What is South Carolina Known for? Discover South Carolina’s Famous Facts, Foods, and Landmarks

South Carolina is known for its Southern charm, coastal cities, and hospitality. From landmarks like Charleston and Fort Sumter to Lowcountry cuisine, there’s always something to learn about South Carolina no matter how long you’ve lived there. 

If you’re wondering what South Carolina is known for, then Redfin is here to help. Read on to find out what makes South Carolina a great place to live whether you’re renting an apartment in Columbia or buying a home in Greenville. 

Economy and job opportunities

South Carolina’s main job industries encompass automotive manufacturing, aerospace, and healthcare. Some of the main corporations driving the state’s economy include the Medical University of South Carolina, BMW Manufacturing Co., and Boeing South Carolina.

South Carolina’s top five employers

• Medical University of South Carolina
• Prisma Health
• Boeing South Carolina
• BMW Manufacturing Co.
• Michelin North America

Popular tourist attractions

• Charleston is known for its historic charm, cobblestone streets, and antebellum architecture. You can tour historic homes like the Nathaniel Russell House, stroll through gardens at Middleton Place, and sample Lowcountry cuisine in downtown restaurants.
• Myrtle Beach is a popular coastal destination known for its sandy beaches, boardwalk attractions, and golf courses. You can enjoy amusement parks, live entertainment theaters, and outdoor activities like fishing and water sports along the Grand Strand.
• Hilton Head Island has upscale resorts, golf courses, and pristine beaches along the Atlantic coast. You can explore nature preserves like Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, bike along scenic trails, and dine at waterfront restaurants.
• Congaree National Park is one of the largest intact expanses of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the US. Be sure to hike trails through ancient trees, kayak along Cedar Creek, and observe diverse wildlife in this natural oasis near Columbia.
• Fort Sumter National Monument in Charleston Harbor marks the site where the Civil War began with the bombardment of Fort Sumter. They offer boat tours to the island fort, where you can explore the museum exhibits and learn about its role in American history.

Renowned regional cuisine

South Carolina’s cuisine is deeply rooted in Southern traditions, featuring a mix of seafood, rice, and barbecue. The state is famous for its Lowcountry cuisine, including dishes like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and Frogmore stew, a seafood boil. South Carolina barbecue, typically served with a mustard-based sauce in the Midlands region and a vinegar-pepper sauce in the Lowcountry, is a culinary highlight. Other popular dishes include oysters, fried green tomatoes, and Huguenot torte, a popular dessert made with apples and nuts.

Top restaurants in South Carolina

• Husk in Charleston
• FIG in Charleston
• Blue Marlin in Columbia
• Sea Captain’s House in Myrtle Beach
• Soby’s New South Cuisine in Greenville

Rich history and arts scene

South Carolina’s cultural heritage is a blend of Southern charm, African-American history, and a vibrant arts scene that flourishes in its historic cities and coastal communities. Cities like Charleston and Greenville have theaters, galleries, and performance spaces that reflect South Carolina’s heritage.

South Carolina has plenty of museums, like the Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston and the Columbia Museum of Art, which feature collections ranging from classical to contemporary. The state also has a variety of historic sites, like Fort Sumter National Monument.

Five museums and historic sites in South Carolina

• Nathaniel Russell House in Charleston
• The Charleston Museum in Charleston
• South Carolina State Museum in Columbia
• Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site in Camden
• Charles Pinckney National Historic Site in Mt. Pleasant

Did you know? South Carolina is home to the oldest landscaped gardens in America at Middleton Place, dating back to 1741.

Mountains and coastal landscapes

South Carolina’s natural land formations range from the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains in the northwest, offering hiking trails and waterfalls in places like Caesar’s Head State Park, to the sandy beaches and marshy coastal plains along the Atlantic Ocean. The state’s inland areas feature rolling hills and fertile agricultural lands, while the coastal region includes barrier islands and beaches.

National and state parks in South Carolina

• Congaree National Park: Known for its old-growth bottomland hardwood forest and biodiversity, Congaree offers hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and opportunities for bird watching along the Congaree River.
• Huntington Beach State Park: Located near Murrells Inlet, Huntington Beach has a pristine beach, salt marshes, and opportunities for birdwatching. You may even catch a glimpse of alligators and loggerhead turtles.
• Table Rock State Park: Known for its namesake granite dome and Pinnacle Mountain, Table Rock offers hiking trails, scenic views, and opportunities for camping and fishing in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Regional South Carolina phrases

In South Carolina, there are plenty of local expressions that reflect the state’s rich history and Southern hospitality. 

• “Lowcountry boil,” a festive seafood feast with shrimp, corn, and potatoes.
• “Sweet tea,” is served generously at meals.
• “Y’all,” is the shortened version of “you all” and is popular in many southern states.
• “Might could,” means possibly, but there’s not enough information to decide

More things South Carolina is known for

• Palmetto State: South Carolina’s nickname, the Palmetto State, honors its state tree, the sabal palmetto, symbolizing resilience and strength.
• Gullah culture: The Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor in Beaufort preserves the unique Gullah culture of the Lowcountry, with traditions, language, and cuisine passed down from West African ancestors.
• University of South Carolina: The University of South Carolina in Columbia is a flagship institution known for its academic excellence, research programs, and Gamecock sports teams.
• Professional and collegiate sports teams: Home to the Carolina Panthers (NFL) and collegiate teams like the University of South Carolina Gamecocks and the Clemson University Tigers, there’s a strong fanbase for these beloved teams.

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