10 Best Photo Places in the USA
South Carolina (SC) is located in the southeastern part of the United States. Agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism play a vital role in the state’s economy. Top attractions include its beaches, especially the most popular resort, Myrtle Beach, and Congaree National Park. The capital city of the state is Columbia. South Carolina was the first state to vote for secession from the Union on December 20, 1860, which was one of the causes of the Civil War.
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Table of Contents
Basic Information
Name South Carolina Abbreviation SC Capital Columbia Largest city Charleston (Population: 155 369) Current time 14:26 Time zone EST (UTC-5), state observes Daylight Saving Time EDT (UTC-4) Population 5,118,422 (#23 most populous US state) Area 32,020 sqmi (#40 largest US state) Admitted to the Union May 23, 1788 (#8 state to join) ⭐ Capital of South Carolina
The capital of South Carolina is Columbia, named after Lady Columbia, an allegorical figure representing the United States. The decision to establish a new capital was made on March 22, 1786, when Columbia officially became the state capital.
🏙️ Largest City in South Carolina
The largest city in South Carolina by population is Charleston, with a population of 155,369 in 2023. Columbia ranks second with 142,416 residents, followed by North Charleston with 121,469 people.
🕒 Time in South Carolina
The current time in South Carolina is 14:26. The entire state observes Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC-5), switching to daylight saving time from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November.
🧑🤝🧑 Population of South Carolina
According to 2023 data, South Carolina had a population of 5,118,422, making it the 23rd most populous state in the United States.
📍 Area of South Carolina
South Carolina has a total area of 32,020 sqmi, of which 30,061 sqmi is land and 1,960 sqmi is water. It ranks as the 40th largest state in the U.S.
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Fun Facts About South Carolina
🧩 Bordering States
South Carolina shares borders with only two U.S. states—North Carolina to the north (North Carolina) and Georgia to the south (Georgia). It also has a 187 mi-long coastline along the Atlantic Ocean to the east.
📅 Date South Carolina Joined the Union
South Carolina became the 8th state to ratify the U.S. Constitution and join the Union on May 23, 1788.
📛 State Nickname
South Carolina is nicknamed “The Palmetto State”, referencing the official state tree. The Sabal palmetto, which can grow up to 66 ft tall, is also found in Florida, the Bahamas, and Cuba. The nickname originated after the Battle of Fort Moultrie, where palmetto logs were used to build Fort Sullivan.
⛰️ Highest Mountain in South Carolina
The highest point in South Carolina is Sassafras Mountain, standing at 3,554 ft in the Blue Ridge Mountains, which are part of the Appalachian Mountains.
🏞️ Rivers in South Carolina
The longest river in South Carolina is the Savannah River, with a total length of 301 mi, partially forming the border with Georgia. Other major rivers include the Pee Dee River (232 mi), Catawba River (217 mi), Edisto River (206 mi), and Saluda River (199 mi).
🎓 Universities in South Carolina
The largest university in South Carolina is the University of South Carolina, founded in 1801 in Columbia, with around 30,000 students. The second-largest is Clemson University, with approximately 25,000 students. The third-largest is Coastal Carolina University, with over 10,000 students.
✉️ ZIP Codes in South Carolina
Addresses in South Carolina use ZIP codes in the range 290xx–299xx. For more information, see the article on ZIP codes in the USA. You can also look up a specific ZIP code on the USPS ZIP code lookup tool.
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Weather in South Carolina
The best time to visit South Carolina is during spring or fall, when temperatures are pleasant and rainfall is relatively low. Traveling during these seasons helps you avoid the uncomfortable humidity of summer.
Spring in South Carolina is marked by average temperatures ranging from 59 °F to 77 °F, with frequent rainfall. Snowfall during the spring months is rare.
Summer in South Carolina is hot and humid, with temperatures usually between 77 °F and 90 °F. High humidity levels can make the temperatures feel even warmer. Heavy rain and afternoon thunderstorms are common but typically short-lived. Along the coast, there is an elevated risk of tropical storms and hurricanes from June through November.
Fall in South Carolina brings more comfortable temperatures, typically ranging from 59 °F to 77 °F. Compared to summer, rain showers are less frequent. Favorable weather conditions and the emerging fall colors create a pleasant atmosphere for travel.
Winter in South Carolina is mild, with temperatures remaining above freezing, generally between 45 °F and 54 °F. Rain is common during the winter months, while snowfall is rare.
🌡️ Average Temperatures and Precipitation in South Carolina
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What to See in South Carolina
1️⃣ Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park is known for its swamps and untouched forests, featuring some of the tallest trees along the entire East Coast of the USA. The swamps can be explored by rented kayak, while those who prefer to stay on dry land can choose from a wide variety of hiking trails. Wildlife sightings in the park may include raccoons, alligators, and rare bird species.
2️⃣ Myrtle Beach
Located on the Atlantic Coast, Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular beach resorts on the East Coast of the USA. Visitors can enjoy approximately 60 mi of sandy beaches, offering excellent conditions for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Along the beach, there are several amusement parks featuring the SkyWheel observation wheel, an aquarium, and numerous shops and restaurants.
3️⃣ Fort Sumter National Monument
Fort Sumter, located on the Atlantic Coast, is where the American Civil War began on April 12, 1861, when Confederate forces fired upon the fort. It sits on an island easily accessible by boat. Guided tours of the fort offer visitors a chance to learn more about its history, significance, and the events leading up to the Civil War.
4️⃣ Historic Downtown Charleston
History and architecture enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the historic downtown of Charleston. As one of the oldest cities in the USA, it is famous for its colonial architecture and well-preserved homes from the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, some of these buildings house museums, art galleries, or restaurants.
