While it can be fun to browse the web dreaming of luxury vacations and complicate trip itineraries, the reality is that most of us have to live on a budget and watch our spending when it comes to recreation. Luckily, in South Carolina, you can find plenty of fun without breaking the bank. From museums, to parks, to festivals, there's always something going on that doesn't charge an admission fee. It's true that some of the best things in life are free! Here are a few of our favorite family-friendly and cheap things to do in South Carolina. Add a few to your calendar and get yourself out of the house!
This coastal museum offers 11 different rooms full of visual happiness! There is plenty for kids and adults to see, and this is far from a boring art museum. While admission is free, there are often affordable talks, events and classes that you can enjoy fro a small fee. Read more about this fun spot right here.
This can be a fun activity after you visit the museum to get the rest of the energy out of the children or just to have a bunch of laughs. There are 9 mice sculptures in town, and there are clues for you so that you can play a bit of Hide-N-Seek!
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5. The Children's Garden at Linky Stone Park, Greenville
This place offers many, many hands-on activities. You'll find the Gingerbread House, 3 Little Bears, and a Secret Garden along with so much more. Check it out!
Full of history and a great place to bring the children for them to run around while you take a leisurely walk. Be sure to take a long walk around the park and appreciate the scenery. Seriously, the views are so beautiful you won't even realize that you're still in South Carolina. Read more about it here.
An absolutely gorgeous place to go and unwind for a day. Great for bird watching, looking for seashells, and just breathing in the nice sea air. Be sure to leave no trace of your visit, so that this place may be preserved for generations to come.
Visit the art gallery in Clemson if you love to learn about art! You'll be amazed at the different and rotating exhibits you'll see here. Learn more about the Lee gallery here.
An enormous nuclear power plant may not be on everyone's list, but if you like science, you'll be fascinated. A hands-on and interactive tour that shows you how energy and electricity is made. Also check out their small aquarium and give enjoy some time spent with these beautiful fish. Read more about it here.
This is a Revolutionary War battle site that commemorates the first battle fought south of New England on November 19-21, 1775. Read more about it right here.
This historic site is also to commemorate the battle that was fought here during the Revolutionary War. There's a visitor's center with an interactive exhibit and short film. You can walk the battlefield trail and the auto-loop road, and have a picnic afterwards. Read more about it right here.
12. Kings Mountain National Military Park, Blacksburg
Come step back into time at Kings Mountain. This park commemorates the only battle fought during the Revolutionary War in which Americans fought each other without assistance from other counties. It seems that some of them didn't want to separate from England. It was considered a turning point in the war itself. Visit the visitor's center and watch the film there and follow the historic trails. Learn more about the park right here.
Enjoy the beauty of nature here with hundreds of species of flora and fauna. There is even a mini waterfall. I heard somewhere that the sound of water can be very relaxing. Use their website, here, to plan your visit.
All of the activities I have suggested to you in this list are free! Be sure to check hours and admission details before hitting the road to get to your destination. You can carry a picnic with you to most of these places, which is always fun and both children and adults seem to enjoy them immensely. Have fun and remember this: Some of the best things in life are free!
Your Ultimate Guide To Fall Attractions And Activities In South Carolina
Ready to plan your perfect autumn season? Check out the 15 best things to do in South Carolina this fall, filled with pumpkin patches and fall foliage.
It can be overwhelming at times thinking and planning all the best things to do in South Carolina in the fall. There are so many options, it can be hard to find where to start! That's where we come in. We've created the ultimate guide to enjoying South Carolina in the fall, from the best fall activities to the most fulfilling pumpkin patches. When the weather cools down and the leaves start showing off their colors, South Carolina becomes a fall playground you won’t want to miss! From mountain views of South Carolina fall foliage to mouthwatering seasonal treats at your local farm, this guide will take you on a fun-filled tour of the best fall things to do in the Palmetto State. So, throw on your favorite sweater, and let’s dive into all the fall goodness that awaits.
