From the rolling hills of the Upcountry to the glistening lakes of the midlands to the wide, white sandy beaches of the 320km- (200 mile-) Atlantic coastline, South Carolina has beautiful scenery and a rich history documented by attractive plantations and the northwestern foothills where fierce battles were fought during the Civil War. Charleston, situated on the coast, is one of its best-known tourist destinations, being the site of the first permanent English settlement. Other State attractions include Myrtle Beach, a popular resort city famous for its golf, centred on the sun-drenched 95km- (60 mile-) stretch of coastline on the northern border; peaceful island resorts such as Kiawah, Seabrook and Hilton Head which has 20km (12 miles) of beautiful beaches, unspoilt forest and golf courses; and the Oconee State Park in the lush northern Upcountry.

South Carolina provides a number of state and federally administered recreation facilities to entice recreationists of all types. The state can be split into four distinct regions: Upland country, central South Carolina, the Grand Strand and the southern coast. The Upland region encompasses the land in the northwest corner of the state. The Savannah River forms the western border of this region, separating Georgia from South Carolina. Lakes formed by damming the Savannah, Richard B. Russell Lake and J. Strom Thurmond Lake, are popular recreation sites. The Sumter National Forest occupies 360,000 acres of land in this region. The Grand Strand includes 60 miles of wide, white sand beaches from Myrtle Beach to Charleston. This area attracts more tourists than any other region of the state. Beaches, state parks and the Marion National Forest provide recreation opportunities in this area.

Recreation in the natural areas of South Carolina include fishing, hiking and camping. Because this state has 200 miles of shoreline most visitors and locals enjoy water-oriented sports. Many people come to the region to enjoy the plethora of golf courses in the resort areas.