There’s no better time to visit South Carolina’s picturesque coast than summer. But the Lowcountry has much more to offer than pristine beaches. 

Here are a few ways to get outside, stay active and see more of our beautiful state. 

Bamberg 

The Edisto River* is one of the longest free-flowing blackwater rivers in North America. It’s one of South Carolina’s seven wonders. Get a better view by taking to the water with a paddle or in a tube. The Edisto is a paddler’s paradise on the Edisto River Canoe and Kayak Trail*, where there’s lots to discover*.  

Beaufort 

Summer is synonymous with a day on the beach. At Hunting Island State Park*, you’ll find a beach like no other. Get in cardio by climbing the 167 steps to the top of the historic lighthouse, the only publicly accessible lighthouse in the state. 

Berkeley 

Take a walk through a film set or explore history at Cypress Gardens*. It’s home to a famous blackwater swamp. You can see the park on foot on the 4.5 miles of trails or by boat. 

Get a different view at Old Santee Canal Park*, where you can learn about the first true canal in America. Choose from a number of outdoor opportunities, including birding, hiking and paddling.  

Calhoun

Stop to appreciate the trees at the Congaree Bluffs Heritage Preserve*. On this 3-mile trail, you pass through a forest of American beech, oak, hickory and other bottomland hardwood trees. The trail ranges from easy to strenuous for scenic views of the Congaree River.   

Charleston 

There’s plenty of ways to fill your time in Charleston County, but get off the beaten path on Bulls Island*. It’s one of the state’s most remote places. It is the largest of four barrier islands in the area. The 6.5-mile uninhabited island remains mostly untouched.

A great place to explore the natural world, the island is known for being a prime bird-watching spot.

Colleton 

Continue exploring the state’s seven wonders with the Ace Basin*. It offers more than 215,000 acres of protected habitat*. The basin includes hardwood uplands, forested wetlands, tidal marshes and creeks, barrier islands, and beaches. Take to the 25 miles of trails* on foot or bicycle after you’ve explored the area’s history*.

You can continue your canoe or kayak tour of the Edisto River at Colleton State Park*. The park boasts easy access to the river for exploration and activity. 

Dorchester 

Take your birding and exploration to the next level in the Audubon Beidler Forest*. It is one of two forests that have never been logged. There are two trails in the park, where you can see native wildlife, admire 1,000-year-old trees and listen to birdsong. 

Continue your history education at the Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site*. It protects a colonial village along the Ashley River that was settled in 1697. Take a self-guided walking tour through time.  

Hampton 

Cool off with a dip in Lake Warren*. First-time visitors should rent a boat from the state park or go for a hike on the three trails. The trails are easy to moderate in difficulty and rather short, making them a great option for the whole family. 

Jasper 

You don’t have to go to Georgia to see the Savannah River. At the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge* in Hardeeville, visitors can see the rich habitat that supports the diverse wildlife of the Lowcountry. Go for a hike or bike a trail while checking out the wildlife. 

Orangeburg 

Known for their blossoming roses in the spring, Edisto Memorial Gardens* have lots to offer year-round*. 

Then continue summer fun at Santee State Park*. There you can camp, hike, picnic and get on the water.  

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