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As any Civil War buff will tell you, South Carolina was the scene of the beginning of the Civil War with first shots fired at Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861.

Military history and Civil War buffs will want to head straight to the Charleston area for tours of historic Fort Sumter as well as Patriot's Point to board the USS Yorktown and other retired naval ships currently stationed there today.

Along with many of its historical connections, South Carolina also offers visitors coastal scenery at renowned South Carolina beaches such as Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach, and summer vacation fun at Cypress Gardens in Charleston, and the Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden in Columbia.

South Carolina's sunny shores attract millions of tourist a year to such hot spots as Myrtle Beach
(left) historic Fort Sumter (middle) and the USS Yorktown in Charleston.

2023 South Carolina Events & Festivals

Charleston packs 'em in every year at Spoleto, one of America's premiere performing arts festivals.

Just up ahead, check out our 2023 South Carolina travel calender featuring memorable events and major festivals happening throughout the state with dates, locations and official links for more information.

Happy travels!

May 6, 2023 -- Ocean Drive Music Festival Myrtle Beach

May 12 - May 14, 2023 -- Artisphere Greenville

May 26 - 28, 2023 -- Gullah Festival Beaufort

May 26 – June 11, 2023 -- Spoleto Festival Charleston

June 8 - June 11, 2023 -- South Carolina Festival of Flowers Greenwood

July 14 - July 23, 2023 -- Beaufort Water Festival Beaufort

also see -> 2023 South Carolina Fall Foliage Guide

2023 South Carolina Beach Guide   |   This Christmas in South Carolina

Kid-friendly coastal SC

With so much to see and do along the South Carolina coast, family-friendly events and activities often take center stage at the height of the travel season. Beginning with North Myrtle Beach, the top highlights begin with "the reptile capital of the world" at Alligator Adventure featuring live shows and educational exhibits.

Moving south to Myrtle Beach, Ripley's Aquarium is one of the most visited attractions in all of South Carolina featuring a walk-through glass tunnel as fish swim up, around, and above visitors to the special delight of kids.

While in Charleston, a trip to The Children's Museum of the Lowcountry provides hands-on exhibits to keep the young one's occupied, and for kids of all ages try North Charleston's Whirlin' Waters offering the perfect place to chill out during a sultry SC summer vacation.

More information about South Carolina travel & tourism around the Web:

The Official Tourism Site of South Carolina- Check out feature travel articles with what's happening throughout the state, plus travel facts, vacation trip planner, major tourist attractions, hotel and dining guides.

Hilton Head Travel Guide - One of the top summer vacation attractions offering coastal beaches, romantic getaways, family fun, famous golf courses, top restaurants and hotels, plus practical visitor information including maps, directions, weather info.

Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau - Beautifully laid-out vacation guide featuring travel news & updates, hotel and dining guides, event calendar, major & nearby tourist attractions, maps, pictures, video clips.

Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau - More popular beach fun for the entire family with the latest news, weather info, major tourist attractions, hotel & dining guides, pictures, map, FAQ.