All United States South Carolina

The Atlas Obscura Guide To South Carolina

71 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in South Carolina

Updated April 19, 2023

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Cities

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All Cities
  1. Beaufort
  2. Bishopville
  3. Charleston
  4. Columbia
  5. Fort Mill
  6. Hilton Head Island
  7. North Charleston
  8. St. Helena Island
  9. Sullivan's Island
  10. Walhalla

Unusual Attractions in South Carolina

See All 71 Things To Do in South Carolina

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in South Carolina

See all 6 Places to Eat in South Carolina
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Atlas Obscura Itineraries

6 Hallowed Grounds in South Carolina

South Carolina is known for its picturesque coastal cities and Southern charm. Given its firm placement in the Bible Belt, the Palmetto State is home to many churches—but it also holds fascinating ruins of houses of worship, wondrous works of art inspired by African traditions, and historic holy grounds hiding in plain sight. As the pandemic continues, we hope this virtual trip helps you explore America’s wonders. If you do choose to venture out, please follow all guidelines, maintain social distance, and wear a mask.

View Itinerary

Explore South Carolina

History & Culture 7
Roadside Attractions 7
Animals 6
Plants 6
Museums And Collections 6
Ruins 5
Art 5
Geology 5

South Carolina Leaderboard

Recent South Carolina Activity

Stories About South Carolina

Written by Elizabeth Z Pardue, Photos by Michele Zapf

This Tiny Island Was Settled Thousands of Years Ago. It Hasn’t Really Changed.

Home to 4,600-acres of natural wonderland, mysterious ancient artifacts, and Gullah Geechee history.
Sponsored by Discover South Carolina

Podcast: Oyotunji African Village

Join us for a daily celebration of the world’s most wondrous, unexpected, even strange places.
by The Podcast Team
Purple straw turns golden as it matures.

The Return of Purple Straw, an Iconic Southern Wheat

It has a whole team of champions working on its comeback.
by Rachel Kester

Podcast: The Gray Man

Join us for a daily celebration of the world’s most wondrous, unexpected, even strange stories.
by The Podcast Team
The Laurens Run, named for the path the revolutionary colonel took to his death, will be part of the Liberty Trail network.

The Death Site of John Laurens, Friend to Alexander Hamilton, Was a Mystery—Until Now

The 18th-century soldier, statesman, and abolitionist was also a character in the hit musical 'Hamilton.'
by Isaac Schultz
Please don't taste this rainbow.

The South Carolina Forest That Looks Like Melted Ice Cream

When conditions are right, the waters of Congaree National Park can look like bright scoops pooling on a sidewalk.
by Jessica Leigh Hester
So you want to tag a great white, do you?

The Carolinas' Mysterious Great White Shark Cluster Is Not Mysterious, Not a Cluster

They're just doing what sharks do.
by Sabrina Imbler
Conyers dismantles a hog at a Southern Food and Beverage Museum event on South Carolina barbecue.

Meet the Rocket Scientist Who's Also a Whole Hog Pitmaster

Dr. Howard Conyers is preserving a community tradition.
by Debra Freeman

Lists Featuring South Carolina

Original letter of Abraham, the son of Maimonides found in the Cairo genizah.
A sculpture of the Tower of Babel, by Alan Baughman, from the Introductory Room of the Museum of the Alphabet
Boontling word of the week in the tap room of the Anderson Valley Brewing Company.

A Linguistics Lover's Tour of the World

12 places to marvel at the history of human language.

12

Including The Cairo Genizah , The Museum of the Alphabet , and Boontling Language of Boonville

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