5️⃣ Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Magnolia Plantation, founded in 1676, is one of the oldest in all of South Carolina. Today, it is especially known for its beautiful gardens, which are dominated by azaleas and camellias. The gardens include a museum that gives visitors insight into life on the plantations during and after the era of slavery.
6️⃣ Caesars Head State Park
Caesars Head State Park is located in the northwestern part of the state and is known for its stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains. The park features a network of hiking trails of varying difficulty levels. The most famous is the Raven Cliff Falls Trail, which is 3.8 mi long and leads to a beautiful waterfall. The best time to visit the park is in the fall, when the leaves turn brilliant shades of red and orange.
7️⃣ Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
The Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is home to the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, which served in the Pacific during World War II. Visitors can explore not only the massive interior of the carrier, but also the USS Clamagore submarine and the USS Laffey destroyer. The museum features interactive exhibits on the naval history of the United States, including the Vietnam and Korean Wars.
8️⃣ Old Slave Mart Museum
The museum is housed in a building that once served as a slave market before the Civil War. Today, visitors can learn about the history of slavery in South Carolina through photographs and interactive exhibits. The lives of enslaved people during this dark chapter of American history are brought to life through an audio guide.
9️⃣ Drayton Hall
Drayton Hall is one of the oldest preserved plantation houses in the United States, located in the suburbs of Charleston. The plantation house was built in 1738 and is the only one in the area that survived the Civil War unscathed. The house has not been modernized, offering an authentic glimpse into 18th-century life. Guided tours provide a fascinating insight into the history of slavery.
🔟 Rainbow Row
Rainbow Row in Charleston is a photogenic row of 13 historic homes painted in a variety of pastel colors. All of the houses were built in the 18th century and, after careful restoration, are now considered symbols of Southern coastal architecture. History enthusiasts can take a guided tour focusing on Charleston’s reconstruction following the Civil War.
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Largest Cities in South Carolina
The table shows the ten largest cities in the state of South Carolina in 2023. The data source is the federal agency United States Census Bureau, whose primary role is conducting the national census.
City County Population 1 Charleston Charleston, Berkeley 155,369 Map of Charleston 2 Columbia Richland, Lexington 142,416 Map of Columbia 3 North Charleston Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester 121,469 Map of North Charleston 4 Mount Pleasant Charleston 95,232 Map of Mount Pleasant 5 Rock Hill York 75,654 Map of Rock Hill 6 Greenville Greenville 72,824 Map of Greenville 7 Summerville Dorchester, Berkeley, Charleston 51,884 Map of Summerville 8 Goose Creek Berkeley 49,249 Map of Goose Creek 9 Greer Greenville, Spartanburg 44,387 Map of Greer 10 Sumter Sumter 42,766 Map of Sumter -
Sports Teams in South Carolina
🏒 Hockey (NHL)
There is no NHL team based in South Carolina.
🏈 American Football (NFL)
South Carolina does not have a team playing in the NFL.
🏀 Basketball (NBA)
South Carolina is not represented in the NBA.
⚾ Baseball (MLB)
There is no MLB team based in South Carolina.
⚽ Soccer (MLS)
No team from South Carolina plays in Major League Soccer (MLS).
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State Symbols of South Carolina
South Carolina has many state symbols, some of which are officially established by law. This article presents a selection of these symbols.
State Flag of South Carolina
The current version of the flag was adopted on January 28, 1861. The flag’s design is simple: it features an indigo field with a palmetto tree, typical of South Carolina, accompanied by a crescent in the upper left corner. The appearance of the flag is based on a design used as early as the late 18th century.
State Seal of South Carolina
The Great Seal of South Carolina was adopted in 1776 and has a rather distinctive appearance. Inside the seal are two ovals connected by palmetto leaves. The left oval features a tall palmetto and a broken oak tree, referencing the 1776 battle between the defenders of Fort Sullivan and the British fleet. The right oval depicts the Roman goddess Spes walking along a shore strewn with weapons.
State Tree
The official state tree and one of the most recognized symbols of South Carolina is the Sabal palmetto (Sabal palmetto), which grows mainly in the state’s lowland regions. The palmetto became a state symbol after the 1776 battle, when it was used in constructing Fort Sullivan, which helped protect the city of Charleston from a British attack.
State Animal
In 1972, the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) was declared the official state animal. Hunting this species is permitted during certain times of the year in every county of South Carolina.
State Color
South Carolina has even designated an official state color in its legislation. Indigo blue is derived from the uniform of the 2nd South Carolina Regiment, led by Colonel William Moultrie, who successfully defended Charleston thanks to a fort made of palmetto wood.
State Dog Breed
The official state dog breed of South Carolina is the Boykin Spaniel, which was developed near the city of Camden on the Wateree River. The Boykin Spaniel is used for hunting wild ducks and turkeys.
State Fish
In 1972, the striped bass (Morone saxatilis) was designated as a state symbol. Reaching lengths of up to 100 cm, it has been stocked in bodies of water such as Lake Murray in central South Carolina.
State Amphibian
Since 1999, the official amphibian of South Carolina has been the spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum), chosen based on a proposal by third-grade students from an elementary school in the city of Spartanburg.
State Flower
A symbol of South Carolina is the Carolina jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens), which blooms in yellow during the spring. This symbolizes constancy, loyalty, and patriotism in service to the state.
State Fruit
Since 1984, the official state fruit has been the peach. South Carolina is the second-largest peach producer in the United States after California.
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