Have you experienced any of the incredible hidden gems in South Carolina? Whether you're a visitor or you've lived in the state your entire life or only part of your life, there are so many attractions, restaurants, and more in every area of South Carolina to explore. Some of those are well-known, very popular spots, while others are less so. The hidden gems may be in an off-the-beaten-path area of South Carolina or could simply be hidden in plain sight, perhaps overlooked as attention is focused on those places getting more recognition. But if you've ever discovered a hidden gem, you know exactly why these spots deserve some love, too. They bring value and offer experiences that leave us in awe, thankful to have found them! If you love discovering hidden gems, you'll be delighted by this list we've curated just for you below. You may just find a new favorite spot!

1. Aiken Thoroughbred Hall of Fame

An impressive 40 champions have trained at the Aiken Training Track, and this great equestrian museum in Aiken, established in 1977, showcases each one.

2. Benjamin E Mays Historic Site – Greenwood

Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays rose from impoverished beginnings to become one of the greatest international leaders of his generation. He served as President of Morehead College and was instrumental in putting the early admissions program into place that enabled Martin Luther King to begin college as a 15-year-old. This site was established in 2011 to honor his extraordinary life.

3. Boy Scout Island – Lake Moultrie

A remote, uninhabited island accessible via Lake Moultrie, Boy Scout Island is a locals' secret and one of the most unique places to visit in South Carolina, difficult to access even by boat due to the stump fields and shallows that must be navigated. Lake Moultrie Kayak Rentals and Tours offers The Gilligan Tour, where guests are taken to the island by a guide and left to their own devices to explore and kayak back on their own.

4. Historic Camden

Visit the Revolutionary War site in Camden and you'll also be standing in South Carolina's oldest inland town. By the time of the Revolutionary War Camden was a bustling center of commerce.

5. Chapel of Ease Ruins – Saint Helena Island

Visit the ruins of the Chapel of Ease on St. Helena Island. This place of worship was built in 1740 by plantation owners on St. Helena Island because it was too far to travel to the church in town. The cemetery here is said to be super haunted.

6. The Coffee Shelf – Chapin

This hidden gem is for our coffee and book lovers. The Coffee Shelf has a menu with drinks inspired by book characters, and you just might discover a new favorite book for sale. If you're looking for non-touristy things to do in South Carolina, this coffee shop is an excellent option.

7. Historic Myrtle Beach Colored School Museum

This historic school opened in 1932 in an effort to provide an improved learning facility for African Americans who were being educated on the fly in local churches. It closed in 1953. The City of Myrtle Beach has managed to preserve/restore this building and it's open to the public. Tour the four-room window into the past on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. until 12 noon.

8. Oaks and Orchards Organic Wellness Farm – Tillman

Go glamping and experience life on a farm that grows "superfoods" sustainably! Enjoy a cup of coffee in the greenhouse after a good night's sleep. Oaks and Orchards Organic Wellness Farm also offers wellness retreats.

9. Hampton Plantation – McClellanville

Take a guided tour of this historic location in McClellanville. Or, just wander the grounds at your leisure. There's a tree here nearly as big as South Carolina's famed Angel Oak. Tours of Hampton Plantation are only offered on certain days.

10. Landrum

Landrum is a city in the Spartanburg County upstate area of South Carolina that's really quite a charming hidden gem small town full of hidden gems to explore, including an old Esso gas station that's a retro replica roadside attraction located near the North Carolina border on Highway 176. Take a day trip or stay at this cute and cozy Airbnb cabin if you want to make it an overnight adventure, and stop by Southside Smokehouse and Grill at 726 South Howard Avenue to warm up with some Spiked Mexican Hot Chocolate!

11. South Carolina's "Little Fenway" – Greenville

Go check out Fluor Field at the West End in Greenville. This 5,700-seat stadium is a scaled-down replica of the Famous Fenway Park in Boston. The Greenville Drive baseball team is the Affiliate of the Red Sox and has their own "Green Monster" at Fluor Field, such a cool place to visit in South Carolina.

12. Pretty Place Chapel – Cleveland

For the view of a lifetime from the venue of an eternity visit the Pretty Place Chapel in Cleveland, SC. Also known as Fred W. Symmes Chapel, this hidden gem is located at the YMCA Camp. The schedule here can change so call before you go. The number is (864) 836-3291, extension 0.

13. Vanishing Island – Near Hilton Head & Daufuskie Islands

Located off the southern tip of Hilton Head Island and along the coast of nearby Daufuskie Island lies Vanishing Island™, a sandbar that can only be visited at low tide in the Calibogue Sound. It is not recommended to attempt to navigate these shallow waters in a rental boat or without extensive local knowledge. Outside Hilton Head offers a Beachcombing Cruise where you can watch for Dolphins, collect seashells on Vanishing Island™, and observe wildlife at what has to be one of the best-kept secrets in South Carolina.

And there you have it! Now it's time to get out and explore each of these hidden gems in South Carolina. Which will you begin with and why?

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