South Carolina is a popular Southern American state due to its rich history, legacy, and classy Southern Belle manners. From the ancient streets of Charleston to the lowland marshes and miles of sandy white beaches, you’ll fall in love with everything this gorgeous state has to offer.
So, what are you holding out for? Here are some of the best resorts in South Carolina, whether you want a plantation-inspired facility or a resort with all of the luxury amenities you want. It’s not difficult to find, and you might just discover that South Carolina is your new favorite vacation location, no matter where you’re coming from on the planet.
Best Resorts In South Carolina
South Carolina is a popular resort vacation destination, with charming historical cities like Charleston and beautiful beaches, either on the mainland (think of the 60 miles of white sand known as the Grand Strand surrounding Myrtle Beach) or on an island like Hilton Head, as well as some of the best golfing in America. Accommodation alternatives for all budgets are available here.
There are plenty of resorts to choose from, whether you’re looking for a good-value stay in Myrtle Beach to house your kids and parents on a summer beach vacation, or a romantic retreat with a side of golf at a swanky luxury resort, like Montage Palmetto Bluff near Hilton Head or The Sanctuary Hotel at Kiawah Island Golf Resort near Charleston.
With our list of the best resorts in South Carolina, you can find the ideal location for your vacation.
#1. Wild Dunes Resort, Charleston
Wild Dunes Resort is close to the beach and offers something for all types of guests, with lodging options in two separate hotels, as well as beach cottages and condos.
The big accommodations at the Village at Wild Dunes hotel on the grounds will appeal to families.
The Boardwalk Inn, located within walking distance of the beach, is an excellent choice for couples because it features an adults-only swimming pool.
There are also several restaurants, swimming pools, a spa, and two 18-hole golf courses.
#2. The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina
This seaside resort in Charleston is regularly praised. Palmetto trees greet you as you enter the property, which features wraparound porches, the serenity-inducing Estuary Spa, and a water taxi to take you to downtown excursions. You’ll get plenty of harbor breezes thanks to the plethora of patios and decks (and handcrafted cocktails to enjoy en plein air).
#3. Montage Palmetto Bluff
This Lowcountry property in Bluffton is located along the May River, so it has immediate appeal—and a marina on the water. This resort, located between Hilton Head and the Georgia border, offers a mix of relaxation and action, with outstanding restaurants, a wildlife preserve, and a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course.
#4. The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Kiawah Island Golf Resort, near Charleston, offers a barrier island retreat with a sandy coastline and championship golf courses. Decadent eating is also available at the resort’s numerous great restaurants, including Jasmine Porch and The Ocean Room. With so much to do, you won’t want to pass up the chance to stay at this luxurious house.
#5. The Willcox.
While not a resort, this historic hotel in the resort town of Aiken is the embodiment of South Carolina hospitality. It offers superb eating options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as a relaxing spa, as well as easy access to the town’s shopping, antiquing, arts, equestrian, and cycling attractions.
Best Resorts In South Carolina On the Beach
South Carolina has a wide range of beach lodgings for families, from water park hotels in Myrtle Beach to vacation rental resorts in Hilton Head. Consider these family beach resorts in South Carolina for your upcoming trip whether you are looking to narrow down your options to a certain destination or if you are just getting started and looking for vacation ideas.
#1. Surfside Beach
The Holiday Inn Oceanfront At Surfside Beach, one of Surfside Beach’s only oceanfront hotels, is ideal for couples or girlfriend getaways. The pool deck overlooks the ocean and features a swimming pool, hot tub, fire pit, and cabanas. There’s also a beach nearby where you can walk along the waves or relax and soak up some rays. Shoreline Restaurant, the property’s full-service restaurant, serves steak, fish, and chicken meals with a view of the ocean. In addition, all guest rooms have private balconies. Not all of them face the sea, so look for one that does.
#2. Isle of Palms
Wild Dunes Resort, located on the Isle of Palms near Charleston, welcomes everyone from families to couples to multi-generational tourists. Standard hotel rooms, vacation rental homes, and beach condos are available.
