Would you be surprised to hear that South Carolina is the #2 state for tourism, after Florida? Below are some getaways ideas for families. For any resort, always read recent visitor comments at a site like TripAdvisor.com; and always check for current beach conditions, as the state of a beach can change through erosion, storms, or restoration. Keep in mind that winter is off-season, and beaches are too cold for swimming; during spring break, daily highs may reach the 70's, and water temperature is still a cool average 66° in spring.
1. Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head is a small island -- just 12 miles long and 5 miles wide-- is a popular spot for families (and for golfers), and gets over 2M visitors a year. Location is in the Carolina Low Country, 100 miles south of Charleston (and just 35 miles northeast of Savannah GA.) Hilton Head is generally an upscale destination, and most resorts are located in gated areas that also have private residences.2. Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort.
Disney has two resorts outside of its theme park areas in Orlando and California; this resort is part of Disney Vacation Club. Location is private, on a 15-acre islet; style recalls classic lodges from the forties. Lots of activities for kids, such as learning about sharks and making shark-teeth necklaces, magic show, campfires, "Kids Night Out". (Some activities require a fee.) Fishing pier for fishing and crabbing, or dolphin-spotting; kayaking tours; kiddie pool, board games in the community hall, Goofy Bingo... Oceanfront and beach house are a short distance away (a bike ride, or quick drive or shuttle bus.) Heated pools; marsh views; many old live oak trees.
3. Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Oceanfront resort on a barrier island near Charleston, with miles of beach, five championship golf courses, canoeing, kayaking, bicycling, nature walks, cookouts, adult and family swimming pools overlooking the ocean. Bike around and see alligators. This resort has received a Five Diamonds rating from AAA, and has been ranked #1 Family Resort in U.S. and Canada by Travel + Leisure Family.
4. Wild Dunes Charleston's Island Resort
Lodgings include AAA Four Diamond Boardwalk Inn, beach houses, family-friendly condos. Family recreation program (for extra fees) includes family golf, craft days, kite-making and flying, treasure hunt, wildlife exploration, lots more.5. Myrtle Beach, SC
Photo courtesy of The Myrtle Beach Area CVB.
Myrtle Beach -- on the coast, 98 miles north of Charleston-- is the state's tourism powerhouse, drawing over 13M visitors a year. Myrtle Beach is in the middle of a 60-mile stretch of beaches called the Grand Strand. Body-surfing is excellent! Myrtle Beach is a budget-friendly, family-friendly place, with fun parks and theaters such as the Carolina Opry, and many family-friendly places to stay including several resort hotels.
