South Carolina

This SC locale is the best summer destination in the state for 2023, ranking shows. Here’s why

Looking to go on a “staycation” within the Palmetto State this summer?

This Lowcountry destination was recently selected as the best summer vacation destination for this year in South Carolina, according to a recent ranking by Trips To Discover.

With the weather warming up and summer’s first official day beginning in June, many families across the country are starting to plan or finalize their summer plans.

Whether you’re looking to plan a getaway within the state or hundreds of miles away, there are an endless amount of sights to see nationwide.

So which spot in South Carolina was chosen?

Beaufort was listed as the top summer vacation destination for the Palmetto State this year and “among the country’s most charming small towns,” by the travel discovery website.

Trips to Discover named Beaufort as the top tourist destination spot in South Carolina.
Trips to Discover named Beaufort as the top tourist destination spot in South Carolina. Karl Puckett

This Lowcountry locale was described by Trips To Discover as “the second-oldest in South Carolina, it has a rich history with antebellum architecture to explore, a gorgeous waterfront, and a walkable downtown with antique stores, art galleries, and restaurants serving delicious Southern comfort fare, including gumbo.”

“There are beautiful beaches nearby too, including 3 miles of pristine sands at Hunting Island State Park,” the site continued.

Each of the top summer destinations for each state were selected by the area’s quality of weather during the summer, the number of activities available for the whole family and easy access to outdoor adventures for views of the local natural beauty.

Sea gulls fly in front of the Richard V. Woods Memorial Bridge as pictured on Dec. 5, 2022, the last remaining swing bridge in Beaufort County.
Sea gulls fly in front of the Richard V. Woods Memorial Bridge as pictured on Dec. 5, 2022, the last remaining swing bridge in Beaufort County. Drew Martin dmartin@islandpacket.com

Beaufort is known for many things, such as winning many accolades for its beauty and charm as well as its breathtaking Lowcountry scenery.

Some famous movies have also been filmed in Beaufort, such as Forrest Gump, The Prince of Tides and The Big Chill.

Beaufort is a historic area and was described as a lovely little harbor town located on Port Royal Island that boasts exquisitely preserved antebellum architecture and a downtown designated in its entirety as an historic district, as detailed by Beaufort.com.

Chris Barr, Chief of Interpretation/Public Information Officer with the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park, stands outside the front gate to Robert Smalls House on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023 before giving a tour on the steps of the private residence in Beaufort’s historic district.
Chris Barr, Chief of Interpretation/Public Information Officer with the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park, stands outside the front gate to Robert Smalls House on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023 before giving a tour on the steps of the private residence in Beaufort’s historic district. Drew Martin dmartin@islandpacket.com

The best summer vacation destinations for nearby states, according to Trips To Discover, include:

  • Ocracoke Island, North Carolina

  • Savannah, Georgia

  • Chattanooga, Tennessee

  • Key West, Florida

  • Gulf Shores, Alabama

  • Virginia Beach, Virginia

  • Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

  • Biloxi, Mississippi

This story was originally published April 21, 2023 at 8:00 AM.

Sarah Claire McDonald
The Island Packet
Sarah Claire McDonald worked as a Service Journalism Reporter for The Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette. She specialized in writing audience-focused, unique, spotlight stories about people, places and occurrences in the Lowcountry. Originally from the Midwest, Sarah Claire studied news media, communications and English at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, where she graduated in 2021.
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