savannah national wildlife refuge
Savannah National wildlife Refuge image by Daniel Pillatzki.

The Savannah National Wildlife Refuge is another great space to get back to nature. The refuge can be found on the Savannah River, between Hardeeville and Savannah. You will find a variety of opportunities to explore and enjoy the great outdoors from sunrise to sunset every day. You can observe and photograph wildlife, fish and hike the many trails.

sc lowcountry fishing
Photo by Charlotte Pinckney.

Fish the Savannah River from Millstone Boat Ramp in Hardeeville or B & C Boat Landing at the Tillman Sandridge Wildlife Management Area. Common species found in the impoundments and canals are bluegill, crappie, large-mouth bass, channel and blue catfish, bowfin, and mullet, plus striped bass, red fish, and flounder.

frampton plantation house

Visit Frampton Plantation. Conveniently located on I-95, Exit 33, The Frampton Plantation House serves as the home of the Lowcountry Tourism Commission. The downstairs is open to the public. It is used as a visitor center with museum displays, tourist information and gift shop. The backyard has a lovely picnic spot under the Spanish moss draped live oaks. There’s also plenty of room to run around with the dogs.

walterboro sc wildlife sanctuary

Walterboro’s Great Swamp Sanctuary is a beautiful place to spend some quality time. The sanctuary contains a network of boardwalks, hiking, biking, and canoe trails that are perfect for viewing a diversity of a black water bottomland habitat. Wild turkey, deer, raccoons, beaver, otter, mink, opossum, squirrels, fox, alligators, and wildcats have been spotted here. Bikes and dogs on leashes are welcome on the pathways of the sanctuary, so load up the family and make your way to this nature-based tourism gem

walterboro sc antiques

Downtown Walterboro is another great destination. The city is a popular spot for antiquing. Washington Street has a vast assortment of antiques stores loaded with interesting finds. The Colleton Museum and Farmers Market is located at the end of Washington Street. Visit their Marketplace Café for fresh bakes goods. Beautiful homes can be found everywhere in downtown Walterboro. A walk is the best way to appreciate the lovely structures that were used as summer homes for nearby plantations. Take a nice, leisure stroll to photograph these beauties. Hampton Street is a favorite walking destination. Start here and let your feet guide you through the neighborhood.

walterboro sc

Visit https://southcarolinalowcountry.com/ to plan your next adventure. Come see us! We’ll be waiting for you!

See what our visitors love about the
SOUTH CAROLINA LOWCOUNTRY

Use the #hashtag #sclowcountry to get your image featured!

The Lowcountry & Resort Islands Region of South Carolina includes the four, southern-most counties in the state, Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton, and Colleton, which are bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by the Savannah River and the state of Georgia.

