Charleston & South Carolina

South Carolina is full of vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, abundant golf courses and so much more. Southern hospitality is ingrained in every city, small town and front porch.

The views along the coast are breathtaking — from Myrtle Beach to Charleston to Hilton Head, you’ll enjoy little slices of Southern paradise. With over 200 miles of sunny beaches and coastal communities packed with top-notch dining and entertainment, it’s the perfect place for romantic getaways or family-friendly holidays.

But the essence of the Palmetto State – so named after the state tree, the Palmetto – lies in the history that created its distinct Southern culture. And that history resonates in everything from the storied locations of American battlefields to its proud reputation as the Birthplace of Barbecue.

Although Columbia is South Carolina’s capital, the city that takes your heart is Charleston. Known as the Holy City for the amount of churches, not only is Charleston is one of the USA’s most historic cities but it is also one of the most beautiful. Colourful and pretty houses dating back to the 1800s, full of joie de vivre, extraordinarily hospitable people, lots of boutique hotels and wonderful food. What is not to love?

Charleston’s Downtown, perched on a peninsula shaped by the Ashley and Cooper rivers, is full of classic houses best explored either on foot or by horse-drawn carriage. Also ensure you visit the Charleston City Market (one of the oldest in the nation) for locally made goods as well as Fort Sumter National Monument. Fort Sumter denotes the spot where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired in 1861 when the Confederate artillery opened fire in such good spirits on this Federal fort in Charleston Harbour.

Whether it’s the iconic Myrtle Beach Grand Strand, the white-sand shores of Hunting Island or the Lowcountry’s Kiawah Island Resort, South Carolina’s coastal towns and picture-perfect beaches are ideal for holidays for all. From fresh-caught seafood and waterfront views to world-class golf and endless seaside adventures, there is something for everyone.

If your idea of paradise is miles of white sandy beaches washed by the warm ocean waters of the Atlantic, then the ultimate beach-lovers vacation destination, Hilton Head Island, offers 12 miles of irresistibly inviting shoreline to relax in the sun and play in the surf.

Whether you enjoy taking long walks on the beach at sunrise, building sandcastles with the kids or simply sitting in a beach chair and savouring the ocean breezes, you won’t find a nicer stretch of coastline to indulge your holiday fantasy. With some of the best beaches in the US combined with phenomenal sporting facilities such as 24 world class golf courses, 350 tennis courts and over 250 restaurants, Hilton Head makes for a fantastic holiday destination for all.