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South Carolina Fall Foliage: Where To Go In South Carolina For Fall Foliage
Autumn colors at the Audubon Swamp in Charleston, SC.
One of the highlights of South Carolina's fall activities is viewing the fall foliage. As the leaves pop into jaw-dropping shades of red, orange, and gold, the Palmetto State offers some seriously stunning fall foliage spots. Mark your calendars, because peak viewing times in South Carolina vary by region from mid-October to mid-November. Take a look at this SC fall foliage map for more current information.
1. Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway
Location: Greenville County, South Carolina
Wow Factor: Some of the best views in the state.
Need To Know: Will take you from the Georgia/South Carolina border.
Ready to see South Carolina in all its autumn glory? Take a drive along the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway. This winding route takes you through the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, which is prime fall foliage viewing. Plus, you’ll pass by orchards, waterfalls, and quaint small towns, giving you plenty of excuses to stop, snap some photos, and soak in the fall magic.
2. Fred W. Symmes Chapel, a.k.a. Pretty Place, Cleveland
Location: Cleveland, South Carolina
Wow Factor: Known as "Pretty Place" because of its amazing mountaintop views.
Need To Know: No charge to enter when open to the public. Check the visitation schedule before going.
Perched high atop the Blue Ridge Mountains, Fred W. Symmes Chapel is an open-air chapel that offers magical views of the sprawling valley below. Think this is beautiful during spring and summer? Just wait until you see it transform into a breathtaking sea of fall colors as the leaves change! You'll feel like you stepped into a hidden sanctuary surrounded by the most stunning autumn colors in the state.
3. Issaqueena Falls, Walhalla
Location: Walhalla, South Carolina
Wow Factor: A 100-foot high cascade waterfall.
Need To Know: Will take a 15-minute hike to get to.
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Issaqueena Falls in Walhalla is a must-visit during fall, offering the perfect pairing of cascading water and vibrant autumn foliage. As the leaves turn, the 100-foot waterfall stands out dramatically against the seasonal backdrop. The short, scenic hike to the falls is made even more magical by the crisp fall air and the surrounding forest bursting with color. This is an absolute fall must!
Are you on the hunt for the best pumpkin patches in South Carolina? You're in luck because South Carolina has some pretty phenomenal farms where you can pick your very own pumpkins. Maybe you have a local farm where you get your pumpkins every year, or perhaps you're ready to get out and explore something new. Regardless, we have you covered.
4. Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch, Mount Pleasant
Location: Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Wow Factor: It's been running for 28 years!
Need To Know: Admission for adults is $15, children under two are free. Pumpkins are available by the pound!
The Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch is one of the largest fall festivals in the state that just started as a small pumpkin patch in the 1990s. This annual tradition brings together guests of all ages for some memorable seasonal entertainment. Admission to the pumpkin patch varies for adults, with children under two entering for free. The event is held every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday beginning towards the end of September and running through the weekend before Halloween.
5. Cotton Hills Farm, Chester
Location: Chester, South Carolina
Wow Factor: Cotton Hills Farm has been in the Wilson Family since 1882.
Need To Know: Fall fun takes place every Saturday in October.
Having been in the Wilson Family since 1882, Cotton Hills Farm offers a fall experience every year that people come from all over for. Why? Because Cotton Hills Farm is South Carolina’s biggest pumpkin grower! Celebrating the harvest every Saturday in October, you don't want to miss out on this. Fall wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the largest pumpkin farm in the Palmetto State!
6. West Farm Corn Maze, Moncks Corner
Location: Moncks Corner, South Carolina
Wow Factor: Also includes a themed corn maze every year!
Need To Know: Runs October 2 through November 3, 2024. Weekday and weekend prices differ.
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The West Farm Corn Maze in Moncks Corner is a fall favorite for families every year. Open Wednesdays through Sundays from October 2 through November 3, 2024, guests can enjoy a whole variety of fall fun, from the sprawling pumpkin patch to the themed corn maze. At a new location this year for the 20th anniversary, mark your calendars for a unique autumn adventure.
