Are you planning the best places to Visit in South Carolina in December as a Winter Wonderland? South Carolina transforms into a winter wonderland in December which offers a unique blend of historic charm, natural beauty, and festive spirit.
Top 15 Best Places To Visit In South Carolina In December A Winter Wonderland
| Places | How to Reach |
| Charleston’s Historic District | Charleston International Airport is well connected. From there you can take taxis and shuttles are available to reach the Historic District. |
| Hilton Head Island | Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is the nearest major airport. From there drive or take a shuttle to the island. |
| Myrtle Beach Boardwalk | Myrtle Beach International Airport is the closest airport. From there a short drive takes you to the Boardwalk. |
| Columbia’s Riverbanks Zoo and Garden Lights | Columbia Metropolitan Airport is the nearest airport. From there, the zoo is a short drive away. |
| Greenville’s Falls Park on the Reedy | Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport is the closest airport. From there it is a short drive to Falls Park. |
| Beaufort’s Historic District | Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is the nearest major airport. From there, Beaufort is accessible by car. |
| Magnolia Plantation and Gardens | Charleston International Airport is the nearest airport. From there, a short drive takes you to Magnolia Plantation. |
| Conway’s Historic Rivertown | Myrtle Beach International Airport is the closest airport. From there, Conway is easily accessible by car. |
| Cypress Gardens | Charleston International Airport is the nearest airport. From there, it’s only a short drive to Cypress Gardens. |
| Brookgreen Gardens Nights of a Thousand Candles | Myrtle Beach International Airport is the nearest airport. From there, Murrells Inlet is a short drive away. |
| Fort Sumter National Monument | Charleston International Airport is the nearest airport. From there, take a ferry to Fort Sumter. |
| Aiken’s Hopelands Gardens | Augusta Regional Airport is the closest airport. From there, Aiken is a short drive away. |
| Lake Jocassee | Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport is the nearest major airport. From there, it’s a scenic drive to Lake Jocassee. |
| Caesars Head State Park | Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport is the nearest major airport. From there, it’s a scenic drive to the park. |
| Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site | Columbia Metropolitan Airport is the nearest major airport. From there, Camden is accessible by car. |
A Detailed Overview of Best Places to Visit in South Carolina in December a Winter Wonderland
Explore the 15 best places to visit in South Carolina in December a Winter Wonderland, Palmetto State during this magical month where holiday lights twinkle against historic backdrops and outdoor adventures await.
Charleston’s Historic District Best Places to Visit in South Carolina in December
Immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of cobblestone streets, antebellum mansions and horse-drawn carriages in Charleston’s Historic District. Visit iconic sites like Rainbow Row and Waterfront Park adorned with holiday lights.
- Location: Charleston
- How to Reach: Charleston International Airport is well connected. From there you can take taxis and shuttles are available to reach the Historic District.
- Activities:
- Take a carriage tour.
- Explore historic homes like the Aiken-Rhett House.
- Stroll along the Battery promenade.
Hilton Head Island Best Places to Visit in South Carolina in December
Known for its pristine beaches and world-class golf courses, Hilton Head Island offers a serene winter escape. Enjoy mild December temperatures and explore the island’s natural beauty.
- How to Reach: Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is the nearest major airport. From there drive or take a shuttle to the island.
- Activities:
- Play golf at Harbour Town Golf Links.
- Bike along the scenic trails.
- Relax on Coligny Beach.
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk Best Places to Visit in South Carolina in December
Experience the holiday spirit on Myrtle Beach Boardwalk with festive lights, holiday performances and oceanfront dining. The Ferris wheel lights up the night sky by creating a magical atmosphere.
- Location: Myrtle Beach
- How to Reach: Myrtle Beach International Airport is the closest airport. From there a short drive takes you to the Boardwalk.
- Activities:
- Take a ride on the SkyWheel.
- Enjoy live entertainment.
- Savor seafood at the boardwalk restaurants.
Columbia’s Riverbanks Zoo and Garden Lights Best Places to Visit in South Carolina in December
Witness the magic of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden Lights, where the zoo transforms into a dazzling display of holiday lights and festive decorations.
- Location: Columbia
- How to Reach: Columbia Metropolitan Airport is the nearest airport. From there, the zoo is a short drive away.
- Activities:
- Explore the illuminated paths.
- Visit Santa’s Village.
- Enjoy holiday treats at the various food stations.
Greenville’s Falls Park on the Reedy Best Places to Visit in South Carolina in December
Falls Park on the Reedy comes alive in December with dazzling light displays and festive decorations. The park’s natural beauty blends seamlessly with the holiday spirit.
- Location: Greenville
- How to Reach: Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport is the closest airport. From there it is a short drive to Falls Park.
- Activities:
- Walk along the Liberty Bridge.
- Admire the Reedy River Falls.
