One of the top reasons people travel is to find better weather, and South Carolina’s pleasant year-round weather, along with its pristine beaches, makes it a popular vacation destination. So whether you live in the state or are traveling from another state, there are plenty of options for wonderful getaways in South Carolina when you’re ready for an escape, no matter the reason. It’s one of the best types of self-care you can practice!

Home to one of our 23 hidden gems in the United States to explore, Kiawah Island is the perfect winter weather escape. January is the coldest month in South Carolina, but Kiawah Island temperatures average reaching the upper 50s. And you really can't beat the beautiful scenery. Visit the VRBO listing for this three-bedroom home you can stay in with a lagoon view! This has to be one of the best vacation rentals in South Carolina!

Take a look at this gorgeous drone video of Kiawah Island by @bpj52282:

How about a Valentine's Day weekend getaway to a Lake Murray Cottage on an island with only ten other homes? Make reservations for dinner at this restaurant with the most magical, romantic setting.

Close to Table Rock State Park, named by Condé Nast Traveler as the best state park in South Carolina, this charming mountain cabin in the woods is close to hiking, waterfalls, fishing, and two other state parks as well, Jones Gap State Park and Caesars Head State Park. It's also close to Greenville where there are tons of fun things to do and great places to eat.

Charleston is consistently deemed a best city in the United States by Travel + Leisure readers. It's certainly one of the best vacation destinations in South Carolina. Take a getaway trip there to discover for yourself just why this is! Stay in the Wortham House, a circa 1823 gothic revival carriage house (the oldest in this style in Charleston and the USA) that's on the National Register of Historic Places. Be sure to try the "best dessert cake in the South" while you're there!

One of USA Today's Best Coastal Small Towns, Georgetown is a wonderful place for a Spring getaway. Stay in a townhome located in a gated community set on 165 acres with views of the gorgeous Winyah Bay, which most people don't realize was actually the site of the very first settlement in South Carolina (most think it was Charleston)! You may be surprised by all there is to see and do in Georgetown.

Take a look at this aerial video of Winyah Bay by @lonschultz-coastalscaerial7467 that will make you want to book a getaway here ASAP:

For June, we are back to the Islands of South Carolina, this time at Edisto Island, where you can watch baby sea turtles hatch and go on a dolphin or beachcombing tour at Edisto Beach State Park! Stay at a beautiful beachfront home on Edisto Island for quick and easy beach access and fun in the South Carolina summer sun.

Every year, the quaint town of Fountain Inn hosts several fun Main Street events, including the Fireworks Spectacular for the 4th of July, the Sounds of Summer on select dates in June, July, and August, and a Juneteenth event if you'd rather switch this getaway with the one on Edisto Island in June! You're also going to want to stop by Sweet Catherine's to see what all the fuss by the locals is about with the pies there. Stay at the fresh, new, well-appointed Casa Del Limoncello which is convenient to downtown Fountain Inn and other nearby attractions.

If escaping the summer heat in August is your jam, you'll love a getaway to Laurens County at this nature retreat on the Enoree River, where guests are blown away by the view and sounds of the river. There's a beautiful walking trail and two kayaks available for use, as well as a gorgeous waterfall only 600 yards upriver, by kayak. You'll also enjoy seeing deer, bald eagles, turtles, herons, river otters, and more. It's located 21 miles from downtown Greenville and Spartanburg, where you'll find fun things to do and great places to eat, such as the BBQ restaurant with a cult following.

If your life practically stops when college football season begins and you're a Tiger fan, you are definitely going to love a getaway to the Tiger Lover's Dream Cottage in, of course, Clemson! Of course, until the big game comes on, there are fun things to do in the area, such as a visit to the South Carolina Botanical Garden.

Take a look at this captivating video of Clemson, SC by @clemsontigers:

In October, stay in a pet-friendly bungalow in the tiny town of Landrum. If you've never been there before, here's your chance to see how much such a small town like Landrum actually can offer.

For November, we're back again at the lake, but this time Lake Marion, which is the largest lake in the state, known as South Carolina's "inland sea." This is where the state's record large-mouth bass weighing 16 pounds, 2 ounces was caught in 1949. So stay at The Cypress House and relax by the lake or get out on the water and see what you can catch!

Wrap up the year with one of the best places to stay in South Carolina. This charming urban cabin is just minutes away from all that downtown Greenville has to offer. Spend an afternoon strolling through the downtown area where you can shop for holiday gifts, pop into a cafe for a hot chocolate, and dine at one of the city's many restaurants. I think it's such a wonderful way to end the year!

Ready for an escape to one of these getaways in South Carolina? Which of these getaways in South Carolina is most appealing to you and why? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!