7. Denver Downs, Anderson
Location: Anderson, South Carolina
Wow Factor: Owned by the Garrison family since 1869
Need To Know: More than 35+ fun-filled family activities for kids of all ages.
Denver Downs in Anderson, South Carolina is so much more than a pumpkin patch and corn maze. On select weekends from the end of September through mid-November, this farm transforms into the ultimate fall festival. Sure, the pumpkin patch is one of the major draws for visitors, but there are so many fun-filled farm activities, that it's easy to spend the entire day here.
Best Fall Festivals In South Carolina
Three quarter length of a mother with her two young daughters picking pumpkins for Halloween at a pumpkin patch field in Newcastle, England on a nice day in October. The kids are dressed up in Halloween outfits.
If you're searching for fall activities near me, you might only find the bigger events and festivals, and not get to those small town gems we all know and love. Sometimes the best fall festivals in South Carolina are the annual ones that happen locally, which is why we've come up with a few tried-and-true festivals to check out this fall.
8. Beaufort Shrimp Festival, Beaufort
Location: Beaufort, South Carolina
Wow Factor: This year is the 30th anniversary!
Need To Know: October 4-5, 2024
The Beaufort Shrimp Festival is the perfect way to kick off fall in coastal South Carolina! Held in charming downtown Beaufort, this two-day event celebrates the local shrimp harvest with delicious seafood dishes, live music, arts and crafts, and a whole lot of Lowcountry fun. If you're a seafood lover, the Beaufort Shrimp Festival serves up a taste of Southern hospitality you won’t want to miss!
9. Fall for Greenville, Greenville
Location: Greenville, South Carolina
Wow Factor: The largest food and music festival in the Upstate.
Need To Know: October 11-13, 2024
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Fall for Greenville is the ultimate celebration of food, music, and local flavor in the heart of downtown Greenville. Every October, this lively festival transforms the city into a foodie’s paradise with over 50 restaurants offering tasty bites, plus live entertainment on multiple stages, local craft brews, and family-friendly activities. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the crisp fall weather while sampling some of the best eats Greenville has to offer.
10. The Harvest Festival, North Charleston
Location: North Charleston, South Carolina
Wow Factor: Admission and parking are free!
Need To Know: Saturday, October 19, 2024 – 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Ready to embrace the season’s festivities in North Charleston? The Harvest Festival is held annually and is a one-day festival filled with family fun. With hayrides, pumpkin carving, and games, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy the cool Charleston autumn air and immerse yourself in the harvest spirit. Plus, you can't beat free admission AND parking!
11. South Carolina Pecan Festival, Florence
Location: Florence, South Carolina
Wow Factor: The area’s largest event, drawing over 50,000 attendees each year.
Need To Know: Saturday, November 2, 2024 - 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The South Carolina Pecan Festival in Florence is a nutty celebration not to be missed. Held every year, this delightful event showcases everything pecan, from tasty treats and pies to pecan-themed crafts and activities. With live entertainment, a variety of food vendors, and family-friendly fun, it’s a perfect way to enjoy a day out while savoring the rich, buttery flavor of one of South Carolina's favorite nuts!
Free & Cheap South Carolina Fall Activities
Table Rock mountain tinged with pink at sunrise over misty lake
In my humble opinion, the best places to visit in South Carolina in the fall are the ones that won't leave you scrambling to recoup your spending. Fall doesn't have to be an expensive season, folks! There are tons of free and cheap things to do in the fall in South Carolina that won't break the bank. Check out some of our favorites.
12. Visit Table Rock State Park, Pickens
Location: Pickens, South Carolina
Wow Factor: A 3,083-acre park at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Need To Know: Admission prices vary depending on age.
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Nothing is cheaper in price but richer in experience than planning a visit to Table Rock State Park during the fall. As the leaves change to brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, the park's stunning mountain views and serene hiking trails come alive with autumn beauty. Hike to the summit for breathtaking panoramas or enjoy a peaceful stroll by the lakeside. You'll want to bring a camera for this one because these views will "rock" your world.
