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The Atlas Obscura Guide To South Carolina

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

Updated January 19, 2023

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Unusual Attractions in South Carolina

Johns Island, South Carolina

The Angel Oak

One of the oldest living oak trees in the Southeast.

Bishopville, South Carolina

Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden

One man's extraordinary topiary garden in a small South Carolina town.

Cleveland, South Carolina

Devils Kitchen at Caesars Head State Park

According to local lore, this narrow passageway through two large rocks was accidentally created by the devil himself.

Bowman, South Carolina

UFO Welcome Center

This set of rickety spaceships are prepared to give alien travelers a place to relax and go to the bathroom.

Charleston, South Carolina

Old Slave Mart

South Carolina's last remaining slavery auction house is now a museum devoted to its own tragic history.

Yemassee, South Carolina

Old Sheldon Church Ruins

Despite being burnt down multiple times, the ruins of this South Carolina church are still standing.

Hartsville, South Carolina

The Last Yogi Bear Honey Fried Chicken Restaurant

The sole remaining outpost of a once-thriving South Carolina chain still sells “pic-a-nic” baskets.

Travelers Rest, South Carolina

Poinsett Bridge

The oldest bridge in South Carolina may have been designed by the same man who created the Washington Monument.

See All 71 Things To Do in South Carolina

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in South Carolina

Hartsville, South Carolina

The Last Yogi Bear Honey Fried Chicken Restaurant

The sole remaining outpost of a once-thriving South Carolina chain still sells “pic-a-nic” baskets.

Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina

Charleston Tea Garden

The only working large-scale tea plantation in the United States.

Gaffney, South Carolina

Gaffney Peachoid

The record holder for the world’s largest peach.

Blenheim, South Carolina

Blenheim Mineral Springs

Discovered by a soldier during the Revolutionary War, these springs helped create an iconic South Carolina ginger ale.

See all 6 Places to Eat in South Carolina

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Guided Tours of South Carolina

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.

Explore South Carolina

History & Culture 7

Roadside Attractions 7

Museums And Collections 6

Architectural Oddities 5

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Stories About South Carolina

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

September 28, 2022

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 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

August 19, 2020

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

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

They're just doing what sharks do.

by Sabrina Imbler

February 14, 2020

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

Dr. Howard Conyers is preserving a community tradition.

by Debra Freeman

January 15, 2020

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.

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

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