What to do in South Carolina

South Carolina is a fantastic destination for a vacation within the United States thanks to its combination of history, culture, beautiful landscapes and glorious beaches. The “Iodine State” is filled with great attractions, as well as some weird and wonderful sites that you won’t find elsewhere. 

The UFO Welcome Centre

Whilst many people associate Area 51 with being the place for extraterrestrial visitors to stop at, Bowman, South Carolina is home to facilities that have been designed to welcome our friends from out of space. Designed and built by Jody Pendarvis, the UFO Welcome Centre is made up of two UFO shaped objects, stacked on top of each other, and surrounded by a scrap metal fence. 

Although there have so far been no recorded visitors from beyond our planet, the UFO Welcome Centre is fully equipped and ready for them with all the amenities an alien tourist could wish for, including air conditioning, a toilet, shower and TV. There is an entrance fee for any earthlings looking to take a look inside, but you will have to track down Pendarvis before you can get in. 

Experience College Football

American football is one of the most popular sports in the United States, with its National Football League the most valuable sports league in the world. Despite its size and dominance, the NFL does not have a monopoly on football in the country. College football is considered to be how the sport was born, as universities competed against each other in their newly invented sport. Today, college football is big business, with huge stadiums and big TV deals. If you’re in South Carolina, check out a game at Clemson University, who are currently favourite to win the CFP National Championship.

South Carolina State Museum 

The South Carolina State Museum is the largest museum in the state, with a broad mix of permanent and temporary exhibits, including art, science, history and natural history. These are spread across the four floors of the former Columbia Mills Building. One of the main highlights of the museum is the 1:1 scale replica of the “Best Friend of Charleston”, the first train locomotive to be completely built within America. There are a number of interactive and multimedia exhibits within the museum, including a 4D theatre and an outdoor telescope terrace. 

Horse-drawn Carriage Tour

Charleston is a beautiful port city that was founded in 1670, filled with cobbled streets and pastel houses. It has a very European feel to it, thanks to its history and coastal location. One of the best ways to see the city is by horse-drawn carriage, which will take you to see all of the main sites, including churches, historically significant buildings and beautiful gardens. 

Joe Riley Waterfront Park

Also in Charleston, the Joe Riley Waterfront Park is one of the most popular parks in the city. It was not completed until 1990, making it relatively young, but is has quickly become a favourite amongst the locals and tourists alike. Two large fountains provide great photo opportunities and provide a way to cool off in the heat. They also light up at night to add even more beauty to the waterfront in the twilight hours. For those unable to peel themselves away from their mobile devices, the park even has free Wi-Fi which is provided by Google. 

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular destinations for tourists and locals alike, thanks to its seemingly endless pristine sands and clear, blue waters. Myrtle Beach is an interesting contrast between beach and city, as tall office blocks can be seen in the distance as you swim in the Atlantic ocean. In addition to the natural entertainment, Myrtle Beach is also home to a number of attractions, including the SkyWheel, mini golf, an aquarium, movie theatre, water parks and more.

South Carolina is a beautiful state, packed with a broad mix of sights and attractions, no matter what your interests. Whether you’re looking to learn some history, relax by the sea, or explore the stranger attractions like the UFO Welcome Centre, South Carolina has you covered.