South Carolina
"Dum spiro spero"
Nickname
Palmetto State
Capital
Columbia
Statehood
May 23, 1788 (8th)
Motto
Dum spiro spero
Explore South Carolina
18 of 18 articles available
Top mountains
Signature peaks and elevation highlights.
Best hikes
Trail ideas from day hikes to overnighters.
State parks
Must-see parks and natural areas.
Road trip loops
Weekend-friendly scenic drives.
Waterfronts
Lakes, rivers, and coastal stops to visit.
Waterfalls & springs
Cool-down spots and photogenic falls.
Scenic overlooks
Pull-offs and vistas for quick views.
Camping spots
Easy campgrounds and dispersed sites.
Historic towns
Main streets, museums, and landmarks.
Family weekends
Low-stress itineraries with kids in mind.
Top universities
Best-known universities and colleges.
Top biggest cities
Largest metros and fast-growing hubs.
Top places to visit
Must-see destinations and attractions.
Top high schools
High-performing public and private schools.
Top cities
Beloved cities for living and visiting.
Basic information
Quick facts, nickname, capital, and region.
Geography
Landscapes, neighbors, and natural regions.
Economy
Key industries, employers, and growth drivers.
About South Carolina
South Carolina's Lowcountry coast, centered on Charleston, developed a plantation-era rice economy sustained by enslaved labor whose descendants built the Gullah Geechee culture still present in the region today. The state's Upstate corridor, around Greenville, has since become one of the Southeast's more significant automotive manufacturing hubs.
Below, the guides move from that coastal history inland through the Midlands to the Upstate, covering South Carolina's cities, manufacturing growth, and Blue Ridge foothills.