Explore South Carolina United States

Explore South Carolina United States

What is the best time to travel to South Carolina

The best time to visit South Carolina is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) months, as the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds. The summer months (June to August) can be hot and humid, and there may be more crowds due to school vacations. The winter months (December to February) are generally mild, but there may be occasional cold snaps. It is also worth checking the weather forecast before traveling, as South Carolina can occasionally experience tropical storms or hurricanes during the late summer and early fall months.

How to get to South Carolina

South Carolina is located on the southeastern coast of the United States and is easily accessible by various means of transportation:

Plane: South Carolina has several airports, including the Charleston International Airport, Columbia Metropolitan Airport, Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, and Myrtle Beach International Airport. These airports offer both domestic and international flights.

Car: South Carolina is easily accessible by car via several major highways, including Interstate 95, Interstate 20, and Interstate 26.

Train: Amtrak offers train service to several cities in South Carolina, including Charleston, Columbia, and Spartanburg.

Bus: Greyhound and other bus companies provide bus service to several cities in South Carolina.

Boat: South Carolina’s coastal cities, including Charleston and Hilton Head, are popular destinations for cruise ships, and the state also has several ports that handle cargo ships.

How to get around South Carolina

There are several options for getting around South Carolina:

Car: Renting a car is a popular way to get around South Carolina, especially if you want to explore the state’s many scenic drives and attractions. Major car rental companies have locations at the state’s major airports, including Columbia Metropolitan Airport and Charleston International Airport.

Public transportation: South Carolina has several public transportation options, including buses and trolleys. The state’s largest city, Columbia, has a bus system called The COMET, while Charleston has a free trolley system called the Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH).

Taxi and ride-sharing services: Uber and Lyft operate throughout the state, as do traditional taxi companies.

Train: Amtrak operates passenger train service in South Carolina, with stops in major cities including Charleston, Columbia, and Florence.

Air: Domestic flights are available from several airports in the state, including Charleston International Airport, Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, and Columbia Metropolitan Airport.

Bicycle: Bicycling is a great way to explore the state’s many trails and scenic routes, and bike rental is available in many cities and towns.

National Airports

South Carolina has several airports that serve commercial airlines, including:

Charleston International Airport (CHS) in Charleston

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) in Greer

Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) in Columbia

Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) in Myrtle Beach

Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH) in Hilton Head Island

In addition, there are several regional airports and private airports throughout the state.

Trains in South Carolina

South Carolina is served by Amtrak, the national railway system in the United States. Amtrak offers daily service to major cities in South Carolina, including Columbia, Florence, and Charleston, as well as several other smaller towns. Amtrak’s routes in South Carolina include the Silver Meteor, the Palmetto, and the Crescent.

The Silver Meteor travels from New York City to Miami, Florida, with stops in South Carolina at Charleston, Kingstree, and Florence. The Palmetto runs from New York City to Savannah, Georgia, with stops in South Carolina at Charleston and Denmark. The Crescent travels from New York City to New Orleans, Louisiana, with stops in South Carolina at Greenville, Spartanburg, and Clemson.

In addition to Amtrak, there are several regional rail services in South Carolina, including the Greenville and Western Railway and the South Carolina Central Railroad. These services primarily transport goods and freight rather than passengers.

Buses in South Carolina

South Carolina has several bus transportation options for travelers. The following are some of the major bus companies that operate in South Carolina:

Greyhound: Greyhound operates in several cities in South Carolina, including Charleston, Columbia, Florence, Greenville, and Spartanburg.

Southeastern Stages: Southeastern Stages provides bus service to and from cities such as Augusta, Atlanta, Charleston, Savannah, and more.

Megabus: Megabus operates in cities such as Columbia, Florence, and Greenville, with connections to Charlotte, Atlanta, and other major cities in the Southeast.

Carolina Shuttle: Carolina Shuttle offers transportation from Greenville to Atlanta.

Palmetto Breeze: Palmetto Breeze operates in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina, providing transportation services to cities such as Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head Island.

There are also several local bus systems operating within cities such as Charleston and Columbia, which provide transportation within those cities and the surrounding areas.

Accommodations in South Carolina

South Carolina offers a variety of accommodations for travelers, ranging from budget-friendly motels to luxury resorts. Some options include:

Hotels and motels: There are numerous hotels and motels located throughout the state, ranging from budget-friendly options to high-end hotels.

Bed and Breakfasts: South Carolina is home to many charming bed and breakfasts, particularly in historic towns like Charleston and Beaufort.

Vacation Rentals: Many visitors to South Carolina choose to rent a vacation home or condo, particularly in beach towns like Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island.

Campgrounds: For those who enjoy camping, South Carolina has a variety of campgrounds and RV parks, including several state parks with camping facilities.

Resorts: South Carolina has several luxury resorts, particularly along the coast, offering amenities like golf courses, spas, and fine dining.

Some popular hotel chains in South Carolina include Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt, while popular vacation rental websites include Airbnb and VRBO. It’s always a good idea to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak travel season.