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The very thought of South Carolina conjures images of bronzed bodies on Myrtle Beach and miles of green golf courses at Hilton Head primed and prepped for golfers of any level. But before it was a hot holiday destination for summer travellers, South Carolina was a major player in American history.
The state officially separated from North Carolina in 1729 and was the centre of intense military action during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Once primarily agricultural, South Carolina has increased its economic contributions with textile mills, and manufacturers of wood, steel products, machinery, and apparel.
Millions of travellers book South Carolina flights and accommodations every year for a tour Fort Sumter National Monument, a trip to Cypress Gardens in Charleston; the Hilton Head resorts; and the Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden. Aside from its economic prosperity and resort towns, visitors flying to South Carolina will find themselves immersed in Southern hospitality.
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South Carolina has hot and steamy summers and brief, mild winters. Along the shore, winter temperatures are usually in the mid-teens (Celsius) and summer temperatures in ranging between about 26 and 32 degrees. Inland winters are just above freezing, about four degrees, and summers in the mid to high 20s. Most of the rain falls during the spring and summer, and the mountains and upper Piedmont see some snow. The hurricane season is June through November.
Peak Season:
Myrtle Beach is is packed with families during the summer and college students during spring break. Rates are at their highest in summer, and hotels require reservations.
Folk, craft, art, and music festivals take place in summer, as do sporting events. Most state and local fairs are held in August and September, with a few in July and October.
Summer is the peak season for Hilton Head Island, but the mild winters make South Carolina a year-round golfing haven.
Charleston’s high seasons are spring and autumn.
Off Season:
Off-season can be a great time to find cheap flights to South Carolina. Charleston’s rates drop in winter and summer, and the shore is still warm in autumn but without the crowds.
Spring is probably the most attractive season in South Carolina, and the autumn leaves are beautiful.
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A rural state with no major cities, most visitors come to see the South Carolina coast. For exploring the coast, driving is your best bet. This is a relaxed affair as there are no major highways, so be prepared for the slower pace.
Myrtle Beach has public transportation and some areas can be explored on foot. You will need a car to get to the nearby restaurants, hotels, museums, and parks.
The best way to explore Charleston’s historic district is a walking tour, guided or on your own. Charleston’s CARTA’s buses cover most areas, and the Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) has three trolleys that stop at the visitor centre. There are boat tours to Fort Sumter, and Charleston has a number bike routes and local bike clubs.
If you are venturing further inland, trains cross the state east to west, making stops along the way from Charleston to Greenville. There is some bus service inland and along the coast, and some airlines offer flights within the state. If you are driving, South Carolina has very good, well-maintained roads. (State law requires that you have the headlights on when the windshield wipers are in use during inclement weather.)
(prices quoted are from London)