Secret spots in the Palmetto State? Those are our specialty! If you love to explore and can't resist trying new things then these 13 off-the-beaten-path spots in South Carolina are right up your alley! From a hidden beach to a down-home fish camp restaurant, these are the things to add to your 2017 bucket list - and maybe even get started early!

1. Dresden Beach - Hilton Head

Who can resist a hidden beach? You'll walk through a children's park (Dresden Beach Park) and down a path to get to this tucked away beach on Hilton Head Island. The address for the park is: 64 Bradley Beach Road, Hilton Head, SC.

2. Hamilton Branch State Park - Plumb Branch

Located on Lake Thurmond, this state park offers fishing, boating, camping and a couple of easy scenic trails to enjoy. If you enjoy quiet lakefront camping, then this is the spot for you! Located at 111 Campground Road, Plum Branch, SC 29845.

3. Mill Pond Steakhouse - Boykin, SC

Some folks drive for hours to get to one of the Palmetto State's most remote restaurants. Enjoy a top-notch meal in a romantic and historic setting alongside Mill Pond in Boykin. The GPS address is 84 State Rd S-28-2, Rembert, SC 29128.

4. Devil's Fork State Park - Salem

This state park is a little out of the way and just off the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway (SC-11). Discover the unrivaled beauty found in South Carolina's only "canyon lake." The address is 161 Holcombe Cir, Salem, SC 29676.

5. Luvan's Fish Camp Restaurant - Conway

Luvan's is a Carolina hidden gem. Head out for a fresh seafood dinner you won't soon forget. They're located at 3951 US-701, Conway, SC 29527.

6. Fort Fremont - St. Helena Island

Explore haunted Fort Fremont, a Spanish fort that was abandoned by the government and was never "remodeled" for further military use. All sorts of paranormal activity has been reported here and near here. More about that here. Fort Fremont is located at 1126 State Road S-7-45 off Lands End Road on Saint Helena Island in Beaufort County, SC.

7. Bull Sluice Falls on the Chattooga River

The photo above was taken of Bull Sluice when water levels were down. But the video below was taken when levels were higher. Huge difference! This waterfall is a quarter-mile walk upstream from the parking area. The short trail is moderately difficult. Bull Sluice is about 17 miles outside Westminster, SC. You'll find complete directions here.

8. Botany Bay Road - Edisto Island

Aside from this truly spectacular tunnel of trees, the road to Botany Bay leads to a beach that's out-of-this-world beautiful. You'll never want to leave. You'll find Botany Bay Road on Edisto Island.

9. The Red Horse Inn - Landrum

This inn in the Upstate is located in the most breathtaking setting. Spend the night or a weekend, or longer, and feel like you've gained a new lease on life. Explore local attractions like Campbell's Covered Bridge, the state's only remaining covered bridge, and Poinsett Bridge, the oldest stone bridge in South Carolina. The Red Horse Inn is located at 45 Winstons Chase Ct, Landrum, SC 29356.

10. Lake Marion

You may not think of South Carolina's largest lake as being out of the way, but Lake Marion is just that. Perhaps that's what makes it so special. Head over to Lake Marion and just get away from it all. Public access to the water (for vessels) can be found at Santee State Park, Santee National Wildlife Refuge, and the Town of Santee.

11. Paris Mountain State Park - Greenville

The stone tower and spillway at Paris Mountain State Park are unique and are a beautiful reason to pay a visit. However, this 1,500+ acre park offers a fantastic escape from the busy City of Greenville with hiking, biking, swimming and a 13-acre lake. The address is 2401 State Park Rd, Greenville, SC 29609.

12. Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge - McBee

Wildlife photographers love this 45,000-acre refuge in Chesterfield County. It's out of the way and offers 100 miles of sand and gravel roads perfect for exploration and finding those perfect moments to capture an unforgettable photo. The main entrance is located at 23734 U.S. Hwy 1, McBee, SC 29101. Other points of access can be found at this link.

13. Chau Ram County Park - Westminster

This beautiful waterfall located right by the parking lot is just the beginning of the pleasant surprises you'll find at this "secret" Oconee County hideaway. You'll be charmed by the winding trails, bridges and overall breathtaking beauty. Chau Ram Park is located in Westminster at 1220 Chau Ram Park Rd.

So, how many of these have you already ticked off the list? We'd love to know in our comments!

For more exploration in the Palmetto State try these 13 Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives In South Carolina That Will Delight Your Tastebuds.