![\"iStock](\"http:\/\/www.california-tour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/05\/iStock-MYYRTLE-BEACH.jpg\" "\\"Myrtle")
<\/a>MYRTLE BEACH:<\/b> The broad, sparkling sands along the \u201cGrand Strand\u201d provide a classic beach experience more commonly associated with Florida or the Jersey shore. Amusement parks, arcades, miniature golf, Ripley\u2019s Aquarium, and a new 1.2-mile boardwalk anchored by the \u201cSkywheel\u201d Ferris wheel make this a popular destination for youngsters and their families. Myrtle Beach is known as the \u201cGolf Capital of America\u201d for its numerous, well-manicured courses. Nightlife includes theaters with live musical performances, fresh seafood restaurants, and clubs where you can learn the Carolina shag \u2013 a Southern style of beach dancing that originated in Myrtle Beach. For a more laid-back outing, check out nearby Murrells Inlet (the \u201cSeafood Capital of South Carolina\u201d); the mansions and grounds at Hopsewee Plantation, built in 1735; or the dramatic collection of outdoor figurative sculptures at Brookgreen Gardens.<\/p>\n HILTON HEAD ISLAND:<\/b> Located midway between Charleston and Savannah, Hilton Head is consistently ranked as one of the \u201cTop 10 Best U.S. Islands\u201d by Conde Nast<\/i> readers. \u201cGolf Island\u201d is home to more than 20 championship courses and regularly hosts the PGA Tour. The island also boasts a number of top-rated tennis facilities, with more than 350 courts in all three Grand Slam surfaces \u2013 including covered courts so play can continue during the occasional rain shower. Hilton Head has also been voted one of the Top 10 beaches for families. Explore the tidal waters by kayak or paddleboard, or sail the Atlantic Ocean. Upscale resorts, shopping at 200-plus retail and outlet stores, and more than 250 restaurants complete the picture.<\/p>\n COLUMBIA:<\/b> The \u201cRiver City\u201d is the capital of the Palmetto State, drawing visitors to cosmopolitan restaurants, live music, theaters, public art, and historic buildings. Tour the Hampton Preston Mansion and Gardens, originally constructed in 1818. Explore Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens, home to more than 2,000 animals and one of the country\u2019s top botanical gardens. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike or canoe through the old growth bottomland forests of Congaree National Park. Or head to 50,000-acre Lake Murray for boating, fishing and picnicking.<\/p>\n FLORENCE:<\/b> \u00a0A regional center for sports, shopping and the arts, the \u201cMagic City\u201d area offers diverse cultural and recreational opportunities. Hop into a pace car and challenge the Darlington Speedway — the NASCAR track billed as \u201cToo Tough to Tame\u201d. Or for a quieter outing, visit the Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden in Bishopville, where the self-taught artist has created a stunning collection of living sculptures.<\/p>\n BEAUFORT:<\/b> Imagine a colonial seaport with antebellum mansions overlooking the Atlanta Ocean, and you\u2019ll picture Beaufort \u2013 the location for such films as \u201cThe Big Chill\u201d and \u201cThe Great Santini\u201d. Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride in the Landmark Historic District, or paddle down the Beaufort River on a guided kayak tour. This charming city provides a perfect quiet Lowcountry getaway.<\/p>\n \u00a0AUGUSTA, GA:<\/b> The world comes to Augusta each April for the Masters Golf tournament. But there\u2019s plenty to see and do year-round at this thriving city on the Georgia-South Carolina border. Relive the musical career of Augusta\u2019s own James Brown at the Augusta Museum of History, which recently expanded its permanent exhibit honoring the \u201cGodfather of Soul\u201d. Ride a Petersburg flatboat along the historic Augusta Canal. Or look for blue heron, red-shoulder hawks, bobcats and alligators in their natural habitat at 1,100-acre Phinizy Swamp Nature Park.<\/p>\n Once you\u2019ve had a taste of these nearby coastal and inland destinations, it will be time to head back to Charleston for more fun!<\/p>\n If you are interested in visiting Charleston, South Carolina check out our Charleston Vacation Packages<\/a> and start planning your next vacation!<\/p>\n<\/a><\/a>