This year is flying by! I seriously can’t believe we’ve reached the end of June. Summer may be halfway over, but there’s still time to make a few more memories, take advantage of the long days, try something new, and even squeeze in a fun trip. Sure, everyone’s traveling this season so finding a place to stay may be more of a challenge than usual, but it’s totally worth it.

Whether you’re local to South Carolina, or a visitor from somewhere else, there’s a special place in this state worthy of getaway. So I’ve rounded up five places that I either love or have heard amazing things about. Any would make a great two-night getaway.

1. Kiawah Island

Where to stay- The Sanctuary, Andell Inn, or rent a house

Where to eat- La Tela Pizzeria, Hege’s, The Station, Vincent’s Drug Store & Soda Fountain, Fuji Sushi Bar, or FortyEight

Where to shop- Bluemercury, Showroom Kiawah, GDC Home, or Doin’ the Charleston

What to do- Create your own custom scented candle at Palmetto Scent Studio, get a treatment at The Sanctuary Spa, visit the beach, take a dip in the pool at Marsh House (if you can find a friend who’s a member of the club), or one of Freshfields’ free outdoor activities on their green.

2. Pawley’s Island

Where to stay- The Oceanfront Litchfield Inn or rent a house

Where to eat- Bistro 217, Franks, Rustic Table, Chive Blossom, BisQit, Sweeties Sweets

Where to shop- D. Newks Southern Artisan Cooperative, Whimsy Roost, Hammock Shops Village

What to do- Treat yourself to a treatment at Sweetgrass Boutique and Day Spa, hang out on the beach, take a dolphin tour with Blue Wave Adventures Dolphin Tour, bike Huntington Beach State Park, or dress up like a pirate and set sail with Pirate Adventure, or take river tour on Waccamaw River.

3. Hilton Head Island

Where to stay- The Westin Resort or rent a house in Palmetto Dunes

Where to eat- Poseidon, Skull Creek Boathouse, The French Bakery, The Porch Southern Kitchen + Bar, Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana, Marleys Shrimp & Burger Shack or Frankie Bones

Where to shop- Branches, Shelter Cove Town Centre, Island Fudge Shop,

What to do- Hang out at Harbour Town, Visit Mitchellvile Freedom Park (the first town in SC to be made up of freed Slaves), take a dolphin watching cruise , take a trip to Daufuskie Island, or ride bikes through the miles of bike trails.

4. Wild Dunes Restort

Where to stay- Sweetgrass Inn, Boardwalk Inn, or rent a house

Where to eat- Coastal Provisions, Huey’s Southern Eats, Beachside Burgers + Bar, or Woody’s

What to do- Play golf, ride bikes around the trails, hang out on the beach, take a guided boat tour to Capers Island, take a kayak tour, or take a trip Downtown Charleston,

5. Devil’s State Park (day trip)

Where to stay- Either at Hotel Domestique Travelers Rest, SC at or the Old Edwards Inn in Highlands, NC

What to do- Hike the Oconee Bell Nature Trail , go trout fishing, or (highlight of the park) take boat out on Lake Jocassee to experience waterfalls and unusually clear water

 

Have you visited one of these places, or have another destination in SC that you love? Let me know in the comments below!