You can practice your golf swing on two distinct Tom Fazio-designed courses or cycle along the many paved routes throughout the property. Tennis enthusiasts in your group can compete on one of the resort’s 17 Har-Tru courts. Similarly, you have a variety of restaurants to choose from, whether it’s a burger and fries or fresh seafood; the resort caters to all tastes and ages. When you’re ready for dessert, visit Duney’s Ice Cream Shop and indulge in your favorite ice cream flavor.
#3. Myrtle Beach
The majority of rooms at the Island Vista Resort in Myrtle Beach are suites, which is one of the reasons it is one of South Carolina’s best beach resorts for families. With a separate living area and a full kitchen, you have plenty of space to relax. While the kitchen is excellent, not everyone wants to cook while on vacation, so dine at Cypress Room. Despite its expensive steak and seafood menu, this on-site restaurant is extremely easygoing. If you’d rather relax in your hotel, order some pizza, which is baked fresh on-site.
Aside from the big accommodations, there are numerous aquatic amenities. A big indoor swimming pool combines space with a long lazy river located in what appears to be a cave. Palm trees shade the outdoor swimming pool and lazy river beyond, giving the place a tropical vibe. You can also walk out to the beach, which spreads out back to the hotel, just beyond the pool deck.
#4. Hilton Head Island
The Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island has lots to offer both families and couples. A relaxing lounge chair under the palms by the pool, with a frosty drink in hand? Check. When you want to swim in the ocean or walk along the beach, you can get there quickly. You’ve got it. Interested in renting bikes to explore the various paved trails on Hilton Head Island? Without a doubt. Delicious meals are provided in an open-air café facing the pool, allowing you to enjoy the cool sea breeze. Absolutely.
If you’re visiting with your girlfriends, make plans to spend some quality time together at the Arum Spa. Time spent at the spa, sipping cocktails by the pool, and soaking up rays on the beach are all excellent reasons to return to this resort.
#5. The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Kiawah Island, South Carolina
This huge Kiawah Island resort has a lot to offer. “The views of the ocean are excellent from every accommodation as well as the lobby and bar,” one reader said, adding that “the outdoor pool is magnificent, with a fountain and a wonderful deck, while the indoor pool is great for laps.” The Sanctuary also receives high accolades for exceptional service – “the waitstaff anticipates your wishes before you voice them,” one committed client noted, while another added, “They go out of their way to offer numerous items to appeal to a wide variety of individuals.” This includes kids: one family said that the smoothies offered at the kiddie pool were a big hit with their kids.
#6. Pawleys Island
The Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort, located on Pawley’s Island in South Carolina’s Hammock Coast between Myrtle Beach and Charleston, offers families a family vacation without the hustle and bustle of a crowded beach vacation spot. In fact, because of the range of accommodations available, including condos and apartments as well as bigger beach houses, it’s ideal for family reunions and multi-generational family vacations. There is a wide range of activities available for the entire family. Consider an outdoor pool plaza with a lazy river, mini water park, and bike rentals, or go directly to the beach for lots of sunny hours making sand castles and swimming in the waves.
Best Resorts In South Carolina For Couples
Nothing beats a romantic retreat, a place where you and your loved one can escape the hassles of everyday life and simply focus on each other. South Carolina’s diversified cuisine scene, limitless activities to suit any preference, and a combination of beaches, mountains, lakes, and everything in between provide plenty of alternatives for making your next amorous holiday special. Book a room at one of South Carolina’s top 10 resorts and hotels for couples:
#1. Wentworth Mansion, Charleston, SC
The Wentworth Mansion has been a historical symbol in Charleston for almost 100 years, capturing the old-time splendor that characterizes the Holy City’s bygone days. Couples will like their private in-room whirlpool, as well as the rooftop views and on-site spa and restaurant. It’s also in the middle of many of the city’s happenings, so all you have to do to start your journey is step outside.