- Attend special holiday events in the park.
Beaufort’s Historic District Best Places to Visit in South Carolina in December
Step back in time as you stroll through Beaufort’s Historic District, adorned with holiday decorations. The well-preserved antebellum architecture adds a timeless charm.
- How to Reach: Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is the nearest major airport. From there, Beaufort is accessible by car.
- Activities:
- Take a guided historic walking tour.
- Visit the Santa Elena History Center.
- Enjoy local cuisine in the historic downtown area.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens Best Places to Visit in South Carolina in December
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens with its centuries-old oak trees and blooming camellias offers a serene escape. December brings a different charm with festive decorations.
- Location: Charleston
- How to Reach: Charleston International Airport is the nearest airport. From there, a short drive takes you to Magnolia Plantation.
- Activities:
- Explore the gardens.
- Take a nature tram tour.
- Participate in holiday-themed events.
Conway’s Historic Rivertown Best Places to Visit in South Carolina in December
Conway’s Historic Rivertown captivates visitors with its charming historic buildings and festive decorations. The Waccamaw River adds a scenic backdrop.
- Location: Conway
- How to Reach: Myrtle Beach International Airport is the closest airport. From there, Conway is easily accessible by car.
- Activities:
- Walk along the Riverwalk.
- Explore the historic district.
- Enjoy local shops and restaurants.
Cypress Gardens Best Places to Visit in South Carolina in December
Nestled in the Lowcountry, Cypress Gardens offers a unique experience with its swamp gardens and blackwater cypress trees. In December, the gardens come alive with holiday lights.
- Location: Moncks Corner
- How to Reach: Charleston International Airport is the nearest airport. From there, it’s only a short drive to Cypress Gardens.
- Activities:
- Take a boat ride through the swamp.
- Explore walking trails.
- Enjoy the special holiday lights event.
Brookgreen Gardens Nights of a Thousand Candles Best Places to Visit in South Carolina in December
Brookgreen Gardens transforms into a magical wonderland during Nights of a Thousand Candles. Thousands of candles, holiday lights and festive music create a mesmerizing atmosphere.
- Location: Murrells Inlet
- How to Reach: Myrtle Beach International Airport is the nearest airport. From there, Murrells Inlet is a short drive away.
- Activities:
- Stroll through the candlelit gardens.
- Enjoy live performances.
- Savor warm cider and cookies.
Fort Sumter National Monument Best Places to Visit in South Carolina in December
Discover the historical significance of Fort Sumter where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. The harbor location adds to its allure.
- Location: Charleston Harbor
- How to Reach: Charleston International Airport is the nearest airport. From there, take a ferry to Fort Sumter.
- Activities:
- Explore the fort’s museum.
- Learn about Civil War history.
- Enjoy the scenic boat ride to the island.
Aiken’s Hopelands Gardens Best Places to Visit in South Carolina in December
Hopelands Gardens in Aiken transforms into a winter wonderland with thousands of lights and festive decorations. The historic gardens create a picturesque setting.
- Location: Aiken
- How to Reach: Augusta Regional Airport is the closest airport. From there, Aiken is a short drive away.
- Activities:
- Walk through the illuminated gardens.
- Attend holiday concerts.
- Enjoy hot cocoa by the fountain.
Lake Jocassee Best Places to Visit in South Carolina in December
Escape to the tranquility of Lake Jocassee surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains. While it may be too chilly for swimming, the scenic beauty is worth the visit.
- Location: Upstate South Carolina
- How to Reach: Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport is the nearest major airport. From there, it’s a scenic drive to Lake Jocassee.
- Activities:
- Take a scenic boat tour.
- Hike along the lake trails.
- Enjoy a peaceful lakeside picnic.
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Caesars Head State Park Best Places to Visit in South Carolina in December
For outdoor enthusiasts, Caesars Head State Park offers panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. December provides crisp air and stunning winter vistas.
- Location: Greenville County
- How to Reach: Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport is the nearest major airport. From there, it’s a scenic drive to the park.
- Activities:
- Hike to Raven Cliff Falls.
- Explore the overlooks.
- Experience the beauty of nature in winter.
Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site Best Places to Visit in South Carolina in December
History comes to life at the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site where preserved colonial buildings and reenactments transport visitors to the 18th century.
- Location: Camden
- How to Reach: Columbia Metropolitan Airport is the nearest major airport. From there, Camden is accessible by car.
- Activities:
- Tour the colonial-era homes.
- Watch reenactments.
- Explore the site’s museum showcasing Revolutionary War artifacts.
Conclusion
South Carolina in December offers a diverse range of experiences from historical exploration in Charleston to the serene beauty of lakes and parks. Whether you’re drawn to festive lights, historical sites or outdoor adventures, these 15 places provide a memorable winter getaway in the Palmetto State.
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