The state of South Carolina is rich in culture and diversity, making it a wonderful place to travel to. Whether you plan to spend time in the Upstate or through the Lowcountry, you will have endless amounts of activities to choose from, as the state is filled with beautiful mountains and beaches. Depending on whether you are looking for a weekend escape with friends or a fun-filled family vacation, you will be able to find many different attractions to enjoy throughout the year. Following is a list of great things to do in South Carolina in 2026.
Though many people think of tourism when they think of South Carolina, it is possible to experience the beauty and excitement of the state outside of just tourism. In South Carolina, there is a very strong sense of community, as well as opportunities for outdoor learning activities, and family-oriented events. These community activities often tie in with educational programs and enrichment opportunities, thus creating a good environment for families searching for both recreation and educational options, including middle schools in South Carolina. You will also find a wealth of exciting events and great things to do that you will not want to miss.
Why You Should Visit South Carolina
The state of South Carolina is a rare blend of natural beauty, rich history, and fun and exciting community events. Throughout the state, all you have to do is take a short trip to enjoy great views from the mountains, visit state parks, explore historical landmarks, and take part in some of the most engaging and exciting festivals. In addition, South Carolina has a mild climate, which allows for year-round enjoyment of the outdoors, thus providing many options for families, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Things to Do in South Carolina
1. Bluegrass Jam Sessions at “Music on the Mountain”
The monthly “Music on the Mountain” bluegrass jam session at Table Rock State Park is one of the most relaxing and real things to do in the Upstate. In a friendly, casual setting, local musicians get together to play traditional Appalachian music.
- Date: February 21, 2026
- Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Location: Table Rock State Park
158 Ellison Lane, Pickens, SC 29671
Bring a chair, enjoy the view of the mountains, and listen to live acoustic music.
2. KidsFest at the Hagood Mill Historic Site
KidsFest is a fun and educational event that families will love. This festival, which is put on in partnership with the Young Appalachian Musicians (YAMs), combines cultural heritage with fun activities.
- Date: March 21, 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Location: Hagood Mill Historic Site
138 Hagood Mill Road, Pickens, SC 29671
There are student performances, a traditional talent show, and interactive games at the event that keep kids interested while they learn about local customs.
3. Workshop in Person for Moonpreneur
Moonpreneur’s in-person workshop is a fun way for kids to learn about robotics, coding logic, and how to solve problems creatively. The workshop is for kids ages 7 to 14 and uses hands-on activities to get them interested in and confident with technology.
- Sessions are available all year long.
- Focus: robotics, basic coding, new ideas, and starting a business
This workshop builds on what students learn in class and encourages them to come up with new ways to solve problems in the real world.
4. The Revolutionary War Camp at Musgrove Mill
The Annual Revolutionary War Encampment at Musgrove Mill State Historic Site brings history to life. Through reenactments and demonstrations, visitors can go back in time and see what life was like during the Revolutionary War.
- Dates: April 26–27, 2026
- Time: April 26: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM ,April 27: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Location: Musgrove Mill State Historic Site
398 State Park Rd, Clinton, SC 29325
For people of all ages, this event is both fun and educational.
5. The Juneteenth Celebration at Unity Park
The 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration, put on by TD SYNNEX and community groups, honors freedom, culture, and history through performances and community involvement.
Date: June 19, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Unity Park
320 S Hudson St, Greenville, SC 29601
This important event brings people together to celebrate their heritage and progress in a friendly, family-friendly setting.
Free Things to Do in South Carolina
South Carolina is home to a variety of exciting experiences that do not require a financial outlay. Visitors on a budget can take advantage of the great number of wonderful activities to sample in the state for free. Some activities will be great for families, some will be great for solo travellers and others will be great for those only interested in weekend excursions.
Free Public Beaches & Parks: South Carolina has many public beaches and state or municipal parks. The public beaches will offer you picturesque riverside or ocean front, expansive open space, playgrounds for kids to play at, and trails for walking through nature.
Free Historic Walking Tours: Virtually every historic town in SC has a self-guided walking route that goes past historical sites, building exteriors, and the local history associated with the buildings or area.
Scenic Drives: SC offers its visitors some of the prettiest drives in the United States, with scenic drives along the coast, scenic drives through the mountains and scenic drives through the countryside.
Free Community Events & Local Farmers’ Markets: Most of the events taking place in SC are free to enter. Farmers’ markets are a great place to buy fresh vegetables, local meats and local handmade items, and the local community will offer you a chance to experience the local community’s culture.
Best Day Trips in South Carolina
With its many flavors of world-class attractions, South Carolina has something for every traveler. Whether you prefer history, nature, or quaint Southern towns, you’re never far from something to do.
- Beaufort, SC is one of my favorite towns to visit from Charleston, as it provides incredible views along the coast and lots of historic homes and buildings to explore along the way!
- Greenville, SC has many beautiful mountain towns to visit just north of it. These towns provide a variety of hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and quiet retreats to enjoy.
- Congaree National Park is a short drive outside of Columbia, SC, and there you’ll find a vast diversity of plant and animal species, as well as long boardwalk trails through a floodplain forest that contains trees over 100′ tall.
- Exploring attractions like these is a great way to get a variety of experiences in one trip! You’ll learn more about the richness of SC when you participate in short day trips to these locations or similar locations around the state.
Tricks to get the most out of your trip to South Carolina:
- If you plan ahead, you can maximize the enjoyment of your trip to South Carolina and avoid many of the common challenges that travelers face.
- Best times to visit South Carolina are spring and fall, when you’ll have milder temperatures and fewer people to compete with for space. Summer weather is hot and fantastic for beach lovers, but winter has the fewest travelers and provides a great way to visit on your budget!
- Renting a vehicle is the only way to get around South Carolina. Therefore, if you plan to drive around and see several different areas of SC within a short time period, renting a vehicle to travel to each area will allow you to explore at your own pace.
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in South Carolina
Whether You’re Attending A Bluegrass Jam In The Mountains, Exploring Living History, Or Celebrating Culture At A City Park, South Carolina Connects People With Music, History, Education And Community Events. No Matter What Time Of Year It Is, There’s Always Something Going On That Makes South Carolina Worth Visiting.
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