Being in South Carolina during the summer months, you’re likely to find two kinds of people: those who find ways to escape the scorching temperatures, and those who embrace them. Luckily, there are plenty of activities for both all across the Palmetto State. Whether you like to keep cool inside or get your tan on outside, here are 10 sizzling summer activities in South Carolina that can almost make you forget how hot it is!
This 17-day-long celebration of the arts, music, and theater features plenty to see, hear, and do for every age. Held in various venues throughout Charleston, you enjoy your pick of indoor or outdoor events, shows, concerts, and movies. Best of all, you only pay for what you want to participate in, with many free events sprinkled in.
This neighborhood waterpark is the perfect spot for families to cool off with the kids. The park boasts several water slides, a kid zone, lazy river, and wave surfer that can help chase away the dog days of summer and keep you feeling fresh. Admission is $12 for adults and $8 for kids 47 inches-tall and under.
You get free admission to the exhibit, but will have to pay to play with the tigers and other animals on the tour. But if running with the big cats has always been your dream, it’s well worth the price. You can also walk away with a CD or DVD of your personal safari for a little extra.
Have you ever wondered what nature would look like if man had never altered it? Huntington Beach can give you a pretty close example. Here you can enjoy the sights of waterfowl, alligators, and maybe some turtles as you take in the sights of nature. The park also features a marsh walk, along with the Atalaya historic site.
Contrary to popular belief, Broadway at the Beach is much more than just a shopping complex. Kids will enjoy paddleboat rides around the central pond, can enclose themselves in giant bubbles and roll around on top of the water, burn some energy on the north side playground, take in a game of mini golf, or watch a 3D feature at the Imax theater. For adults, there’s plenty of nightlife hotspots, like karaoke, dueling pianos, dance clubs, daiquiri bars, and other eateries to suit every taste.
If you’re a fan of sweet tea vodka (or just really curious), take a tour of the Firefly craft distillery. They grow the tea for their vodka just a couple miles from the distillery, and offer a “sip and see” tours that take visitors on an historic trolley ride to three Lowcountry landmarks. And yes, tasting is included.
A kayak or paddleboat tour is perfect for the person who likes to be on the water, but not in the water. You can book a paddleboat or kayak tour led by a professional guide that will lead you to where dolphins play and other wildlife frequent.
Stay cool while you stay dry at the aquarium. This aqua haven features a stunning array of fish, alligator, otters, horseshoe crabs, shark and other animal life in well-crafted exhibits. You can also score a spot on the sea turtle hospital tour, the only facility in the Palmetto State dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of sea turtles.
Open to the public for shows every Saturday, each month features a different space-related topic. After the show, you can head to the observatory for a closer look at the night sky.
More than just an animal sanctuary, visitors may find themselves in the midst of a beautiful green scene. The garden features several distinct areas, such as the waterfall junction and Asian garden, along with other nearby activities like zip0-lining and a ropes course. Entry to the zoo includes admission to the garden, but you may have to pay extra for other attractions.