13. Explore history at the Battle of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site, Clinton
Location: Clinton, South Carolina
Wow Factor: A historic site dating back to the 1700s.
Need To Know: Picnic tables are available, and pets are allowed.
Visiting the Battle of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site during autumn offers the perfect combo of history and seasonal charm. As you explore the site where a significant Revolutionary War battle took place, you’ll be surrounded by an extra layer of beauty to the historic landscape. The chill of the air paired with the colorful backdrop makes it a perfect time for a scenic and educational outing, where history and nature merge.
14. Hike Stumphouse Mountain Park, Walhalla
Location: Walhalla, South Carolina
Wow Factor: Explore the Stumphouse Tunnel, originally a railroad tunnel.
Need To Know: $5 per vehicle or annual passes available.
What could be more cost-cutting than hiking through nature?! Luckily for us, natural beauty doesn't cost much, which is why we recommend checking out Stumphouse Mountain Park in Walhalla, South Carolina. The chill of the fall air makes hiking through this park even more enjoyable, so make sure to pack for a cozy outing. The park’s diverse landscapes—from colorful forests to striking rock formations—offer plenty of photo-worthy moments, too.
15. Walk through Campbell's Covered Bridge, Landrum
Location: Landrum, South Carolina
Wow Factor: The oldest covered bridge in South Carolina.
Need To Know: The only remaining covered bridge in the State of South Carolina. Free to walk!
Easily one of the best photo opportunities in South Carolina during fall, Campbell's Covered Bridge is a true gem of the season. The signature pop of red paint paired with the backdrop of color from the leaves changing, creates a truly spectacular sight. It’s an ideal place for a leisurely stroll, a scenic photo op, or simply enjoying the peaceful fall ambiance.
What do you think of these incredible South Carolina fall activities? Did we miss any of your favorites? Drop them in the comments section! Also, before heading out into autumn exploration, check out The North Face shop and bundle up warmly!
Meandering boardwalk trails. A forest of hardwoods. A picture-perfect canopy walk. All this and more can be discovered inside Lynches River County Park, a 676-acre park encompassing some of the most stunning scenery that South Carolina's Pee Dee region has to offer. Come with us as we explore this picturesque — and admission-free — destination.
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As you likely guessed from the name, the Lynches River County Park is situated along the Lynches River between Florence and Lake City, South Carolina. It's something of a hidden gem; few people realize such a treasure trove of natural habitats can be discovered here. Within this one single park, visitors can observe longleaf pine forests, sandhills, and magnificent cypress trees.
Grace S. / AllTrails
For outdoor enthusiasts, there's simply no shortage of adventures to enjoy, such as a handicap-accessible boat launch, geocaching, picnicking, a seasonal Splash Pad, canoe and kayak rentals, fishing, a climbing wall, and, of course, hiking trails. One of the best ways to get familiar with the park is by taking the Lynches River Loop. It's three miles in length, considered easy, and takes hikers about an hour to complete.
There's a lot to appreciate about the trail; namely, that it's rarely crowded. It's also dog-friendly, and parking is easy. Visit after a recent rain and you'll want to wear some sturdy shoes to keep your feet dry. This trail can get pretty muddy.
Boris Budagyan / Google Reviews
For something a bit adrenaline-inducing, head to the canopy walk, which is a couple of suspension bridges high in the trees. It'll give you a refreshing perspective of the park. It's a little wobbly, but this adds to the adventure in our opinion!
Another must inside the park is the LEED-certified Environmental Discovery Center, which features informative displays, educational programming, and interactive exhibits. Throughout the year, the EDC hosts an impressive range of programs and activities, all of which you can see on the park's event calendar.
Joshua Moore / AllTrails
After a day of exploring, those interested in extending their stay can reserve one of the park's campsites. There are also a handful of cabins perched on the river, which are perfect for a rustic park experience. A fee is required for overnight stay.
Have you ever spent time exploring Lynches River County Park? What did you think of your experience there? You can learn more about the trail system at Lunches River County Park when you explore the official AllTrails listing.
