Top 10 Cheap Places to Visit in South Carolina

Traveling in the US on a budget can be challenging, as travel destinations in the US are not going to be as cheap as those in Asia or even some European countries like Romania or Hungary.

But there are cheap places to visit in South Carolina that you will always enjoy. This state has everything—from beaches to natural greenery and unique stunning islands, where you can enjoy on a limited budget.

Let’s discuss the 10 destinations in South Carolina that will keep you from breaking the bank, whether you’re going alone or with family and friends.

1. MYRTLE BEACH

Myrtle Beach is a well-known coastal city located in South Carolina. This seaside city has everything one wants a tourist destination to have. At the same time, it won’t cost you much to travel here.

Here, you can enjoy your time on a 60-mile soft sandy beach named Myrtle Beach, with attractive and stunning views of the North Atlantic Ocean. You will also see a pier, giving you the best sunset views. Then you should visit Broadway at the Beach, which is best known for its entertainment. You can use a boat to navigate the lake, buy souvenirs, and visit the aquarium, which is why it is one of the best attractions in Myrtle Beach.

Amusement parks like Family Kingdom Amusement Park and different art galleries and museums are also in Myrtle Beach Town. 

TRAVEL COST

• Skyscanner and Kayak are among the best websites for finding affordable flight tickets.
• Accommodation costs around $47 per night for one person.
• Local transport can cost around $15-$25 per person daily. (Depends on your need)
• On average, food can cost around $20-$30 for one person per day.

2. CHARLESTON

Even though Charleston is considered an expensive city, still there are still several things to do and visit that are not expensive. Visiting Charleston on a budget can be difficult but possible. Here, you should enjoy your time on Sullivan’s Island, where you will enjoy the Beach and view the North Atlantic. 

Then, you should visit City Hall to see the painting of George Washington. The pineapple fountain in Waterfront Park and visiting old colonies’ homes at Church Street are also famous. 

Moreover, visiting Cooper River, especially at sunset, is so pleasing. In Charleston, there are museums to visit. These museums include the Mace Brown Museum of Natural History, the City Gallery at Waterfront Park, and the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art.

In the end, don’t forget to visit the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, whose views, especially at night, are stunning. 

TRAVEL COST

• Skyscanner and Kayak are among the best websites for finding affordable flight tickets.
• Accommodation costs around $72 per night for one person.
• Local transport can cost around $15-$25 per person daily. (Depends on your need)
• On average, food can cost around $25-$30 for one person per day.

3. HILTON HEAD ISLAND

Hilton Head is also an island in South Carolina that is wonderful, attractive, and cheap to visit. Here, you will find stunning beaches like Coligny Beach and Burkes Beach, whose soft and golden sand and the enchanting views of the Atlantic Ocean will make your day. 

Apart from the beaches, places like the Audubon Newhall Preserve and Lowcountry Celebration Park are also worth visiting. At the same time, you can visit Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, where you can see natural greenery and wildlife as well. This place also has a lot of golf courses for golf lovers and hiking trails for those who love hiking. 

TRAVEL COST

• Skyscanner and Kayak are among the best websites for finding affordable flight tickets.
• Accommodation costs around $100 per night for one person.
• Local transport can cost around $15-$25 per person daily. (Depends on your need)
• On average, food can cost around $25-$30 for one person per day.

4. MOUNT PLEASANT

Mount Pleasant is a pleasant Town in South Carolina known for its beautiful atmosphere and places. Here, you will see beautiful and attractive destinations like Shem Creek Park and Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park, which are considered the go-to places if you are visiting Mount Pleasant, even on a budget.

Then you should visit Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, where you can see ships and aircraft used in war. After that, you should visit Pitt Street Bridge, especially at the time of sunset.

Moreover, water taxis are also available on the shore, and it costs a small amount of money to navigate in the water. 

TRAVEL COST

• Skyscanner and Kayak are among the best websites for finding affordable flight tickets.
• Accommodation costs around $90 per night for one person.
• Local transport can cost around $15-$25 per person daily.(Depends on your need.
• On average, food can cost around $25-$35 for one person per day.

5. LAKE HARTWELL

Lake Hartwell is a large reservoir located in the southeastern United States. It spans two states, the majority of which is in South Carolina and some parts in Georgia. This lake is one of the most beautiful places to visit, as there are islands all around it. When you view it, you will see different islands as well.