#2. Wyndham Ocean Boulevard, North Myrtle Beach, SC
Suites at Wyndham’s Ocean Boulevard Resort provide all the little joys of comfort (and then some) that many hotels fail to provide. You may never leave the room, with full bedrooms, spectacular ocean views, in-room whirlpools, and fully equipped kitchens.
#3. Sonesta Resort, Hilton Head Island, SC
This tropical paradise is just as vivid and beautiful as out-of-country resorts. From their gorgeous lagoons and pools, spray fountains, and gardens, to their highly regarded restaurants and quiet spa, you and your honey can spend your entire vacation without ever leaving the property. You can also benefit from their romantic getaway packages, which include chocolate-covered strawberries, turndown service, and champagne.
#4. The Restoration, Charleston, SC
This hip boutique hotel has it all: modern decor with rustic undertones, a farm-to-table restaurant on the roof, and a location within walking distance of downtown Charleston’s numerous sights and sounds. Couples will like the complimentary bike-share program, which can transport them anywhere in the region, as well as the numerous add-on activities, which include classic vehicle rentals, spa services, private, chef-prepared in-room dinners, and turndown services.
#5 Island Vista, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Despite the typical rush and bustle of the Grand Strand, there are numerous ways to unwind at Island Vista. You and your spouse can enjoy unobstructed beach views, oceanfront massages, and indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs as the only oceanfront hotel for a mile in either direction (an exceedingly unusual discovery in Myrtle Beach).
Best Resorts In South Carolina For Families:
South Carolina, with its lovely sandy beaches, is the ideal location for your next beach trip! This family-friendly destination features award-winning hotels, island escapes, and even a Disney resort! Begin planning your trip right away and use this guide to identify the best South Carolina resorts for your next family holiday.
#1. Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort, Hilton Head
Did you know you can get a taste of Disney in South Carolina? With character-themed activities, whimsical resort amenities, and recreational fun for the whole family, Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort puts families closer to the magic! The heated outdoor pool with a waterslide will be a hit with the kids! You can also book neighboring activities and rentals.
#2. Montage Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton
Address: 477 Mount Pelia Rd, Bluffton, SC 29910
A magnificent beachfront vacation awaits families at the Montage Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, South Carolina. This family-friendly resort on the May River understands how to make anyone feel like a kid again! You and your family can explore the resort treehouse during your stay! This enjoyable addition includes a boardwalk, hammocks, and a 5-story observation platform with panoramic views of the surrounding waterways. As your children participate in activities such as fishing, hiking, and cooking s’mores, they can earn delightful merit badges to take home with them. During your stay, you can also plan additional excursions and activities such as bike tours, tennis clinics, and kids’ club programs.
#3. Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort, Hilton Head Island
Address: 23 Ocean Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
The Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort has a family pool area with a kids’ splash pad, Omni Kids Camp programs, and kid-friendly dining options. After a day at the beach, on your bike, or in the pool, stop by Buoy Bar for a refreshing watermelon push pop or ice cream sandwich! You can also keep delightful goodies in your guest room by making use of the little kitchen area that comes standard with every Studio Suite.
#4. Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, Mount Pleasant
Address: 28 Patriots Point Rd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Visit the Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina in Mount Pleasant with your family for a spectacular seaside vacation! This secluded beachfront resort is ideal for relaxing in the sand and swimming in the gorgeous outdoor pools. When the sun goes down, make your way over to the bonfires for some evening s’mores!
Head over to the resort sports courts or a yoga session to add even more recreation to your day. You may even book a ride across the water on the Charleston Water Taxi. You can visit adjacent historic downtown Charleston from here.
When it’s time to retire to your hotel, reserve The Beach Club’s Family Parlor Room for more space. It has a separate children’s room with two twin beds, a soaking tub, and an outdoor terrace!
Summary
South Carolina is a popular Southern American state due to its rich history, legacy, and classy Southern Belle manners. From the ancient streets of Charleston to the lowland marshes and miles of sandy white beaches, you’ll fall in love with everything this gorgeous state has to offer.