#gailannlovinthedrive #huntingisland #sclowcountry #atlanticocean
Black-bellied Whistling Duck #blackbelliedwhistlingduck #birds #birdsofinstagram #birdphotography #wildlife #nature #sclowcountry #magnoliaplantation #magnoliaplantationandgardens #magnoliamoments #palmettostate #bestofpalmettostate #getoutside #shotoncanon #audubonsociety #nationalgeographic #natgeo #natgeowild
Otter, #otter #wildlife #nature #naturelover #sclowcountry #magnoliaplantation #magnoliaplantationandgardens #magnoliamoments #palmettostate #bestofpalmettostate #getoutside #shotoncanon #audubonsociety #nationalgeographic #natgeo #natgeowild
So happy that “Clouds Gather” has found its forever home. 💖 I hope this painting brings joy and memories of happy times to the new owners. #partagergallerygiftsandhome  #acrylicpainting #SCLowcountry  #southcarolina
Waking up early may seem dawn-ting, but a colorful sunrise is always a nice tree-t
Brown Pelicans are a regular site around the coastal waters of the SC Lowcountry. This beautiful image was captured by Jay Wooster. 🦅#thatsmylowcountry #sclowcountrySC Lowcountry Tourism Commission
"Gator for Lunch," Great Blue Herons #greatblueheron #nestingseason #birds #birdsofinstagram #birdphotography #wildlife #nature #naturelover #sclowcountry #magnoliaplantation #magnoliaplantationandgardens #magnoliamoments #palmettostate #bestofpalmettostate #getoutside #shotoncanon #audubonsociety #nationalgeographic #natgeo #natgeowild
Discover at your own leisure at the coastaldiscoverymuseum 🌳  From century-old buildings with storied pasts, to wooden boardwalks that stretch into the Jarvis Creek salt marsh, there's always something to explore!
Spanish moss drapes the live oak trees that are ubiquitous to the Edisto Island area. Did you know that Edisto gets its name from the native Edistow people? The Edistow Native Americans were a sub tribe of the Cusabo indians, a group of Native Americans who lived along the Atlantic coast in South Carolina.⏰ Best time of the day to visit: Stop by mid-morning. That way you can explore the island, grab lunch, and stay for the amazing sunset if you choose.🏖️ Things to do while there: Edisto Environmental Learning Center, Boneyard Beach, Scott Creek Inlet, Big Bay Creek, SeaCow Eatery.☀️ Things to visit in the area: Jungle Road Park, Bay Creek Park, Otter Islands, Spanish Mount Point.📆 Best time of the year to visit: For warmer weather come anywhere from March-August.🏨 Where to stay: Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort (frippislandrsrt), Seabrook Island Club (seabrook_sc), The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort (kiawahresort), Charleston Kiawah Island/Andell Inn (andellinn).Photo by qcphotographer
A visitor takes a leisurely stroke under a canopy of live oaks draped with Spanish moss in the Palmetto Bluff (palmettobluff) neighborhood of Bluffton, South Carolina. Palmetto Bluff is a picturesque community that sits in the heart of Lowcountry. Nestled along the May River, it’s abundant with beautiful walking trails, historic sites, and stunning views.⏰ Best time of the day to visit: There is no wrong time to visit Palmetto Bluff. However, we highly recommend sticking around for one of their spectacular sunsets.🛶 Things to do while there: Stop by Cole’s for some regionally inspired Southern fare, paddle board, kayak, or canoe along the May River, go saltwater fishing, take a tour at Bluffton Jack's Old Town Tours.🌊 Things to visit in the area: Palmetto Bluff Conservancy, Old Town Bluffton, Bluffton Oyster Factory Park, May River Sandbar, Heyward House Museum and Welcome Center (heywardhouse).📆 Best time of the year to visit: For the best weather, we recommend visiting between March and May or from September to November.🏨 Where to stay: The Montage Palmetto Bluff Resort (montagepalmettobluff) is the only resort in Palmetto Bluff. However, there are plenty of places to stay in the surrounding areas including: Old Town Bluffton Inn (oldtownblufftoninn), The Inn & Club at Harbour Town (theinnandclubatharbourtown), Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island (sonestahhi).Photo by jpgriceoz
Riding into the weekend like...Isn't this live oak tree tunnel beautiful? Live oak, draped in Spanish moss, is emblematic of South Carolina and many of the Southern states. We love these iconic trees, not only for their beauty, but their history as well. The average lifespan of a live oak is 300 years!Photo by qcphotographer
The shore gently recedes beneath the stunning Pawleys Island Pier. The unique island town, located about 25 miles south of Myrtle Beach and 70 miles north of Charleston, exudes laid-back, beachy vibes. Locals have definitely adopted an island state of mind and encourage visitors to as well. When you go, make sure to relax on the beach, explore the famous sand dunes, or fish in one of the many adjacent creeks.⏰ Best time of the day to visit: We guarantee that you’re going to want to spend a whole day here. We recommend getting to the beach at around 10am.🗓️ Best time of the year: Pawleys Island has the best weather during the spring and early summer months.🏖️ Things to do while there: Pawleys Island Nature Park, Pawleys Island Chapel, Hopsewee Plantation.🐠 Things to visit in the area: Brookgreen Gardens (brookgreen_gardens), take a walking ghost tour, Myrtle Beach (mymyrtlebeach), Harborwalk Marina, South Carolina Maritime Museum (southcarolinamaritimemuseum).🏨 Where to stay: The Oceanfront Litchfield Inn (oceanfrontlitchfieldinn), Litchfield Beach and Golf Resort (litchfieldbeachandgolf), Sea View Inn (seaviewinn), 620 Prince (620prince).Photo by qcphotographer
What were your weekend views today? #DiscoverSC 📸📍Botany Bay Beach: charlestonshopcurator
Headed down the road....Edisto Island.  #edisto #sclowcountry #trees #endofday  #beauty #islandsofsc
Angel Oak, Johns Island, South Carolina. ⠀
⠀
The Angel Oak Tree is a Southern live oak (Quercus virginiana) located in Angel Oak Park on Johns Island near Charleston, South Carolina. The Angel Oak Tree is estimated to be at least 400 and possibly up to 1400 years old It stands 66.5 ft (20 m) tall, measures 28 ft (8.5 m) in circumference, and produces shade that covers 17,200 square feet (1,600 m2). Its longest branch distance is 187 ft. in length. ⠀
⠀
#angeloak #angeloaktree #southcarolina #johnsisland #charleston #DiscoverSC #lowcountry	#SCLowcountry #lowcountrylife	#igerssouthcarolina #blackandwhite #b&w #oaktree #legacyoak #blackandwhite	#blackandwhitephotography #totravelistolive	#travel_captures	#travellove	#travelpics	#travelpic	#travelbug	#travelandlife	#lifeisajourney #adventuroussoul

The South Carolina Lowcountry Guidebook is filled with many things to see and do in the beautiful Lowcountry of South Carolina. Please fill out the information and we will send you a FREE GUIDE BOOK.

    Stay Up To Date

    Sign up for our newsletter!