You can use a boat to navigate across the lake, and at the same time, the tourists enjoy swimming and fishing. Apart from that, Lake Hartwell Wildlife Safari is also something you should never miss out on. Here, you will see different wildlife animals in lush greenery, which is so beautiful to watch. 

TRAVEL COST

• Skyscanner and Kayak are among the best websites for finding affordable flight tickets.
• Accommodation costs near Lake Hartwell are $49 per night for one person.
• Transportation and food costs can vary significantly depending on where you stay near Lake Hartwell. 

6. WALTERBORO

Walterboro is another budget-friendly destination in South Carolina. Here, you will find attractive places that tourists want in every destination. There are peaceful and beautiful walking areas. In addition, the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial and the South Carolina Artisans Center are also popular places to visit.

But if you love wildlife and greenery, then Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary is there, where you will see stunning landscapes and wildlife animals. Speaking about wildlife, you can also visit Colleton State Park, which is around 20 minutes away from the city, an extensive land covered with forests and trees, and there will be beautiful scenery as well. 

TRAVEL COST

• Skyscanner and Kayak are among the best websites for finding affordable flight tickets.
• Accommodation costs around $54 per night for one person.
• Local transport can cost around $10-$20 per person daily.(Depends on your need) 
• On average, food can cost around $20-$30 for one person per day.

7. NEWBERRY

Newberry in South Carolina is a small but one of the best in America. At the same time, it will not cost you much. Here, places like Memorial Park and The Newberry Museum are considered the best when visiting the city.

Apart from that, this place is generally loved by those who love eco-tourism. This town has many parks with stunning beauty, like the Wells Japanese Gardens, Country Club of Newberry, and the best one, Lynch’s Wood Park, which is most famous for its hiking.

Last but not least, the NFT museum and the art center in Newberry are also fun places to visit.

TRAVEL COST

• Skyscanner and Kayak are among the best websites for finding affordable flight tickets.
• Accommodation costs around $74 per night for one person.
• Local transport can cost around $10-$20 per person daily. (Depends on your need) 
• On average, food can cost around $20-$30 for one person per day.

8. GEORGE TOWN

Near the city of Charleston lies Georgetown. A stunning location where you can view the beautiful Pee Dee River is a lovely piece of land in South Carolina. Apart from the river, tourists love places like Georgetown County Courthouse, Georgetown Historic District, and Georgetown Maritime Museum when they visit these places.

However, marine areas like the Harborwalk Marina, Georgetown Drystack Marina, and Hazzard Marine are where you can take a boat and visit Goat Island between the Pee Dee River; this small island is covered with plants and greenery. Do visit this island if you go to Georgetown. 

TRAVEL COST

• Skyscanner and Kayak are among the best websites for finding affordable flight tickets.
• Accommodation costs around $77 per night for one person.
• Local transport can cost around $15-$25 per person daily. (Depends on your need) 
• On average, food can cost around $25-$35 for one person per day.

9. ROCK HILL

In York County, South Carolina, lies Rock Hill. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, Rock Hill is suitable for a budget-friendly vacation. Beautiful parks like Manchester Meadows Park, Cherry Park, and the Glencairn Garden are the most attractive destinations for tourists.

The Museum of York County and Main Street Children’s Museum are also loved by all. In this city, you will see small ponds in many destinations. Don’t forget to visit the Catoba River, especially at sunset.  

TRAVEL COST

• Skyscanner and Kayak are among the best websites for finding affordable flight tickets.
• Accommodation costs around $56 per night for one person.
• Local transport can cost around $10-$20 per person daily. (Depends on your need) 
• On average, food can cost around $15-$30 for one person per day.

10. ORANGEBURG

Orangeburg is commonly known as the ‘City of Gardens’. In this city lies Edisto Memorial Garden, where you will see beautiful greenery with small ponds inside. Different types of flowers and trees also add to the beauty of this city. After that, visit Orangeburg County Aquatic Park near the city if you love visiting water parks, especially for kids. 

However, different art galleries and history museums like the Stanback Museum & Planetarium and Cecil Williams Civil Rights Museum should be on your visit list. 

TRAVEL COST

• Skyscanner and Kayak are among the best websites for finding affordable flight tickets.
• Accommodation costs around $62 per night for one person.
• Local transport can cost around $15-$25 per person daily. 
• On average, food can cost around $25-$35 for one person per day.

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