South Carolina Car Rental

Guide to South Carolina

Geography

South Carolina consists of three regions, each designated as a province – the Blue Ridge Mountains, Atlantic Coastal Plain, and Piedmont plateau. The largest cities in South Carolina are Charleston and Columbia.

Climate in South Carolina

The state experiences a mostly subtropical climate, with hot humid summers (93°F) and short mild winters (41-60°F). Tornadoes and hurricanes occasionally occur. The best time of year to visit is spring (March-May).

Things to do in South Carolina

Tour the Heritage Green

The Heritage Green is a hub of art and culture in the city of Greenville. Its buildings range from the Greenville County Museum of Art to the Upcountry History Museum. If you’re looking to learn about the state’s history all the way from the 1700s, begin your journey here.

Enjoy the Congaree National Park

Stroll, camp and break out a sweat at the Congaree National Park near Hopkins. Here, you will find a multitude of animals, including bobcats, otters, coyotes and alligator gar. This forest is special for being one of the largest surviving tracts of hardwood in the country.

Appreciate some modern sculpture

Pose next to some beautiful figurines at the Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet. This is the largest collection of outdoor sculptures in the US. Spend a few hours exploring the gardens and the three galleries attached. In addition to sculptures, you’ll also find several paintings and drawings from the 1800s.

Lose yourself in the Sea Islands

Located off the coast near Hilton Head, the Sea Islands are a set of barrier islands that have their own state parks and resorts. Try to visit Daufuskie Island, which still has remnants of the old Sea Island culture – churches, houses and the creole language Gullah.

Eating out in South Carolina

It may have a funny abbreviation, but Slightly North Of Broad (SNOB) is a great place to enjoy Lowcountry food in Charleston. The shrimp and grits are especially tasty. For local seafood options, like fish stew with hushpuppies, eat at Chesapeake House in the town of Myrtle Beach. Chef Clayton Rollison cooks some delightful oyster stew, steak and eggs and other earthy dishes at the Lucky Rooster Kitchen and Bar in Hilton Head. For the state delicacy, boiled peanuts, The Peanut Dude in Mount Pleasant is your go-to.

South Carolina Transport

Airports

South Carolina has 7 major airports, of which the main one is the Charleston International Airport (CHS).

Public transportation in South Carolina

When you’re in the Charleston area, hop onto a Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) bus. When you’re in Columbus, the COMET will take you wherever you need to go for as low as $2.

Driving in South Carolina

Rent a car and drive around in America’s fourth-largest public road system. The most trustworthy car rental companies in South Carolina are Hertz, Cash, and Budget.